Study: Does Self-efficacy Predict OA Pain, Activity Outcomes?
A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders observed a correlation between high self-efficacy for pain management and improved pain and physical activity outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. A total of 3,266 hip or knee OA patients were evaluated using the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale and visual analog scale for self-efficacy and pain, respectively Physical activity was self-reported. Patients with high baseline self-efficacy for pain management had reduced pain and increased physical activity at three- and 12-month follow-up. Patients with obesity had lower physical activity levels at follow-up.
Orthopaedics lags behind other medical specialties in sexual, racial, and ethnic diversity. An article by AAOS Past President Kristy L. Weber, MD, FAAOS; Julie Balch Samora, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAOS, deputy editor of AAOS Now; and others, published online in Orthopaedics, addressed the need for increased representation for minorities at all levels in orthopaedics. Strategies that have worked include grassroots efforts to introduce minorities to orthopaedics early on and statements committing to diversity from institutions.
Hospitals Lose HHS Lawsuit Over Price Transparency
A federal judge delivered a loss to hospitals in a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ruling that hospitals must disclose their standard charges. Under the new rule, insurers are also required to post data, including negotiated rates. The suit was brought on by four hospital groups, including the American Hospital Association, who said in a statement that they plan to appeal the ruling.
Join Webinar Tonight: Updates from the Hill with Representative Phil Roe, MD
Join the AAOS Office of Government Relations for this free webinar series dedicated to providing firsthand insight into the ongoing congressional response to COVID-19. The second webinar is tonight at 8 p.m. ET and will feature U.S. Representative Phil Roe, MD (R-Tenn.), being interviewed by representatives from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance to dc@aaos.org.
Older Black Patients Almost Four Times as Likely to be Hospitalized for COVID-19
Black Medicare beneficiaries are close to four times as likely as their white counterparts to be hospitalized for COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Hispanic patients are more than twice as likely, and Asian patients about 50 percent more likely, than white patients to be hospitalized. “The disparities in the data reflect longstanding challenges facing minority communities and low-income older adults, many of whom face structural challenges to their health that go far beyond what is traditionally considered ‘medical,’” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said of the data.
Which Surgical Attire Prevents Perioperative Infection?
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and attire within the hospital setting has never been under such scrutiny as it has been during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is it important for the safety of patients but that of healthcare providers as well. For those in health care, the profusion of guidelines from national associations and government agencies is increasingly familiar. However, many policies are supported by only weak or limited evidence. Adoption can also have unintended consequences. Although wearing proper surgical attire and PPE is a cornerstone of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, there has been marked disagreement regarding the impact of recommendations on SSI rates.
Take Part in a CPG Workgroup on Transtibial Amputations
AAOS is seeking one volunteer to take part in the workgroup for the development of the clinical practice guideline (CPG) on Performing Transtibial Amputations. The deadline to submit an application is June 30.
