A pilot study found that specialist-led bereavement services led by senior doctors, nurses, and the quality and safety lead can help curb patient complaints and legal action in the wake of a difficult death. Most families who used the service had unanswered questions about clinical care and quality of care provided.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that body size-height and weight may have a greater impact on women's lifespan. Additionally, daily physical activity was associated with the best chance of reaching 90 for women, with an optimal threshold of around 60 minutes a day.
A study found that over two-thirds of patient organizations involved in assessing NHS treatments received funding from the manufacturer or a competitor, yet decision-makers were aware of less than a quarter of these interests. The researchers advocate for stronger policy on disclosure and greater transparency to reassure the public abo...
A recent study published in The BMJ found that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions for privately insured outpatients in the US were inappropriate. Inappropriate prescribing was more common among adults than children, with colds, chest infections, and coughs being the three most common reasons.
A study published in The BMJ found that people with the most common genetic disorder in northern Europe are associated with substantially higher levels of disease than previously thought. The faulty genes often lead to serious health problems, including haemochromatosis and liver disease.
Research finds certain housing types and tenures associated with higher CRP levels, indicating potential link between housing conditions and inflammation. Home owners with mortgages had lower CRP than renters in the private sector.
Research finds that nearly half of young Britons don't feel ready for their first sexual experience, regardless of age. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing this milestone, taking into account factors such as partnership stability and communication skills.
A large study published in The BMJ found that HRT tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots, particularly those containing equine oestrogen. No increased risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. The study provides important information for women and their doctors to make informed treatment choices.
An investigation by Susan Greenhalgh reveals how Coca-Cola influenced China's health policies through institutional, financial, and personal links. The company's focus on physical fitness over dietary restrictions has aligned with official obesity policy.
A confidential online poll of 81 UK female surgeons found that over half have faced or witnessed discrimination in the workplace. The survey also revealed that Orthopaedics is seen as the most sexist surgical specialty, with many respondents citing poor work-life balance and inflexibility as major obstacles to a career in surgery.
A review of evidence reveals that as many as one in four women attending sexual and reproductive healthcare services report being coerced into controlling their own reproductive lives. Coercive control, including 'contraceptive sabotage,' undermines women's autonomy and has serious negative consequences.
A study of over 2 million CT scans found that radiation doses vary greatly due to how scanners are used by medical staff, not patient or machine differences. Setting consistent dose standards could minimize unnecessary radiation risks.
A comprehensive review of 56 studies found no statistically significant differences in health outcomes between those consuming non-sugar sweeteners and those not consuming them. Non-sugar sweeteners were associated with slightly less weight gain, but the evidence was low-quality.
The presence of alcohol on greeting cards reinforces a social attitude that excess drinking is acceptable and associated with celebration. This can influence views on drinking and contribute to increased consumption, particularly among young people.
Research estimates that bidi smoking in India results in INR 805.5 billion (US$12.4 billion) in direct and indirect costs, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity. The habit disproportionately affects men, particularly those from lower-income households who already struggle with poverty.
Many NHS trusts and health boards have been unable to accurately forecast how Brexit will affect crucial areas such as supply chains, medicines, and workforce. Only a quarter of those that responded were able to disclose their risk assessment related to Brexit, with many citing uncertainty about the government's guidance.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology & Psychiatry found that food allergies are associated with a higher rate of cumulative disease bouts and active disease in multiple sclerosis patients. The study analyzed data from 1349 adults and found that food allergy was linked to a 27% higher rate of disease flare-ups.
A new study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that workplace resilience programs may not have a positive impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing. The researchers found no evidence that a specific program improved recruits' mental health and attitudes towards mental illness after training.
A study of 39,742 people found that exercise was just as effective as most blood pressure lowering drugs in reducing systolic blood pressure, especially for those with high blood pressure. Combining endurance and dynamic resistance training also showed promising results.
Studies across multiple countries find that popular restaurant chains serve high-calorie meals, failing to meet public health guidelines. Only a small minority of meals met the recommended calorie limit, highlighting the need for intervention targets such as portion reduction and mandatory labelling.
A US study reveals that physicians based on their status as mothers face unique forms of discrimination, including varied expectations of performance, limited career development opportunities, and lack of support before and after birth. The findings emphasize the need for structural changes to address pregnancy, parental leave, and chi...
A Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack peaks at around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, especially for older and sicker individuals due to heightened emotional stress. This risk is also higher during New Year's and Midsummer holidays, as well as Monday mornings.
Research reveals a strong association between workplace exposure to metals and pesticides and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that cumulative exposure may be more harmful, particularly for Hispanic/Latino workers who may face language barriers and limited resources.
The study found that animal-related injuries in the US result in over $5.9 billion in healthcare costs each year. The majority of these incidents are caused by smaller animals and insects, with dog bites, insect stings, and snake bites being among the most common causes.
The study found that at least 4% of doctors play golf, with male doctors and surgical specialists spending the most time on the course. Male doctors between 61-70 were most likely to play golf, while female doctors aged 31-35 were least likely.
