A systematic review of 59 studies found that interventions in prisons led to improved health outcomes for prisoners and the general population. The research highlights the importance of providing treatment and access to primary care after release, resulting in reduced substance abuse, mental health problems, and infectious diseases.
A study found that even with health impact assessments, political agendas often override HiAP considerations in decision-making. Funding for HiAP initiatives can be split between government departments, creating challenges to its success.
The article highlights the weaknesses of the 2007 International Health Regulations (IHR) Treaty in responding to public health threats. Despite SARS strengthening the IHR, only 20% of countries met their obligations, leading to criticism of the treaty's effectiveness.
A recent article highlights the importance of local health departments' roles in responding to global health security threats posed by infectious diseases. Key findings include the need for dedicated staff to interpret federal guidance, form partnerships with healthcare coalitions, and communicate accurate risk information. The Ebola e...
Research found significant disparities in mental and physical health of 11-15 year olds between affluent and disadvantaged youths. The study suggests that addressing socioeconomic inequalities is crucial for population health.
The Interprofessional Oral Health Grant Team at NYU College of Nursing introduces the HEENOT approach, a comprehensive examination that includes oral cavity assessment. This method is expected to increase interprofessional oral health workforce capacity and improve oral-systemic health across the lifespan.
A significant portion of state and federal prisoners are not receiving treatment for mental health conditions, with 26% reporting a diagnosis compared to 18% in the general population. The lack of access to adequate mental health services can lead to higher recidivism rates after release.
Dr. Smylie will focus on improving access to effective treatments for illnesses disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples, such as diabetes and tuberculosis. Her research prioritizes community partnerships and integrates Indigenous approaches to health and well-being.
A study found that optimistic individuals have significantly better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, are more physically active, and have healthier body mass indexes. They were also less likely to smoke and had a stronger association with cardiovascular health when socio-demographic characteristics were factored in.
Two Health Affairs papers expose gaps in health coverage for children and recommend solutions. The studies focus on the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit standard, which has resulted in a state-by-state patchwork of coverage with significant exclusions for children with developmental disabilities.
A special issue of Journal of Public Health Management and Practice presents 15 articles on urban public health leaders' efforts to design new approaches to make cities healthier places to live. The strategies include comprehensive plans, health promotion, injury prevention, and collaboration with community players.
An international team of researchers identified 20 real or perceived barriers to public health data-sharing, classifying them into six categories. The team proposes creating a treaty for global data-sharing and commissioning a body to monitor and facilitate data exchange.
Regular internet use and engaging in civic, leisure, and cultural activities may help maintain health literacy skills among older adults. Health literacy scores fell by one or more points in around a fifth of people over six years, regardless of initial score.
A Rutgers study reveals that 75 percent of patients with at least four hospital stays between 2008-2011 were diagnosed with one or more behavioral health conditions. The study also found that 40 percent of preventable inpatient hospitalizations were associated with behavioral health conditions.
A study finds that elderly Americans with low health literacy are less likely to use the internet for health information. Interventions targeting health literacy among older adults may help bridge the digital divide.
LSU Health New Orleans has been awarded a $2.2 million grant to develop and implement strategic health education campaigns for young breast cancer survivors in the Gulf South region. The initiative aims to empower survivors to advocate for their care and access necessary services, improving quality of life.
A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.
The series examines four distinct phases in Latin American countries' history of health system reform and universal coverage. It highlights the importance of social determinants, intersectoral action, and solidarity-based financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage.
Poor oral health in elite athletes shows no signs of improvement and must be remedied. Experts recommend simple measures like better brushing and flossing can provide marginal performance gains similar to expensive physical therapies.
Griffith University and the Menzies Foundation have collaborated to create a national Menzies Health Institute Queensland, enhancing research excellence in allied health. The new institute will focus on addressing healthcare challenges and opportunities globally.
A new review article suggests that a 'weight-inclusive' approach should be used instead of the current 'weight-normative' approach, which emphasizes weight as a key factor in defining health and wellbeing. This shift would focus on social determinants of health and accept human diversity, including size diversity.
A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...
Health policy academics and clinicians warn of potential risks of new .health internet domain, citing lack of transparency and inadequate stakeholder participation. They recommend an immediate moratorium and the formation of an expert working panel to discuss governance and ensure universal access to quality health information online.
A new Comment in The Lancet calls for a Global Health Systems Fund to prevent future infectious disease crises and strengthen health infrastructure. The proposed fund would address human resource shortages and fragile health systems that contributed to the devastating Ebola outbreak.
China's rapid emergence as a global power has coincided with unprecedented challenges to its people's health, including rising chronic disease burdens and inefficient healthcare delivery. China must act now to tackle these time-bombs of illnesses or face the huge toll of largely preventable health loss suffered by high-income countries.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
Researchers found a strong correlation between retirement savings and health improvement behaviors, with 401(k) contributors improving their health by 27% more than non-contributors. The study controlled for initial health, demographics, and job type to find that financial planning predicts future health changes.
The Affordable Care Act can improve the US population's health by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection. The Act promotes collaboration between healthcare and public health systems, leading to better quality services and greater integration of public health entities into healthcare.
Leading medical authorities call for global mental health objectives, a UN High Level Meeting on Mental Health, and efforts to end stigma and human rights violations. The experts say action is urgently needed, particularly in Africa, where mental health disorders account for a huge burden of disease and disability.
The war on terror is incorporating medicine into warfare, undermining population health and exacerbating global health inequities. Humanitarian and health workers face profound moral distress due to being treated as tools in the war on terror.
