Featuring hospital and health care headlines from the media and the web.
Iowa news
Iowa kids skipped vaccines during pandemic
The number of Iowa children receiving vaccinations dropped by more than half during the novel coronavirus pandemic when compared to last year, prompting concern among officials for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease. The Iowa Department of Public Health released a new report Friday that details the rate of non-influenza immunizations — such as vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella or polio — for Iowa children and adults. (The Gazette)
‘Invisible’ health care heroes go above the call, even quarantining with sick patients
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in March, health care workers have been hailed as heroes for providing care and compassion. Doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists have been the most visible representations of the battle against the virus. They aren’t the only health care workers fighting. (KGAN)
MercyOne Waterloo and UIHC participating in a clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment
Mercy One Waterloo Medical Center and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are two of 15 medical facilities worldwide taking part in a new clinical trial to study a possible COVID-19 treatment. They are partnering with researchers from the Northeast Iowa Medical Foundation for the trial. Doctors are looking at whether or not a specific antibody can reduce the severity of respiratory issues that are caused by the virus. (KWWL)
National news
Breaking down telehealth inclusivity barriers for older adults
Older Americans are increasingly drawn to new technology, with smartphone adoption growing from 70% to 77% in two years, according to January 2020 AARP research. Nearly nine in 10 (86%) Americans ages 50 to 59 own a smartphone, with 81% adoption for those ages 60 to 69 and 62% for adults 70 or older. AARP also found that three in four older adults want to stay in their homes and age in place, which is more important than ever due to the global pandemic. (HealthITSecurity)
Simple steps will make a big difference in COVID fight. Yes, that means wearing a mask.
First, do no harm. These words — in some form or fashion — are etched in the memory of every individual who pursues a profession in health care. We know it’s not a normal workplace mantra. But as health care workers, we don’t have a normal workplace. Health care workers are waging war against an invisible enemy inside the walls of almost every hospital across America. Fortunately, we have a track record of treating highly infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria and polio — to name a few. (FierceHealthcare)
Small hospitals weather the pandemic, but with heavy losses
Five months into a pandemic that public health officials say could last many more, small hospitals are shoring up their losses after the onset of the new coronavirus crisis curtailed operations and curbed revenue. The disaster has burdened hospitals with extra expenses — such as protective equipment and additional staffing — while temporarily halting the surgeries and procedures that are among their biggest moneymakers. (The Daily Herald)