JAMA Commentary Reports that Deaths Within the US Healthcare System may be Third Leading Cause of Death
(SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS)A commentary by Dr. Barbara Starfield of Johns Hopkins in the July 26, 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol 284) states that the health of the US population is not as good as in many other countries, and deaths within the healthcare system itself may account for the third leading cause of death in the US, only behind heart disease and cancer. The article states that 250,000 deaths per year are due to iatrogenic causes-unfavorable responses to medical or surgical treatments. Some examples of these causes include unnecessary medication and surgery, infections in hospitals, and negative effects of drugs. For more information, visit www.jama.com.
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.