Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) take the lives of more than 100,000 Americans per year.  A new study suggests hospital beds fabricated with copper in intensive care units (ICU) can reduce the risk of infection of critically ill hospitalized patients. Among the many contaminated surfaces in a hospital setting, beds are the worst.  Of hospital beds, Dr. … Continued

Unsecure digital networks are putting patient health at risk as healthcare facilities continue to attract ransomware and other cyber attacks. Electronic health records (EHRs) are here to stay.  Among the advantages of EHRs are the ability to store, share, and track medical data of patients that can help physicians provide better, more consistent care.  A … Continued

A new study suggests fetal exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life. Too little information is available on medications and safe dosages for pregnant women and their babies.  At present, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, like ibuprofen, … Continued

New research confirms the best practice use of the SPIKES method for conveying important diagnostic information to parents of children with cerebral palsy. SPIKES is an acronym for a communication method widely accepted by healthcare professionals for use in providing upsetting news to patients, caregivers—and parents.  A recent study published in Science Direct from the … Continued

Physician error in the surgical suite is particularly dangerous.  A recently published study found that more than half the adverse events reviewed during the study were caused by human error. Adverse and never events are terms used to describe medical errors and encounters that cause patient injury or death.  They are a collection of medical … Continued

A jury awarded a Maryland man $8 billion from pharmaceutical and device manufacturer Johnson & Johnson after he suffered medication side effects that the company did not mention to prescribing physicians. Risperdal is an anti-psychotic drug prescribed by physicians for patients suffering schizophrenia, mania, and some dementia disorders.  It is also prescribed for disorders on … Continued

Research suggests new dangers from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for patients at risk of contracting infective endocarditis. Many people understand the warning signs and danger of a heart attack.  But a lot of patients do not understand other forms of heart disease, such as infections of the heart muscle and its valves and tissues. There are … Continued

Will machines beat mankind in evaluating the illness and disease states that afflict the human body?  A new research effort says the jury is still out. Artificial intelligence (AI), or deep learning, is much-hyped, and for good reason.  Technology and AI are swiftly changing and challenging the way we live. Algorithms are used to hire … Continued