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.
A systematic review of high-deductible health care plans found they curb both healthcare cost and usage, including preventive care. The study showed a decrease in patient use of medical services, including desirable services like cancer screenings.
The Magee Prize will be awarded to a collaborative team of researchers proposing innovative projects in women's health research. The winners will collaborate with MWRI researchers to improve women's health globally, focusing on topics like early human development, reproductive sciences, and gender-based biology.
A growing movement in higher education is launching a global effort to educate health professionals on the health impacts of climate change. The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to build expertise among health workers to integrate knowledge into daily practice, enhancing public health while mitigating climate change.
Laura Vandenberg, a leading expert on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on human health, has been named one of CHE's '20 Pioneers Under 40 in Environmental Public Health'. Her groundbreaking research informs prevention-focused behaviors and policies to protect public health.
In at least 18 states, academic health centers partner with cooperative extension systems to improve local community health. These collaborations focus on nutrition education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and health and nutrition education for seniors.
Researchers found that 77% of patients referred to an income security health promotion service needed assistance with increasing income, including filing taxes and applying for social services. The service acts as a bridge between health and social care, helping patients navigate financial and social support systems.
A new healthcare delivery model proposes partnering ERs with primary care to address failing health in underserved areas. This approach aims to connect patients to other physicians and resources, improving overall rural population health.
The LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health will receive a $15 million grant over five years to support its cancer education, early detection, and control programs. The funding will help improve cancer screening rates and reduce disparities in cancer care across the state.
Health insurance coverage in China rebounded from 32.3% in 1991 to nearly universal coverage of 94.7% in 2011. The study found that increasing health insurance rates led to higher treatment-seeking for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
A new study by Harvard University suggests that reducing insurance coverage for mental health treatment leads to increased costs for the most severely ill, as they turn to acute and involuntary care. The reform also resulted in a decrease in regular mental health care usage, but with a significant increase in acute care usage among tho...
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been awarded £11 million to establish a new Global Health Research Unit and two research groups. The funds will support research on lung health, snakebite, and non-communicable diseases in Africa, aiming to improve health outcomes for the poorest communities.
UNC Health Care was honored as a national leader in health IT by the American Hospital Association (AHA) for leveraging technology to enhance patient care. The system has fully integrated its electronic health record (EHR) across all hospital entities and outpatient clinics.
The Indiana Training Program in Public and Population Health Informatics prepares graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to work in healthcare, academia, and public health departments. The program aims to fill the growing need for informaticians who can design solutions key to human health.
The UNC School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and other health professions schools will establish clinical experiences for students in rural areas of North Carolina, launching the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative (RIPHI). The program aims to improve health disparities and develop a health workforce prepared ...
A study analyzing five years of Ocean Health Index data for 220 countries found that global ocean health has remained stable, but individual countries have seen changes, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Improvements in fishery management and marine protected areas may have stabilized ocean health scores in other regions.
Germany's health system has proven remarkably resilient, but faces challenges such as overtreatment and continuity of care issues. The country has the potential to be a strong partner in global health research, but must increase its financial commitment and expertise.
Cancer caregivers experience a steady decline in physical health compared to controls, with symptoms of depression being the only significant predictor. The study suggests that early assessment and addressing depressive symptoms may help prevent premature health decline among this vulnerable population.
The City Health Dashboard is a nationwide expansion of an innovative health data visualization tool, enabling hundreds of US cities to accurately identify their most pressing health needs. The dashboard provides 26 key measures of health and drivers of health status at the neighborhood level.
A review of published evidence shows that having health insurance significantly reduces the risk for death. The study also found that health insurance improves self-rated health and financial protection, and reduces the likelihood of depression.
The guidelines, endorsed by Canadian medical and public health organizations, offer concrete recommendations to mitigate the risks of cannabis use. They address key areas such as abstaining from cannabis, mitigating risks for young Canadians, and harm reduction strategies.
A new study by University of Maryland School of Public Health researcher Dr. Andrew Fenelon found that people receiving subsidized housing assistance were more likely to have medical insurance and less likely to have unmet medical need compared to those on HUD waitlist.
European countries with higher healthcare expenditure experienced lower amenable mortality rates, with declines of up to 3.5% for men and 2.1% for women, according to a Health Affairs analysis.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded Wayne State University $460,305 for three research projects focused on reducing health disparities among children and seniors in Michigan. The projects aim to improve public transportation access, inspire future public health professionals, and support families at skilled nursing facilities.
A school-based intervention and podcast targeting parents improved children's ability to assess health claims, with over twice as many students in the intervention group achieving a passing score compared to those in control groups. The studies focused on 12 key concepts, including the reliability of anecdotes and conflicting interests.
The study found that low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas experienced significant improvements in medical care and health after gaining insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. They reported reduced out-of-pocket spending, improved access to primary care and preventive services, and better self-reported health. Additio...
Despite strong progress, Israel still faces significant health disparities, with lower life expectancy and higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and smoking among its Arab population. The country's aging population poses a growing challenge, and addressing ethnic inequalities is crucial to ensuring universal healthcare coverage.
A new study reveals that 90% of global health development assistance funds target individuals under the age of 60, while those aged 70 and older receive less than half as much. The majority of this funding goes to children under the age of 5, highlighting a significant gap in support for older adults.
According to a new analysis, health spending is expected to increase rapidly in high-income countries, while low-income countries are projected to see relatively slow growth. This could lead to rising out-of-pocket costs for people in emerging economies, leaving the poorest unable to afford care.
A new survey reveals that many patients in Connecticut struggle to understand their private health insurance plans, leading to delays in care and unexpected medical bills. The study highlights the need for simplified language and increased education to address health disparities among minority groups.
