Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Infectious Disease for July 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Flu Vaccine Cuts Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly elderly patients, who receive the influenza vaccine have significantly lower morbidity and mortality, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Weak Recommendation to Screen for Bacteriuria in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-quality evidence supports screening for elevated bacteria levels in urine during the first trimester for non-symptomatic pregnant women, according to a clinical guideline published in the July 9 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.
Infective Endocarditis More Common with Valve Issues
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE) than the general population, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Increased Levels of Human Herpesvirus ID’d in Alzheimer’s
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Subjects with Alzheimer’s disease have increased levels of two strains of human herpesvirus, according to a study published online July 11 in Neuron.
No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccination, girls age 12 to 17 years do not have increased risk of autoimmune disorders, according to a study published recently in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.
FDA: Whey Powder Behind Recent Salmonella-Linked Recalls
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritz and Goldfish crackers, Swiss Rolls — they’ve all been tied to possible Salmonella contamination through a common ingredient, dry whey powder, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Canada Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis C Virus Infection
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A guideline published in the June 4 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
CDC: Salmonella-Tainted Melon Outbreak Appears to Be Over
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to melons and fruit salad mixes appears to be over, say officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FDA Outbreak Update
CDC Final Update
Guidance Provided for Reporting Foodborne Illness
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for health care professionals on reporting foodborne illnesses.
Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
WHO Targets for Chronic Hepatitis B Will Be Cost-Effective
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Meeting World Health Organization (WHO) targets for chronic hepatitis B by 2030 will be cost-effective, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Over
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is over, according to the World Health Organization.
One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Salmonella Spurs Recall of Swiss Rolls, Bread
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Salmonella contamination has led to the recall of rolls and bread made by Flowers Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
HPV Vaccine Eliminates Advanced Skin Cancer in 97-Year-Old
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could be a therapeutic option for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma when surgical management is not an option, according to a case report published online July 3 in JAMA Dermatology.
Infection Prevention Staffing Needs May Be Underestimated
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A comprehensive assessment of health care organization composition and structure is necessary before determining infection preventionist (IP) staffing needs, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Salmonella Spurs Recall of Ritz Crackers
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of Ritz Crackers products are being recalled due to possible Salmonella risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings
MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Few HIV Tests Given to Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in South
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few HIV tests in the southern United States are provided for black men who have sex with men (MSM) even though they account for a substantial percentage of new diagnoses, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published online July 12 in PLOS ONE.
Availability of Generic Antivirals for Hepatitis B Increasing
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Availability of generic antivirals for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Salmonella Outbreak in 26 States Linked to Raw Turkey Products
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 90 people in 26 states has been linked to a variety of raw turkey products, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Ten Questions Screen Helps ID Disability in HIV+ Children
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Ten Questions (TQ) screen is an effective way to screen HIV-positive children for neurodevelopmental problems in resource-poor areas, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS ONE.
Variations in Practice Patterns Seen in Patients Treated for COPD
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are significant variations in practice patterns and resource utilization in patients treated by teaching staff for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), compared to non-teaching staff, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open.
Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that’s sickened 21 people in five states has been linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Food Safety Alert
Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.
E. Coli Found in Water at Tennessee Ziplining Facility
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health officials say they found Escherichia coli in water at a ziplining facility in Tennessee that has been linked to an outbreak affecting at least 500 people.
FDA: Illnesses Tied to Fresh Crab Meat Imported From Venezuela
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 12 reported cases of people in the United States becoming sick after eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.
Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor/Pharmacist Relationship
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics.
Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Not Tied to Spontaneous Abortion
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) is not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion when inadvertently given before or during pregnancy, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
100 Now Sickened by Salmonella-Tainted Honey Smacks Cereal
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One hundred people across 33 states have now fallen ill with Salmonella after eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Press Release
Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics.
Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.
2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open.
Patient Experience Officers Can Play Key Role in Medical Offices
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient experience officer is an increasingly important new role in physician practices, according to an article recently published in Physicians Practice.
Drop in Childhood Pneumococcal, Hib Deaths From 2000 to 2015
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) deaths in children decreased between 2000 and 2015, following introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and Hib vaccine, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Global Health.
Polio-Rhinovirus Promising for Malignant Glioma Patients
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intratumoral infusion of recombinant nonpathogenic polio-rhinovirus chimera (PVSRIPO) can be delivered safely and is tied to higher survival rates than those of historical controls, according to a study published in the July 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
FDA Requires Safety Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened current warnings in the prescribing information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing significant decreases in blood glucose as well as mental health side effects.
Universal Screening Best Strategy for Hepatitis C in France
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Universal screening is the most effective strategy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in France, according to a study published online July 1 in the Journal of Hepatology.
International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.
Pelvic Exam in ER Doesn’t Help Predict STI for Young Females
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pelvic examination does not increase the sensitivity or specificity for diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas over taking a history alone for young female patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, according to a study published online July 2 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.
Public Health Vaccine Opposition Growing in the United States
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Public health vaccine opposition has been growing in recent years in the United States, and has resulted in measles outbreaks, according to a policy forum article published online June 12 in PLOS Medicine.
HCV-Infected Kidney Transplant More Efficient in HCV-Infected
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with end-stage renal disease, transplant of an HCV-infected kidney followed by treatment is more cost-effective than transplant of an HCV-uninfected kidney, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Drops Zika Testing for Blood Donors
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individual blood donations will no longer need to be tested for the Zika virus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
High Rates of Salmonella Contamination ID’d in Kratom
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Mucus Protects Airborne Flu Virus at All Humidities
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Influenza virus aerosols remain infectious at all humidity levels, according to a study published online June 7 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Patient Complaints Mainly About Rudeness, Rushing, Reproach
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding patients’ complaints about practice can be instructive for physicians, according to an article published June 6 in Physicians Practice.
Viruses ID’d As Most Common Cause of Meningitis in U.K. Adults
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Viruses are the most commonly identified cause of meningitis among U.K. adults, according to a study published online June 29 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Patients Comfortable With Doctors Having Tattoos, Piercings
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do not appear to mind if doctors have tattoos or piercings, according to a study published online July 2 in the Emergency Medicine Journal.
Vegetable Trays Tainted With Cyclospora Put Seven in Hospital
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Federal, state, and local health officials are investigating a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte 6 oz and 12 oz vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip that were sold at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and 28 oz vegetable trays that were distributed to Illinois and Indiana. The company has recalled the products.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Outbreak Report
HPV Cervical CA Screening Cuts Odds of Later CIN3+ Diagnosis
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The use of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing versus cytology results in reduced likelihood of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) at 48 months, according to a study published in the July 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Irrigation Water Likely Cause of Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tainted irrigation water is likely to blame for a 36-state Escherichia coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce that sickened 200 people and caused five deaths, U.S. health officials say.
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