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In a previous multicenter controlled clinical trial, we randomly assigned surfactant- treated premature newborns with moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome to early treatment with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) or to conventional ventilation (CV). Compared with control infants who were treated with CV, neonates who were treated with HFOV using a strategy designed to recruit and maintain lung volume and minimize oxygen exposure had clinical evidence of improved pulmonary outcome and less lung injury. We report a follow-up study designed to determine whether clinical differences persisted between these study groups.

When times are tough and cost reductions are the order of the day, C-suite leaders often look for solutions that will bring immediate results. To achieve lasting results, hospitals must both dig deeper into the supply chain and reach out to other areas to maximize savings. Given today’s cost pressures, organizations need to better understand how their supplies are being used in individual service areas and their potential for improved efficiencies.

Previous studies have demonstrated higher infection rates following orthopaedic procedures on the foot and ankle as compared with procedures involving other areas of the body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different surgical skin-preparation solutions in eliminating potential bacterial pathogens from the foot.

According to JCAHO, "Before dispensing, removal from floor stock or removal from an automated storage and distribution device, a pharmacist reviews all prescription or medication orders unless a licensed independent practitioner controls the ordering, preparation and administration of the medication, or in urgent situations when the resulting delay would harm the patient, including situations in which the patient experiences a sudden change in clinical." Hear from OHSU and learn more about their process and procedures to maintain well less than 2% use of overrides and compliance with this issue.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects roughly 18 million Americans. Approximately 20% of all surgical patients suffer from OSA, with many more still undiagnosed. OSA, a syndrome involving episodic or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep that has been linked with obesity in men and women, has become a concern to hospitals in recent years, particularly for patients using patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) therapy. Recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures around PCA therapy, the Alaris System was the preferred choice for Main Line Health.

Learn how St. Rita's is taking supply chain optimization to the next level.

The management of recurrent, symptomatic malignant ascites can be problematic for physicians and patients. The most common, low‐risk method is large‐volume paracentesis. Patient disease progression often leads to rapid reaccumulation of ascites, which requires frequent return visits to the hospital for symptom management. Other techniques have been developed to achieve palliation of symptoms, including tunneled external drainage catheters, peritoneal ports, and peritoneovenous shunts.

Rosenberg SM.
Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2006 Mar;35(1):189‐99, xi.

The PleurX subcutaneous tunneled catheter is approved for repeated, long-term drainage of malignant pleural effusions; however, there is limited literature describing its use in malignant ascites. The authors compared the safety and efficacy of two percutaneous drainage methods: large volume paracentesis and PleurX catheter placement over a 41-month period. The PleurX catheter provided effective palliation with a complication rate similar to that for large volume paracentesis, while preventing the need for frequent trips to the hospital for repeated percutaneous drainage.

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2004 Oct;15(10):1129-31
Rosenberg S, Courtney A, Nemcek AA Jr, Omary RA.

Previous studies have shown that a chronic indwelling pleural catheter (PC) safely and effectively relieved dyspnea, maintained quality of life, and reduced hospitalization in patients with malignant pleural effusions. Outpatient management of malignant pleural effusion with a PC may reduce length of stay and early (7-day) charges compared with inpatient management with chest tube and sclerosis.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Feb; 69(2): 369-75. Putnam JB Jr, Walsh GL, Swisher SG, Roth JA, Suell DM, Vaporciyan AA, Smythe WR, Merriman KW, DeFord LL.

The Joint Commission has recently published Sentinel Event Alert (SEA) 49 titled "Safe Use of Opioids in Hospitals.” While not specifically mandating monitoring of patients receiving opioids, the alert discusses the value of monitoring and recommends if monitoring is used, it should be continuous

This webinar provides an overview of the SEA and recommendations from other organizations. Hospitals that use continuous monitoring for patients receiving opioid therapy with a focus on preventing respiratory depression will share their experiences.

This program is approved for 1.5 hours of pharmacy, nursing and respiratory therapy credit.

Complete the evaluation for CE credit.