In a previous multicenter controlled clinical trial, we randomly assigned surfactant- treated premature newborns with moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome to early treatment with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) or to conventional ventilation (CV). Compared with control infants who were treated with CV, neonates who were treated with HFOV using a strategy designed to recruit and maintain lung volume and minimize oxygen exposure had clinical evidence of improved pulmonary outcome and less lung injury. We report a follow-up study designed to determine whether clinical differences persisted between these study groups.

When times are tough and cost reductions are the order of the day, C-suite leaders often look for solutions that will bring immediate results. To achieve lasting results, hospitals must both dig deeper into the supply chain and reach out to other areas to maximize savings. Given today’s cost pressures, organizations need to better understand how their supplies are being used in individual service areas and their potential for improved efficiencies.

Previous studies have demonstrated higher infection rates following orthopaedic procedures on the foot and ankle as compared with procedures involving other areas of the body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different surgical skin-preparation solutions in eliminating potential bacterial pathogens from the foot.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects roughly 18 million Americans. Approximately 20% of all surgical patients suffer from OSA, with many more still undiagnosed. OSA, a syndrome involving episodic or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep that has been linked with obesity in men and women, has become a concern to hospitals in recent years, particularly for patients using patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) therapy. Recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures around PCA therapy, the Alaris System was the preferred choice for Main Line Health.

In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published two randomized, controlled studies that found percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of painful, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) was no more effective than a placebo procedure.  The purpose of this program is to help clinicians-both those who perform the procedure and those who refer patients to specialists-better understand the studies' findings and how best to apply those results to everyday practice.

Since the introduction of smart IV pumps, hospitals across the country have implemented this technology to improve the safety of high-risk IV medication administration. This webcast will discuss the potential legal risks nurses incur when they make conscious decisions not to use the smart pump technology, or knowingly override alerts and administer doses that are outside of the usual safe range. In addition, this program will discuss how hospitals have dealt with improving compliance and aggressively managed aspects of the alert system that contributed to compliance issues.

This program is approved for 2.0 hours of nursing credit.

In the early 2000s, IV pumps became available with dose error reduction systems (DERS), complete with comprehensive libraries, standard concentrations and dose limits. These "smart" IV pumps have quickly become a standard as an important element of comprehensive medication safety programs. This webcast focuses on compliance with the use of the DERS.

During the past decade there has been a steady increase in the safety features of infusion pumps. In this program, nurses and pharmacists who have been involved in designing drug libraries and interpreting CQI data will share key lessons learned. Real examples will be used to illustrate creative solutions to reducing nuisance alerts, improve the “fit” between current and best practices, identify specific safety “guardrails” that may not be used consistently, and point out potential library design issues that can impact safety. This program is approved for 1.5 hours of nursing and pharmacy credit.

Complete the evaluation for credit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012april27webinar

This program is approved for 2.0 hours of nursing credit.