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Implementation of evidenced-based practices reduces all healthcare-associated MRSA infections

Scientists at The Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center found that an emphasis on compliance with non-pathogen specific infection control practices such as hand hygiene, efforts to reduce device-related infections and chlorhexidine bathing (a daily bath with the same antibacterial agent used by surgeons to "scrub in" before an operation), is successful in reducing rates of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

19 Mar 2010

Competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment: Myths and realities

Medicare has been touting the merits of the "competitive" bidding program for durable, or home medical equipment and services (HME) to convince Congress that the program is good for seniors. Unfortunately, proponents have conveyed misleading information and cherry-picked facts that exaggerate the benefits and ignore the severe shortcomings of the program.

18 Mar 2010

Children with chronic illness more likely to develop H1N1 influenza: Study

As critical care professionals develop a better understanding of the progression of H1N1, they are becoming better prepared to treat children with severe cases, according to a new study that will be published in the March issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM).

12 Mar 2010

Homecare advocates discuss the value and cost-effectiveness of home-based care

More than 250 providers of home medical equipment and services from across the U.S. met with members of Congress this week during the American Association for Homecare's Washington Legislative Conference.

6 Mar 2010

Paralysis from a stroke: Rare nerve transfer improves mobility

The Plastic Surgery Center today announced the successful results of a rare nerve transfer performed for the first known time on a stroke patient to reverse paralysis. Following the procedure, which was led by Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., 47-year old Vincent Filipini is now able to lift, move and bend his once paralyzed arm. Mr. Filipini continues to show improvement in his mobility.

26 Feb 2010

Mariner to present HAI controlling dashboard at 2010 Microsoft Health User Group Exchange

Mariner, an industry-leading business intelligence, performance management and analytics solutions provider, will present an exciting new data-driven dashboard at the Microsoft Health User Group Exchange 2010 taking place during HIMSS10 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta, Georgia, February 28th. Designed to help the medical center’s infection control practitioner’s control HAIs, the Dashboard has been the subject of recent POC activity at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (WFUBMC).

25 Feb 2010

First convertible endotracheal tube launched by Teleflex Medical

Teleflex Medical has announced the introduction of the Teleflex ISIS™ HVT™, the first convertible endotracheal tube. The Teleflex ISIS HVT features an integrated suction port and separate suction line allowing for subglottic secretion suctioning on demand. Now clinicians can be free from the burden of choosing which tube is best for the patient at the time of intubation. When needed, the suction tube attaches to the Teleflex ISIS HVT via a secure locking connection.

24 Feb 2010

Hospital-acquired infections increase mortality rate and healthcare costs

Two common conditions caused by hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) killed 48,000 people and ramped up health care costs by $8.1 billion in 2006 alone, according to a study released today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

23 Feb 2010

Innovative nerve graft transplant successful in treatment and prevention of posterior pressure ulcers

The Plastic Surgery Center today announced that an innovative nerve graft transplant performed by Dr. Andrew Elkwood has proven to be successful in treating and preventing posterior pressure ulcers – one of the leading causes of mortality among paraplegics. 49-year old Tory Cavalieri, who underwent the procedure last January, has regained sensation in his posterior and is free of acute pressure sores, which had left him bedridden for years.

9 Feb 2010

Caregivers of ICU survivors endure more stress than those caring for Alzheimer's disease patients

Intensive care unit patients are not the only ones likely to be severely depressed in the aftermath of hospitalization. Family and friends who care for them often suffer emotional and social hardship, too, according to a prospective study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine that is the first to monitor patients and caregivers during a one-year period for predictors of depression and lifestyle disruption.

2 Feb 2010

Muscle-sparing treatments could improve patient outcomes and reduce costs

A University of Kentucky researcher is investigating respiratory weakness as a factor in the morbidity of intensive-care patients and will soon be testing new treatments that could improve long-term patient outcomes while reducing costs of care.

