Background: Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences are common practice among internal medicine (IM) residency programs, but their effect on education and patient safety (PS) is inconsistent.[1,2] Existing research reports have struggled to identify best practices for implementing M&M conferences due to inherent variability in personnel and adverse event analysis processes. We need interventions that account [...]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is condition associated with increased risk of death in multiple populations (1). The association between AF and COVID-19 infection has started to be explored, but largely in specific geographic locations and/or within the context of the hospitalization (2). By understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and AF, providers may be better supported [...]

Case Presentation: A 57-year-old male with history of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis complicated by recurrent hepatic hydrothorax (requiring approximately 15 thoracenteses) presented with dyspnea. Admission chest x-ray and subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large pleural effusion with collapse of the right lower lobe. He underwent thoracentesis with removal of two liters of pink, [...]

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are increasingly prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, demonstrating efficacy in weight loss and glycemic control [1-3]. Beyond metabolic effects, these medications show protective effects against renal disease progression and reduce major adverse cardiovascular events [4]. GLP-1 agonists influence body composition through effects on both fat mass and fat-free [...]

Background: Hospitalized patients and their families often face challenges in accessing and understanding developments in care plans, test results, and interdisciplinary decisions made during their stay. This knowledge gap causes anxiety, confusion, and missed opportunities for shared decision-making. Enhanced interdisciplinary communication and transparency with patients positively impacts patient satisfaction, readmission rates, patient safety and adherence [...]

Background: Mortality rates are a critical quality metric for hospitals, influencing both clinical outcomes and institutional reputation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) incorporates 30-day mortality rates into its Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program and Star Ratings, directly impacting hospital reimbursement and public perception. Similarly, U.S. News & World Report factors 30-day mortality into [...]

Background: The overdose epidemic in the United States has seen a significant rise in deaths associated with antidepressants in the last two decades. This study examines mortality trends related to antidepressants in adults aged >25 years between 1999 and 2020 across various demographics. Methods: Analysis of poisoning by anti-depressants-related deaths in the US from the [...]

Background: Inpatient hypoglycemia (HG) is common and often avoidable, associated with poor outcomes and high costs, and its prevention reflects hospital performance. We investigated its risk factors and impact on mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), charges, and readmissions. We defined HG as glucose ≤40 mg/dl (severe), >40 – ≤70 mg/dl (moderate), or euglycemia >70 [...]

Background: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign strongly recommends that all hospitals screen for sepsis as part of performance improvement. The effect of screening for sepsis on mortality, length of stay, and time to antibiotics is uncertain. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of [...]

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 [...]