An Electronically Delivered Patient-Activation Tool for Intensification of Medications for Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: The EPIC-HF Trial.

Background: Major gaps exist in the routine initiation and dose up-titration of guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Without novel approaches to improve prescribing, the cumulative benefits of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treatment will be largely unrealized. Direct-to-consumer marketing and shared decision making reflect a culture where patients are increasingly involved in treatment choices, creating opportunities for prescribing interventions that engage patients.

An Electronically delivered, Patient-activation tool for Intensification of medications for Chronic Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction: Rationale and design of the EPIC-HF trial.

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) benefits from initiation and intensification of multiple pharmacotherapies. Unfortunately, there are major gaps in the routine use of these drugs. Without novel approaches to improve prescribing, the cumulative benefits of HFrEF treatment will be largely unrealized.

Utility and feasibility of ultrasound-guided access in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Background: Patients with advanced peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) require immediate revascularization to improve blood flow and prevent amputation. Vascular, and especially tibial, access is arguably a very important part of the procedure. Utilization of ultrasound (US) guidance to access the peripheral vessels will maximize success and decrease the risk of complications.

Microbial contamination of hospital bed handsets.

Background: Hospital bed handsets, including nurse call equipment and television controls, have been found to contain biologic material and may be contaminated with microbes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the microbial contamination of hospital bed handsets.

Methods: Hospital bed handsets were removed from 115 randomly chosen rooms in a suburban hospital.