Research scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a blood test to successfully detect a biomarker specific to Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in Brain Dec. 27. 

A recent study found using an automated texting program can reduce readmissions and emergency department visits by 41 percent.

A new study suggests there may be an underlying genetic cause for why some children develop a rare but serious inflammatory condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, after a COVID-19 infection. 

Charlottesville-based University of Virginia Health System researchers found commonly used antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can interact with inflammation in a mother's body, resulting in permanent brain changes in a fetus, Science Daily reported Dec. 20.

Early evidence suggests a cocktail of two existing medications could mitigate or eliminate brain fog among patients with long COVID-19, according to researchers at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

The Joint Commission is undergoing sweeping overhaul of its standards, eliminating 168 standards (14 percent) and revising another 14 standards. The organization is looking to make its accreditation programs as "efficient and impactful on patient safety, quality and equity as possible," according to Jonathan Perlin, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of The Joint Commission.

As flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 collide this winter, questions linger about the potential for people to contract multiple infections at once.

The Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control editorial team chose the following five patient safety issues for healthcare leaders to prioritize in 2023, presented below in no particular order, based on news, study findings and trends reported in the past year.

A new study led by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that estimates 370,000 patients may suffer serious harm as a result of misdiagnosis in U.S. emergency departments every year is being met with strong criticism from medical societies representing emergency physicians, The New York Times reported Dec. 15. 

A national patient safety effort that standardizes best practices across all U.S. hospitals is required to achieve and sustain meaningful improvements in patient care, five patient safety experts said in a NEJM Catalyst article published Dec. 12.  

A recent study found two new methods of delivering defibrillation improved survivability and neurologic outcomes.

A recent study found that delaying surgery after a COVID-19 infection reduced the risk of major postoperative heart events.

A corrections officer fatally shot an inmate at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital on Dec. 12 after he allegedly tried to escape from the emergency room, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The Joint Commission will hold a safety briefing with healthcare organizations at the start of every accreditation survey starting in 2023, the organization said Dec. 13.

HHS has published a request for information on how it can best support the advancement of patient and healthcare worker safety as part of a new national alliance. 

As hospitals continue to face pandemic-related challenges, it's no surprise that many of The Leapfrog Group's straight-"A" hospitals are doubling down on efforts to reduce and prevent healthcare-associated infections.

From long COVID-19 to vaccine efficacy to maternal outcomes, Becker's covered dozens of COVID-19-focused studies since the start of the year.

A study involving more than 12,000 COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong found the incidence of viral rebound was very low. 

The I-PASS Handoff Program, created to improve handoff miscommunications when providers change shifts, resulted in a 47 percent reduction in adverse events, a new study found.

UC Davis Health has adopted low-pressure surgery as a standard for all laparoscopic procedures performed at the Sacramento, Calif.-based health system.