Background: Frailty is linked to poor outcomes in older patients, especially those with multiple conditions. The electronic frailty index (eFI) is a validated tool based on the cumulative deficit model used to screen hospitalized patients at risk for poor outcomes1. The eFI relies on 35 ICD-10 codes associated with encounters across four domains (morbidity, sensory, [...]

Background: Hospital discharges can be complex for patients, and ensuring patient comprehension of their clinical records and discharge summaries is critical for improving health-related outcomes. However, studies suggest that 88% of discharge instructions are not readable to the population served. In our prior study we demonstrated that generative AI (AI) has the potential to transform [...]

Background: Frailty is linked to poor outcomes in older patients, especially those with multiple conditions. The electronic frailty index (eFI) is a validated tool based on the cumulative deficit model used to screen hospitalized patients at risk for poor outcomes1. The eFI relies on 35 ICD-10 codes associated with encounters across four domains (morbidity, sensory, [...]

Background: Hospital discharges can be complex for patients, and ensuring patient comprehension of their clinical records and discharge summaries is critical for improving health-related outcomes. However, studies suggest that 88% of discharge instructions are not readable to the population served. In our prior study we demonstrated that generative AI (AI) has the potential to transform [...]

Background: We created a generative artificial intelligence chatbot (“VLRChat”) that draws from a comprehensive curricular resource (the 480-page Vanderbilt Housestaff Handbook) to answer point-of-care clinical questions by hospitalists and inpatient clinical teams. Time constraints and cognitive overload frequently prevent hospitalist faculty and learners from determining the optimal, most current answers to clinical questions: as many [...]

Case Presentation: A 40-year-old male with no significant history presented with acute dizziness, visual disturbances, and gait abnormality, preceded by a viral prodrome. He reported headache, neck stiffness, vertical diplopia, and neurological exam revealed bilateral CN 6 palsy, left CN 3 palsy, restricted extraocular movements, and bilateral dysmetria. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and abdominal exams were unremarkable. [...]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of unplanned 30-day readmissions after an index hospitalization for heart failure in elderly patients. We also sought to identify factors that predict readmission. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 NRD, and non-elective hospitalizations for heart failure among elderly patients aged > 65 years were identified using [...]

Background: Physical activity is crucial for the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to investigate physical activity goals, expectations, and barriers among older adult patients to improve interventions and health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study at a large tertiary academic medical center from July to August 2024. We screened [...]

Background: Cocaine use disorders are a significant public health challenge, contributing to cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric complications. Chronic use exacerbates these risks and increases addiction rates. This study evaluates global, regional, and national trends in the burden of cocaine use disorders from 1990 to 2019 to inform targeted intervention strategies. Methods: Using the Global Burden [...]

Background: Patients admitted for nonsurgical management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) often receive intravenous (IV) opioids for pain relief. However, given the opioid crisis and the potential for opioids to hinder recovery and contribute to ileus, exploring alternative analgesics is crucial. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the efficacy of IV acetaminophen for pain management [...]