The House VA Committee has voted to subpoena VA Secretary Denis McDonough to release documents pursuant to an ongoing sexual harassment investigation involving several supervisors in VA’s Office of Resolution Management, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Shields Helped Implement Program to Bring Infusion Closer to VHA Patients
The idea for VA’s Close To Me Infusion Service has its roots in many places, One of them a veteran that Jenna Shields, PharmD, BCOP, saw weekly at the Pittsburgh VAMC.
Sleep Disruption Common in VHA Subacute Rehabilitation Facilities
Sleep disruptions are common at VHA subacute rehabilitation facilities, according to a new study recommending the examination of environmental factors.
Surgery, Rehab Helps Restore Some Function After SCI
How effective is surgery in restoring upper extremity function in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI)?
Enlarged Prostate Drug Has Potential as Parkinson’s Disease Therapy
A class of medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, shows potential as a treatment to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study.
More Research Needed on High Melanoma Rates in AI/AN People
Non-Hispanic American Indian/ Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people have the second-highest rate of melanoma in the United States after non-Hispanic white people.
Cause of Kidney Injury After Procedures Not Always Contrast Media
The administration of iodinated contrast media is not responsible for all changes in creatinine levels in patients undergoing the procedures.
Black Veterans Get CKD Younger, Have Lower Death Rates
The younger age of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Black patients can help explain some of the differences and disparities compared to white patients with CKD, according to a new study.
Much More Dual Testing for CKD Needed Within VHA
A new study that included VA researchers made the case for much more dual testing for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in high-risk patients to improve disease management and patient outcomes.
Mortality Rises in VHA Inpatients With COVID-19 Plus HAI Infections
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), an opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections, has a high mortality rate. The organism’s high virulence and ability to rapidly acquire resistance to antibiotics make PA infections a treatment challenge.
New Study Defines Clinically Important Measures of Diabetes Distress
The term “diabetes distress” is used to describe the emotional response to living with diabetes, a life-threatening illness that requires chronic and demanding self-management.
Vet Centers Don’t Always Appropriately Document, Address Veteran Suicide Risk
VA’s Vet Centers are repeatedly falling short when it comes to properly assessing and documenting veterans’ suicide risk, according to department watchdogs.
Some Veterans With Dementia Might Have Treatable Cirrhosis Brain Effects
Could 1 in 10 veterans diagnosed with dementia actually have reversible cognitive decline caused by advanced liver disease?
Bramhall Works to Resolve Common Hearing Loss in Military Veterans
It’s such a common ailment among veterans that it’s almost a given: If you served any time in the military, you’re walking out with some type of hearing problem. That usually presents as hearing loss or tinnitus—a persistent ringing sound in the ears.
Smaller Brainstem Volumes Found in Gulf War, Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans
Gulf War and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans have significantly smaller brainstem volumes compared to healthy civilians, and damage to the brainstem structure of these veterans could potentially lead to sleep disturbances and chronic pain, according to a recent study.
New Research Suggests Use of Benzodiazepine Alternatives for COPD Insomnia
The safety and long-term effects of hypnotic medications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been called into question by a new study.
Cold, Heat Waves Can Present Extra Danger for COPD Patients
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are adversely impacted by extreme weather conditions, and the effects vary by gender and ethnic backgrounds.
New Guidelines Make Targeted Therapy Recommendations for CRC
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently developed recommendations for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
More Research Needed on MMPs, Especially in CRC Patients With IBD
An important research focus in colorectal cancer concerns the enzymes comprising the 24-member matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases.
Understanding of KRAS Variations and Their Management Is Evolving
Since 2010, KRAS molecular testing has been guideline-recommended in the VA healthcare system. The goal has been to help determine how metastatic cancer is likely to respond to anti-EGFR drug therapy.
VA Pushes to Increase Uptake of Genomic, Other Precision-Testing in CRC
Patients receiving oncology care within a VHA facility are eligible for genomic- and other precision-testing, if they have an advanced-stage tumor or blood cancer and can tolerate recommended therapies.
Epidemiological Changes in CRC Will Have Significant Impact on VHA
The VA treats about 3% of all cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States each year—6% among cases in men. So, any epidemiological changes have an outsized effect on the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system.
Study: Vietnam War-Era Veterans Not at Increased Risk of Suicide Mortality
Veterans who served in the Vietnam War era, either in theater or not deployed, are not at increased risk of suicide mortality compared with the U.S. population, although the number of suicides among these veterans is noteworthy and merits the attention of mental health professionals and policymakers, according to a recent study.
Groups Funded to Help Prevent Veterans Suicides Overwhelmed by Paperwork
For the past two years, VA has overseen the distribution of grants to community organizations whose work is designed to help prevent veteran suicide.
HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in MHS Not Linked to Higher STI Risk
Consistent use of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to reduce the risk of sexual risk of HIV acquisition by 99% among men who have sex with men (MSM).
VA Study: Microbial Contamination Continues in Hospitals, Even When Recommended Cleaning Protocols Are Followed
Microbial contamination—including pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria—persisted on high-touch hospital surfaces despite compliance with recommended disinfection protocols, according to a study performed at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System.
Psychological Distress Complicates Remote mTBI
Recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress, which are prevalent in military servicemembers, is complicated because the conditions share objective and subjective cognitive symptoms.
Women Veterans With Epilepsy Have More Psychiatric Diagnoses
Women Veterans with epilepsy (WVE) might have unique psychiatric comorbidities that affect presentation, treatment and outcomes.
How Veterans With TBI, GWI Present With Frontotemporal Disorders
Frontotemporal lobe disorders (FTD), which affect personality, behavior and language, are among the most common brain neurodegenerative disorders.
Bright Light Therapy Remains Underused Within VA Healthcare System
Since the 1980s, when seasonal affective disorder was first identified, one of the first-line treatments has been Bright Light Therapy.
