2016 Articles
Alpha blockers for treatment of ureteric stones: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMJ
To investigate the efficacy and safety of alpha blockers in the treatment of patients with ureteric stones. Systematic review and meta-analysis.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of alpha blockers in the treatment of patients with ureteric stones. Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Response to Kupfer and Savel; Wickerham, Waggaman, and Menard; and Lee and McDonald
N Eng J Med
We commend Kupfer and Savel for their success in reducing catheter use and catheter-associated UTIs in their medical ICU. The most impressive reduction in terms of catheter use in any ICU participating in our study was an approximately...
We commend Kupfer and Savel for their success in reducing catheter use and catheter-associated UTIs in their medical ICU. The most impressive reduction in terms of catheter use in any ICU participating in our study was an approximately...
A Deficient Diagnosis
N England J Med
A previously healthy boy, 2 1/2 years old, presented with a 6-week history of progressive inability to bear weight on his right leg. His mother noted no recent trauma. His medical history was notable only for speech delay.
A previously healthy boy, 2 1/2 years old, presented with a 6-week history of progressive inability to bear weight on his right leg. His mother noted no recent trauma. His medical history was notable only for speech delay.
Too Much of a Good Thing
N England J Med
A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 1-month history of edema in the lower legs and a 1-week history of upper abdominal pain. He also reported intermittent nausea, early satiety, and diarrhea but did not have fevers, chills, or vomiting.
A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 1-month history of edema in the lower legs and a 1-week history of upper abdominal pain. He also reported intermittent nausea, early satiety, and diarrhea but did not have fevers, chills, or vomiting.
Clinical problem-solving. Back to nature.
N England J Med
A 28-year-old man presented with severe bifrontal headache, nausea, anorexia, sweats, and temperatures as high as 40.3°C. He reported no confusion, photophobia, visual changes, neck stiffness, sensory loss, sore throat, cough, dyspnea, diarrhea...
A 28-year-old man presented with severe bifrontal headache, nausea, anorexia, sweats, and temperatures as high as 40.3°C. He reported no confusion, photophobia, visual changes, neck stiffness, sensory loss, sore throat, cough, dyspnea, diarrhea...
Health System Loyalty Programs: An Innovation in Customer Care and Service
JAMA
Many people belong to loyalty programs for coffee shops, hotel chains, or airlines. Despite a highly consumer-oriented approach in some health systems, similar types of loyalty programs have not been developed. Why this disconnect for customer loyalty between...
Many people belong to loyalty programs for coffee shops, hotel chains, or airlines. Despite a highly consumer-oriented approach in some health systems, similar types of loyalty programs have not been developed. Why this disconnect for customer loyalty between...
Mentorship Malpractice
JAMA
The word mentorship evokes strong emotional and intellectual chords. In formal parlance, mentorship has been defined as “a dynamic, reciprocal relationship in a work environment between an advanced-career incumbent (mentor) and a beginner (mentee) aimed at...
The word mentorship evokes strong emotional and intellectual chords. In formal parlance, mentorship has been defined as “a dynamic, reciprocal relationship in a work environment between an advanced-career incumbent (mentor) and a beginner (mentee) aimed at...
A Program to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Acute Care
New England Journal of Medicine
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common device-associated infections in hospitals. Both technical aspects – appropriate catheter use, aseptic catheter insertion, proper catheter maintenance – and socio-adaptive...
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common device-associated infections in hospitals. Both technical aspects – appropriate catheter use, aseptic catheter insertion, proper catheter maintenance – and socio-adaptive...
Variation in Patterns of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Use and Outcomes in Michigan Hospitals
JAMA Intern Med
This large prospective cohort study reports indications for use, dwell times and outcomes from 3,378 PICCs placed in 3,201 patients in 10 Michigan hospitals. Significant variation in rationale for PICC placement, patterns of use and risk of various adverse events are...
This large prospective cohort study reports indications for use, dwell times and outcomes from 3,378 PICCs placed in 3,201 patients in 10 Michigan hospitals. Significant variation in rationale for PICC placement, patterns of use and risk of various adverse events are...
Do Patient-Centered Medical Home Access and Care Coordination Measures reflect the Contribution of All Team Members? A Systematic Review
J Nurs Care Qual
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) evaluations have primarily focused on primary care providers and not on the primary care team. This systematic literature review examined the extent to which access and care coordination measures in PCMH reflect...
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) evaluations have primarily focused on primary care providers and not on the primary care team. This systematic literature review examined the extent to which access and care coordination measures in PCMH reflect...
