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Intubation Deemed One of Four Risk Factors for MRSA

Researchers found intubation, existence of open wound, treatment with antibiotics and steroid administration to be risk factors for healthcare-acquired MRSA infection in hospital ICUs, according to a study published in BMC Infectious Diseases.

B. Braun Extends Supply Agreement With NxStage Medical

B. Braun Medical and NxStage Medical have extended their supply agreement where Medisystems supplies B. Braun with its Streamline blood tubing set for the B. Braun Dialog and Dialog+ hemodialysis systems, Medisystems MasterGuard and Buttonhole needles, according to a company…

Covidien Recalls Duet Stapling System After Injuries, Deaths

Covidien voluntarily recalled eight models of its Duet TRS single-use heads for thoracic surgery after receiving reports of 13 serious injuries and three deaths following use, according to a news release.

FDA Misses Deadline in Conflict with Medical Device Makers Over Approval Process

The FDA missed a deadline to submit a new agreement on user fees for medical device makers in order to speed up product reviews, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek report.

Amerinet Launches Web-Based Value-Based Purchasing Tool

Amerinet, a national healthcare solutions organization, has announced the launch of a new web-based value-based purchasing tool, according to an Amerinet news release.

AHRQ Clearinghouse Releases 5 Methods for Improving Health Literacy

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Guideline Clearinghouse has offered five ways physicians can improve patients' health literacy, including standardization of verbal and written discharge.

Half of $12M Award to Go to Patient Who Suffered Medication Error in 1998

A patient has been awarded $12.6 million after suffering a medication error in 1998, although that amount is expected to be halved after the patient's mother was also found partially liable for the patient's outcomes, according to a Sun Sentinel…

PCORI to Announce Finalists for Pilot Projects Grants Program in March

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has received 856 applications for its Pilot Projects Grants Program and will select projects for funding in late March.

AHRQ Updates Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis, Management of UTI in Children

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Guideline Clearinghouse has updated clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of initial urinary tract infection in febrile infants and children aged 2-24 months.

Will You or Your Group Participate in an ACO Arrangement in the Future? 5 Pain Management Physician Responses

Five pain management physicians discuss whether an accountable care organization arrangement might be in their future.