Category: Patient Safety & Outcomes

How HCA Healthcare's 200+ person team preps for hurricane season + beyond

As one of the nation’s largest health systems, Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA healthcare facilities extend beyond its home base and into the heart of hurricane territory across Florida, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia. Preparing for the season…

Growing number of surgeons embrace AR 'smart glasses' during procedures

Around half of all surgeons have completed some type of training with augmented reality glasses and 49 percent say AR glasses have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce errors, according to a report released June 20 from Vu…

When elective surgeries can occur after a COVID-19 infection: New ASA guidelines

The American Society of Anesthesiologists and Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation updated recommendations for the timing of elective surgeries and anesthesia for patients after a COVID-19 infection.

Olympic gold medalist's death speaks volumes about maternal health crisis: Report

The recent death of track and field star Tori Bowie is yet another example of how the U.S. is failing to keep up with other developed nations in terms of maternal health, according to a Wall Street Journal report June 15. Such perilous outcomes are par…

Trans individuals' ER visits more likely to result in admittance: Report

Transgender individuals’ emergency department visits are 52.4 percent more likely to result in hospital admittance, and they are often more ill when they show up to ERs than their cisgender counterparts, according to researchers at the University of Mi…

Patient shoots self in Florida hospital

A patient suffered a nonfatal self-inflicted firearm injury in HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce on June 14, according to local authorities. 

Probe into California hospital unearths patient safety concerns

Investigators from the California Department of Public Health unearthed several patient safety concerns at Inglewood, Calif.-based Centinela Hospital Medical Center, the Los Angeles Times reported June 15. 

AMA to physicians: Lessen focus on BMI

The American Medical Association is expected to release more information on a new policy that encourages physicians to focus less on body mass index when evaluating patients for obesity and overall health, ABC News reported June 14.

Home care critical to improving SDOH: Optum's chief nursing officer

Home visits enable providers to identify and address patient needs that might not be addressed in a traditional visit to a healthcare facility, Optum Health’s chief nursing officer told NEJM Catalyst in a recent discussion. 

60% of COVID patients lose smell, taste — but most recover it

Loss of smell and taste — two of the earliest known, defining COVID-19 symptoms at the pandemic’s onset — are now known to be common in 60.5 percent of diagnosed cases, according to new research from Mass General Brigham published June 2 in The Laryngo…