NEW YORK-A new report from a team of researchers at the Veterans Health Services Research and Development in Ann Arbor, Mich, suggests colonoscopies performed at ages 50 and 60 are the most efficacious screening method for colorectal cancer.
Sandeep Vijan, MD, headed research published in the American Journal of Medicine in December. Vijan and his team created a Markov cost-effectiveness model using information from different colonoscopic screening studies, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry, and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Their study shows that 75% of cancers are created from polyps. Additionally, compliance with different screening methods ranged between 50-75%. Compared with those who did not screen for colorectal cancers, the cost-effectiveness ration of screening strategies was reported at $20,000 per life-year gained-without factoring in compliance levels.
Vijan found that fecal occult blood testing beginning at age 50 with flexible sigmoidoscopy with a 100% compliance was more effective, but more costly than the recommended colonoscopies.
Opponents on the other end of the issue argue patients should follow the American Cancer Society's recommendation of following a screening method of personal preference.
Information from www.givenimaging.com
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.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.