The latest issue of ACP Hospitalist is online

The January issue of ACP Hospitalist is online. Featured stories include the following:

Global health hospitalists on the rise. More physicians are focusing on a particular country, and frequently a particular hospital, to bring about lasting change. Rather than short, episodic experiences abroad, these hospitalists work to improve treatment protocols in order to effect change in the long term.

Is routine catheter replacement outdated? A recent study found that peripheral venous catheter replacement when clinically indicated is just as safe as routine replacement. We examine whether hospitals should rethink their catheter replacement policies, and if so, the elements to consider when devising a new plan.

Post-discharge call services. Several companies have recently launched post-discharge services, which contract with hospitals to handle phone calls to patients after they leave the hospital. These can help relieve the pressure on physicians and nurses to follow up with patients.