In the News
Two-thirds of patients admitted for pneumonia received excess antibiotic therapy
Antibiotics prescribed at discharge accounted for 93.2% of excess days of therapy in the multihospital study, highlighting “an urgent and unmet need for discharge stewardship,” the authors wrote.
Guideline-directed care after TIA or nonsevere stroke associated with lower mortality risk
Patients who received brain imaging, carotid artery imaging, antihypertensive intensification, statins, antithrombotics, and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation after transient ischemic attack (TIA) or nonsevere ischemic stroke had lower risk of mortality.
Penalties for hospital-acquired conditions didn't lead to improvements in safety
A study found that large, teaching, and safety-net hospitals were more likely to be penalized by Medicare for their rates of hospital-acquired conditions, suggesting that the penalty program could be decreasing equity without improving quality, according to the study authors.
Sepsis improvement program widened disparities between white and black patients
An analysis of New York State's sepsis reporting initiative found overall improved rates of compliance with three-hour sepsis protocols, but significantly lower rates among hospitals that served more black patients.
July issue online and in the mail
This issue's main story looks at online ratings of physicians. A related Twitter chat will be held on Wed., July 31, at 4 p.m. ET.
Nominate a Top Hospitalist
To suggest a colleague to be profiled in our November issue, please fill out our form by July 31, 2019.
New Curbsiders podcast episode: Strategies for teaching in the hospital
Clinician-educator Jeff Wiese, MD, MACP, addresses strategies to help new attending physicians assess, monitor, teach, and coach medical learners.
Vote for your favorite entry
ACP Hospitalist Weekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.