CDC expands list of chronic conditions that can make COVID-19 worse
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 29, 2020
Hypertension by itself is no longer on the list of conditions linked to highest severity risk. Meanwhile, the agency’s director warns that the U.S. remains in a shape-shifting viral ‘first...
Clinical Briefs for Monday, June 29
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 28, 2020
COVID-19 may lead to strokes, a dementia-like syndrome, and psychiatric conditions, survey finds … New gene may drive earliest Alzheimer’s brain changes … Diabetes-related amputations on rise in...
Clinical Briefs for Friday, June 26
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 26, 2020
Breaking news: CMS orders resumption of nursing home staffing data collection, updates star-rating plans … Gilead’s remdesivir set to become Europe’s first COVID-19 therapy … High-dose...
Common drug used to slow kidney disease found to be ineffective
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 26, 2020
The drug allopurinol does not slow the rate of worsening kidney disease, despite being used in up to 20% of kidney patients, a clinical trial has found.
Bi-monthly virtual conference to share COVID-19 best practices
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 26, 2020
The Green House Project will convene long-term care experts to share “proven protocols and lessons learned.” Participants will have a chance to receive feedback regarding their own cases and questions.
Red-vested ‘Infection Control Patrol’ offers staff support and supervision
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 26, 2020
A well-known operator has created an interdisciplinary group of red-vested volunteers to round on care areas, providing mentoring and feedback. COVID-19 infections have dropped since, it says.
Clinical Briefs for Thursday, June 25
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 25, 2020
Women overmedicated due to dose calculation bias, study finds … New anti-osteoporotic drug romosozumab tied to cardiovascular risks … CDC: 15% of older U.S. adults take prescription pain meds … New...
Diabetes overtreated in older adults at end of life, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 25, 2020
Diabetes appears to be overtreated in nearly 44% of recently admitted VA nursing home residents, including those with limited life expectancy and/or advanced dementia.
Collaborative model helps reduce antipsychotic drug use
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 25, 2020
Training and support leads to discontinuation of antipsychotic meds in residents who do not have a diagnosis of psychosis or mental health issues, researchers have found. Notably, behavioral symptoms did...
Q&A: ‘Mobile-first’ platform key to COVID-19-era hospice care delivery, says VITAS CMO
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 24, 2020
Joseph Shega, M.D., says a pivot to telehealth and mobile apps has provided care continuity for residents, while helping staff to keep a healthy distance and adhere to infection prevention protocol.