CDC: Turn to Paxlovid to treat COVID-19, not steroids or antibiotics
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 26, 2022
The agency is urging clinicians to consider the now readily available, recommended therapies such as Paxlovid as first-line COVID-19 treatments.
COVID-19 again the third leading cause of death, while elderly deaths decrease
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 25, 2022
U.S. mortality from COVID-19 increased overall in 2021, but there has been a decline in deaths among the elderly and other shifts in who is severely affected by the disease, the CDC reports.
NSAIDs halt effect of osteoporosis drug, raising questions about fracture risk, analysts say
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 21, 2022
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to negate the effect of at least one osteoporosis drug, according to an unexpected finding.
Staff concerns a sign that restraints may be overused, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 21, 2022
Residents are more likely to be restrained in nursing homes where staff members report inappropriate use of these tools, a new study finds.
U.S. lifespan on the rise while cardiovascular issues decline, long-term study finds
Apr 20, 2022
Better healthcare access and preventive measures have contributed to continued improvements in life expectancy and cardiovascular outcomes since the 1960s, investigators say.
SNF physicians’ unique skill set requires more definition and support, industry docs say
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 15, 2022
Insights into these doctors’ contributions and constraints are highlighted in interviews with medical directors and attending physicians.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, April 14
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 14, 2022
U.S. renews public health emergency for at least 3 months … Pfizer says it could have COVID-19 shot that targets multiple variants ready by fall … LeadingAge’s new public service campaign promotes...
Pandemic bump in antipsychotics use raises questions about long-term care outcomes
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 12, 2022
The findings raise questions about the short- and long-term effects on the quality of care and health outcomes for residents, the authors say.
Lawmakers push FDA to take swift action on OTC hearing aids
By
Diane Eastabrook
Apr 12, 2022
A bipartisan team has introduced a bill that orders the FDA to stop dragging its feet and issue a final rule making over-the-counter hearing aids available to consumers.
LTC docs push for more training, competency requirements for medical directors
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 11, 2022
It’s time for Congress and CMS to take action and raise the profile and competencies of industry clinicians — especially medical directors, according to long-term care physician advocate AMDA.