2015 Articles
Taking the detour
J Hosp Med
The approach to clinical conundrums by an expert clinician is revealed through the presentation of an actual patient's case in an approach typical of a morning report. Similarly to patient care, sequential pieces of information are provided to the clinician...
The approach to clinical conundrums by an expert clinician is revealed through the presentation of an actual patient's case in an approach typical of a morning report. Similarly to patient care, sequential pieces of information are provided to the clinician...
Vascular catheter infections: time to get technical.
Lancet
Catheter-related bloodstream infections were once viewed as an inescapable consequence of providing care to critically ill patients. It was not until the beginning of the 21st century that a conceptual model identified both technical and socioadaptive strategies to...
Catheter-related bloodstream infections were once viewed as an inescapable consequence of providing care to critically ill patients. It was not until the beginning of the 21st century that a conceptual model identified both technical and socioadaptive strategies to...
Use of designated Nurse PICC Teams and CLABSI Prevention by U.S. hospitals: a Survey-based study
J Patient Safety
The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased substantially within hospitals during the past several years. Yet, the prevalence and practices of designated nurse PICC teams are unknown.
The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased substantially within hospitals during the past several years. Yet, the prevalence and practices of designated nurse PICC teams are unknown.
Understanding the role of physician attire on patient perceptions: a systematic review of the literature—targeting attire to improve likelihood of rapport (TAILOR) investigators
BMJ Open
Despite a growing body of literature, uncertainty regarding the influence of physician dress on patients’ perceptions exists. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to examine the influence of physician attire on patient perceptions including trust, satisfaction...
Despite a growing body of literature, uncertainty regarding the influence of physician dress on patients’ perceptions exists. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to examine the influence of physician attire on patient perceptions including trust, satisfaction...
Under pressure: financial impact of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative. A statewide analysis of pressure ulcer development and payment
J Am Geriatrics
To assess the financial effect of the 2008 Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative (HACI) pressure ulcer payment changes on Medicare, other payers, and hospitals.
To assess the financial effect of the 2008 Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative (HACI) pressure ulcer payment changes on Medicare, other payers, and hospitals.
The Michigan appropriateness guide for intravenous catheters (MAGIC): results from a multispecialty panel using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method
Ann Intern Med
Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has grown substantially in recent years. Increasing use has led to the realization that PICCs are associated with important complications, including thrombosis and infection. Moreover, some PICCs may not be...
Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has grown substantially in recent years. Increasing use has led to the realization that PICCs are associated with important complications, including thrombosis and infection. Moreover, some PICCs may not be...
The effect of health information technology on health care provider communication: a mixed-method protocol.
JMIR Res Protoc
Communication failures between physicians and nurses are one of the most common causes of adverse events for hospitalized patients, as well as a major root cause of all sentinel events. Communication technology may help reduce some communication...
Communication failures between physicians and nurses are one of the most common causes of adverse events for hospitalized patients, as well as a major root cause of all sentinel events. Communication technology may help reduce some communication...
The association between peripherally inserted central catheter use and venous thromboembolism in upper and lower extremities.
Am J Med
Peripherally inserted central catheters are associated with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Whether they also are associated with lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is unknown. We examined the risk of venous thromboembolism...
Peripherally inserted central catheters are associated with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Whether they also are associated with lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is unknown. We examined the risk of venous thromboembolism...
The Ann Arbor criteria for appropriate urinary catheter use in hospitalized medical patients: results using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method
Ann Intern Med
Interventions to reduce urinary catheter use involve lists of “appropriate” indications developed from limited evidence without substantial multidisciplinary input. Implementing these lists, however, is challenging given broad interpretation of indications...
Interventions to reduce urinary catheter use involve lists of “appropriate” indications developed from limited evidence without substantial multidisciplinary input. Implementing these lists, however, is challenging given broad interpretation of indications...
Social media use in Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review and Novel Taxonomy
Am J Med
The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes from applications of contemporary social media in chronic disease; to develop a conceptual taxonomy to categorize, summarize, and then analyze the current evidence base; and to suggest a framework...
The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes from applications of contemporary social media in chronic disease; to develop a conceptual taxonomy to categorize, summarize, and then analyze the current evidence base; and to suggest a framework...
Revisiting the Tale of Venous Thrombosis in Hospitalized Medical Patients
J Thromb Haemost
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. It is thus not surprising that healthcare agencies and scientists have placed a high priority on developing means to risk-assess, prevent and treat this malady.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. It is thus not surprising that healthcare agencies and scientists have placed a high priority on developing means to risk-assess, prevent and treat this malady.
Preventing device-associated infections in US hospitals: national surveys from 2005 to 2013
BMJ Qual Saf
Numerous initiatives have focused on reducing device-associated infections, contributing to an overall decrease in infections nationwide. To better understand factors associated with this decline, we assessed the use of key practices to prevent...
