Seven-month study supports benefits of COVID-19 antivirals in seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 15, 2022
With monoclonal antibodies no longer effective against newer strains of SARS-CoV-2, the findings support prescribing the antiviral pill Paxlovid to eligible patients, doctors say.
Antipsychotic reduction in LTC leads to drug substitutions, more delusions diagnoses
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 16, 2022
Antipsychotic reduction in long-term care facilities likely results in significant unintended fallout, new data from Canada show. The results mirror those of similar studies in the United States, with...
Medicare eligibility comes with increase in tooth loss, Harvard study reveals
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 10, 2023
When patients become eligible for Medicare coverage, restorative dental care immediately falls and tooth loss increases, a new study from Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found.
Peer messaging tool tackles workplace behavior, shows success in nurse study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 06, 2023
The CORS tool allows behavior to be anonymously reported and addressed by a trained peer, without involving nursing leadership or human resources unless necessary.
Omicron remains lethal in the older and unvaccinated, former CDC chief warns
Mar 23, 2022
The next wave of COVID-19 is on its way and unvaccinated elders are at risk of being hit hard, according to former CDC director Tom Frieden, M.D. “If we learn quickly and act quickly, we can outmaneuver...
Only 4 states have hit 75 percent LTC staff vaccination goal, new CMS data reveal
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2021
States that have achieved the industry’s June 30 goal are Hawaii, Vermont, Alaska and California, with staff member vaccination rates ranging from 83% to 75%. By contrast, the lowest-ranked state...
Town hall meetings reveal vaccine misinformation ‘widespread’ among SNF staff
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 29, 2021
“Outspoken” staff members from 50 skilled nursing facilities shared their vaccine concerns with investigators in a series of meetings this winter. The speed of vaccine development and infertility-...
FDA OKs new insulin biosimilar for type 2 diabetes
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 30, 2021
Semglee is a safe and more cost-effective alternative to the drug Lantus (insulin glargine), the agency announced Wednesday. Semglee does not need a prescriber’s input to be substituted at the pharmacy.
Hurricanes hastened the deaths of adults with dementia, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 08, 2023
People with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) had higher mortality rates in U.S. counties that had recently experienced a hurricane disaster, investigators report.
Monoclonal antibodies ‘unequivocally’ saved lives during pandemic, patient data show
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 14, 2023
For two years, monoclonal antibodies were approved, revoked and sometimes reauthorized or scarce, but pushing through these challenges “unequivocally saved lives and prevented hospitalizations,”...