Journal of hospital medicine : an official publication of the Society of Hospital Medicine
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Institution of a rapid response team (RRT) improves patients' quality of death (QOD). ⋯ Institution of an RRT in our hospital had negligible impact on outcomes of patients whose goal was restorative care. Deployment of the RRT was associated with generally improved end-of-life pain management and psychosocial care.
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Handoffs are ubiquitous to Hospital Medicine and are considered a vulnerable time for patient safety. ⋯ The systematic review and resulting recommendations provide hospitalists a starting point from which to improve in-hospital handoffs.
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Efficacy of simulators in teaching central venous catheterization (CVC) in an internal medicine residency program is unknown. ⋯ Use of simulators in teaching CVC in an internal medicine residency program results in improved procedural performance, knowledge, and self-reported confidence. Improvement in knowledge and confidence was retained at 18 months.
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Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. The benefit can be offset by complications such as upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). ⋯ About 5% of patients undergoing PICC placement in acute care hospitals will develop thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications were especially common among persons with a past history of VTE. Catheter tip location at the time of insertion may be an important modifiable risk factor.