A UK study reveals that despite national recommendation, only 47.4% of terminally ill patients are placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway for end-of-life care. Lack of knowledge and staff support may be contributing factors to its underutilization.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that employers in the US pay an average of $5,816 (£3,865) extra per year for employees who smoke compared to non-smokers. The main factors contributing to these increased costs are absenteeism, smoking breaks, and healthcare expenditures.
A major study found that double dose oseltamivir does not improve outcomes in patients with severe influenza, contradicting previous suggestions. The results have significant implications for pandemic preparedness and drug stockpiling.
The NHS receives millions of pounds annually in revenue from promotions to pregnant women, raising concerns over commercial interests influencing healthcare decisions. Trusted organizations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, profit from selling advertisers access to pregnant women through promotions.
Researchers found a 'weekday effect' in mortality rates for patients undergoing elective surgery, with higher risks at the weekend and end of working week. The study suggests poorer quality of care may contribute to this, particularly for patients with more diseases or previous admissions.
A population-based study suggests that high-potency statins like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin increase the risk of developing new-onset diabetes. In contrast, fluvastatin and lovastatin appear to have a lower risk. Researchers recommend considering individual patient risk when prescribing statins.
A large cross-sectional study found that adults, adolescents, and parents of school-age children consistently underestimate the calorie content of their meals, especially large ones. The researchers suggest that menu labelling requirements and social marketing campaigns could help correct this underestimation.
The study found a widening gap in life expectancy of 16 years for males and 12 years for females, largely due to increasing life expectancy in the general population. Physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease were the main cause of excess deaths among people with mental illness.
A recent study found that using linked health records can significantly reduce biased disease estimates, with up to half of heart attack cases missed using just one data source. This highlights the importance of using multiple sources in healthcare and research.
Cardiologist Dr Malhotra argues that the UK's daily limit of 10% added sugar is too high and leads to diet-related disease. Experts call for food industry regulation and labeling changes to help consumers make informed choices.
A large population-based study confirms a small increased cancer risk following CT scans in childhood and adolescence. The researchers found a significant increase in cancer incidence among exposed individuals, with the highest risk seen in children under five years old.
A large analysis published in BMJ Open found that bed sharing with parents increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by fivefold. The study advises against bed sharing for babies under three months old, citing a significant reduction in SIDS deaths when babies sleep on their backs in a cot.
The incidence of eating disorders is increasing in the UK, with a total of 9072 cases diagnosed over 10 years. The most common type is eating disorders not otherwise specified, which has risen steadily from 32.3 new cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 37.2 by 2009.
A Johns Hopkins fellow argues that the US public health agency's message on influenza vaccines may be overstated, with limited evidence supporting the claim that vaccines save lives. He also questions the effectiveness of vaccines in reducing elderly deaths and highlights potential side effects.
The BMJ argues that clinicians and patients must work together to challenge entrenched practices and behaviours in healthcare. The journal emphasizes the importance of patient partnership in improving health systems and encourages a fundamental shift in power structures.
Cyclists are vulnerable road users with head injuries accounting for 75% of cycling-related deaths. Researchers found helmet legislation has a minimal impact on reducing serious head injuries among all ages, with rates falling before implementation.
A study found that non-smoking hotel rooms can be polluted with third-hand smoke, even if the hotel has a partial smoking ban. Non-smokers who stayed at these hotels had higher levels of nicotine and other pollutants in their urine and finger wipes compared to those staying in total smoking banned hotels.
A study of over 1,100 adults who had a stroke found that those living closest to major roads had lower kidney function and increased cardiovascular death rates. Exposure to air pollution from traffic was linked to reduced renal function and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A Dutch medical protocol used to curb suffering in sick newborns reveals that euthanasia is not an abuse but a humane option for parents. The Groningen Protocol, introduced in 2005, stipulates strict criteria for euthanasia, and its review found that only two cases of infant euthanasia were reported between 2010.
Women with cosmetic breast implants are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and having poorer survival rates than those without implants. Researchers found a 26% increased risk of delayed diagnosis and a 38% greater risk of death from breast cancer among women with implants.
Children between 16 and 36 months are vulnerable to accidental strangulation from window blind cords. The risk is due to their relatively large heads, softer windpipes, and limited muscular control, making it harder for them to disentangle themselves.
Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious health issues by middle age. They are eight times as likely to get diabetes and four times as likely to experience a potentially fatal blood clot compared to normal-weight peers.
Taking painkillers before marathons increases the risk of gastrointestinal problems by 13%. The rate of symptoms rises with increasing dose. Runners who took painkillers were five times as likely to experience symptoms as those who didn't, according to a recent study.
A study of over 1300 female marathon runners found that breast pain is more common among larger breasted women, but also affects childless women. Exercise intensity and duration can exacerbate symptoms, leading some to reduce exercise intensity or miss training sessions.
