Monthly Archives: July 2010

In this randomized trial of out of hospital cardiac arrest patients, those who were randomized to chest compressions with rescue breathing fared just as well as those without rescue breathing. Survival to hospital discharge and favorable neurologic outcome were not significantly different between the groups. Chest compressions without rescue breathing is as effective as chest […]

In this meta-analysis, patients who experienced delirium were almost twice as likely to die or be institutionalized within about 2 years, even after adjusting for confounders. Although delirium is temporary, it is important to discuss (with the patient or family) the implications of prognosis in those that experience it (abstract)

In this large survey of 1891 physicians, only 2/3 completely agreed that they should report colleagues who are impaired or incompetent, and 17% had direct personal knowledge of an incompetent or impaired colleague. We need to ensure that seamless processes are in place to report and act upon incompetent or impaired physicians (abstract).

In this large retrospective database analysis, researchers found that composite measure adherence to SCIP measures was associated with lower rates of postoperative infections, but not with the individual measures. This is consistent with “bundling” theory, whereby outcomes can be affected by a number of processes, which need to be combined to successfully improve the outcome […]

Public Policy Contributor Brad Flansbaum writes… I follow the literature on Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) because of its topical nature and its promise, as well as how it may fast track needed change in our healthcare delivery system.  I have written on this subject once before, and wish to return to it. A Google search […]

Early on, many social movements depend on a charismatic leader to focus attention, build a burning platform, and inspire people to action. You know when the movement has made it when it no longer needs such a leader for fuel. The safety and quality movements have picked up tremendous steam over the past decade, but […]