The pathogenic potential of Proteus mirabilis is enhanced by other uropathogens during polymicrobial Urinary Tract Infection
Infect Immun
Urinary catheter use is prevalent in health care settings, and polymicrobial colonization by urease-positive organisms, such as Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii, commonly occurs with long-term catheterization.
Urinary catheter use is prevalent in health care settings, and polymicrobial colonization by urease-positive organisms, such as Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii, commonly occurs with long-term catheterization.
How often do clinically diagnosed catheter-associated urinary tract infections in nursing homes meet standardized criteria
J Am Geriatr Soc
To determine the relationship between clinically diagnosed catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and standardized criteria and to assess microorganism-level differences in symptom burden in a cohort of catheterized nursing home (NH) residents.
To determine the relationship between clinically diagnosed catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and standardized criteria and to assess microorganism-level differences in symptom burden in a cohort of catheterized nursing home (NH) residents.
DNA from fecal immunochemical test can replace stool for detection of colonic lesions using a microbiota-based model
Microbiome
There is a significant demand for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods that are noninvasive, inexpensive, and capable of accurately detecting early stage tumors. It has been shown that models based on the gut microbiota can complement the fecal...
There is a significant demand for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods that are noninvasive, inexpensive, and capable of accurately detecting early stage tumors. It has been shown that models based on the gut microbiota can complement the fecal...
Preventing Two Hospital-Acquired Conditions in the VHA Using a Virtual Breakthrough Series
Jt Comm J Qual Saf
In 2014 the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a Virtual Breakthrough Series (VBTS) collaborative to help VHA facilities prevent hospital-acquired conditions: catheter-associated urinary tract infection...
In 2014 the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a Virtual Breakthrough Series (VBTS) collaborative to help VHA facilities prevent hospital-acquired conditions: catheter-associated urinary tract infection...
Qualitative Validation of the CAUTI Guide to Patient Safety Assessment Tool
Am J Infect Control
Hospital-acquired infection, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), is common. Although CAUTI is usually preventable, hospital units may struggle to reduce CAUTI rates.
Hospital-acquired infection, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), is common. Although CAUTI is usually preventable, hospital units may struggle to reduce CAUTI rates.
A pre-operative risk model for post-operative pneumonia following coronary artery bypass grafting
Ann Thorac Surg
Postoperative pneumonia is the most prevalent of all hospital-acquired infections after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Accurate prediction of a patient’s risk of this morbid complication is hindered by its low relative incidence.
Postoperative pneumonia is the most prevalent of all hospital-acquired infections after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Accurate prediction of a patient’s risk of this morbid complication is hindered by its low relative incidence.
Evaluating a hospitalist-based intervention to decrease unnecessary antimicrobial use in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria
Infect Control Hosp Epid
Inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in the hospital setting is common. We sought to evaluate the treatment rate of ASB at the 3 hospitals and assess the impact of a hospitalist-focused improvement intervention.
Inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in the hospital setting is common. We sought to evaluate the treatment rate of ASB at the 3 hospitals and assess the impact of a hospitalist-focused improvement intervention.
Detecting the Presence of an Indwelling Urinary Catheter and Urinary Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients Using Natural Language Processing
J Biomed Inform
To develop a natural language processing pipeline to extract positively asserted concepts related to the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter in hospitalized patients from the free text of the electronic medical note. The goal is to assist infection...
To develop a natural language processing pipeline to extract positively asserted concepts related to the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter in hospitalized patients from the free text of the electronic medical note. The goal is to assist infection...
Translating technology in professional practices to optimize infection prevention and control: A case study based on the TRIP-ANT framework
Int J Actor-Netw Theory Technol Innov
The aim of this study was to explain how the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology was translated into professional practices to prevent and control vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreaks via an actor-network, based on the integrated framework...
The aim of this study was to explain how the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology was translated into professional practices to prevent and control vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreaks via an actor-network, based on the integrated framework...
Prevalence of human norovirus and Clostridium difficile co-infections in adult hospitalized patients
Clin Epidemiol
Human norovirus (HuNoV) and Clostridium difficile are common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in adults in the US. However, limited information is available regarding HuNoV and C. difficile coinfections.
Human norovirus (HuNoV) and Clostridium difficile are common causes of infectious gastroenteritis in adults in the US. However, limited information is available regarding HuNoV and C. difficile coinfections.
Audit and Feedback Processes Among Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Survey of the SHEA Research
Infect Control Hosp Epid
Optimal implementation of audit-and-feedback is an important part of advancing antimicrobial stewardship programs. Our survey demonstrated variability in how 61 programs approach audit-and-feedback.