30 Jan 2010

New Jersey surgeons perform multi-process procedure for spinal cord injuries

The Plastic Surgery Center today announced that in a highly rare procedure for spinal cord injuries, a New Jersey medical team led by Dr. Matthew Kaufman enabled a 51-year-old man to breathe on his own - without a ventilator - for the first time since becoming paralyzed.

29 Jan 2010

Palliative care program may complement patients' ongoing care with symptom management and support

Georgia Sue Huston knew she was really sick. Every time the 82-year-old woman tried to turn over in her bed in the coronary care unit at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, she’d panic because she couldn’t get enough air and because it hurt so much.

28 Jan 2010

Low-cost ventilators for healthcare emergencies

A group of UK anaesthetists have designed and tested three prototype low-cost ventilators that could provide vital support during major healthcare emergencies involving large numbers of patients or casualties. The devices, detailed in a paper published online by Anaesthesia, could also be used where resources are limited, such as in developing countries, remote locations or by the military.

27 Jan 2010

Low-cost ventilators for healthcare emergencies

25 Jan 2010

Anthem Blue Cross and California Regional Hospital Associations join in patient safety collaborative

Anthem Blue Cross, along with California's three regional Hospital Associations, and the National Health Foundation, announced today that they are joining together in a three-year, 6 million dollar effort to improve the quality and consistency of care Californians receive. The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center hosted the launch of Patient Safety First... a California Partnership for Health, a unique relationship that will save lives, improve the quality of medical care and reduce health care costs to make health care more affordable for the people of California.

19 Jan 2010

Studies suggest ways to prevent post-surgical infections in hospitals

Two new studies are suggesting relatively simple ways in which hospitals can prevent many post-surgical infections by killing bacteria the patients themselves bring in, according to Monday's New York Times.

13 Jan 2010

KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Pasteur partner in development of KB001 biologic for Pa infections

KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced an agreement with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, for the development and commercialization of KB001, an investigational new biologic for the treatment or prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections. Sanofi Pasteur will be responsible for the development and commercialization of KB001 and initially focus on hospital indications, including the prevention of Pa pneumonias in mechanically ventilated patients.

11 Jan 2010

Clinical Foundations' edition provides comprehensive review of hospital-acquired infections

Clinical Foundations, a patient-focused education program dedicated to helping respiratory care professionals stay current on clinical trends, has recently published a new edition titled “Pathogens Associated with the Intensive Care Unit Environment –Considerations for the Respiratory Therapist.”

9 Jan 2010

LehmanMillet adds two new accounts: Myriad Genetics and Breathe Technologies

HealthSTAR's LehmanMillet, the leading agency devoted to working with health care companies changing standards of care, today announced the addition of two new accounts: Myriad Genetics and Breathe Technologies.

9 Jan 2010

Ventilator News and Research

Implementation of evidenced-based practices reduces all healthcare-associated MRSA infections

Competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment: Myths and realities

Children with chronic illness more likely to develop H1N1 influenza: Study

Homecare advocates discuss the value and cost-effectiveness of home-based care

Paralysis from a stroke: Rare nerve transfer improves mobility

Mariner to present HAI controlling dashboard at 2010 Microsoft Health User Group Exchange

First convertible endotracheal tube launched by Teleflex Medical

Hospital-acquired infections increase mortality rate and healthcare costs

Innovative nerve graft transplant successful in treatment and prevention of posterior pressure ulcers

Caregivers of ICU survivors endure more stress than those caring for Alzheimer's disease patients

Muscle-sparing treatments could improve patient outcomes and reduce costs

New Jersey surgeons perform multi-process procedure for spinal cord injuries

Palliative care program may complement patients' ongoing care with symptom management and support

Low-cost ventilators for healthcare emergencies

Low-cost ventilators for healthcare emergencies

Anthem Blue Cross and California Regional Hospital Associations join in patient safety collaborative

Studies suggest ways to prevent post-surgical infections in hospitals

KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Pasteur partner in development of KB001 biologic for Pa infections

Clinical Foundations' edition provides comprehensive review of hospital-acquired infections

LehmanMillet adds two new accounts: Myriad Genetics and Breathe Technologies

Sensing a Healthier Future

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

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