Researchers tested a weight gain prevention intervention focusing on Christmas period, encouraging regular weighing and providing activity equivalent calorie information. The results showed that participants in the intervention group did not gain weight, while those in the control group did.
Researchers found patients discharged during the December holiday period had a higher risk of death or readmission, with a 16% risk within the first 7 days. Patients with higher baseline risks had lower holiday-related readmission and death rates.
A new study suggests that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life can improve mental ability and provide a higher starting point for decline. The research found no link between regular problem-solving activities and slowing down age-related mental decline.
A study finds examples of industry funding influencing healthcare professionals and medical education, potentially leading to overdiagnosis of cows' milk protein allergy. The NHS has increased spending on specialist formulas by nearly 700%, but data suggest no corresponding increase in infant cases.
Researchers found that self-sampling kits can improve cervical cancer detection among women not participating in screening programs. Studies showed that HPV tests based on PCR technology were just as accurate on self-samples as those taken by clinicians, but signal amplification-based tests were less effective.
A study of 32 hospital wards in the UK found a daily 3% rise in patient death risk associated with insufficiently staffed wards. Daily staffing levels for registered nurses averaged 4.75 hours, while those for nursing assistants averaged 2.99 hours.
A recent study found that gun violence has a disproportionately high impact on black Americans, with their lives shortened by nearly twice as much as those of white Americans. The study, which analyzed data from 2000 to 2016, also found that firearm suicides and assaults contributed to this disparity.
Children conceived via fertility treatment have up to 42% higher risk of asthma, while number of previous early miscarriages is also associated with increased risk. Research suggests that common factors underlying poorer fertility and recurrent miscarriages may influence asthma risk.
A recent study published in The BMJ reveals that the UK has higher death rates from respiratory illnesses, such as COPD and pneumonia, compared to other developed countries. Death rates for men have decreased over the past 30 years, but those for women have remained relatively static.
The study found a significant increase in test ordering among GPs between 2000/1 and 2015/16, with an average of five tests per year in 2015/16. This has major implications for general practitioners' workload and the NHS budget.
Half of ambulances targeted in Syrian conflict sustained serious damage, with 49% severely damaged or withdrawn from service. Cluster bombs and barrel bombs were frequently used by Syrian government and Russian forces.
A systematic review of 15 studies found no strong evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of diverting low-need patients from emergency departments. The strategy was also not effective in reducing subsequent use of emergency care services.
Fruit and naturally occurring fructose have no negative impact on blood glucose levels, while sweetened drinks may pose a greater risk. Researchers analyzed 155 studies to assess the effect of different food sources of fructose sugars on blood glucose levels.
A study of over 143,000 female nurses found that rotating night shift work and an unhealthy lifestyle significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. The risk is higher than the sum of individual factors, suggesting an interaction between the two.
Researchers found that antidepressant prescriptions rose by 13.4% after the Brexit vote, potentially due to increased uncertainty among some populations. Strengthening mental health service provision during such periods is advised.
Teen energy, calmness, empathy, maturity, and intellectual curiosity may be protective against early death, while impulsivity may increase the risk. A large study found that these traits were associated with lower mortality rates over 48 years.
Researchers found a correlation between declining smoking rates among US teens and young adults and rising vaping prevalence. The study suggests that while some young people may try e-cigarettes and then smoke, the overall impact of vaping on smoking rates is likely small.
Inhalant abuse is a growing concern among teens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with up to 125 deaths per year in the US. Deodorant spray contains butane, which can be toxic when inhaled.
A new study has found that footballers' health screens, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, do not always detect potentially critical heart problems. In fact, six players out of 595 tested negative for serious cardiovascular issues, highlighting the need for further screening and timely symptom reporting.
A study of older primary care patients found that hospital admission significantly increases the risk of inappropriate prescribing. The research highlights the need for better coordination of care to reduce medication-related harms.
Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with a two-fold increased risk of lower limb amputation and diabetic ketoacidosis compared to GLP1 receptor agonists. However, the use of these drugs was not linked to other serious adverse events.
Researchers found that low-carb diets resulted in significantly greater energy expenditure compared to high-carb diets. Participants on the low-carb diet burned an average of 209-278 kilocalories per day more than those on the high-carb diet, leading to improved weight loss maintenance.
A UK Biobank study found that certain risk factors have a greater impact on women's heart attack risk than men's. High blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes increased the risk of heart attack more in women than in men.
AI systems have a 'near unlimited capacity' for data processing and learning, potentially making diagnoses and surgical interventions more accurate. However, doctors will remain essential for holistic patient care, addressing individual preferences and social circumstances.
An investigation by The BMJ found that tens of thousands of UK patients with type 1 diabetes are being denied access to flash glucose monitoring devices due to a postcode lottery. Despite NHS guidance, only 3-5% of patients have access to the devices, compared to 20-25% recommended by clinical commissioning groups.