Optimal implementation of audit-and-feedback is an important part of advancing antimicrobial stewardship programs. Our survey demonstrated variability in how 61 programs approach audit-and-feedback.
Factors That Affect Implementation of a Nurse Staffing Directive: Results from a Qualitative Evaluation
J Adv Nurs
In 2010 the Veterans Health Administration promulgated a staffing methodology directive for inpatient nursing units to address staffing and budget forecasting.
In 2010 the Veterans Health Administration promulgated a staffing methodology directive for inpatient nursing units to address staffing and budget forecasting.
Microbiota-based model improves the sensitivity of fecal immunochemical test for detecting colonic lesions
Genome Med
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death among cancers in the United States. Although individuals diagnosed early have a greater than 90 % chance of survival, more than one-third of individuals do not adhere to screening recommendations...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death among cancers in the United States. Although individuals diagnosed early have a greater than 90 % chance of survival, more than one-third of individuals do not adhere to screening recommendations...
Opportunities to Enhance Value-Related Research in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
J Gen Intern Med
The U.S. health care system increasingly embraces the measurement of value for both reimbursement and quality improvement, but a universal definition and research agenda to improve value measurement remains elusive. We convened an expert panel on value...
The U.S. health care system increasingly embraces the measurement of value for both reimbursement and quality improvement, but a universal definition and research agenda to improve value measurement remains elusive. We convened an expert panel on value...
Cooperative pain education and self-management (COPES): Study design and protocol of a randomized non-inferiority trial of an interactive voice response-based self-management intervention for chronic low back pain
BMC Musculoskelet Disord
The Institute of Medicine report “Relieving Pain in America” recommends the promotion of patient self-management of pain for all people with pain. Given the high prevalence of chronic pain in the US, new strategies are needed to enhance access to cognitive...
The Institute of Medicine report “Relieving Pain in America” recommends the promotion of patient self-management of pain for all people with pain. Given the high prevalence of chronic pain in the US, new strategies are needed to enhance access to cognitive...
Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy to treat insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
PloS One
Insomnia is of major public health importance. While cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial, in-person treatment is often unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Insomnia is of major public health importance. While cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial, in-person treatment is often unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Characteristics of patients with diabetes who accept referrals for care management services
SAGE Open Med
Patients with chronic conditions can improve their health through participation in self-care programs. However, awareness of and enrollment in these programs are generally low.
Patients with chronic conditions can improve their health through participation in self-care programs. However, awareness of and enrollment in these programs are generally low.
Response to Tafur and Arcelus
Am J Med
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Tafur and Arcelus and thank them for their thoughtful letter. We acknowledge the inherent limitations of observational studies and agree that it is not possible to fully ascertain the efficacy of pharmacologic...
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Tafur and Arcelus and thank them for their thoughtful letter. We acknowledge the inherent limitations of observational studies and agree that it is not possible to fully ascertain the efficacy of pharmacologic...
Response to Allen-Bridson and Pollock
Infect Control Hosp Epid
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Allen-Bridson and Pollock and thank them for their thoughtful letter. We value the data provided in their letter, which helps to illustrate that the overall under-ascertainment of clinically meaningful catheter-associated...
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Allen-Bridson and Pollock and thank them for their thoughtful letter. We value the data provided in their letter, which helps to illustrate that the overall under-ascertainment of clinically meaningful catheter-associated...
Beyond infection: device utilization ratio as a performance measure for urinary catheter harm.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is considered a reasonably preventable event in the hospital setting, and it has been included in the US Department of Health and Human Services National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is considered a reasonably preventable event in the hospital setting, and it has been included in the US Department of Health and Human Services National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections.
Challenges for Nurses Caring for Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Skilled Nursing Facilities
J Amer Geriatrics Society
To understand the perceived preparedness of frontline nurses (registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs)), unit nurse managers, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrators in providing care for residents with peripherally inserted central catheters...
To understand the perceived preparedness of frontline nurses (registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs)), unit nurse managers, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrators in providing care for residents with peripherally inserted central catheters...
Evaluation of the Association Between the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture Measures and Catheter-Associated Infections: Results of Two National Collaboratives.
BMJ Quality and Safety
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has funded national collaboratives using the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program to reduce rates of two catheter-associated infections—central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and...
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has funded national collaboratives using the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program to reduce rates of two catheter-associated infections—central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and...
Followership characteristics among infection preventionists in U.S. hospitals: results of a national survey
American Jour of 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...
Improving healthcare worker hand hygiene adherence before patient contact: a multimodal intervention of hand hygiene practice in three Japanese tertiary care centers.
