Arch Intern Med
-
It is widely assumed that "futile" treatment consumes significant health care resources. This is a prospective cohort study. ⋯ The frequency of futile interventions appears to be low unless one is willing to accept a definition that includes patients who could survive for many months. If confirmed in other settings, this suggests that concepts of futility will not play a major role in costs containment.
-
Because of their universal use by medical professionals, stethoscopes can be a source of nosocomial infections. ⋯ Stethoscope use may be important in the spread of infectious agents, including antimicrobial-resistant strains, and strategies to reduce the contamination of stethoscopes should be developed. We recommend disinfection of stethoscopes or regular use of disposable stethoscope covers.