Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Flattening Filter-Free Accelerators: A Report From The Aapm Therapy Emerging Technology Assessment Work Group., Ying Xiao, Stephen F Kry, Richard Popple, Ellen Yorke, Niko Papanikolaou, Sotirios Stathakis, Ping Xia, Saiful Huq, John Bayouth, James Galvin Phd, Fang-Fang Yin

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

This report describes the current state of flattening filter-free (FFF) radiotherapy beams implemented on conventional linear accelerators, and is aimed primarily at practicing medical physicists. The Therapy Emerging Technology Assessment Work Group of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) formed a writing group to assess FFF technology. The published literature on FFF technology was reviewed, along with technical specifications provided by vendors. Based on this information, supplemented by the clinical experience of the group members, consensus guidelines and recommendations for implementation of FFF technology were developed. Areas in need of further investigation were identified. Removing the flattening filter …

State Law Mandates For Reporting Of Healthcare-Associated Clostridium Difficile Infections In Hospitals., Julie Reagan, Carolyn T A Herzig, Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz, Andrew W Dick, Patricia W Stone, Jd Divya Srinath

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

US state and territorial laws were reviewed to identify Clostridium difficile infection reporting mandates. Twenty states require reporting either under state law or by incorporating federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' reporting requirements. Although state law mandates are more common, the incorporation of federal reporting requirements has been increasing.

Implementation Of Antimicrobial Stewardship Policies In U.S. Hospitals: Findings From A National Survey., Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz, Carolyn T A Herzig, Elaine L Larson, E Yoko Furuya, Eli N Perencevich, Patricia W Stone

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of antimicrobial stewardship policies and to investigate factors associated with implementation in a national sample of acute care hospitals.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS: Infection Control Directors from acute care hospitals participating in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

METHODS: An online survey was conducted in the Fall of 2011. A subset of hospitals also provided access to their 2011 NHSN annual survey data.

RESULTS: Responses were received from 1,015 hospitals (30% response rate). The majority of hospitals (64%) reported the presence of a policy; use of antibiograms and antimicrobial restriction policies were most frequently utilized …