Editor's Note On October 25, Health Affairs reported that healthcare systems continue to face challenges in a post-pandemic environment but are likely to have the worst financial year in decades, according to Becker’s Hospital CFO Report October 26. US hospitals saw fluctuations in operating margins in 2022 but are still…
Editor's Note In order to address the current (and future) nursing shortage, a “Legacy Think Tank” has been established for the purpose of generating viable options to engage retired nurses to play a role in alleviating this shortage. Joanne Oliver, BSN, RN, CNOR, and her team are asking for any…
Editor's Note This study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine finds that Black veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 were less likely to be treated with evidence-based treatments than White patients. A total of 43,222 veterans (12,135 Black and 31,087 White) hospitalized with COVID-19 in 130 Veterans Affairs Medical…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 12 identified the recall of Jiangsu Well Biotech’s COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Devices as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because the tests were distributed to US customers without authorization, clearance, or approval from the FDA. No…
Editor's Note According to data from the FBI, just in 2022, 25% of ransomware attacks have been directed at the healthcare sector, Becker’s Health IT October 26 reports. Common Spirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the US, is the latest reported victim to a ransomware attack,…
Editor's Note A “sharp rise” in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this fall is worrying staff at US hospitals, who fear what may happen to the capacity of hospitals and other healthcare facilities if RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 infections peak around the same time this winter, The Washington Post…
Editor's Note University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) facilities will be testing a new health app designed to help patients easily manage their care before and after a surgical procedure, HealthLeaders Media October 20 reports. “Surgery can be incredibly difficult on a patient’s body; in some cases, it can have…
Editor's Note This study led by researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at two large academic hospitals in Philadelphia. A total of 5,929 HCWs were surveyed, including 2,253 MDs and DOs, 582 nurse practitioners (NPs), 158 physician assistants (PAs), and 2,936 nurses.…
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), announced on October 20 the launch of Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC). ACPC incorporates the latest research, evidence-based practices, and guidance to help improve quality and safety for pregnant or postpartum patients and…
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, examines the World Bank Disease Control Priorities’ 44 essential surgical procedures, which are a starting point for health care systems in low- and middle-income countries, and analyzes whether the list should be expanded for nations with more…