FDA Reviewers Have Concerns About Artificial Womb Trials in Humans
FDA staff raised concerns that need to be addressed prior to potential human tests of artificial womb technology (AWT), a device that simulates a womb for extremely premature infants, as detailed in briefing documents released ahead of a Pediatric Advisory Committee meeting next week. AWT devices are intended to treat extremely premature infants, who have […]
FDA Reviewers Raise Multiple Issues on OTC Birth Control Pill
FDA staff raised concerns over the prospect of a contraceptive pill for over the counter (OTC) use, and questioned whether sufficient evidence exists that consumers would take the pill appropriately, according to briefing documents released ahead of a 2-day advisory committee meeting. At a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, […]
Salary Bump at Mass General Brigham No Deterrent for Residents Looking to Unionize
House staff may be primed for a salary increase at Mass General Brigham in Boston, but they’re still proceeding with efforts to unionize nonetheless. Just last month, Mass General Brigham announced compensation and benefits adjustments to include a 10% salary increase for all residents and clinical fellows, as well as an increased annual stipend of […]
Opinion | Death Literacy Among Healthcare Professionals Is Dismal
During a recent meeting with our hospice team, several staff members raised concerns about the limited understanding of the signs of dying and appropriate interventions to care for patients at the end of life. This is a particular challenge in the facilities where our patients reside — nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In another […]
Proposed User Instructions for OTC Narcan Has FDA Concerned
Ahead of an advisory committee meeting, FDA staff highlighted ongoing concerns about labeling for what could possibly be the first naloxone (Narcan) product approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use, labeling it “essential” in the emergency setting of an overdose. At a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee and Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory […]
Patient Accused of HIPAA Violation, Threatened With Jail for TikTok Posts
A confrontation between hospital staff and a patient over wait times and patient rights was documented in a series of viral TikTok videos, according to a local news report. Denise Bradley, a patient at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, was confronted by hospital security and a nurse after she was found to be recording an […]
Implicit Bias Training Betters Psychiatric Care at One Seattle Hospital
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Staff training in implicit bias curbed racial disparities in the use of mechanical restraints at one Seattle hospital, a researcher reported. From 2015-2017, about 13% of ethnic minority patients were restrained in the psychiatric units at Harborview Medical Center versus just over 8% of white patients, explained Timothy Meeks, MN, RN, […]
Here’s How to Avoid a COVID-19 Vaccine Mix-Up
Recognizing the potential for vaccine administration errors with look-alike vials, CDC staff shared best practices for giving the right vaccine to the right person at the right dose, during a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar earlier this week. The most concerning possible vaccination error would be that a child might receive a higher […]
Urinary Incontinence a Significant Burden in Long-Term Care Facilities
The burden of urinary incontinence (UI) related to overactive bladder on long-term care residents and staff is considerable, according to results of a survey of nursing directors. Among 71 nursing directors at long-term care facilities, 59% said that managing UI contributes to certified nursing assistant (CNA) turnover, reported Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, of Thomas Jefferson […]
More Workers, Better Data Needed, Frontline Health Workers Tell House Members
WASHINGTON — More doctors and nurses on staff and in the pipeline are needed to help alleviate workforce shortages that have existed in healthcare for years and got much worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, witnesses said at a House hearing Wednesday. “Only a few weeks ago, a nurse in charge of my emergency department told […]