A hypothetical trial simulation using data from 15 ICUs found vancomycin use in ICU patients was associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury by day 14 of treatment, compared with alternatives such as clindamycin and linezolid. The study, published in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology Drug Safety, noted that while there was no difference in AKI risk within the first two days of treatment, the risk increased over two weeks.

A review in JACC: Advances said there is a need for specialized care for adults with congenital heart disease admitted to the ICU, as this population increases and medical complexity rises. "Considering the current heterogeneity in practice patterns of critical care for adults with CHD, there are opportunities to develop evidence-based, standardized clinical practice guidelines and care delivery models with the goal of improving outcomes for adults with CHD across all types of ICUs," researchers said.

A study to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes' annual meeting found that people living with type 2 diabetes had more than double the risk of sepsis, compared with those without the condition. The risk was higher among men and those of Aboriginal ancestry. "Modifiable risk factors include smoking and hyperglycemia, but prevention of chronic complications and comorbidities is also imperative," the researchers wrote.

The Department of Justice and the HHS Office of Inspector General have formed a False Claims Act Working Group to prosecute civil health care fraud, and one priority is manipulation of EHRs for inappropriate use of Medicare-covered services. Recent legal cases highlight the risks associated with EHR systems that lack proper oversight and compliance functions, particularly for features like automated diagnosis coding tools. Health care organizations should monitor their own claims for outliers and investigate concerns raised by clinicians and administrative staff, write attorneys with Holland & Knight.

A survey by Strategic Education found 55% of US health care workers plan to change roles within a year, either within their current organizations or externally. The survey found 49% of respondents cited inadequate compensation and benefits as a reason, while 48% cited burnout and 48% cited a lack of career advancement opportunities. The survey also found 80% of workers felt health care professionals were taken for granted.

East Alabama Health is proceeding with two major projects totaling more than $76 million to improve critical and mental health care in the region. The $32 million expansion of the ICU at East Alabama Medical Center will add 30 ICU beds.

Patient complaints about hospitals have increased by 79% over five years, reaching more than 14,500 in fiscal 2024, according to a CMS report. The surge in complaints highlights significant oversight gaps, as investigations are delayed due to stagnant funding for State Survey Agencies since 2015, the report says.