Industry News
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. [ + ]
ICU sepsis rates underestimated
New research has found that the incidence and mortality rates of sepsis in Australian ICUs are significantly underestimated. [ + ]
Muscular dystrophy — dogs take the lead
CRISPR gene editing restored muscle function in dogs with DMD to near-normal levels in the heart, diaphragm and other muscles; a cure for kids is close. [ + ]
Stroke doubles dementia risk
Having a stroke not only increases the risk of dementia by over 50% but also increases the risk for those with a history of stroke by 70%. [ + ]
Moving ultrasound pictures capture babies' first breaths
The images represent a breakthrough in understanding how human lungs transition from the womb to the first breaths at birth. [ + ]
Nurses: put your health 1st
A new Australian College of Nurses program encourages nurses to remember to look after their own health and wellbeing. [ + ]
