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 must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
Dementia risk rises with younger age of type 2 diabetes onset: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 30, 2021
The odds of dementia in later life are greater the younger an adult is when diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, investigators say. But prediabetes and late-life diabetes diagnoses are not linked to subsequent...
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...
Surgery may accelerate Alzheimer’s in at-risk patients, scientists contend
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 22, 2021
Memory test scores were significantly worse nine months after surgery in study participants who had markers of Alzheimer’s brain plaques, but no sign of dementia before surgery.
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.
Delirium present in 60 percent of residents’ acute illnesses, but tricky to diagnose: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 15, 2021
Delirium may accompany 60% of the acute illnesses and adverse health events that occur commonly among residents, investigators say. Along with infections, regular use of benzodiazepines was linked to the...
Evusheld doses go unused, despite demand in vulnerable patients
Mar 08, 2022
Fully 80% of the drug’s supply is languishing on shelves while physicians remain uninformed or uncertain about the drug and its guidance, a new report finds.
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...
More states order tests for nursing homes, but availability doubts remain
By
Alicia Lasek
May 18, 2020
Doubts remain about COVID-19 test availability, cost and protocol. And some providers say they’ll need support to meet new testing expectations.