Numerous initiatives have focused on reducing device-associated infections, contributing to an overall decrease in infections nationwide. To better understand factors associated with this decline, we assessed the use of key practices to prevent...
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-associated Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Narrative Review
Am J Medicine
Although common, little is known about factors associated with peripherally inserted central catheter-related deep vein thrombosis (PICC-DVT). To better guide clinicians, we performed a comprehensive literature review to summarize best practices for this condition.
Although common, little is known about factors associated with peripherally inserted central catheter-related deep vein thrombosis (PICC-DVT). To better guide clinicians, we performed a comprehensive literature review to summarize best practices for this condition.
Peripherally inserted central catheter use in skilled nursing facilities: A Pilot Study.
Am Ger Soc
To describe patterns of use, care practices, and outcomes related to peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
To describe patterns of use, care practices, and outcomes related to peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
Patterns, risk factors treatment associated with PICC-DVT in hospitalized adults: a nested case-control study
Thromb Res
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with upper extremity-deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, patterns, risk factors and treatment associated with this event remain poorly defined.
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with upper extremity-deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, patterns, risk factors and treatment associated with this event remain poorly defined.
Overuse of testing in preoperative evaluation and syncope: a survey of hospitalists.
Ann Intern Med
Health care reform efforts and initiatives seek to improve quality and reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary care. However, little is known about overuse and its drivers, especially in hospitals.
Health care reform efforts and initiatives seek to improve quality and reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary care. However, little is known about overuse and its drivers, especially in hospitals.
Overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteria: identifying targets for improvement.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria contributes to antimicrobial overuse in hospitalized patients. Indications for urine culture, treatment, and targets for improvement were evaluated in 153 patients. Drivers of antimicrobial overuse included fever with an...
Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria contributes to antimicrobial overuse in hospitalized patients. Indications for urine culture, treatment, and targets for improvement were evaluated in 153 patients. Drivers of antimicrobial overuse included fever with an...
Navigating venous access: a guide for hospitalists
J Hosp Med
Venous access is the foundation for safe and effective hospital-based care. Inpatient providers must have a deep knowledge of the different types of venous access devices (VADs), their relative indications, contraindications, and appropriateness.
Venous access is the foundation for safe and effective hospital-based care. Inpatient providers must have a deep knowledge of the different types of venous access devices (VADs), their relative indications, contraindications, and appropriateness.
Moving the needle forward: the imperative for collaboration in vascular access
J Infus Nursing
Inserting securing and maintaining vascular access is a fundamental component of patient care. Whether in the inpatient or ambulatory setting, the ability to infuse medications, obtain lab draws, and administer intravenous fluids in a timely fashion...
Inserting securing and maintaining vascular access is a fundamental component of patient care. Whether in the inpatient or ambulatory setting, the ability to infuse medications, obtain lab draws, and administer intravenous fluids in a timely fashion...
Mobilization in severe sepsis: An integrative review
J Hosp Med
Severe sepsis is a leading cause of long-term morbidity in the United States. Up to half of severe sepsis is treated in non–intensive care unit (ICU) settings, making it applicable to hospitalist practice. Evidence has demonstrated benefits from physical therapy...
Severe sepsis is a leading cause of long-term morbidity in the United States. Up to half of severe sepsis is treated in non–intensive care unit (ICU) settings, making it applicable to hospitalist practice. Evidence has demonstrated benefits from physical therapy...
Lessons Learned from hospital ebola preparation
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
Hospital Ebola preparation is underway in the United States and other countries; however, the best approach and resources involved are unknown.
Hospital Ebola preparation is underway in the United States and other countries; however, the best approach and resources involved are unknown.
Introducing the no preventable harms campaign: creating the safest health care system in the world, starting with catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention
Am J Infect Control
Endemic health care-associated safety problems, including health care-associated infection, account for substantial morbidity and mortality. We outline a regional No Preventable Harms campaign to reduce these safety problems and describe the initial results...
Endemic health care-associated safety problems, including health care-associated infection, account for substantial morbidity and mortality. We outline a regional No Preventable Harms campaign to reduce these safety problems and describe the initial results...
Institutional origins of health care-associated infection knowledge: Lessons from an analysis of articles about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus published in leading biomedical journals from 1960-2009
Am J Infect Control
Biomedical research journals are important because peer reviewed research is viewed as more legitimate and trustworthy than non-peer reviewed work. Therefore, it is important to know how knowledge transmitted through academic biomedical journals is...
Biomedical research journals are important because peer reviewed research is viewed as more legitimate and trustworthy than non-peer reviewed work. Therefore, it is important to know how knowledge transmitted through academic biomedical journals is...
Influenza vaccination requirements for healthcare personnel in U.S. hospitals: Results of a national survey.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee recommend annual influenza vaccination for all healthcare personnel (HCP) in the United States. Despite recommendations and positions of ...
