Saturday, January 23, 2010
Musculoskeletal Disorders Result in More MEDEVACs Than Combat Injuries
Leading cause of medical evacuation out of war zones: It's not combat injury 01/23/2010. The most common reasons for medical evacuation of military personnel from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years have been fractures, tendinitis and other musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, not combat injuries, according to results of a Johns Hopkins study published Jan. 22 in the Lancet. Lancet via Eurekalert!
New PubMed Articles 23 Jan 2010
1.
Levin H, Wilde EA, Troyanskaya M, Petersen N, Scheibel R, Newsome M, Radaideh M, Wu T, Yallampalli R, Chu Z, Li X.
J Neurotrauma. 2010 Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20088647 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Guihan M, Hastings J, Garber SL.
3.
Lamont EB, Landrum MB, Keating NL, Archer L, Lan L, Strauss GM, Lilenbaum R, Niell HB, Maurer LH, Kosty MP, Miller AA, Clamon GH, Elias AD, McClay EF, Vokes EE, McNeil BJ.
J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 10;28(2):215-21. Epub 2009 Nov 23.PMID: 19933919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
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Snyder JJ, Elhai JD, North TC, Heaney CJ.
Psychiatry Res. 2009 Dec 30;170(2-3):256-61. Epub 2009 Nov 11.PMID: 19906433 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
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Peterson MJ, Sloane R, Cohen HJ, Crowley GM, Pieper CF, Morey MC.
Am J Mens Health. 2007 Dec;1(4):326-34. Epub 2007 Oct 3.PMID: 19482814 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
Friday, January 22, 2010
New PubMed Articles 22 Jan 2010
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Chikkalingaiah KB, Grant ND, Mangold TM, Cooke CR, Wall BM.
Am J Med Sci. 2010 Jan 16. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20087164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Tribble DR, Baqar S, Scott DA, Oplinger ML, Trespalacios F, Rollins D, Walker RI, Clements JD, Walz S, Gibbs P, Burg EF 3rd, Moran AP, Applebee L, Bourgeois AL.
Infect Immun. 2010 Jan 19. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20086085 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
3.
Keating NL, O'Malley AJ, Freedland SJ, Smith MR.
J Natl Cancer Inst. 2010 Jan 6;102(1):39-46. Epub 2009 Dec 7.PMID: 19996060 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
New issue of VA Research Currents Available
VA Research Currents January 2010. In this issue: Toxins as therapy; Studies seek best ways to draw homeless veterans into primary care; Who’s at risk for PTSD? VA-DoD research seeks answers; Career Milestones VA
VAOIG Inspection of Allegations of Coding and Billing Irregularities, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Healthcare Inspection Review of Allegations of Coding and Billing Irregularities, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri 01/22/2010. This report reviewed allegations regarding a pattern of inappropriate medical coding and billing to increase third party insurance reimbursements at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. The allegation included two specific incidents: (1) the Medical Care Collection Fund Billing Department inappropriately added a Current Procedural Terminology “modifier 59” to the billing records for a patient receiving “Epoetin” injections, (2) and the Billing Department inappropriately billed for complications attributable to the patient’s participation in a voluntary research study. We were unable to substantiate the allegations and make no recommendations. VAOIG
VAOIG Inspection of Telemetry Monitoring Issues VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Denver, Colorado
Healthcare Inspection Telemetry Monitoring Issues VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Denver, Colorado 01/22/10. The purpose of this review was to determine the validity of allegations regarding inadequate telemetry heart monitoring practices and lack of staff training that related to two patient deaths. We concluded that both patients had multiple medical problems that contributed to their deaths, and it would be difficult to determine whether delays in response to abnormal cardiac rhythms led to their demise. We did not substantiate the allegation that the deaths were a result of inadequate telemetry monitoring or lack of staff training. We substantiated the allegation that management had been informed of problems with the telemetry program prior to the patient deaths and had not identified a clear course of action or assigned responsibility to address concerns raised. We substantiated the allegation that there were competency and training issues with medical support assistants and registered nurses assigned to telemetry. Temporary measures were enacted to ensure safe patient care following the first patient’s death. Managers concurred with our recommendations to evaluate the telemetry program, require that all staff complete competency assessments and that training be provided as needed to maintain competency, and that there be clinical oversight of medical support assistants. VAOIG
VA Wins "Cheers Award" for Safe Medication Practices
VA Wins National Award for Safe Medication Practices 01/22/2010.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has won top national honors from the independent Institute for Safe Medication Practices for its excellence in preventing medication errors. “As one of the first health care organizations to develop and test bar code technology for medication administration, VA takes pride in its safety standards,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “This honor confirms that the department is delivering excellence in health care to our nation’s Veterans.” VA
Thursday, January 21, 2010
New PubMed Articles 21 Jan 2010
1.
