Opinion Article

Enhancing Patient Safety in Surgery | Opinion Article

July 9, 2011

The “Universal Protocol” was designed to increase patient safety in the operating room (OR) by ensuring that the correct patient receives the correct procedure at the correct surgical site. The protocol involves a pre-procedural verification process, surgical site marking, and a preoperative “time-out” immediately prior to starting the procedure.…

Improving Care for Falls & Urinary Incontinence | Opinion Article

July 5, 2011

The number of Americans aged 65 and older is rapidly increasing, and these individuals have a disproportionately greater amount of healthcare requirements, office visits, and hospitalizations than their younger counterparts.

Incretin Therapies in Diabetes Care | Opinion Article

June 28, 2011

Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. According to the most recent CDC estimates, the disease affects approximately 25.8 million Americans, representing 8.3% of the total population. …

Strategies to Manage Traction-Table Complications | Opinion Article

June 8, 2011

Traction tables are used in different types of procedures for the hip and femur, including fracture fixation, hip arthroscopy, and less-invasive arthroplasty. Although there is a relatively low incidence of traction table-related complications, usage is not without risks. …

Reducing Cardiovascular Medication Errors | Opinion Article

June 1, 2011

Cardiovascular medications are one of the most common drug classes associated with medication errors. A new AHA scientific statement outlines 8 recommendations to help reduce medication errors among hospitalized heart and stroke patients.

Choosing the Right EHR System | Opinion Article

May 24, 2011

There are many challenges that keep physicians awake at night, and one of the most current is tackling the emerging world of electronic health records (EHRs). Financial incentives coupled with the rapid acceptance of communication technology have made this conversion essential.

Improving Boomeratric Care Services | Opinion Article

May 17, 2011

The population of baby boomers and geriatric adults—the “boomeratric”™ generation—is continuing to increase in the United States. Implementing initiatives such as a geriatric fracture care program can lead to significant healthcare cost savings and reductions in future hospitalizations while streamlining the continuum of care.

Reviewing DBS for Parkinson’s Disease | Opinion Article

May 10, 2011

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with Parkinson’s disease has been shown to improve levodopa-responsive symptoms, dyskinesia, and tremor. A consensus review of key issues was designed to assist patients and physicians who are considering DBS.

Reducing the Burden of Peripheral Arterial Disease | Opinion Article

May 2, 2011

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have high rates of hospitalization, and the first admission for a procedure does not appear to be a permanent resolution of the underlying condition. A new study assesses hospitalization rates and costs in patients with PAD.

Updated Guidelines for Secondary Stroke Prevention | Opinion Article

April 26, 2011

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) released updated guidelines to prevent subsequent stroke in survivors of ischemic strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). They include new recommendations for treating metabolic syndrome, stenting of the carotid artery, and atrial fibrillation, among other updates.

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