Articles related to HEALTHCARE QUALITY

A nursing commentary argues that nurses play an underrecognized role in diagnostic processes and that current language may obscure those contributions. The authors contend that clearer diagnostic role definitions could support clinical judgment and patient safety.

U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-27 cancer hospital rankings, with the top five cancer centers unchanged from the previous year. The rankings also introduced a new regional cancer hospital category that expands recognition beyond the national top 50.

The federal government has sharply reduced staffing and grant funding at AHRQ, the agency responsible for much of the nation’s healthcare quality and patient safety research. Supporters argue the cuts could affect future evidence generation, though the administration maintains it is restructuring agency priorities.

U.S. News expanded its 2026-2027 hospital rankings with new regional specialty evaluations in cancer and cardiovascular care while increasing recognition for regional hospitals. Rankings continued to emphasize risk-adjusted mortality, preventable complications, patient experience, and objective outcomes measures.

A fatal medication error that led to criminal prosecution continues to influence discussions around patient safety, technology design, and accountability in nursing practice.

A 21-element enhanced recovery protocol implemented across 18 US hospitals reduced inpatient opioid use by 56% in children undergoing GI surgery, with patients receiving 13 or more protocol elements averaging one fewer hospital day and half the complication risk.