Research suggests that modifying diets by a few grams per day can significantly reduce groundwater use, cut greenhouses gases, and improve human health. Small and medium farms are essential to sustain global food supply, with estimates suggesting a 70% increase in food availability needed by 2050.
Repeal of key ACA provisions and failure to renew critical funding streams would result in significant funding losses for community health centers. Nearly 80% of centers estimate financial losses exceeding 20%, with many at risk of laying off staff, cutting services, or shutting down clinical sites.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Americans prioritize affordability based on household income. Respondents favored a health insurance policy with a 5% household income cap, rather than the current Ryancare plan which transfers benefits from poorer households to wealthier ones.
The US health system faces significant challenges, with high costs, persistent disparities, and the financial burden of chronic illness. Eight policy directions were identified as vital to improve health outcomes and increase efficiency, including four action priorities and four essential infrastructure needs.
A new study identified seven health behavior patterns based on smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity, physician visits and flu vaccination, which are associated with mortality. The research highlights the importance of considering behavioral decisions across multiple behaviors to create more effective interventions.
A study estimates that 814 medical personnel were killed in the Syrian conflict, with nearly 200 attacks on health facilities in 2016. The authors call for greater accountability and protection for health workers, highlighting the need to address human rights law violations.
The Learning Health System Network (LHSNet) has outlined its approach to improving patient-centered clinical care through translational research. The network, involving nine health organizations and nearly 10 million patients, focuses on integrating stakeholders to inform research that aligns with patients' priorities.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education aims to share best practices and design model curricula for academic and non-academic audiences. The consortium's goal is to create a cadre of highly trained health professionals to address the harmful health effects of climate change.
A Dartmouth study found that health insurance reduces cancer disparities, but does not eliminate them. Patients from disadvantaged communities showed a larger benefit from health insurance, highlighting the need for improved access to care.
A Drexel-led team will study hundreds of cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to understand how governance, design, and environment affect population health. The project aims to identify synergies between improving health and environmental sustainability.
Indigenous patients with diabetes in Canada face culturally unsafe care, leading to poorer health outcomes. A study found that negative experiences with healthcare systems can trigger traumatic memories and disengage patients from care.
A study in Health Affairs explores Brazil's Estratégia de Saúde da Família program and its impact on mortality rates. The findings indicate that expanding primary healthcare can reduce mortality rates, but effective implementation depends on strong local governance.
A pilot study at Nationwide Children's Hospital demonstrates that a local learning health system can improve clinical quality while reducing healthcare costs. The study implemented an electronic health record and robust care coordination system, resulting in significant reductions in hospital days, admissions, and urgent care visits, a...
Researchers have created a locally feasible method to estimate maternal mortality rates, providing insights into the effectiveness of local interventions. The approach has shown improved reproductive health and reduced pregnancy-related deaths in the Tigray region.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are partnering with the Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) program to test and improve its effectiveness in addressing health disparities among low-income African-American men. The study aims to develop a national model for improving health outcomes among this population.
A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that individuals with high health insurance literacy are more likely to gain coverage after the Affordable Care Act exchanges opened. The study, which surveyed over 2,700 adults, found a significant association between financial literacy and health insurance status.
The number of veterans served by community health centers has surged to over 305,000, up 43% in less than a decade. Most health centers now offer mental health services and substance abuse treatment, significantly improving care for this vulnerable population.
Despite decades of improved survival rates, childhood cancer survivors continue to report poor physical and mental health status. Researchers found that patients treated in earlier decades had better health outcomes than those treated in later decades, suggesting a link between access to follow-up care and reported adverse outcomes.
The article argues that Canada's public health care system has deteriorated, with private clinics filling gaps. CMAJ calls for government action to improve the system, including cutting wait lists, focusing on innovation, and ensuring universal access.
A 7-state research consortium led by Henry Ford Health System has been awarded funding to expand the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to enroll 1 million participants and collect data on lifestyle, environment, and genetics influencing health and disease risk.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that people with higher levels of social connection have better health literacy. Researchers also discovered that volunteering and civic engagement are linked to improved health literacy. The study analyzed data from the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, highlighting the importan...
Researchers propose a national systems-thinking approach to population health, considering how components interact and optimizing the design of the system. This approach aims to share metrics across federal, state, and local levels, improving quality and quantity of life.
The UK's approach to health requires a fundamental shift towards community-based services and partnerships with businesses and organizations. A new strategy is needed to recognize the significant contribution of health sciences to the economy while acknowledging that every part of society has a role in improving health.
A nationwide study found that Black and Hispanic children and youth are less likely to receive mental health care than their white counterparts, despite similar rates of mental health problems. The study also revealed significant racial and ethnic disparities in substance abuse treatment and outpatient mental health services.
A new graduate education program at the University of Missouri is receiving $700,000 to train psychology doctoral candidates in integrated primary care settings. The goal is to enhance healthcare for underserved populations with mental health and physical disorders.
The study found that despite progress toward universal coverage, citizens still reported gaps in primary care organization, financing, and delivery in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. People with better experiences at the primary care level were less likely to say their health system needed major reforms.
A recent study published in JAMA found that only 25% of seniors in the US used digital health technology between 2011 and 2014. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in digital health use, with older age, black and Latino ethnicity, divorce, and poor health associated with lower use.
The WHO has developed an Emergency Medical Teams concept to provide surge support to national health systems in disaster situations. The United States has not adopted this concept, despite over 64 countries launching or developing teams.
A new study maps zones most prone to sea level rise impacts in South Florida, identifying socially and economically vulnerable communities at risk. The research provides a foundation for adaptation and mitigation planning, informing regional resilience efforts.