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Malpractice Reform Does Not Change Physician Practice Patterns
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: Do malpractice reform policies shift physician practice patterns toward lower utilization of healthcare resources? Background: Physician-reported fears of lawsuits lead to defensive medicine practices, which contribute to high healthcare costs.
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Updated Guidelines for Management of Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: What is the recommended approach for management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS)? Background: This is the first comprehensive update from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) on NSTE-ACS since 2007 and follows a focused u
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New Guidelines for Platelet Transfusions in Adults
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: What is the recommended approach to platelet transfusion in several common clinical scenarios? Background: The AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) developed these guidelines from a recent systematic review on platelet transfusion. Synopsis: One strong recomme
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Shorter Treatment for Vertebral Osteomyelitis May Be as Effective as Longer Treatment
March 3, 2015
Clinical question: Is a six-week regimen of antibiotics as effective as a 12-week regimen in the treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis? Background: The optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis is unknown.
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Impact of Peri-Operative Beta Blockers on Cardiovascular Morbidity, Mortality
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: What is the impact of peri-operative beta blockers on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia? Background: Studies evaluating the effects of peri-operative beta blockers on cardiovascular outcomes have yielded conflicting r
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Resident Handoff Program Associated with Improved Inpatient Outcomes
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Does the implementation of a handoff program lead to improved patient safety? Background: Communication failure at the time of handoff of patient care from one resident to another is a significant cause of medical errors.
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Automated Early Warning, Response System Could Improve Sepsis Outcomes
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Does implementation of an electronic sepsis detection and response system improve patient outcomes? Background: It is known that interventions such as goal-directed resuscitation and antibiotics can reduce sepsis mortality, but their effectiveness depends on early administratio
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Intermittent, Continuous Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapies Are Comparable
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Is intermittent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy comparable to the current standard of continuous PPI infusion for high risk bleeding ulcers? Background: Current guidelines recommend an intravenous bolus dose of a PPI followed by continuous PPI infusion for three days after
News
VTE Treatment Strategies Don’t Differ in Efficacy, Safety
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: Are there differences in efficacy and safety between the treatment strategies for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE)? Background: There are a number of treatment strategies available for acute VTE.
News
Antimicrobial Prescribing Common in Inpatient Setting
February 2, 2015
Clinical question: What is the daily prevalence of antimicrobial use in acute-care hospitals? Background: Inappropriate antimicrobial use is associated with adverse events and contributes to the emergence of resistant pathogens. Strategies need to be implemented to reduce inappropriate use.