Lack of Medical Monitoring May Increase Kidney Damage During Pregnancy

Published on January 29, 2020

Unmonitored kidney disease can worsen outcomes for pregnant women according to a new study. In November, researchers from the University of Cincinnati presented study results at the Kidney Week conference of the American Society of Nephrology in Washington, DC. Researchers evaluated data from 42,190,790 women who were hospitalized during pregnancy between 2005 and 2015. Data … Continued

Copper Bed Construction May Reduce High Rates of HAIs

Published on January 22, 2020

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) take the lives of more than 100,000 Americans per year. A new study suggests hospital beds fabricated with copper in intensive care units (ICU) can reduce the risk of infection of critically ill hospitalized patients. Among the many contaminated surfaces in a hospital setting, beds are the worst. Of hospital beds, Dr. … Continued

Danger in the Cloud: More than 100 Nursing Homes Cut Off from EHR by Cyber Attack

Published on January 16, 2020

Unsecure digital networks are putting patient health at risk as healthcare facilities continue to attract ransomware and other cyber attacks. Electronic health records (EHRs) are here to stay. Among the advantages of EHRs are the ability to store, share, and track medical data of patients that can help physicians provide better, more consistent care. A … Continued

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Associated with Risk of ADHD Disorders in Childhood

Published on January 8, 2020

A new study suggests fetal exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life. Too little information is available on medications and safe dosages for pregnant women and their babies. At present, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, like ibuprofen, … Continued

New Study Discusses SPIKES Method for Communicating Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis to Parents

Published on January 3, 2020

New research confirms the best practice use of the SPIKES method for conveying important diagnostic information to parents of children with cerebral palsy. SPIKES is an acronym for a communication method widely accepted by healthcare professionals for use in providing upsetting news to patients, caregivers—and parents. A recent study published in Science Direct from the … Continued

Prevention of HAIs is the Target of Updated Infection Control Guidelines

Published on December 26, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their guidelines for prevention of infectious disease in patients and among healthcare workers. According to the CDC, on any day in the US, one in 31 hospitalized patients across the country has “at least” one infection caused by their hospitalization alone. As we have discussed … Continued

EHR Claims for Medical Malpractice Continue to Climb

Published on December 19, 2019

As electronic apps and records become primary medical tools, a new study finds the number of malpractice claims involving electronic records is on the rise. The digital age is upon us and there is no turning back. Yet, it is clear that the medical field has not found stability in the use of electronic health … Continued

Study Finds Cognitive Error Plays a Bigger than Expected Role in Surgical Adverse Events

Published on December 13, 2019

Physician error in the surgical suite is particularly dangerous. A recently published study found that more than half the adverse events reviewed during the study were caused by human error. Adverse and never events are terms used to describe medical errors and encounters that cause patient injury or death. They are a collection of medical … Continued

Johnson & Johnson Socked with $8 Billion Verdict for Failure to Warn Physicians about Side Effects of Autism Medicine

Published on December 5, 2019

A jury awarded a Maryland man $8 billion from pharmaceutical and device manufacturer Johnson & Johnson after he suffered medication side effects that the company did not mention to prescribing physicians. Risperdal is an anti-psychotic drug prescribed by physicians for patients suffering schizophrenia, mania, and some dementia disorders. It is also prescribed for disorders on … Continued

Hospital Bacteria Contributing to Increase in Heart Valve Infections

Published on November 27, 2019

Research suggests new dangers from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for patients at risk of contracting infective endocarditis. Many people understand the warning signs and danger of a heart attack. But a lot of patients do not understand other forms of heart disease, such as infections of the heart muscle and its valves and tissues. There are … Continued

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