Industry News
New blood clot standard designed to prevent deaths
Thousands of Australians die annually from largely preventable blood clots; a new standard seeks to reduce this risk for patients. [ + ]
AI predicts Alzheimer's
Canadian scientists have created an artificial intelligence algorithm that can accurately predict Alzheimer's within the next five years. [ + ]
Why do women get more migraines?
Estrogen and other sex hormones may be responsible for the higher prevalence of migraine in women. [ + ]
One-third unplanned pregnancies aborted
New Australian research finds that almost one-third of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion. [ + ]
1 in 2 women will develop dementia/parkinsonism/stroke
A Dutch study estimates that without prevention strategies, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will be diagnosed with dementia/parkinsonism/stroke. [ + ]
Hospital privacy curtains breed bacteria
A new study finds privacy curtains in patient rooms riddled with resistant bacteria, suggesting they should be changed or laundered regularly. [ + ]
Low-dose antidepressants ease back pain
A low dose of antidepressants has been shown to help treat back pain in those for whom narcotics are the remaining option. [ + ]
Food contamination — managing the incident
Strawberries and other fresh fruit have been deliberately contaminated; does your facility's foodservice have an incident management plan? [ + ]
Improve lifestyle or risk 45,000 cases of bowel cancer
If Australians don't reduce their smoking, weight gain and excessive alcohol consumption, 45,000 cases of bowel cancer are likely over the next decade. [ + ]
Antipsychotics overprescribed in aged care
Research shows that more than 80% of aged-care residents with dementia receive psychotropics, even though only 20% might benefit from them. [ + ]
Reduce HAIs by up to 55%
Even in high-income countries and in institutions with standard-of-care infection prevention and control measures, improvements may still be possible. [ + ]
Common antibiotic destroys superbug
An adjusted antibiotic has successfully stopped superbugs Klebsiella and E. coli in their tracks, and could soon save 30,000 lives per annum. [ + ]
Over 70? Avoid unnecessary aspirin
A landmark Australian-led trial has found that doctors should not prescribe low-dose daily aspirin to the elderly unless there is a clear medical benefit. [ + ]
No colonoscopy unless the benefits outweigh the risks
A new national standard for colonoscopies will help millions of Australians, but advises against the complex procedure unless the benefits outweigh the risks. [ + ]
Health services sign 20-year strategic partnership agreements
The agreements will provide lifecycle management, financing, maintenance and performance optimisation for all major imaging solutions across nine hospitals. [ + ]
