Health and Medicine

Illustration of human intestinal tract
May 28, 2015

New colorectal surgery protocol reduces length of hospital stay by 25 percent

For colorectal surgery patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the introduction last summer of a new patient care protocol, which includes intensive follow-up by anesthesiologists in the hospital, has led to an average 25 percent reduction in hospital length of stay after surgery — from four days to three — and 90 percent reduction in the use of opioids to treat post-operative pain.

By Paul Govern
xray of lung
May 28, 2015

VU study to explore Accountable Care Organizations’ impact on cancer screenings

As health care organizations implement new strategies to improve quality and reduce costs, a physician researcher at VUMC is setting out to identify whether there could be unintended effects.

By VUMC News and Communications
May 21, 2015

Study seeks to bolster outcomes for acute heart failure patients

With support from a three-year, $2 million research grant from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the American Heart Association are teaming up to study heart failure care in the Emergency Department.

By Kathy Whitney
HIV cell
May 21, 2015

‘Redesigned’ antibodies may control HIV: study

With the help of a computer program called “Rosetta,” researchers at Vanderbilt University have “redesigned” an antibody that has increased potency and can neutralize more strains of the AIDS-causing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than can any known natural antibody.

By Bill Snyder
May 21, 2015

Grant helps expand training outreach program in Kenya

In an especially underserved region of western Kenya, expectant mothers requiring cesarean section are the focus of a new $2.6 million grant to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Kenya’s AIC Kijabe Hospital and the Kenya-based Center for Public Health and Development.

By Paul Govern
woman sneezing
May 21, 2015

Study shows probiotics may help ease allergies

Using probiotics may help alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), also known as seasonal or perennial allergies, according to a Vanderbilt study that reviewed 23 previous trials.

By Matt Batcheldor