… also called the utility of Beers criteria into question. … Lau DT, Mercaldo ND, Shega JW, Rademaker A, Weintraub S. Functional decline …

Communication failures are a well-characterized source of errors in the operating room. This study used direct observation of surgical procedures to assess the incidence, types, and consequences of surgical communication problems, and found that failure to discuss equipment problems and progress of the procedure were common, resulting in delays, inefficiency, and workarounds. Teamwork training and implementation of formalized checklists have successfully improved communication and clinical outcomes in surgical patients, and in this study, implementation of a teamwork training program was associated with fewer communication failures.

This study demonstrated that a surgical team training program increased compliance with team behaviors, such as structured briefings, and improved perceptions of teamwork but did not affect hospital metrics.

Using a designated criteria system for inappropriate medication prescribing, this study examined the impact of such prescriptions on hospitalization and death. Studying more than 3300 nursing home residents, investigators reported greater odds of being hospitalized in the month following an inappropriate prescription, an associated greater risk of death, and similar risk with even intermittent exposure to such prescriptions. The authors conclude that their reported associations call for improved attention and education for providers who prescribe medications to the elderly.