Emergency
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Despite positive new research findings, use of antiviral meds against the flu remains controversial
A new study lends support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) move in January to recommend early, aggressive treatment with antiviral drugs in patients who present with symptoms of the flu. The new research, conducted by investigators at the University of Michigan, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the University of Alabama, and published online in The Lancet, found that oseltamivir, which is marketed as Tamiflu, can shorten the duration of symptoms by about a day, and reduces by 44% the development of respiratory infections.1
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With flu numbers among staff increasing, hospitals report challenges, need for vigilance
With this year’s flu vaccine much less effective than hoped, with a migration of the predominant strain from the predicted strain, EDs in some regions are getting slammed with patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. Further, even hospitals with mandatory flu vaccination policies are having to scramble to cover the shifts of emergency personnel out sick with one of this year’s vaccine-resistant strains.
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Early Recognition and Management of ARDS
ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Early recognition of ARDS with strict adherence to low tidal volume ventilation is important for reducing mortality in the ICU.
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The High and Low Cost of Dying
Nurses perceive increased quality of dying with lower costing end-of-life care, while underinsured families perceive increased quality of dying with higher costs.
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Sleep-promoting Interventions for Critically Ill Patients
ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Efforts have been made over the past couple of years to test and implement interventions in the ICU to promote sleep.
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The Joint Commission: Hospitals make strides on core measures with more achieving “top performer” status
With all the challenges that frontline health care providers have faced this year, from Ebola and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) to the sweeping implementation of the Affordable Care Act, news from The Joint Commission (TJC) that hospitals are continuing to make significant strides on key quality measures was certainly welcome.
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Study: New approach to handoffs slashes errors, preventable adverse events; other medical centers move to implement the protocol
A new approach to hospital handoffs has shown it can significantly reduce medical errors as well as preventable adverse events. The approach, dubbed the I-PASS bundle, uses a mnemonic to alert providers to all the issues that need to be covered during a handoff, but also includes a written handoff tool, communication training, a sustainability campaign, and a process for feedback. -
Intriguing model significantly reduces boarding of psychiatric patients, need for inpatient hospitalization
Developers of the approach urge other communities to devise similar approaches, but funding is an issue
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Sickle Cell Emergencies and How to Handle Them: Standards of Care
Risk factors for developing acute chest syndrome include respiratory infections, treatment with opiates, and splinting due to chest or abdominal pain.
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Benefits of NIV in COPD Supported in Routine Clinical Practice
In a large cohort study, COPD patients managed with noninvasive ventilation had lower inpatient mortality compared to those managed with invasive ventilation.