Recently in Health Care Workers Category

Source: Stuart H. Cohen, Dale N. Gerding, Stuart Johnson, Ciaran P. Kelly, Vivian G. Loo, L. Clifford McDonald, Jacques Pepin, Mark H. Wilcox, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 31, Number 5, May 2010
(subscription required)

From the abstract:
Since publication of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America position paper on Clostridium difficile infection in 1995, significant changes have occurred in the epidemiology and treatment of this infection. C. difficile remains the most important cause of healthcare‐associated diarrhea and is increasingly important as a community pathogen. A more virulent strain of C. difficile has been identified and has been responsible for more‐severe cases of disease worldwide. Data reporting the decreased effectiveness of metronidazole in the treatment of severe disease have been published. Despite the increasing quantity of data available, areas of controversy still exist. This guideline updates recommendations regarding epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and infection control and environmental management.

Source: Megan M. Krischke, AMN Healthcare, March 24, 2010

"Healthcare workers are exposed to a broad spectrum of risk: chemical, physical, work organization, violence and stress," stated Bruce Bernard, M.D., MPH, chief medical officer for the health hazards program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Additionally, as the population as a whole ages, healthcare workers are also older than they used to be. Ten years ago the average age of a nurse was 41, now it is more like 49 to 50. So workplace risks are heightened by the risks that come with aging."

Research indicates that the healthcare industry is surpassed by only one other sector for the risk of illness and injury to its workers.

According to the 2009 State of the Sector report put out by the CDC, "In 2005, there were 668,000 episodes of nonfatal occupational illness and injury in the [healthcare and social assistance] sector. In 2005, the combined number of injury and illness cases involving days away from work for nursing aides, orderlies and attendants, and registered nurses accounted for over 30 percent of all occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work."

Source: Pat Muccigrosso, AMN Healthcare, March 24, 2010

How many patients per nurse is the right number to ensure patient safety? Or is it more than just a numbers game?

These questions have been a topic of debate for years; in recent years, they've become the object of legislation. California led the way in 2004, when it enacted a law mandating nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. To date, a total of 13 states have introduced legislation to address nurse staffing, and 25 states are considering additional laws.

Source: Jeanne Geiger-Brown, Alison M. Trinkoff, Journal of Nursing Administration, Vol. 40 no. 3, March 2010
(subscription required)

From the abstract:
Shift durations of 12 hours or more are now ubiquitous in hospitals, with currently working staff nurses reporting satisfaction with this shift length, although others who prefer shorter work hours have generally left hospital nursing. Nurse administrators are beginning to question the wisdom of having nurses work extended hours. In part 1 of this 2-part series, the authors provide an update on recent findings that challenge the current scheduling paradigm that supports unsafe long work hours. Part 2 discusses obstacles that nurse administrators face when they "buck the 12-hour trend" and offers guidance for introducing work schedule changes

Source: John Commins, HealthLeaders Media, March 9, 2010

A new study (subscription required) found that patients admitted to full or near-full hospitals increased their risk of dying by 5.6%.

University of Michigan Health System researchers evaluated four factors that can affect hospital deaths: occupancy, nurse staffing levels, weekend admissions, and seasonal flu.

Source: Denise A. Tyler, Hye-Young Jung, Zhanlian Feng, Vincent Mor, The Gerontologist, published online: February 25, 2010
(subscription required)

From the abstract:
This report shows that the prevalence of CNA training programs within the nursing home setting dropped from 1997 to 2007. Consequently, aspiring CNAs are increasingly forced to seek outside training. The report describes two main problems with this scenario. First, it creates a disincentive to join the direct-care field, since CNAs must pay a larger share of their own training costs. Second, outside training programs are harder to monitor than training provided within nursing homes.

Source: Gifty Kwakye, Peter J. Pronovost, Martin A. Makary, Academic Medicine, Volume 85 Issue 3, March 2010

From the abstract:
Health care is one of the largest contributors to waste production in the United States. Given increased awareness of the environmental and financial costs associated with waste disposal and its public health impact, many hospitals are adopting environmentally friendly practices that reduce waste production and offer equally effective, yet less expensive alternatives. Reprocessing of medical equipment is one such practice that has gained popularity in recent years and has led to major cost savings across several medical disciplines. In this commentary, we seek to take a closer look at the practice of reprocessing, explore the evidence surrounding its safety, and suggest implications of reprocessing for medical centers.

Source: Susan Kreimer, AMN Healthcare, March 3, 2010

Verbal and physical abuse continues to escalate in the whirlwind of healthcare change, compelling some nurses to question their calling.

A new survey found that the abuse nurses confront on the job often goes unreported.

Source: National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, Policy Brief, February 2010

Since the beginning of the economic recession, safety net health systems have treated more patients overall, including 23 percent more uninsured patients. These health systems have also
provided 10 percent more uncompensated care to low-income populations.This research brief explores how safety net organizations remain critical to the nation's health care system.

Source: Victoria Stagg Elliott, American Medical Association, February 22, 2010

Experts say nurses are leading a trend toward more organized labor in the medical setting -- mostly in hospitals

The number of medical personnel covered by some form of collective bargaining agreement or registered as union members is edging up, according to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This is partly because the health care sector now employs many more people than do traditionally unionized industries such as manufacturing. But the trend also marks a backlash against some of the belt-tightening by hospitals in response to the recent economic downturn, experts said. Uncertainty around health system reform is also playing a role.