Patient Safety & Outcomes

Urologists' self-referrals for prostate biopsies were associated with increased tests and lower cancer detection, according to a study in Health Affairs.

A survey from the American Society of Anesthesiologists reveals that at least seven patients have died as a result of the U.S. anesthesia drug shortage, according to an ABC News report.

When no pediatric intensive care unit beds were available for new patients, most of the time at least one PICU bed was being used for noncritical care activities, according to a study in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

The anesthesia drug shortage has become so severe in certain areas that it is affecting hospital operations, according to a blog post by Somnia Anesthesia.

The New York City Health Department and the Health and Hospitals Corporation have announced that in just under a decade New York City's colonoscopy rate has increased by 62 percent, according to a news release.

On average, care for privately insured chemotherapy patients costs 24 percent more in a hospital outpatient setting than in a physician's office, according to a study by Avalere Health.

A new study conducted by gastroenterologists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates poor preparation by patients for a colonoscopy may lead to doctors missing pre-cancerous polyps, according to a news release.

Approximately one in six hospitals experiences "high rates" of central line-associated bloodstream infections, according to an analysis by NPR.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has released its 2011 Hospital Performance Report, which highlights continuing hospital quality improvement as well as opportunities for growth.

Some anesthesiologists may hesitate to report medical errors due to concern over blame from their colleagues, according to a study published in the March issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.