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee recommend annual influenza vaccination for all healthcare personnel (HCP) in the United States. Despite recommendations and positions of ...
In sight and out of mind
N Engl J Med
A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fever and rash. His fever had started about 1 week before presentation and was associated with chills, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. He also had a headache without photophobia...
A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fever and rash. His fever had started about 1 week before presentation and was associated with chills, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. He also had a headache without photophobia...
Followership characteristics among infection preventionists in U.S. hospitals: Results from a national survey.
Am J Infec Control
Infection prevention practices vary across U.S. hospitals. Although the importance of leadership in infection prevention has been described, little is known about how followership influences such efforts. Our national survey found that hospitals with truly...
Infection prevention practices vary across U.S. hospitals. Although the importance of leadership in infection prevention has been described, little is known about how followership influences such efforts. Our national survey found that hospitals with truly...
Enhancing resident safety by preventing healthcare-associated infection: a national initiative to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections in nursing homes.
Clin Infect Dis
Preventing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a key contributor to enhancing resident safety in nursing homes. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved a plan to enhance resident safety by reducing HAIs in nursing homes...
Preventing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a key contributor to enhancing resident safety in nursing homes. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved a plan to enhance resident safety by reducing HAIs in nursing homes...
Do clinicians know which of their patients have central venous catheters? A multicenter observational study.
Ann Intern Med
Complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) increase over time. Although early removal of unnecessary CVCs is important to prevent complications, the extent to which clinicians are aware that their patients have a CVC is unknown.
Complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) increase over time. Although early removal of unnecessary CVCs is important to prevent complications, the extent to which clinicians are aware that their patients have a CVC is unknown.
Diagnosing one letter at a time.
N Engl J Med
In this Journal feature, information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician, who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader.
In this Journal feature, information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician, who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader.
D is for delay.
N Engl J Med
A 47-year-old homeless man presented to the emergency department with intermittent pain and a pins-and-needles sensation in his legs. One month earlier, paresthesias had developed in his toes, which spread gradually to his shins.
A 47-year-old homeless man presented to the emergency department with intermittent pain and a pins-and-needles sensation in his legs. One month earlier, paresthesias had developed in his toes, which spread gradually to his shins.
Clostridium difficile Infection in the United States: a national study assessing preventive practices used and perceptions of practice evidence.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
We surveyed 571 US hospitals about practices used to prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Most hospitals reported regularly using key CDI prevention practices, and perceived their strength of evidence as high. The largest discrepancy between regular use...
We surveyed 571 US hospitals about practices used to prevent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Most hospitals reported regularly using key CDI prevention practices, and perceived their strength of evidence as high. The largest discrepancy between regular use...
Bigger than his bite.
J Hosp Med
A 58-year-old male presented to a local community hospital emergency department with fever and altered mental status. Earlier in the day he had complained of chills, swollen tongue, numbness and tingling in his extremities...
A 58-year-old male presented to a local community hospital emergency department with fever and altered mental status. Earlier in the day he had complained of chills, swollen tongue, numbness and tingling in his extremities...
Assessing the Caprini score for risk assessment of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients.
Am J Medicine
The optimal approach to assess risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients is unknown. We examined how well the Caprini risk assessment model predicts venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients.
The optimal approach to assess risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients is unknown. We examined how well the Caprini risk assessment model predicts venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients.
Addressing the primary care workforce crisis
Am J Manag Care
Our nation’s primary care system is in crisis. As medical homes and accountable care organizations increasingly rely on a strong primary care workforce, the shortage of primary care physicians now calls for more policy attention and urgency.
Our nation’s primary care system is in crisis. As medical homes and accountable care organizations increasingly rely on a strong primary care workforce, the shortage of primary care physicians now calls for more policy attention and urgency.
A targeted infection prevention intervention in nursing home residents with indwelling devices: a randomized clinical trial
JAMA Intern Med
Indwelling devices (eg, urinary catheters and feeding tubes) are often used in nursing homes (NHs). Inadequate care of residents with these devices contributes to high rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and device-related infections in NHs.
Indwelling devices (eg, urinary catheters and feeding tubes) are often used in nursing homes (NHs). Inadequate care of residents with these devices contributes to high rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and device-related infections in NHs.
A history lesson.
N Engl J Med
In this Journal feature, information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician, who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader (regular type).
In this Journal feature, information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician, who responds to the information, sharing his or her reasoning with the reader (regular type).
The association between PICC use and venous thromboembolism in upper and lower extremities.
Am J Med
Peripherally inserted central catheters are associated with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Whether they also are associated with lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is unknown.
Peripherally inserted central catheters are associated with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Whether they also are associated with lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is unknown.
