News
Caprini Risk Assessment Tool Can Distinguish High Risk of VTE in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Is the Caprini Risk Assessment Model for VTE risk valid in critically ill surgical patients? Background: Critically ill surgical patients are at increased risk of developing VTE. Chemoprophylaxis decreases VTE risk, but benefits must be balanced against bleeding risk.
News
Adherence to Restrictive Red Blood Cell Transfusion Guidelines Improved with Peer Feedback
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Can a multifaceted approach involving clinician education, peer email feedback, and monthly audit data improve adherence to restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion guidelines? Background: Randomized controlled trials and professional society guidelines support adoption of
News
Corticosteroids Improve Outcomes in Community- Acquired Pneumonia
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Are adjunctive corticosteroids beneficial for patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)? Background: Numerous studies have tried to determine whether or not adjunctive corticosteroids for CAP treatment in hospitalized patients improve outcomes.
News
Standard Triple Therapy for H. Pylori Lowest Ranked among 14 Treatment Regimens
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: How do current Helicobacter pylori treatments compare in efficacy and tolerance? Background: Efficacy of standard “triple therapy” for H.
News
Social Isolation, Polypharmacy Predict Medication Noncompliance Post-Discharge in Cardiac Patients
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: What are predictors of primary medication nonadherence after discharge? Background: Primary nonadherence occurs when a patient receives a prescription at hospital discharge but does not fill it.
News
Inpatient Navigators Reduce Length of Stay without Increasing Readmissions
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: Does a patient navigator (PN) who facilitates communication between patients and providers impact hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmissions? Background: Increasing complexity of hospitalization challenges the safety of care transitions.
News
Dexamethasone Potential Therapy for Asthma Exacerbations in Pediatric Inpatients
December 1, 2015
Clinical question: In children hospitalized in a non-ICU setting with asthma exacerbation, how effective is dexamethasone compared to prednisone/prednisolone? Background: Asthma is the second most common reason for hospital admission in childhood.1 National guidelines recommend treatment with sys
News
Differences in Care, Outcomes for In-Hospital Versus Community-Onset Stroke
November 4, 2015
Clinical question: Are there any differences in care and outcomes for in-hospital versus community-onset stroke? Background: In-hospital stroke accounts for 4%-17% of all strokes. Hospitalists and other non-neurological services have to identify and treat subsequent stroke in their patients.
News
Oral Steroids Not Inferior to Intravenous Steroids in Multiple Sclerosis Relapses
November 4, 2015
Clinical question: Is there any difference between oral and intravenous methylprednisolone for multiple sclerosis relapses? Background: When relapses of multiple sclerosis occur, studies have shown that intravenous steroids are the treatment of choice.
News
Clinical Care Pathway for Cellulitis Can Help Reduce Antibiotic Use, Cost
November 4, 2015
Clinical question: How would an evidence-based clinical pathway for cellulitis affect process metrics, patient outcomes, and clinical cost? Background: Cellulitis is a common hospital problem, but its evaluation and treatment vary widely.