VIM-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat in ICU, with mortality rates exceeding 30%. The bacteria are resistant to a broad range of antibiotics and thrive in wet environments such as sink drains. The pathogen can colonize through high-touch surfaces, medical devices and even expressed breast milk, requiring stringent infection control measures to prevent outbreaks.

A study involving 359 ICU patients on mechanical ventilation found that a no-visitation policy did not significantly impact delirium incidence or duration, researchers reported in Cureus. "This suggests that, for delirium prevention in ICUs, rather than relying solely on family visits, a multi-component approach that actively implements non-pharmacological interventions by nurses, such as early mobilization and cognitive stimulation, is important," researchers wrote.

Research in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children increased in frequency after COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions, but did not result in more severe outcomes. The study examined 321 cases from 2015 to 2025 and noted more instances of chest pain and pleural effusions in the post-NPI period. Hospitalization rates were similar in both periods but there was a trend toward fewer hospital and ICU admissions in the post-NPI period.

A group of 350 organizations, including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, urged Congress to make Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent, or at least extend them for two years. In a letter to congressional leaders, the organizations emphasize the importance of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic conditions or in rural areas, and highlight the potential impact on health care access and infrastructure.

Ascension Wisconsin is planning to replace some ICU doctors with physicians from TeamHealth, a private-equity-backed company, who will provide care in-person and via telehealth. The move is part of a broader trend of outsourcing clinical staff, but nurses have raised concerns about response times and patient care.

Efforts to reduce drug, alcohol and suicide-related deaths in the US have shown progress, but significant challenges remain, experts said during a Trust for America's Health webinar. Regina Labelle of the Georgetown University Law Center, Christina Mullins of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and Sharon Gilmartin of the Safe States Alliance emphasized best practices and ways to ensure further progress.

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