Using a health exchange network can facilitate electronic disease reporting, improving compliance with public health laws and increasing completeness of reports. A novel decision support tool has been designed to automate the process of primary care clinics reporting case information to public health offices.
A two-year science visioning process has identified thirty specific research strategies to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. The NIH Strategic Plan on Minority Health and Health Disparities will be guided by these strategies, enabling a coordinated research approach to promote equal opportunities for all populations.
The US has the highest per capita health care spending among developed countries, largely attributed to higher prices. A study found that despite efforts to control spending, the US continues to outspend other countries on healthcare, with a significant gap between public and private insurer payments.
Researchers urge employers to integrate mental health first aid into a broader system of support for employees. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health recommends a 'prevention first' approach that tackles root causes of mental health issues through good management and organizational culture.
The UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health debunks common misconceptions about migration's impact on public health and economies. It highlights the significant economic benefits of migration, including increased GDP per person in advanced economies.
A new method for estimating health data accuracy combines HIS data with probability surveys to provide a more accurate assessment of an intervention's coverage. This allows for better planning and management of health systems and policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative releases a special supplement to Public Health Reports addressing five urgent US health challenges. The supplement features articles and commentaries on addiction and overdose, violence, obesity and the food system, environmental challenges, and adolescent health.
A collection of 17 innovative projects showcases the benefits of patient-oriented research, including improved health outcomes and enhanced care. Patient partners contributed to study design, recruitment, and data collection, highlighting the value of lived experience in research.
A Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health campaign targeting youth aged 14-24 showed impressive results in changing public attitudes toward mental health. The 'WhyWeRise' campaign increased support for people with mental illness and empowered youth to mobilize around mental health activism.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that most people living with dementia also have at least one additional chronic health condition. The study, led by Professor Linda Clare, highlights the need for better care planning and support to deal with multiple conditions in a more integrated way.
Patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease are more likely to die within a year if they have low health literacy. The study considered social and behavioral factors such as physical activity, medication adherence, and perceived health competence, which were found to be significant predictors of mortality.
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
Research by LSU Health New Orleans found that early team-based exposure to multiple health disciplines in pipeline programs reduces traditional role and leadership stereotypes. This leads to improved collaboration and better patient outcomes, as seen in the study's statistically significant positive changes in IPE perceptions.
Researchers are developing an automated virtual health coach using data from human health coaches to help participants set SMART goals and stay on track. The system will learn to automate interactions and notify human health coaches when needed, aiming to improve health behaviors among underserved populations.
A special issue by The Lancet warns that primary health care is underdeveloped and underfunded, with half the world's population lacking access to essential services. The Lancet calls for renewed leadership to revive primary health care, citing its importance in delivering better health for all.
The Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health program supports junior faculty members Melanie Kornides and Jennifer Lewey to pursue research projects on sex differences and women's health. C. Alix Timko continues her second year of a BIRCWH-sponsored study on adolescent eating disorders.
Researchers developed a patient priorities care approach to help older adults identify their health goals and preferences. The method involves structured conversations with facilitators who document the information in an electronic health record, enabling clinicians to align care with patients' priorities.
The UTHealth Homeless Outpatient Mental Health Expansion Services Program provides treatment and recovery support to 500 individuals ages 18 and older with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland Health Enterprise Zones linked to significant reductions in inpatient stays (18,562 fewer) and overall health care cost savings ($93 million). Despite a jump in emergency room visits, the initiative brought large net cost savings.
The GW Health Careers Opportunity Program aims to create a more diverse health care workforce by introducing high school students to a health sciences-focused curriculum. The program addresses regional disparities in healthcare access and outcomes through partnerships with public schools, community colleges, and healthcare employers.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) has launched an online knowledge bank with resources for educators on the health impacts of climate change. The platform features links to publicly available online courses, curricular guidance, and information on upcoming events.
A new analysis reveals that poor-quality care is responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths per year, surpassing deaths due to insufficient access to care. Global efforts to improve health systems will be futile if quality does not improve.
A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...
A new analysis by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that achieving universal healthcare (UHC) will require significant transformations in how health services are delivered, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in quality medical services, adopting innovative...
A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.
A study by ISGlobal found that cycling yields the best results in every analysis, linked to better self-perceived general health, mental health, and vitality. Walking is also beneficial, associated with greater vitality and more contact with friends and family.
Five low- and middle-income countries lack trained health workers and essential medicines, hindering readiness for noncommunicable diseases. Policymakers can engage private sector in addressing NCD burden through partnerships, medicine procurement, and service financing.
The BMJ's new collection aims to improve global health by integrating research into health systems and increasing its value. Despite progress since the introduction of a regional policy in 2009, challenges persist, including weak public health functions and varying levels of research capacity.
Research found that popular mental health apps portray mental health as ubiquitous and manageable through self-help apps, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. The study's authors caution that this approach can be problematic, especially for those with severe mental health issues, who may need external support.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences reveals that parents who experienced severe childhood trauma are more likely to have children with behavioral health problems. The study found a strong association between parents' adverse childhood experiences and their children's behavioral health issues, par...
A California study found that student mental health peer organizations increase students' perceived knowledge about mental health, decrease stigma, and promote helping behaviors. The study involved 1,129 students from 12 colleges, demonstrating the potential of student-run initiatives to shape a more supportive climate on campus.
