New prognostic tool supports end-of-life discussions for dementia patients, families: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 03, 2022
A prognostic tool that estimates mortality risk may help clinicians to guide discussions about treatment decisions and advance care planning, investigators say.
Feds must ramp up efforts against antibiotic resistance: GAO
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 27, 2023
Federal health agencies must urgently tackle key measures of a plan to curb the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant organisms, according to new testimony released by the Government Accountability Office...
Diagnostic stewardship may reduce unnecessary antibiotics use, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 26, 2022
Diagnostic stewardship — making sure patients receive the right tests at the right time — appears to work even better than antibiotic stewardship to halt unnecessary treatment for asymptomatic UTIs,...
CMS still determining what COVID waivers to keep, drop after PHE ends
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 20, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is in the process of deciding what COVID-19 regulatory waivers will remain permanent or be retired following the end of the public health emergency.
COVID-19 a bigger threat to seniors than pneumonia, real-world study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 09, 2023
COVID-19 is much more deadly than bacterial or viral pneumonia, causing double the mortality rate in older, hospitalized adults, investigators say.
Clinical briefs for Monday, Dec. 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 12, 2022
With repeal of Pentagon’s vaccine mandate, will CMS mandate remain a sure thing? … Hospital beds are 80% full nationwide, only 6% due to COVID … AHCA urges nursing homes to get involved in ’game-changing’...
Genetic risk of teeth and gum problems tied to declining brain health
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 06, 2023
A study of brain MRIs found 43% higher microstructural damage scores in adults who are genetically prone to poor oral health.
Study pinpoints mortality risk after major surgery for frail seniors with dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 29, 2022
Among frail seniors who had major surgery, 28% died in the following year. Mortality was even higher in those with dementia. The results may aid clinicians in counseling patients and their families about...
Head injury doubles 30-year mortality risk, deaths tied to neuro diseases: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 24, 2023
The more severe the injury, the greater the risk, investigators report. Many of these eventual deaths are linked to neurological conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Aggressive end-of-life cancer care remains common in nursing homes: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 22, 2023
Cancer patients in nursing homes receive more aggressive end-of-life care than their community-dwelling peers, despite a push to reduce treatments that compromise quality of life, investigators say.