Editor's Note Mild electric stimulation to the back of surgeons’ heads could enhance robotic surgery accuracy and precision, according to findings published in the journal Scientific Reports on December 20. The study tasked 36 participants – approximately half male, half female, none of whom had experience with robotic surgery –…

Read More

Editor's Note Mental health intervention significantly reduces the likelihood of trauma survivors returning to the hospital in crisis after discharge, according to a study in the January 2024 issue of Annals of Surgery. According to the data, as many as 4 out of 10 of the 1.5 to 2 million…

Read More

Editor's Note A multifaceted staffing strategy, including predictive analytics and soliciting staff suggestions, helped Scripps Health in San Diego significantly increase worker retention and headcount in 2023, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.  The December 21 Q&A with Eric Cole, corporate senior vice president of human resources, revealed the organization increased…

Read More

Editor's Note Population growth in Florida is amplifying the nationwide shortage of doctors and nurses and putting the state on the verge of a healthcare crisis, Fox 13 Tampa Bay December 27 reports. An estimated 300,000 residents will relocate to Florida annually during the next 5 years. Meanwhile, a third…

Read More

Editor’s note Moderna’s mRNA-based RSV vaccine is effective in preventing RSV-associated lower-respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 an older, according to randomized phase II-III trial results published December 14 in The New England Journal of Medicine. Results also confirmed the safety of a single dose of the vaccine, researchers…

Read More

Editor's Note Researchers conducted the largest randomized study to date on use of the sedative midazolam in older patients, a drug sometimes used to calm patients prior to surgery. The results were published in JAMA Surgery on December 20. Highlights include: The study involved nine German hospitals and included more…

Read More

Editor's Note Hospitals in Fresno County, California are operating over capacity by 20% to 40% due to a sharp rise in respiratory diseases such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV, according to a December 18 press release from the Fresno County Department of Public Health. In addition to straining resources, the…

Read More

Editor's Note Eight chronic conditions—arthritis, depression, diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD)—continue to expand nationwide along with premature deaths from drugs, firearms, and more, according America’s Health Rankings 2023 Annual Report. Presented by the United Health Foundation in partnership with…

Read More

Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm regarding low vaccination rates for COVID-19 and flu for all adults, as well as low RSV vaccination rates for adults 60 and older. According to the December 14 announcement, study data show anti-virals are also being…

Read More

Editor's Note Despite the increasing prevalence of robotic-assisted surgery, recent data on cholecystectomy results indicates minimally invasive laparoscopic methods could be a safer option. Published in JAMA Surgery on September 20, the nationally representative study of Medicare beneficiary cholecystectomy patients showed a higher rate of bile duct injury (0.7%) for…

Read More