Tips for savvy medical Web surfing

An online article from CNN.com discusses some interesting tips for searching the Web that will benefit case managers and patients. Click here to view.

Stopping antidepressant use may lead to violent behavior

Antidepressants usually carry warnings about suicidal ideation and behavior risks, but stopping these medications can also result in suicidal tendencies and violent behavior, a psychiatrist said. The reasons cited for discontinuing antidepressant use include lack of insurance coverage, rising drug prices, denial of mental illness, and side effects such as restlessness, severe sweating, headaches, tremors and sexual dysfunction. Click here for more.

New York hospitals adopt gentler care methods

Some New York hospitals have made a move to create a better patient environment in an effort to help patients heal better and more quickly. Efforts include better communication, more natural light, easier access to medical records, massages, plants and artwork, choice of foods, real nightgowns or pajamas, and even music. Click here for more.

Use of some adult vaccines lags

The CDC says vaccines to prevent HPV, whooping cough and shingles have been slow to catch on among adults. Experts say cost may be part of the problem, but providers also may not be recommending these vaccines because they don’t know that much about the conditions that the vaccines treat. Click here for more.

FDA proposes to ease rules on off-label drug use

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday recommended new guidelines that would let drug and medical-device makers supply doctors with copies of journal articles on off-label uses of their products. Advocates say the proposal would give physicians access to credible scientific data that could potentially save lives, while critics argue that allowing such a practice could compromise patient safety and result in unreliable research on the benefits of drugs and devices. Click here for more.