Researchers analyzed data from eight sexual health services across Australia, finding a significant decline in genital warts diagnoses among vaccinated young women and men. The HPV vaccination has been shown to protect against the types of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts and cancer-causing HPV types.
Research argues that conventional wisdom on obesity causes may be incorrect and that a hormonal disorder could be the real culprit. The author of a new article calls for rigorous trials to determine the true cause of obesity.
A new study suggests that nearly half of all deaths from prostate cancer can be predicted before age 50, based on PSA levels. Focusing testing on men at highest risk may improve the benefits and harms of screening.
A study analyzing emergency admissions for asthma among adults in England found a significant annual 5% drop following the introduction of the country's smoking ban in 2007. The study, published in Thorax, confirms the value of public health interventions and attributes the association to reduced secondhand smoke exposure.
A high resting heart rate is associated with a higher risk of death, regardless of physical fitness level. Men with heart rates between 51-80 beats per minute had a 40-50% increased risk of death compared to those with lower rates.
Rates of childhood squint surgery in England have declined significantly over the past 50 years, with a threefold decrease in admission rates. However, there remains a significant geographical variation in the procedure's use, with areas having the highest and lowest rates showing a fivefold difference.
A study in Australia found that 3% of doctors account for 49% of all patient complaints, with those who have multiple complaints being highly likely to receive further complaints. The researchers argue that this issue could be mitigated by introducing formal appraisal of a doctor's practice as part of revalidation.
A study published in the BMJ found that a 5kg population-wide weight loss resulted in a significant reduction in Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality. The Cuban experience of rapid weight loss during economic crisis demonstrates the potential health benefits of reversing the global obesity epidemic.
Studies show that reducing salt intake lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. Increasing potassium intake also has significant health benefits, with reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke in adults. Lowering sodium intake should be part of public health efforts to reduce cardiovascular diseases.
Research suggests hormonal changes may precede development of rheumatoid arthritis in men. Men with low testosterone levels were found to be more likely to develop the disease, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
A meta-analysis of published evidence found a link between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of coronary heart disease, especially on the crown of the head. Men with extensive vertex baldness were 44% more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those with a full head of hair.
Research found a significant association between low levels of 5-OH vitamin D and increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and small for gestational age births. Vitamin D insufficiency is common during pregnancy, especially among high-risk women.
Research suggests that prolonged screen viewing time, especially TV watching, may be linked to increased risks of antisocial behavior in young children. However, the authors note that the risk is very small and that spending time playing electronic games has no impact on behavior.
A small study found that impaired fertility, rather than fertility treatment, may be key to child's neurological development. Longer time to pregnancy was associated with a 30% increased risk of mild neurodevelopmental problems in children. Further research is needed before couples can be counselled accordingly.
A study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of clarithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic for lower respiratory tract infections, may be associated with an increased risk of heart problems. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,300 patients, suggests that there will be an additional cardiovascular event for every eigh...
The UK government's decision to promote abstinence for drug users is being challenged by experts who claim it prioritizes cost savings over scientific evidence. The 'recovery model' encourages patients to reduce and stop all addictive drugs, despite overwhelming evidence showing that maintenance therapy is more effective.
A new UK-based study published in The BMJ found that telehealth for patients with long-term conditions does not seem to be a cost-effective addition to standard support and treatment. Despite promises of reduced healthcare costs, the study revealed that total costs for those using telehealth were higher than usual care.
A new somatic symptom disorder in DSM-5 risks mislabeling many people as mentally ill due to a lack of specificity and high false-positive rate. The condition will classify excessive responses to distressing symptoms, potentially leading to inappropriate medical decision-making.
A multicenter analysis found patients taking high potency statins for high blood pressure are at a 34% higher risk of hospitalisation for acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those taking low potency statins. This risk remains elevated for two years after initiation, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider alternative options.
Research suggests that skimmed/semi-skimmed milk consumption is associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity in preschool-age children. Milk fat may increase feelings of fullness, reducing appetite for other calorie-dense foods.
A study found that pubic hair removal, particularly shaving, can increase the risk of spreading Molluscum contagiosum. Researchers believe micro trauma from hair removal facilitates transmission of the pox virus through self-infection or scratching.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that night shift workers have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who identified as 'owls' had a lower risk compared to those who were 'larks'. The study, based on data from over 1,100 women, suggests that melatonin may play a role in the increased risk.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care analyzed data from three major studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and found no clear evidence linking its decline to a decrease in breast cancer rates. The authors point out methodological flaws in the original studies, including detection...
A nationwide Swedish study of over 300,000 young men found that those with low cognitive scores were at a higher risk of sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury. The study also identified other risk factors for mild traumatic brain injuries, including socioeconomic status and physical fitness.
New international guidance emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating concussive symptoms promptly. The Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport notes that mouthguards and helmets have a role in minimizing injuries but do not prevent concussion.
The UK's Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Action Plan aims to address the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. The strategy highlights the need for a change in understanding and response to antimicrobial resistance.