Expect false positives: FDA letter to providers explains COVID antigen test results
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 05, 2020
The agency clarifies that rapid antigen tests, “like all diagnostic tests,” are subject to false positive results, especially in low prevalence settings. It offers recommendations for administering...
Most clinicians don’t follow hypertension diagnosis guidelines, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 15, 2020
In a surprise to researchers, few professionals surveyed across 10 medical centers reported using out-of-office blood pressure monitoring to screen for and diagnose hypertension.
CDC: Many COVID-19 infections undetected in healthcare workers
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 02, 2020
A study of more than 3,200 providers has found a high proportion with evidence of a previous infection and no prior diagnosis and/or symptoms.
CDC no longer recommends COVID test-based return-to-work strategy in most cases
By
Lois A. Bowers
Aug 14, 2020
A COVID test-based return-to-work strategy no longer is recommended for healthcare professionals in most cases under updated criteria released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers find coronavirus in air 16 feet from ill patient
By
Lois A. Bowers
Aug 13, 2020
Researchers from the University of Florida say they have proven that floating respiratory droplets contain live coronavirus.
Coronavirus uptick in nursing homes linked to rising community rates: AHCA
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2020
After a June drop in infections, an “alarming” July spike among nursing home residents put rates nearly back where they were in May. The numbers are not surprising, industry observers say.
Despite PPE, healthcare workers face greater risk of positive COVID-19 test
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Frontline providers with access to “adequate” personal protective equipment are three times more likely to test positive for the coronavirus than the general public. The rate rises to fivefold among...
New definition of “pain” considers the elderly
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 17, 2020
For the first time in 40 years, a global authority has revised its clinical definition of pain, recognizing those who can’t describe their experience verbally.
CMS issues ‘long overdue’ visitation guidelines for nursing homes
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 25, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services excited the provider community and brought clarity to numerous aspects of restarting visits at nursing homes Wednesday.
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.