Care Delivery

This channel includes news on cardiovascular care delivery, including how patients are diagnosed and treated, cardiac care guidelines, policies or legislation impacting patient care, device recalls that may impact patient care, and cardiology practice management.

Have clinicians been wrong about how they diagnose PAD?
The ankle-brachial index, a noninvasive diagnostic test for peripheral artery disease, may provide even more value than clinicians previously realized.
Social worker at hospital rocked by violence and split over what to do about it: ‘Why can’t [stakeholders] sit together and talk?’
In hospitals serving mentally unstable patients, it’s no easy job to balance sensitive patient treatment with effective worker safety. One U.S. institution has been finding out just how hard it can be.
FDA issues early alert over black matter in IV lines
Manufacturer ICU Medical is aware of the issue, which stems from a report from an unnamed healthcare organization. The company and the FDA are asking providers to monitor IV lines for any signs of particulates.
‘Advanced access’ scheduling pleases patients, strengthens PCPs
Primary care providers can significantly improve practice performance as well as patient satisfaction by making one workaday adjustment: leaving some appointment slots open to accommodate walk-ins throughout the day.
FDA confirms Class I recall for vascular device used by cardiologists and surgeons
The issue at the heart of this recall has been linked to three patient deaths.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

Humana pilot study reveals ongoing healthcare discrimination among Medicare Advantage members

While only a feasibility exercise, the study strongly suggests additional patient screenings would help deepen understanding of literacy and discrimination issues.

artificial intelligence AI deep learning

AI, blood thinners and patient positioning: Exploring late-breaking science at the International Stroke Conference

ISC 2024 in Phoenix has already featured several eye-opening late-breaking presentations. One study, for example, found that positioning a stroke patient's head differently before surgery can significantly decrease the risk of neurological complications.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

transparency in artificial intelligence CDRH

Healthcare stakeholders to AI-equipped devices: We don’t trust you if we don’t know what you don’t know

It’s not easy to get patients, providers, payers, vendors and regulators to agree on any one aspect of healthcare delivery. But the CDRH recently managed to get everyone to settle on a working definition of transparency.

Historic growth: Cleveland Clinic hires 4 new cardiothoracic surgeons to keep up with rising demand

One of the world's leading heart hospitals is seeing significant growth. This represents the first time it has hired four new cardiothoracic surgeons in a single 12-month period.

nurses doctors most trusted ethics honesty gallup

General public perceives nurses as the most ethical, honest professionals in the US workforce

Americans trust nurses and doctors less than they did a few years ago, but both professions still make the top five among 23 wide and varied work roles.

CDC: Updated COVID jab significantly reduces odds of infection

The latest COVID-19 vaccine began entering recipients’ bodies last September. Now comes early CDC data supporting the formulation’s general effectiveness.

Care Delivery

Have clinicians been wrong about how they diagnose PAD?

Social worker at hospital rocked by violence and split over what to do about it: ‘Why can’t [stakeholders] sit together and talk?’

FDA issues early alert over black matter in IV lines

‘Advanced access’ scheduling pleases patients, strengthens PCPs

FDA confirms Class I recall for vascular device used by cardiologists and surgeons