Levodopa is ‘best first treatment’ for early Parkinson’s, new guideline states
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 17, 2021
When compared to alternative options, levodopa provides a superior risk-benefit profile when used to alleviate motor symptoms, and patients are less likely to stop treatment, according to the American...
Fed’s booster OK too late? Nursing home loses 8 to coronavirus outbreak this fall
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 17, 2021
A Connecticut nursing home has weathered a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened 89 residents and staff. Booster shots were not yet authorized when the first cases appeared, the operator reports.
FDA approves virtual reality system for treatment of chronic back pain
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 17, 2021
EaseVRx is designed for home use and is available by prescription to patients with clinically diagnosed lower back conditions, FDA says.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 17
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 17, 2021
LTC nurse managers at high risk for burnout, Canadian study finds … Jardiance effective in treating acute heart failure, new data show … FDA moves to increase access to over-the-counter and point-of-care...
4th Annual Women of Distinction awards open for nominations
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 16, 2021
Submissions for the 4th Annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards are now being accepted. The popular program kicked off its 2022 edition by opening the entry portal Tuesday.
Simultaneous flu and COVID shots work well in older adults, new study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 16, 2021
Given together, the vaccines are safe and spur a robust antibody response, a first-of-its-kind trial finds.
‘Universal and persistent’: Surfaces near nursing home beds may harbor coronavirus for days
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 16, 2021
Surfaces in 90% of COVID-19 patients’ rooms were contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most commonly bed and TV remote controls, nurse call buttons, window sills and door knobs, investigators say.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 16
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 16, 2021
Cognitive outcomes similar with warfarin, dabigatran in older patients with Afib … Risks of drug therapy after stent placement may now outweigh benefits, researchers say … More exposure to estrogen...
CMS edicts bring tougher survey conditions to nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 15, 2021
More oversight is coming for nursing home providers after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services directed surveyors to take a more critical look at nurse competency and residents’ quality of care...
‘How good are those vaccines now?’ Mixed AARP nursing home report prompts a thorny question
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 15, 2021
A new AARP report shows encouraging trends in COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. But the steady rate of resident deaths raises concerns for the future as vaccine efficacy wanes, analysts say.