In the News

Most hospitalists are providing ICU care, many feel training insufficient, survey finds

The results confirm that hospitalists have become the major and often sole providers of critical care services in many hospitals without robust intensivist support, said the study authors, who called for additional training and support.

Mortality rates similar, readmissions lower in hospital patients cared for by locum tenens

The hospital patients who were treated by locums did have significantly higher Medicare Part B spending and longer length of stay, the retrospective study found.

Use of dialysis in sepsis varies widely without difference in mortality rates

Costs were significantly higher with increasing renal replacement therapy rates, and the results suggest that the therapy may be overused in patients with sepsis, the study authors said.

Atraumatic needles associated with fewer side effects for lumbar puncture

Atraumatic needles were associated with significantly reduced risk for headache and other complications while having similar rates of efficacy as conventional needles, according to the meta-analysis.

Vote for your favorite entry

ACP Hospitalist Weekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.