Journal of Hosp Med
Though hand hygiene is an important method of preventing healthcare-associated infection, we found suboptimal hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers in 4 diverse Japanese hospitals (adherence rates of 11%–25%).
Though hand hygiene is an important method of preventing healthcare-associated infection, we found suboptimal hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers in 4 diverse Japanese hospitals (adherence rates of 11%–25%).
Indications for peripheral, midline and central catheters: summary of the MAGIC Recommendations
British Journal of Nursing
Patients admitted to acute care frequently require intravenous access to effectively deliver medications and prescribed treatment. For patients with difficult intravenous access, those requiring multiple attempts, those who are obese, or have diabetes or other chronic...
Patients admitted to acute care frequently require intravenous access to effectively deliver medications and prescribed treatment. For patients with difficult intravenous access, those requiring multiple attempts, those who are obese, or have diabetes or other chronic...
Indwelling urinary catheter insertion practices in the emergency department: an observational study.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
We know little about the use of aseptic insertion technique for indwelling urinary catheters and catheter insertion practices in real-world clinical settings. Aseptic insertion technique is strongly recommended because bacteria ascending after catheter insertion...
We know little about the use of aseptic insertion technique for indwelling urinary catheters and catheter insertion practices in real-world clinical settings. Aseptic insertion technique is strongly recommended because bacteria ascending after catheter insertion...
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...
Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
Insomnia is of major public health importance. While cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial, in-person treatment is often unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Insomnia is of major public health importance. While cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial, in-person treatment is often unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Limiting the Number of Lumens in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Cost: A Simulation Study.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
The number of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lumens is associated with thrombotic and infectious complications. Because multilumen PICCs are not necessary in all patients, policies that limit their use may improve safety and cost.
The number of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lumens is associated with thrombotic and infectious complications. Because multilumen PICCs are not necessary in all patients, policies that limit their use may improve safety and cost.
Potential Misclassification of Urinary Tract-Related Bacteremia Upon Applying the 2015 Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Surveillance Definition From the National Healthcare Safety Network.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated the surveillance definition of catheter-associated urinary tract infection to include only urine culture bacteria of at least 1 × 10(5) colony-forming units/mL. Our findings suggest that the new...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated the surveillance definition of catheter-associated urinary tract infection to include only urine culture bacteria of at least 1 × 10(5) colony-forming units/mL. Our findings suggest that the new...
Revisiting the panculture
BMJ Quality and Safety
Traditionally, generations of physicians have been taught that the evaluation of the febrile hospitalised patient consists of the ‘panculture;’ that is, microbiological culture of blood, urine, sputum or stool in search of an offending pathogen.
Traditionally, generations of physicians have been taught that the evaluation of the febrile hospitalised patient consists of the ‘panculture;’ that is, microbiological culture of blood, urine, sputum or stool in search of an offending pathogen.
Usefulness of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Levels to Predict Myocardial Infarction in Men With and Without Acute Coronary Syndrome.
American Journal of Cardiology
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), or stromelysin-1, is a matrix metalloproteinase which is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Functional polymorphisms in the promoter...
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), or stromelysin-1, is a matrix metalloproteinase which is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Functional polymorphisms in the promoter...
Validation of Risk Assessment Models of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Medical Patients.
American Journal of Medicine
Patients hospitalized for acute medical illness are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Although risk assessment is recommended and several at-admission risk assessment models have been developed, these have not been adequately derived...
Patients hospitalized for acute medical illness are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Although risk assessment is recommended and several at-admission risk assessment models have been developed, these have not been adequately derived...
Variation in prevalence and patterns of peripherally inserted central catheter use in adults hospitalized with pneumonia
J Hosp Med
Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are often used in adults hospitalized with pneumonia, patterns related to PICC use in this context are unknown.
Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are often used in adults hospitalized with pneumonia, patterns related to PICC use in this context are unknown.
Vascular nursing experience, practice knowledge, and beliefs: Results from the Michigan PICC1 survey
J Hosp Med
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. Yet, little is known about the vascular access nurses who often place them.
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. Yet, little is known about the vascular access nurses who often place them.
What’s new in catheter-related infection: skin cleansing and skin antisepsis
Intensive Care Medicine
Catheter-related infections (CRIs) are common, life-threatening healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that the incidence of these infections can be decreased through discrete processes of care...
Catheter-related infections (CRIs) are common, life-threatening healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that the incidence of these infections can be decreased through discrete processes of care...
Assessing the Caprini Score for Risk Assessment of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Medical Patients
The American Journal of 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.
