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Hospital Takes Safety Score From ‘C’ to ‘A’ With Targeted Improvements

Two hospitals in Wisconsin undertook a concerted effort to improve patient safety after receiving a “C” from The Leapfrog Group, raising their scores to an “A” over two years.

Mefloquine: Still Effective and Still Safe for Malaria Chemoprophylaxis

Mefloquine is known as an effective agent for malaria chemoprophylaxis. However, concerns about serious adverse effects have limited its use. Now, a careful review of data suggests that fatal outcomes related to mefloquine prophylaxis are very rare.

MRSA Infections May Lead to Prolonged Impairment of Lymphatic Vessel Function

In the first study to investigate the potential interactions between bacterial infections and lymphatic function, researchers found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus toxins killed muscle cells critical to the pumping of lymph fluid and led to prolonged lymphatic dysfunction months after the bacteria had been cleared.

Prolonged vs. Short Duration Infusion of Beta-lactam Antibiotics: The Verdict Is In

When compared to shorter infusion duration, prolonged infusion of anti-pseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics was associated with reduced mortality.

Caregiver Knowledge Affects Mortality of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices

How well caregivers understand the patient’s illness affects mortality rates of patients with left ventricular assist devices, found a study.

Ethics of Withholding Fertility Services From Prospective Parents

Fertility programs may withhold services from prospective parents due to valid concerns that they’ll be unable to care adequately for offspring, according to an updated position statement from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Physicians Rely on Device Reps, but Have Ethical Concerns

Surgeons are concerned about conflicts of interest and patient safety due to the increasing presence of device representatives in operating rooms. However, the surgeons also rely on those reps, found a recent study.

Nonessential Meds, Including Vitamins, Often Continued in Dying Patients

Nonessential medications, such as vitamins, often are continued in actively dying, hospitalized patients, concluded a recent study.

Residents Reporting More Moral Distress

Trainees are reporting moral distress more frequently, according to bioethicists interviewed by Medical Ethics Advisor.

Misconceptions on Meaning of DNR Status Surprisingly Common Among Clinical Team

Clinicians sometimes assume DNR status means a preference for comfort measures only, but this is not necessarily the case.