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Reprocessing machine cultures negative
As a result of an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into a recent outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, changed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) endoscope reprocessing from automated high-level disinfection to gas sterilization in September 2013. -
MIS rates triple for pancreatic disease
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report a three-fold increase in the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) nationally for patients with pancreatic disease. Although adaptation of MIS for this difficult-to-reach gland is recent, the growing trend points to improved patient outcomes, such as reduced bleeding and infections. -
Scope outbreak raises troubling questions
An upper endoscopy procedure performed on some half million patients annually in the United States might pose risk for transmission of the emerging New Delhi variety of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), even if current cleaning and high level disinfection protocols are followed. -
Antibiotic stewardship as a weapon against C. diff
The critical importance of antibiotic stewardship has been emphasized to save the dwindling efficacy of antibiotics, stave off a post-antibiotic era, and cut costs due to unnecessary drug use in the first few years of such programs.
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Telemonitoring reduces HF readmissions
At-risk members with heart failure are eligible to participate in UCare's telemonitoring program, which has dramatically reduced inpatient admissions and emergency department visits. -
Cardiac patients get help via text message
Patients who participate in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' text message program attend more rehab sessions than patients who do not participate. -
It takes creativity to help the chronically ill adhere
Chronic diseases are the nation's leading cause of death and most are preventable, but helping people keep them under control is a challenge for the healthcare industry. -
Pharmacists provide medication guidance
Through Capital District Physicians' Health Plan's medication therapy management program, pharmacists in the community and embedded in large primary care practices work with patients to help them adhere to their treatment plan. -
Health plan, community team up for DM
WellCare Health Plans is partnering with community-based organizations that provide social safety net services to provide a diabetes management program for its members. -
Findings underscore value of palliative care
There is new evidence that initiating palliative care consults in the ED results in shorter hospital lengths of stay (LOS).