News
Dabigatran Is Not Inferior to Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation
October 29, 2014
Clinical question: Is dabigatran, an oral thrombin inhibitor, an effective and safe alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation? Background: Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but requires frequent laboratory monitoring.
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Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Placement Decreases Heart Failure
October 29, 2014
Clinical question: Does cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing decrease cardiac events in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and wide QRS complex but only mild cardiac symptoms? Background: In patients with severely reduced EF, implantable cardioverter defibri
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Fluvastatin Improves Postoperative Cardiac Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery
October 29, 2014
Clinical question: Does perioperative fluvastatin decrease adverse cardiac events after vascular surgery? Background: Patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease who undergo vascular surgery are at high risk for postoperative cardiac events.
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Patients Overwhelmingly Prefer Inpatient Boarding to ED Boarding
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: When hallway boarding is required, do patients prefer inpatient units over the ED? Background: ED crowding is associated with patient dissatisfaction, ambulance diversion, delays in care, medical errors, and higher mortality rates.
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Surgical Readmission Rate Variation Dependent on Surgical Volume, Surgical Mortality Rates
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What factors determine rates of readmission after major surgery? Background: Reducing hospital readmission rates has become a national priority. The U.S.
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Higher Continuity of Care Results in Lower Rate of Preventable Hospitalizations
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Is continuity of care related to preventable hospitalizations among older adults? Background: Preventable hospitalizations cost approximately $25 billion annually in the U.S.
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Characteristics and Impact of Hospitalist-Staffed, Post-Discharge Clinic
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What effect does a hospitalist-staffed, post-discharge clinic have on time to first post-hospitalization visit? Background: Hospital discharge is a well-recognized care transition that can leave patients vulnerable to morbidity and re-hospitalization.
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Prednisolone, Pentoxifylline, and Survival of Patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Does the addition of pentoxifylline to prednisolone improve six-month mortality compared to prednisolone alone in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis? Background: Prednisolone improves liver function and reduces inflammation in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
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Turning for Ulcer Reduction: A Multi-Site Randomized Clinical Trial in Nursing Homes
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Is there a difference between repositioning intervals of two, three, or four hours in pressure ulcer formation in nursing home residents on high-density foam mattresses? Background: Pressure ulcer formation in nursing home residents is a common problem.
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Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What antibiotic-resistant bacteria are the greatest threats for the next 10 years? Background: Two million people suffer antibiotic-resistant infections yearly, and 23,000 die each year as a result.