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If they’re so difficult to reprocess, why are duodenoscopes approved for surgery?

With all of the difficulties in cleaning duodenoscopes, and the potential for outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, some outpatient surgery managers are questioning why these scopes are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the benefits outweigh the risks, some sources say.

Culturing protocols devised for duodenoscopes to prevent CRE

Responding to a series of outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) linked to duodenoscopes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed an interim protocol for culturing the devices before use to create a greater margin of safety for patients. But as others have noted, the approach is not foolproof and could be costly if facilities determine that they must purchase more scopes to adopt the protocol.

Med mal reform not lowering healthcare costs

Two papers co-authored by a University of Illinois expert in the regulation and financing of healthcare conclude that tort reform has had relatively little impact on the U.S. healthcare system.

Huge increase in hacking of computer systems

Hackers are stealing data from providers at an astounding rate, which reflects the fact that information from healthcare records are worth far more on the black market than credit card numbers.

$8.5 million verdict is first for concierge medicine

A Palm Beach County, FL, jury recently returned an $8.5 million malpractice verdict against MDVIP, the nation’s largest concierge medicine practice company, which has 784 affiliated physicians in 41 states. The award is the first against MDVIP, and it is believed to be the first malpractice award against any concierge management firm.

Misplaced NG tubes a major patient safety risk

Misplaced nasogastric and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes pose a serious threat to patient safety and a liability risk for hospitals. New technology might improve the detection of misplaced tubes.

Hospital reduces falls 75% with bundle of strategies

A hospital is reporting a 75% reduction in falls through the use of a performance improvement team. The team uses a “bundle” of strategies to reduce falls.

Experts warn: Patient passports need review by risk management department

Patient passports are gaining in popularity, but risk managers should consider legal and documentation issues. The patient passport is a document that covers basic patient data. A key question is whether the passport becomes part of the medical record.

Harsh claims as nurse sues hospital where she contracted Ebola

A nurse who contracted Ebola after treating a patient with the disease is suing her hospital. She claims the hospital failed to provide adequate training and protective gear, among several other charges. The nurse says she still suffers physically and mentally from the experience. She alleges that the hospital used her for public relations efforts against her will.

$21.9 M award in elective steroid injection procedure

A 54-year-old woman suffered from chronic and severe back pain, and she underwent an elective epidural steroid injection. While sedated, the patient’s airway became blocked, which resulted in oxygen deprivation for as long as 10 minutes. Multiple electronic monitors indicated that the patient was not breathing properly, but the physician continued the procedure. Emergency assistance was not called for more than an hour, and the physician failed to report to a subsequent treating hospital that the patient was deprived of oxygen for several minutes. The patient suffered severe brain damage, and she died six years after the procedure from complications related to the brain injury. The jury awarded the widower and estate $21.9 million in damages.