Electronic tracking system reduces blood transfusions, infections
Editor's Note An electronic blood tracking system that monitors how physicians prescribe postoperative blood transfusions significantly reduced the amount of blood patients receive and cut infection rates in half, according to a study presented October 7 at the 2015 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons in Chicago. The…
FDA orders duodenoscope manufacturers to conduct postmarket surveillance studies
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration on October 5 ordered three manufacturers of duodenoscopes marketed in the US to study the reprocessing of their devices in the clinical setting where they are used. The three manufacturers—Olympus America, Inc; Fujifilm Medical Systems, USA, Inc; and Hoya Corp (Pentax Life Care…
HVAC task force issues interim guide for OR, SPD
Editor's Note A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning task force on September 28 issued interim guidance to help health care facilities maintain appropriate temperature and humidity in ORs and sterile processing departments, AHA News reports. The interim guide was developed as the task force is working to achieve consensus on…
Infection prevention tops list of readmission 'action items'
Although most patients spend a brief time in the OR, what happens there significantly impacts a hospital’s 30-day readmission rate. According to a 2015 study in JAMA, complications related to the surgical procedure are the most common cause of readmission after surgery. The researchers analyzed data from the American College…
Risk assessment and remedial action required to curb infections
They are so attractive, those surgeons with rakish beards, those nurses with sparkling manicures, those surgical technologists with dangling earrings. Unfortunately, what is acceptable in many other workplaces is an invitation to infection in the surgical arena (and other healthcare settings as well). Jean Day, BSN, CNOR, director of education…
Joint Commission: Proposed revisions to CAUTI National Patient Safety Goal
Editor's Note The Joint Commission is asking for comments on revisions to its National Patient Safety Goal on prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (NPSG.07.06.01). Comments will be accepted until October 14.
Implementation of integrated recovery pathway quickly improves outcomes
Editor's Note A trust-based accountability model that included senior hospital leadership and frontline providers provided an enabling structure to rapidly implement an integrated recovery pathway and quickly improve outcomes, value, and experience of colorectal surgical patients, in this study. The pathway included preoperative education, mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics,…
Standardized approach for preop chlorhexidine showers reduces SSIs
Editor's Note A standardized process of dose, duration, and timing for preoperative showers with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate maximizes the benefit of the shower as an effective risk reduction strategy for surgical site infections, finds this study. The process includes: 118 mL of aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate per shower a minimum…
CDC updates Ebola PPE guidelines
Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on August 27 updated its guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by healthcare personnel caring for suspected and confirmed Ebola patients. The guidance clarifies the use of fluid-resistant and impermeable gowns and coveralls and provides additional explanation on:…
Another possible outbreak from contaminated duodenoscopes
Editor's Note Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena, California, alerted health authorities on August 19 to a suspected outbreak of bacterial infections associated with contaminated duodenoscopes, the Los Angeles Times reports. Three patients with Pseudomonas bacterial infections had procedures with Olympus duodenoscopes. The bacteria are similar to the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae superbug at…
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