The prevailing theory of clostridium difficile transmission is that most cases occur after recent exposure to symptomatic patients in health care settings. Infected patients are known to shed large numbers of C. difficile spores and current infection control recommendations focus on preventing spore transmission from the environment through contact precautions and decontamination of surfaces and equipment. However, the rate of C. difficile infection (CDI) continues to increase, bringing into question the effectiveness of these methods.
Leaders in progressive mobility programs for ICU patients offer their lessons learned and strategies to overcome barriers to help establish these programs on any ICU, including an interdisciplinary team with staff champions to maintain these important programs.
This large clinical trial of targeted body temperature 33°C vs 36°C following cardiac arrest showed no differences in survival or neurological outcome in the two temperature groups.
This observational study of 224 ICU patients who had serial measurements of C-reactive protein found an association between elevated initial levels and development of delirium.
From interviews, seven key factors were identified that characterized a high-quality consultation.
It is too soon to tell how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is affecting the number of self-pay patients seen by patient access areas.
