Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades Find Increase in HAIs During Pandemic
The average risk of three healthcare-associated infections reached a five-year high in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Leapfrog Group’s spring 2023 Hospital Safety Grade data.
COVID-19 Vaccines Requirements to End May 11 Along With PHE
CMS is ending a requirement that all hospital providers and suppliers be vaccinated against COVID-19 as of the end of the public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, according to new guidance issued on May 1.
How to Use Technology to Ease Physician Burnout
The physician burnout level and other measures of physician distress increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, survey research shows. The findings of the 2021 survey are troubling, with 62.8% of physicians reporting at least one symptom of burnout compared with 38.2% in 2020.
PSQH: The Podcast Episode 77 – New Leapfrog Group Program Highlights Innovative Products
On episode 77 of PSQH: The Podcast, Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, talks about the new Innovators for Leapfrog program.
Counting Will Resume for Minimums for Ventricular Assist Device Procedures at End of PHE
For hospitals with cardiac programs that include performing ventricular assist device (VAD) implants, The Joint Commission offers the reminder that as of May 12, 2023, CMS will resume monitoring the number of procedures done by the VAD team as part of determining coverage under Medicare.
Should a Pharmacist Be Allowed to Deliver Primary Care Services?
Primary care providers are under a lot of stress these days. Pharmacists can help them. That was the takeaway from an intriguing panel at last week’s HIMSS 2023 conference and exhibition in Chicago.
The Exec: Healthcare’s Workforce Shortage Prevents Patients From Getting Needed Care
Besides obvious staffing issues, healthcare’s workforce shortage is preventing patients from receiving the care they need due to the lack of providers, Leonardo Seoane, MD, executive vice president and chief academic officer at Ochnser Health, testified during a recent U.S. Senate hearing on the workforce shortage in the healthcare sector.
California Hospital Reinstates Masking Policy After COVID-19 Outbreak Among Staff, Patients
A California hospital has reinstated its masking policy after more than a dozen staffers as well as some patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a statement from the hospital’s parent company, Kaiser Permanente.
Gun Violence Costs U.S. Healthcare $1B+ Annually
Gun violence in the United States was responsible for nearly 49,000 deaths in 2021, about 30,000 inpatient hospital stays, and 50,000 emergency department visits, generating more than $1 billion in medical costs, according to a new report from the Urban Institute.
Healthcare Workplace Violence Legislation Introduced in Congress
The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Worker Act was introduced by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT). The bill has bipartisan backing in the House of Representatives, with support from Don Bacon (R-NE), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).