Schreyöegg J, Stargardt T, Tiemann O.
Health Econ. 2010 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20084662 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Lawler EV, Gagnon DR, Fink J, Seliger S, Fonda J, Do TP, Gaziano JM, Bradbury BD.
Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20083469 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Alici Y, Smith D, Lu HL, Bailey A, Shreve S, Rosenfeld K, Ritchie C, Casarett DJ.
J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010 Jan 16. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20083372 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Hargreaves JS.
Telemed J E Health. 2010 Jan 18. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20082592 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Dickinson KC, Sharma R, Duckart JP, Corson K, Gerrity MS, Dobscha SK.
6.
Urlić I, Strkalj-Ivezić S, John N.
Psychiatr Danub. 2009 Sep;21 Suppl 1:81-7.PMID: 19789488 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
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Morden NE, Berke EM, Welsh DE, McCarthy JF, Mackenzie TA, Kilbourne AM.
8.
Grubaugh AL, Magruder KM, Zinzow HM, Frueh BC.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2009 Nov-Dec;31(6):589-91. Epub 2009 May 23. No abstract available. PMID: 19892220 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
9.
Kilbourne AM, Morden NE, Austin K, Ilgen M, McCarthy JF, Dalack G, Blow FC.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2009 Nov-Dec;31(6):555-63. Epub 2009 Aug 27.PMID: 19892214 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
10.
Lighthall GK, Markar S, Hsiung R.
Resuscitation. 2009 Nov;80(11):1264-9. Epub 2009 Sep 9.PMID: 19744762 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
VA Approves Perioperative Anesthesia Electronic Health Record to Improve Patient Care While Documenting their Perioperative Experience
GE's Anesthesia Solution Certified For Use In US Department Of Veterans Affairs Facilities 01/21/2010. On behalf of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Document Storage Systems (DSS) has completed the certification process of GE's Centricity® Perioperative Anesthesia solution, making it the industry's first to be certified under the new process. Certification indicates the solution is fully capable of integration and compatibility with the VA's clinical information system, VistA. GE Healthcare via Medical News Today
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"Mirror Therapy" to Prevent Phantom Limb Pain
Mirror Therapy Prevents Phantom Limb Pains in Injured Soldiers 01/20/2010. A simple technique called mirror therapy seems effective in preventing phantom limb pain in patients undergoing amputation of an arm or leg, suggests a study in the February 2010 issue of Anesthesia &Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). Anesthesia &Analgesia via Newswise
New PubMed Articles 01/20/2010
1.
The neural bases of key competencies of emotional intelligence.
"We studied a unique sample of combat veterans from the Vietnam Head Injury Study, which is a prospective, long-term follow-up study of veterans with focal penetrating head injuries".
"We studied a unique sample of combat veterans from the Vietnam Head Injury Study, which is a prospective, long-term follow-up study of veterans with focal penetrating head injuries".
Krueger F, Barbey AK, McCabe K, Strenziok M, Zamboni G, Solomon J, Raymont V, Grafman J.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Dec 29;106(52):22486-91. Epub 2009 Dec 22.PMID: 20080795 [PubMed - in process]Related articles
2.
Samson K.
Ann Neurol. 2009 Dec;66(6):A6-8. No abstract available. PMID: 20035505 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
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Aldridge VE, Park HK, Bounthavong M, Morreale AP.
Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2009 Nov 1;66(21):1943-7.PMID: 19850790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
Biological Marker to Identify PTSD
Researchers discover method to objectively identify PTSD 01/20/2010. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Medical Center have identified a biological marker in the brains of those exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A group of 74 United States veterans were involved in the study, which for the first time objectively diagnoses PTSD using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. It's something conventional brain scans such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI have failed to do. The ability to objectively diagnose PTSD is the first step towards helping those afflicted with this severe anxiety disorder. PTSD often stems from war, but also can be a result of exposure to any psychologically traumatic event. The disorder can manifest itself in flashbacks, recurring nightmares, anger, or hypervigilance.
The findings are published January 20 in the Journal of Neural Engineering and led by Apostolos Georgopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., and Brian Engdahl., Ph.D. – both members of the Brain Sciences Center at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota via Eurekalert!
A group of 74 United States veterans were involved in the study, which for the first time objectively diagnoses PTSD using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. It's something conventional brain scans such as an X-ray, CT, or MRI have failed to do. The ability to objectively diagnose PTSD is the first step towards helping those afflicted with this severe anxiety disorder. PTSD often stems from war, but also can be a result of exposure to any psychologically traumatic event. The disorder can manifest itself in flashbacks, recurring nightmares, anger, or hypervigilance.