The e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) initiative aims to train primary health practitioners in the use of e-mental health services, promoting access to e-health for people with mental health-related conditions. The program seeks to increase users of e-mental health services by at least 20% by 2016.
The Health Data Exploration project aims to catalyze the use of personal health data for research, identifying policies and best practices for its transformative knowledge. The Network will bring together companies and researchers to strategize on using personal data to understand health.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.
The researchers developed Amulet, an electronic bracelet that supports mobile health applications with usability, manageability, interoperability, availability, security, and privacy. It tracks medication use, sends reminders, and provides critical health data in emergency situations.
A recent study by Allina Health found that sharing clinical information with other health systems can avoid duplicative diagnostic procedures, such as blood work and imaging. By using the Care Everywhere tool, providers were able to eliminate 560 potentially duplicative diagnostic procedures.
Global health funding reached an all-time high of $31.3 billion in 2013, driven by increased support for maternal and child health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to receive relatively little development assistance, despite being a major burden in the developing world.
The Affordable Care Act's impact on healthcare coverage will significantly affect population health management providers, employers, and employees. New models of population health management services delivery are proposed to address these changes.
RIT is launching a new school of health and nutrition, which will focus on educating students on the role of nutrition, exercise and behavior modification in promoting healthy lifestyles. The school will also address critical health issues such as high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and obesity.
Under the Affordable Care Act, an estimated 4 million people who have spent time in jail will gain access to continuous health care for conditions that increase the risk of recidivism. This could lead to reduced healthcare costs and a healthier community.
The National Institutes of Health's largest and most comprehensive study on Hispanic and Latino health has outlined key findings, including diverse risk factors for disease across different ancestry groups. The study also highlights areas where Hispanics and Latinos live longer than the general population.
A national study led by Henry Ford Health System found that 83% of people who commit suicide receive medical care in the year prior to their death, but only 45% receive a mental health diagnosis. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to identify and treat patients at risk of suicidal thoughts.
Most people who commit suicide receive regular healthcare services, yet a significant portion of these individuals are left with undiagnosed mental health conditions. Healthcare providers must become more attuned to patients' mental health states and possible suicide ideation to prevent suicides.
A new database created by UNC Charlotte researchers identifies 306 'health legacy foundations' in 43 states, with critical information on location, asset values, and grant awards. The database helps bridge the gap in documenting philanthropic assets, which are expected to increase due to healthcare reform.
A Simon Fraser University researcher is traveling to Vietnam to study the lack of accessible services for people with mental disorders. The project aims to understand how health workers can be integrated into primary care to provide effective interventions.
A study involving 186 Type II diabetes patients found that health coaching significantly improved oral health by reducing biological markers for periodontitis by 50% and long-range blood sugar levels. The coaching group also showed increased self-efficacy in handling illness and health issues.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that health disparities among US African-American and Hispanic men result in $341.8 billion and $115 billion excess medical costs, respectively. The total economic burden is over $450 billion, with indirect costs contributing an additional $436.3 billion.
A study analyzing NIH-funded studies between 1989 and 2011 found that only 0.5% of funded studies focused on LGBT health, with significant gaps in representation and research areas. The authors recommend increasing funding for evidence-based interventions to reduce health inequities among LGBT populations.
The CANHEART health index found that 9.4% of Canadian adults and 16.6% of youth were in ideal cardiovascular health, while 37.3% of adults and 49.7% of youth had poor heart health. The study suggests that addressing behaviours can reduce cardiac risk factors.
A survey of senior hospital executives shows they are highly optimistic about the future of the US healthcare system, expecting improved quality of care and cost reductions by 2020. Despite a pessimistic national dialogue, leaders believe reform will bring significant improvements in care delivery and management.
A new commentary highlights the devastating impact of sequestration on the Indian Health Service, perpetuating longstanding health care disparities. Funding cuts lead to rationing of services, contributing to a 4.1-year gap in life expectancy compared to mainstream Americans, with alarming rates of alcoholism, diabetes, and mortality.
Peggy A. Honoré, DHA, has been awarded the 2013 Excellence in Health Administration Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions to public health finance and systems research. She is also Director of the Public Health System, Finance, and Quality Program at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Researchers at UC Davis and University of Rochester found that having health insurance increases use of preventive services like flu shots and health screenings, but does not affect risky health behaviors. The study contradicts a common concern that expanding healthcare coverage may encourage riskier behavior.
A Web First article by Health Affairs explores Shanghai's cutting-edge health care reforms and their successes and challenges. The study also reveals that the United States has the most complex insurance system among eleven countries surveyed, making it difficult for citizens to access care due to cost and time-consuming complexities.
A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
The new curriculum emphasizes a life-course approach, global perspective, and leadership skills, with an integrated core semester and novel courses. Students also complete a practicum and can choose from over 20 certificate programs for further specialization.
The use of electronic health records and consumer e-health apps is expected to profoundly impact the American healthcare workforce over the next decade, reducing future demand for physicians by 4-7%. This is due to increased efficiency and delegation of care to nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
A new analysis examines factors affecting integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers. Health centers were more likely to offer behavioral health services if they were larger or located in areas with more psychiatrists and psychologists per capita.
The Quality Health Services for Haiti (SSQH) North project aims to increase the use and quality of primary care services in rural areas. URC will support the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population with quality improvement and results-based financing approaches.
Researchers found no evidence that state public health departments lose funding when merged with Medicaid programs. In fact, the study suggests that strong public health agencies can help save Medicaid money by preventing costly diseases.
Limited health literacy affects patients' ability to take prescribed medications and makes it difficult for them to engage in self-care activities. Pharmacy schools are adopting health literacy as a framework for training pharmacists to be effective communicators.