New technology could block the coronavirus from infecting human cells … Industry at a ‘severe disadvantage’ identifying asymptomatic residents and staff: AHCA/NCAL … Second COVID-19 wave in winter...
Healthcare workers first in line for newly approved at-home coronavirus test
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 21, 2020
Care providers are asked to complete a short eligibility assessment before ordering the FDA-authorized test kit. Self-swabs are mailed back for testing.
Vigilance and an emergency plan may help nursing homes forestall future coronavirus infections
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 21, 2020
The coronavirus will pose risks for the foreseeable future, but careful planning will make a cluster infection or outbreak less likely, says a leading geriatrician.
Adapt palliative care to meet needs of COVID-19 patients, say experts
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 21, 2020
Emergency-style palliative care is necessary to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients who won’t benefit from a ventilator, say specialist researchers.
Clinical Briefs for Wednesday, April 22
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 21, 2020
Airborne COVID-19 transmission via ventilation systems merits closer scrutiny, scientists argue … Acute kidney injury in COVID-19 is an emerging hospital resource problem … CMS to release first race,...
Providers to report COVID infections in 12 hours or face $1k fines, CMS says
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 21, 2020
Nursing homes will face fines of “at least” $1,000 per week for not reporting COVID-19 infections within 12 hours of learning about them, federal regulators said Monday.
COVID-19 driving up scripts for anti-anxiety, depression and insomnia medications
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2020
Anti-anxiety drug use, for one, spiked 34% in February and March, according to a new report. Prescriptions had fallen in the years prior to the pandemic.
Dementia diagnosis often means death within five years, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2020
More than half of adults diagnosed with dementia die within five years – signaling a need for informed conversations about care, say researchers.
Clinical Briefs for Tuesday, April 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2020
Brain training can boost daily function in seniors with range of cognitive abilities … Increase in infections may indicate future cancer diagnosis …Antiviral remdesivir prevents disease progression...
New CMS guidance dictates nursing homes must report COVID-19 cases to CDC, residents and families
By
Liza Berger
Apr 20, 2020
In new but anticipated guidance released Sunday night, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is requiring nursing homes to report any COVID-19 cases directly to the Centers for Disease Control and...