Vaccination of health care workers to protect patients at increased risk for acute respiratory disease

Health care workers (HCWs) may transmit respiratory infection to patients. We assessed evidence for the effectiveness of vaccinating HCWs to provide indirect protection for patients at risk for severe or complicated disease after acute respiratory infection. We searched electronic health care databases and sources of gray literature by using a predefined strategy. Risk for bias was assessed by using validated tools, and results were synthesized by using a narrative approach. Seventeen of the 12,352 identified citations met the full inclusion criteria, and 3 additional articles were identified from reference or citation tracking. All considered influenza vaccination of HCWs, and most were conducted in long-term residential care settings. Consistency in the direction of effect was observed across several different outcome measures, suggesting a likely protective effect for patients in residential care settings. However, evidence was insufficient for us to confidently extrapolate this to other at-risk patient groups.     

Exploring the role of peer density in the self-reported oral health outcomes of older adults: a kernel density based approach

Previous research has documented that oral health is inextricably linked with overall health and is an important component of successful aging. Additionally, peer social interactions are known to improve older adults' general well-being by increasing social opportunities and knowledge of local resources. This study examines the relationship between peer density of participants aged 50 and older in the ElderSmile program and self-reported oral health in northern Manhattan. Results from logistic regression models found that higher peer kernel density estimation values are associated with better self-reported oral health. This reinforces the need for place-based health interventions, and provides new evidence of the importance of peer communities for older adults.     

Leverage technology to improve your revenue cycle

Evaluating technology and implementing it effectively can produce major results to your bottom line. These technologies increase automation, which reduces errors and thus increases the clean claim percentage. New technology can enable the medical practice to reduce staff costs through increased productivity. Adding technology can offer medical practices new ways to run their business. Continue to learn about new technologies and the vendors and companies that offer them. Leverage technology in ways to get more money to the bottom line!     

Venous access in oncology and haematology patients: part one

Reliable and sustained venous access is imperative for the successful treatment of patients with malignant disease. Its institution is achieved by the proactive assessment of patients' venous access needs. Assessment tools may facilitate this process. This article presents a review of the literature on the three factors fundamental to assessment of patients' venous access needs: patient characteristics, treatment characteristics and available devices. This literature review contributed to the development of two venous access assessment tools that can be used by nurses: the adult Venous Assessment Tool (VAT) and the algorithm Deciding on IntraVenous Access (DIVA). They are presented in part two of this article, which will be published next week.