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has selected recipients for its 2018 William G. Coleman Jr., Ph.D., Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Innovation Award, supporting innovative research in minority health disparities. The awarded projects focus on key determinants of health inequities...
A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.
A recent systematic review found that health information exchanges can significantly reduce healthcare costs and usage. Community-based exchanges showed more promising results than proprietary ones. The study's lead investigator attributed the difference to more mature systems being examined in the current review.
The US mental health system struggles to deliver behavioral healthcare to populations in need due to significant human resource issues. Research reveals substantial shortages of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas.
A study using data from nationwide Brazilian surveys found that those with less education are more likely to self-report as being in poor health. The percentage of those reporting poor health did not improve despite rising education levels, suggesting other factors need to be addressed.
The University of Arizona Sleep and Health Research Program has been awarded a $3.6 million grant to study sleep health along the US-Mexico border. The Nogales Cardiometabolic Health and Sleep Study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and cardiometabolic disease risk factors.
A new study finds that people covered by universal health coverage will likely fall far below the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3 target by 2030. Global health spending is expected to double over the next 20 years, with high-income countries projected to spend nearly 45 times more on healthcare than low-income countries.
A new emphasis on preparing for conception is needed to improve health in future generations. Research suggests that parental diet and lifestyle before conception can influence the risk of future chronic disease in children.
Researchers found that individuals who rate their mental health as 'positive' despite symptoms are less likely to develop depression or psychological distress in the future. This suggests good mental health encompasses coping and adapting to life, not just symptom absence.
A Drexel University study found that mayors' political beliefs influence their opinions on civic policies reducing health disparities. Approximately 8% of socially conservative mayors believed city policies could have a major impact, compared to 29% of liberal mayors.
Aarhus University's study found that 9% of participants in a health check were psychologically vulnerable and lacked assistance from medical doctors or psychologists. The study suggests that including mental health assessments in health checks can help identify those in need, enabling targeted support and prevention.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that primary care physicians feel underequipped to address prenatal oral health, with only 45% feeling prepared. The authors suggest improving training and education on oral health for primary care physicians.
A study of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that most Americans have suboptimal cardiovascular health. The study also revealed racial disparities in cardiovascular health, with rates of optimal health remaining below 40% for whites, 25% for Mexican Americans, and 15% for African Americans.
A report recommends replacing problem-oriented EHRs with goal-directed designs that incorporate patient profiles, health planners, and actionable information. This shift would improve patient care and refocus medical professionals on human health's full scope.
A study published in Health Affairs found that male recipients of Colombia Mayor, a noncontributory pension program, had improved health outcomes. They reported 5.6% less bad health and a 5.4% reduced likelihood of hospitalization. The program provides eligible low-income elderly Colombians with a small monthly cash transfer of $16-34.
Canada's legacy in health is threatened by unacceptable Indigenous health disparities and a need for healthcare reform. The Lancet Series calls for bold action to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable health system for all Canadians.
Mobile health units offer a portable approach to bringing healthcare to communities, with over 2,000 units in service nationwide. Adolescents surveyed expressed interest in learning about sexual health through MHUs, with high rates of willingness to obtain birth control and recommend the service to friends.
A Canadian study found that increased social spending was associated with improved health outcomes, while increased healthcare spending had no similar effect. The researchers suggest that reallocating funds from healthcare to social services could lead to significant improvements in life expectancy and mortality rates.
A Drexel University public health study found that Mexican immigrant health access plummets after crossing into the US, and remains low even when returning to Mexico. The study revealed a significant drop in healthcare access, from 78% to 47-60%, among Mexican adults before and after migration.
A new study found that 50% of transgender young Canadians avoid healthcare because they're uncomfortable with doctors, leading to negative health outcomes. Increasing provider knowledge is crucial for improving the health of this vulnerable group.
A new report highlights how the King's Sierra Leone Partnership joined forces with local mental health professionals to improve psychiatric healthcare during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. The partnership created a nurse-led mental health and psychosocial support service, strengthening skills of non-specialist nurses, which led to the establ...
A review paper compares health determinants of people and healthcare systems in Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The study highlights the need for policies impacting population health and country development to guide policymakers and healthcare providers.
A new report highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers, achieving the quadruple aim of quality care, community health, reduced costs, and improved patient and provider experiences. Health literacy can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower health expenditures.
A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that 90% of users reported increased motivation and confidence using mental and emotional health apps. The app-based interventions promote behavior change and can be an inexpensive way to increase self-efficacy for mental health.
A pilot project tests a community-level assessment tool from Cuba on reproductive-age women and their families in Englewood, aiming to enhance provider awareness of home life and environments. The goal is to address maternal health and infant mortality outcomes, such as low birth rate and pre-term births.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health shares a training protocol for community health center leaders and staff on using big data for informed decision-making. The protocol provides access to over 100 training programs, webinars, and tools to address specific needs in health informatics.
A national survey of pediatric primary care physicians found that while most address at least one parental health issue during child health visits, fewer feel responsible for doing so. The study highlights the need to better understand how health systems can support current practices and improve parental health promotion in pediatrics.
A new study found that simplified health information and instruction can improve outcomes for families with low health literacy in childhood obesity treatment programs. Families saw similar improvements in body mass index, sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and quality of life, regardless of their ability to understand health information.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that low-cost, high-volume services account for a large portion of unnecessary healthcare spending in the US. The study analyzed data from Virginia's healthcare system and found that these services cost the state over $586 million in 2014.