Category: patient safety

Federal Speech Rulings May Embolden Health Care Workers to Call Out Safety Issues

Policies mandating company approval before talking publicly about conditions in hospitals have been a source of conflict over the past year, as physicians, nurses and other health workers have been disciplined for speaking or posting about what they view as dangerous covid-19 safety precautions. The appeals court’s decision could mean that hospitals — and other employers — will need to revise their policies.

Organ Transplant Patient Dies After Receiving Covid-Infected Lungs

The first confirmed U.S. case of SARS-CoV-2 being transmitted through an organ transplant has prompted calls for updated transplant protocols and additional testing of samples from deep within donor lungs.

Is Your Covid Vaccine Venue Prepared to Handle Rare, Life-Threatening Reactions?

More than two dozen people who have received the new covid vaccines in U.S. hospitals and health centers suffered anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. While such severe reactions are rare, experts warn that the drugstores and drive-thru clinics considered integral to the vaccine rollout must be prepared.

COVID Vaccines Appear Safe and Effective, but Key Questions Remain

The federal government expects vaccinations to be available to everyone who wants them by summer — though glitches are inevitable. If enough of us get vaccinated, we could wave goodbye to the pandemic in 2021.

To Free Doctors From Computers, Far-Flung Scribes Are Now Taking Notes For Them

Paid even less than low-wage doctors’ scribes in the United States, remote note takers in India gain a foothold in a rapidly expanding industry.

These Secret Safety Panels Will Pick the COVID Vaccine Winners

Data and safety monitoring boards work under a cloak of secrecy meant to prevent undue influence by stakeholders, such as companies or the government. In the Trump era, some worry the anonymity could actually invite it.

Dr. Fauci Says COVID Vaccine Trials Could End Early If Results Are Overwhelming

The nation’s top infectious disease official is confident that an independent panel will base vaccine approval on science, not politics.

Are Vital Home Health Workers Now A Safety Threat?

Hundreds of thousands of health care workers go into homes to provide important services for seniors and disabled people. But with the rising concerns about the danger of the coronavirus pandemic, especially for older people, these health workers could be endangering their patients and themselves.

A Reality Check On Artificial Intelligence: Are Health Care Claims Overblown?

As happens when the tech industry gets involved, hype surrounds the claims that artificial intelligence will help patients and even replace some doctors.

Electronic Health Records Creating A ‘New Era’ Of Health Care Fraud, Officials Say

The federal government funneled billions in subsidies to software vendors and some overstated or deceived the government about what their products could do, according to whistleblowers.