Category: Patient Safety & Outcomes

VUMC researchers create model to predict pediatric patients with high blood clot risk

Researchers at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center developed an artificial intelligence model to identify pediatric patients who are at high risk of developing blood clots. While the model was shown to be accurate in identifying…

How to prevent surgical fires, per Joint Commission

The Joint Commission recently updated its 20-year-old guidance on preventing surgical fires and burns, the organization said Oct. 18. 

Inmate escapes North Carolina hospital in handcuffs

An inmate escaped from Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed Oct. 17 while still wearing handcuffs, WRAL News reported.

Patient dies by suicide in Pennsylvania hospital

A man was found dead by suicide after he sneaked a gun into H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center in O’Hara, Pa., Trib Live reported Oct. 16.

Gene-edited pig kidney trial moves one step closer to human transplants

A monkey in a clinical trial has survived two years with a genetically modified pig kidney. Now the study’s success is moving the needle toward gaining FDA approval to begin similar clinical trials in humans, CNN reported Oct. 12. 

Patients more likely to go home if anesthesiologist does sedation: Study

A study found patients who receive sedation from an anesthesiologist, instead of a physician, are nearly 70% more likely to be discharged home than to a long-term care facility.

Viewpoint: 1 problem fueling preventable deaths

A lack of emergency blood transfusions is a national crisis “fueling” preventable deaths, three physicians wrote in a JAMA opinion piece Oct. 12.

U of Utah's new population health clinic aims to find unmet care needs

Salt Lake City-based University of Utah has cut the ribbon on its new population health clinic, which it hopes will improve patient outcomes, identify unmet care needs and lower the overall cost of care, according to an Oct. 12 news release.

Brain death guidance updated for first time in a decade

The American Academy of Neurology recently updated the guidelines for determining brain death in adult and pediatric patients.

How hospitals can prevent the most common sentinel event

Falls are the most common sentinel event resulting in harm or death of hospital patients so far in 2023, according to data from The Joint Commission.