Early reports from frontline clinicians in global epicenters describing extreme shortages and bedside rationing of ventilators and intensive care unit beds prompted a national conversation about how to respond to similar challenges in the United States. Hospitals and health care systems drew on frameworks developed by the Institute of Medicine (OM) and other national organizations to guide care in resource-limited …
Falls represent a leading cause of preventable injury in hospitals and a frequently reported serious adverse event. Hospitalization is associated with an increased risk for falls and serious injuries including hip fractures, subdural hematomas, or even death. A recent, nonrandomized, controlled trial assessed whether a fall-prevention tool kit that engages patients and families in the fall prevention process throughout hospitalization …
N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) and surgical masks are essential in reducing airborne disease transmission, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, currently available FFR’s and masks have major limitations, including masking facial features, waste, and integrity after decontamination. Investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been working to design a better, reusable respirator that could …
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) conducted an online survey of its 11,922 U.S.-based infection preventionist members on October 22-November 5, 2020. Results from the survey are based on responses from 1,083 infection preventionists located throughout the United States. Here are a few interesting findings regarding PPE and medical supplies: PPE Crisis Standards of Care For …
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is spread via direct or indirect contact with infected people via infected respiratory droplets or saliva, fomites, and aerosols. Crowded indoor environments with sustained close contact and conversations, such as households, are a particularly high-risk setting. The World Health Organization China Joint Mission …
Nursing home residents have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Prevention recommendations emphasize frequent testing of health care personnel and residents, but additional strategies are needed. Compared with community-dwelling older adults, nursing home residents are 5 times more likely to die of COVID-19. The concentration of COVID-19 mortality among nursing home residents can be explained by the high …
In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, out of 131 patients in the study, 22 fully met the criteria for discontinuation of quarantine (no significant acute clinical symptoms and 2 consecutive negative RT-PCR tests) presented a new positive RT-PCR test at a follow-up visit after at least 2 weeks. These findings indicate that a noteworthy rate …
The time is coming nearer for long term care residents to have the option of being vaccinated against COVID-19, and it is important to know what to keep an eye out for once it is received. A recent recommendation from the FDA says signs of Bell’s palsy should be on the list to watch out for. Bell’s palsy causes temporary …
Recent research has linked impaired senses to Dementia, especially the sense of smell. Does this mean if you have lost your sense of smell you have Dementia? Probably not, however, it can be an early sign. Patients participated in a study where they underwent hearing tests (with no hearing aids), vision tests with contrast (eyeglasses were permitted), vibration testing in …
A systematic review of the evidence presented at the 2020 ESCMID Conference on Coronavirus Disease (ECCVID) showed that air around patients with COVID-19, as well as patient toilets and staff and public areas in surveyed hospitals all, showed significant levels of contamination with SARS-CoV-2. What are the clinical implications of this research? According to the researchers, this review suggests very …
