Preventing Delirium in the ICU A study published in September 2018 in Anesthesiogy reveals findings reported by investigators who explored the impact of dexmedetomidine, the relatively selective, centrally acting alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonist currently used for sedation induction and maintenance, in preventing cognitive deficits in ICU patients. This research builds on previous work that demonstrated that even single anesthetic exposures can contribute to cognitive deficits. Read more.
Avoiding Admissions Among Nursing Home Residents A new study published in August 2018 in Innovation in Aging highlights findings reported by scientists examining the decision to transfer frail, older-adult nursing home residents to acute-care hospitals and the patients’ diagnoses at time of transfer to determine whether the admissions were potentially avoidable. The authors indicated that unnecessary transfers to a hospital can result in an overall negative impact on health after discharge from acute care. Read more.
Notifying Prescribers Following Fatal Opiate Overdoses
A new study published in August 2018 in the journal Science reveals findings by researchers who explored a novel approach to modifying the prescribing of opiates by informing the clinician of the overdose death, including the name, address, and age of the patient for whom an opiate was ordered. The strategy aims to influence clinician prescribing behavior to improve the safe use of opiates while also decreasing opioid overprescribing. Read more.