The findings are published January 20 in the Journal of Neural Engineering and led by Apostolos Georgopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., and Brian Engdahl., Ph.D. – both members of the Brain Sciences Center at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota via Eurekalert!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Specialized Exercise Relieves Concussion Symptoms
UB specialized exercise regimen shown to relieve prolonged concussion symptoms 01/19/2010. University at Buffalo researchers are the first to show that a controlled individualized exercise training program can bring athletes and others suffering with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) back to the playing field or to their daily activities. In a paper published in the January issue of the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, the researchers report that a program of progressive exercise developed individually for each participant and performed at levels just below the onset of symptoms is safe and can relieve nearly all PCS symptoms. Their results counter the accepted wisdom that PCS should be treated with rest, reassurance and antidepressants, and that physical activity should be avoided. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine via Eurekalert!
New PubMed Articles 19 Jan 2010
1.
Kang HK, Bullman T.
J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2009;72(23):1550-2.PMID: 20077228 [PubMed - in process]
2.
Bastian LA, Sherman SE.
J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print] No abstract available. PMID: 20077050 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
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Disease Management Program for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Rice KL, Dewan N, Bloomfield HE, Grill J, Schult TM, Nelson DB, Kumari S, Thomas M, Geist LJ, Beaner C, Caldwell M, Niewoehner DE.
Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20075385 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
4.
Faris JA, Douglas MK, Maples DC, Berg LR, Thrailkill A.
5.
Richardson LK, Frueh BC, Acierno R.
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Shannon J, Phoutrides E, Palma A, Farris P, Peters L, Forester A, Tillotson CJ, Garzotto M.
7.
Velanovich V, Rubinfeld I, Patton JH Jr, Ritz J, Jordan J, Dulchavsky S.
Am J Med Qual. 2009 Nov-Dec;24(6):474-9. Epub 2009 Jul 7.PMID: 19584373 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articles
8.
Feder A, Southwick SM, Goetz RR, Wang Y, Alonso A, Smith BW, Buchholz KR, Waldeck T, Ameli R, Moore J, Hain R, Charney DS, Vythilingam M.
VAOIG Inspection of Huntington VA Medical Center Huntington, West Virginia
Healthcare Inspection Alleged Quality of Care Issues Huntington VA Medical Center Huntington, West Virginia 01/19/2010. OIG conducted an inspection in response to allegations that a surgeon had poor infection control practices, a higher incidence of MRSA, altered records to reflect lower procedure blood loss, and performed surgery on a patient who developed significant complications at the Huntington VA Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia. We did not substantiate allegations made against the surgeon; however, we did identify a lack of integration of infectious disease information between surgical services, NSQIP, Infection Control, and MRSA programs. We recommended that trended and analyzed infection control data be provided to key committee members and clinical managers. VAOIG
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 Now Awaits a Vote in the House VA Committee
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 01/19/2010. WASHINGTON, DC—In November, the Senate unanimously passed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009—a bill which, among other things, would allow VA to provide the primary caregivers of veterans, whether family or close friends, with educational, financial, and medical assistance from the VA health care system. U.S. Medicine
Rocky Relationship Between VA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) Regarding Care for Native Veterans
Relationship Between VA and IHS Described as Problematic and Full of Service Gaps 01/19/2010. WASHINGTON, DC—Advocates for Native Americans who are working on the frontlines of providing health care to Native veterans describe the relationship between the VA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) as problematic and full of service gaps. This is despite a signed agreement between the two agencies to partner on Native veterans’ health. U.S. Medicine
Reports by GAO and the VA Inspector General Point Towards Need for VA Acquisitions Procedures Reforms
Clear Need for Reform of Acquisition Procedures Within VA 01/19/2010. WASHINGTON, DC—There is a clear need of reform of acquisition procedures within VA, legislators declared last month at a House VA Oversight subcommittee hearing. Reports by GAO and the VA Inspector General have shown that VISN directors and VA medical center staff failed to use the Federal Supply Schedule due to lack of information and the proper tools needed to use FSS, resulting in a lost savings of almost $8.2 million a year. U.S. Medicine
Congress Questioning Whether VA Funds are Evenly Distributed
Legislators Question VA Officials on How Allocated Funds Are Disseminated 01/19/2010. WASHINGTON, DC—Congress has managed to nearly double the VA health care system’s budget over the last few years, but is that increase being seen at the local level? As the FY 2010 budget was making its way towards approval, legislators questioned VA officials on how allocated funds are disseminated to the hundreds of VA facilities scattered across the country, and asked whether or not there is a fairer, more efficient way of doing it. U.S. Medicine
