June 8, 2022
The cost of hospitalists
The lead author of a recent study finding that hospitalists bill higher than primary care physicians when seeing Medicare inpatients says that productivity bonus pay is problematic for the health care system.
Trust your gut
Throughout history, medical researchers have taken some extreme steps to prove their theories.
Hospitalist information cards improved communication scores from patients
In a recent study, 87% of inpatients who received information cards from their hospitalists found them useful, with the most useful points being the hospitalist's or teams' contact information and schedule.
Pulse ox less accurate in non-White patients, affects COVID-19 treatment
One study compared measures of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and arterial blood in COVID-19 patients by race, finding that overestimates may delay treatment for Black patients. Another study found potential overuse of opioids and benzodiazepines at discharge from COVID-19 hospitalization.
Two risk scores most accurately predict outcomes after lower GI bleeding
The Oakland score performed best for predicting safe discharge, major bleeding, and transfusion, while the Strate score performed best for hemostasis, according to a recent review and meta-analysis that assessed four scores.
Six-month home MRSA decolonization protocol after hospital discharge appears effective
A secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial found reduced colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) overall and at multiple body sites in those assigned to decolonize with chlorhexidine and mupirocin.