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Extreme Surgical Error Shows Never Events Still Happen
A stunning surgical error in Florida is a reminder that never events still can happen and underscores the importance of a hospital culture that encourages clinicians to speak up when they suspect something is wrong.
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Hand Hygiene Improving, New Research Finds
Hand hygiene is improving dramatically in U.S. healthcare facilities, according to a new report from The Leapfrog Group. The 2024 Hand Hygiene Report indicates that since Leapfrog began public reporting on hand hygiene in 2020, the percentage of hospitals meeting its rigorous standards has increased from 11% to 74% in 2023
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Claims and License Events for Counselors Doubled in Five Years
The number of reported license protection adverse incidents and claims made against counselors to the Board of Professional Counselors has nearly doubled in the last five years, according to a report from Healthcare Providers Service Organization, a division of Aon Affinity. The report indicates that 4,080 reported license protection adverse incidents and claims were made against counselors in the 2024 dataset, compared to 2,082 in the 2019 dataset.
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Hospital May Be Held Liable for ‘Independent Contractor’ Surgeon’s Alleged Mistakes
A Texas Appellate Court recently decided that a nonprofit hospital could be held vicariously liable for a botched brain surgery that left a minor permanently disabled. The hospital’s argument that the defendant surgeon was an independent contractor rather than an employee was dismissed by the court. This ruling opens the door for the family of the injured plaintiff, who sued on her behalf, to continue their case against the hospital and doctor and, if successful, seek to hold the hospital responsible for damages.
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Minnesota Orthopedic Center Settles Injury Suit Before Second Trial
A settlement has been reached in a high-stakes lawsuit between an orthopedics center and former patient stemming from a 2017 emergency surgery that allegedly led to catastrophic and permanent injuries to the patient’s leg. This settlement comes just before a second trial was set to begin after a jury previously had awarded the patient $110 million in damages — a verdict later vacated by the court for being excessive.
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An ECG in Disguise?
How would you interpret the two-lead rhythm strip shown in the figure? Hint: Is there a pattern?
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Nalmefene Injection (Zurnal) and Intranasal Nalmefene HCl (Opvee)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first nalmefene autoinjector for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and an analog of naltrexone. It was granted a priority review and accelerated approval with a breakthrough therapy designation. It is distributed by Purdue Pharma L.P. as Zurnal.
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A Review of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis is a tool for preventing HIV, especially among high-risk populations. Three medication options are available. Regular screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections is required, and adherence is crucial for effectiveness. PrEP is underused but increasingly covered by insurance, offering an important preventive option in sexual healthcare.
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Clarifying the Risk of Aortic Aneurysm Development
A large, cross-sectional study of adults by aortic computed tomography angiography has shown that aortic aneurysms (AAs) are more frequent in men than women. While increasing age and body surface area were common risk factors for AA, hypertension was associated with thoracic AA, and hypercholesterolemia and smoking were risk factors for abdominal AA.
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Poor Diabetes Control Associated with Poorer Coronary Stent Outcomes
In this large, observational study of diabetic patients with coronary stents, poorer glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c was associated with stepwise hazard for stent failure over a period of more than six years, primarily driven by in-stent restenosis.