Veterans' Homelessness Not Primarily Due to Combat Experience
Combat Experiences Not the Primary Reason for Veterans’ Homelessness 01/19/10. WASHINGTON, DC—One of the most surprising pieces of information to come out of the VA Homeless Summit, held here recently, was the revelation by VA researchers that experiences of combat are not the primary reason for the circumstances of most homeless combat veterans. U.S. Medicine
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) Project
VA contracts start ball rolling on e-lifetime record 01/19/2010. The Veterans Affairs last week made a set of contract announcements that gets the ball rolling on its joint venture with the Defense Department to build a lifetime electronic benefits and health record for military service members and their families. Government Health IT
Walking Deficits May Exist After "Full Recovery" From TBI
Traumatic brain injuries: Motor deficits can persist even after what appears to be a full recovery 01/19/10. Even after regaining normal walking speed, traumatic brain injury victims have not necessarily recovered all their locomotor functions, according to a study supervised by University of Laval's Bradford McFadyen and recently published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. AAPM&R via Eurekalert!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Developing New Generation of Advanced Prosthetic Limbs
Implantable Neuroprosthetics That Look And Function Like Natural Limbs, Enabling Injured Soldiers And Other Amputees To Lead More Independent Lives 01/18/10. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have left a terrible legacy: more than 1,200 returning American soldiers have lost one or more limbs. To address this growing national need, researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) are laying the groundwork for a new generation of advanced prosthetic limbs that will be fully integrated with the body and nervous system. These implantable neuroprosthetics will look and function like natural limbs, enabling injured soldiers and the more than 2 million other amputees in the United States lead higher quality, more independent lives. Worcester Polytechnic Institute via Medical News Today
New PubMed Articles 18 Jan 2010
1.
Chao HH, Mayer T, Concato J, Rose MG, Uchio E, Kelly WK.
J Investig Med. 2010 Jan 12. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20072029 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
2.
Ikin JF, Creamer MC, Sim MR, McKenzie DP.
J Affect Disord. 2010 Jan 11. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20071032 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related articles
3.
Dunn BE, Choi H, Recla DL, Kerr SE, Wagenman BL.
Morphine STAT for PTSD
Study: Fast morphine treatment may prevent PTSD (free full-text). 01/18/10. Researchers at the U.S. Naval Health Research Center led the study of about 700 troops injured in Iraq from 2004 through 2006. "It was surprising how strong the effect of the morphine was," said study leader Troy Lisa Holbrook, an epidemiologist at the naval center. The findings were published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine via PhysOrg.com
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New PubMed Articles 17 Jan 2010
1.
Steele BG, Belza B, Cain K, Coppersmith J, Howard J, Lakshminarayan S, Haselkorn J.
J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2010 Jan-Feb;30(1):53-60.PMID: 20068424 [PubMed - in process]Related articles
2.
Taft CT, Monson CM, Hebenstreit CL, King DW, King LA.
3.
Aspinall SL, Banthin JS, Good CB, Miller GE, Cunningham FE.
Am J Manag Care. 2009 Oct;15(10):701-8.PMID: 19845422 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articlesFree article
4.
Lin CP, Payne TH, Nichol WP, Hoey PJ, Anderson CL, Gennari JH.
J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2008 Sep-Oct;15(5):620-6. Epub 2008 Jun 25.PMID: 18579840 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related articlesFree article
Robotic Hand Gets Soldier Back to Duty
Injured Instructor Resumes Career with Robotic Hand 01/17/10. Staff Sgt. Luis Elias considers the last six months as just a bump along life’s road. Adapt and overcome is the name of the game. It’s just something that happened,” said Elias, a Fort Benning, Ga., drill sergeant, who lost his right hand in a training accident on June 30, 2009. A training device exploded in his right hand, leaving only his thumb. After a July 7 surgery at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center here to amputate his arm two inches above his wrist, Elias spent five months at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center’s active-duty rehabilitation unit in Augustus, Ga. He was released on Dec. 18 and returned to Fort Benning, Ga., to report to work on Monday, Jan. 4 2010. Military Health System
New Diagnostic and Treatment Facility for Southwest Florida’s Veterans
Secretary Shinseki Announces $53 Million for Cape Coral, Fla., Facility 01/17/10. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the award of a $53 million contract to a Florida firm to construct a new clinic in Cape Coral. The new building will replace a Fort Myers facility and expand diagnostic and treatment capacity for southwest Florida’s Veterans. VA
The American Veteran
The American Veteran is a Veterans Affairs Administration produced video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America. VA
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