A study found that patients with hip fractures who wait over 4 hours for treatment in emergency care are at higher risk of death and longer hospital stays. The researchers analyzed data from a single trauma center in Scotland, where over 1 in 3 patients waited longer than the required standard time frame.
Researchers estimate that 7% of hospital patients receiving general medical care experience harmful diagnostic errors, most of which are preventable. The study suggests new approaches to surveillance and integrating AI tools into the workflow can minimize their prevalence.
A new study finds that fatal falls among older people in the US have a higher cost than firearm deaths, with an estimated average medical cost of $1,427,773,589 for fatal falls compared to $246,456,666 for firearm injuries. The researchers highlight the urgent need for preventive measures to address this growing public health challenge.
A trial published in The BMJ found that remote video consultations between patients and mental health specialists showed a small but significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Compared to usual care, the PROVIDE model led to improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms at six months and sustained effects at 12 months.
Eight in ten Integrated Care Boards in England have reduced or frozen discretionary funding for general practices' enhanced services, such as heart monitoring and minor surgery. Many general practices are facing financial ruin, with some forced to make staff redundant due to pressure on income.
An investigation by The BMJ raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of donanemab, a new Alzheimer's drug approved by the US FDA. Financial ties among expert advisors have sparked doubts about the drug's reliability.
A consensus statement emphasizes the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The statement recommends the establishment of women's heart champions and hubs to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
The global prevalence of myopia is projected to exceed 740 million cases by 2050, with females, East Asians, and those in urban areas showing higher rates. The condition's impact on children and teens is expected to be significant, with low and middle-income countries predicted to have a higher prevalence than high-income countries.
Bottled water's environmental impact and health risks are alarming, with 2 billion people relying on it due to limited access to safe drinking water. Microplastics, phthalates, and BPA have been linked to various health issues, while plastic waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that four triptans - eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan - were more effective than newer migraine drugs in relieving pain. The study suggests that access to the most effective triptans should be promoted globally.
A systematic review of studies on antiseizure drugs in men with epilepsy suggests that there is no clear evidence of a detrimental impact on offspring outcomes. While some isolated harmful side effects were found, they were not replicated in other investigations. The review casts doubt on the stance taken by the UK drugs regulator and ...
A fifth of UK GPs are using generative AI in clinical practice, with most using tools for administrative tasks or to support clinical reasoning. However, experts caution against the limitations and risks of these tools, including inaccuracies, biases, and potential harm to patient privacy.
Researchers found that laughter exercise improved dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs, such as ocular surface discomfort and tear break-up time, comparable to eye drops. Laughter therapy also showed benefits in mental health scores.
An investigation by The BMJ found that at least 11 out of 17 UK government nutrition advisory panel members have conflicts of interest with food firms. This has led to concerns that these ties may undermine the committee's independence and expertise, particularly in addressing rising obesity levels and food-related ill health.
A new study published in The BMJ found that shorter-course radiation therapy is safer and more convenient for breast cancer patients than conventional schedules. Moderate hypofractionation reduced the risk of acute radiation dermatitis by 46% compared to conventional fractionation, while also improving cosmesis and quality of life.
Across England, nearly half of patients struggle to get appointments with specialist teams for weight loss support and care. Bariatric surgery services are also severely limited, affecting over one in five local health areas. Experts warn that without radical action, obesity prevalence and costs will continue to rise.
A study published by The BMJ found that one dose of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) smallpox vaccine is moderately effective in preventing mpox infection. The vaccine showed an estimated 58% vaccine effectiveness against mpox, suggesting it should be made available to communities at risk.
Research suggests statin therapy is cost-effective and beneficial for most over-70s individuals, with increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and reduced healthcare costs. Lifetime use of standard statins increased QALYs by 0.24–0.70, while higher intensity therapy increased QALYs by a further 0.04–0.13.
A study of 32,409 participants found a strong association between abdominal fat and chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in women. Reducing visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue may be key to managing chronic pain in multiple body sites.
Research published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found a significant association between lower diligence levels and higher cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle remains beneficial regardless of diligence level.
A Danish study found long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise increases the risk of infertility in both men and women. Men exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 had a 24% increased risk of infertility, while women over 35 years old exposed to louder road traffic noise had a 14% increased risk.
Rates of prostate cancer across Europe more than doubled from 1990 to 2017, with highest increases in northern Europe, France, and the Baltic countries. Death rates were lower, sparking concerns about overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, emphasizing the need for carefully planned screening programs.
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The number of NHS general practices in England has shrunk by 20% over the past decade, but patient list sizes have expanded by 40%. The average practice list size increased from 6967 to 9724 patients, while the number of GPs per 1000 patients fell by 15%.
Research published in the journal Heart found that women, Black people, and those from low-income households are less likely to be offered heart surgery than men, White people, and affluent individuals. When they do receive surgery, they are more likely to die within a year. The study highlights the need for prompt action to tackle the...
A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that high dose psilocybin had a similar effect on depressive symptoms as the SSRI drug escitalopram. The study included 15 psychedelic trials and five escitalopram trials, showing a small but significant improvement in depressive symptoms for patients treated with high dose psilocybin.
An analysis of evidence from 20 countries found that suicide rates among male doctors decreased over time, while female physicians remained significantly more likely to die by suicide. The study highlights the ongoing need for research and prevention efforts among doctors, particularly women.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that even light smoking of 1-2 cigarettes a day before or during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of major newborn health issues. The study analyzed data from over 12 million mother-infant pairs and found that women who smoked had higher risks of neona...
A small comparative study found that 20 minutes of mindful breathing significantly reduced cancer pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as anxiety. The researchers suggest that this brief intervention holds promise in enhancing pain management for cancer patients.
A study found that affluent households are twice as likely to shop online for groceries, while those in lower social grades opt for take-away meals. Users of food delivery apps are more likely to be living with obesity, the research suggests.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that psychological wellbeing noticeably declines 2-6 years before mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis. Key findings include lower levels of purpose and personal growth among participants with MCI, even without apparent cognitive impairment.
Researchers analyzed data from 1741 women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and found that symptom-triggered testing can lead to diagnosis of low-disease spread cases. In most cases, complete surgical removal of the cancerous tissue was possible, challenging the assumption that symptoms always signal advanced disease.
Analysis of international longevity data reveals Australians have the best life expectancy at birth since the early 1990s, with a 4 to 5 year advantage over the US. Lower death rates from drug and alcohol misuse, screenable cancers, and cardiovascular diseases contribute to this advantage.
The NHS is under scrutiny after investing $150m in a blood test called Galleri that promises to detect multiple types of cancer. Interim results have not been published, raising questions about the test's efficacy and the trial's ethics.
The study found that sugary drink intake among children and adolescents increased by an average of 23% from 1990 to 2018, with the largest increases seen in sub-Saharan Africa. The global average intake was 3.6 standard servings per week, with significant variations by region, age, sex, parental education, and rural vs urban residence.
The International Olympic Committee should sever its ties with Coca Cola to promote athlete health and sustainability, despite the brand's lucrative sponsorship deal. The IOC's continued association with Coca Cola puts the Games at risk of being complicit in global epidemics of poor nutrition and environmental degradation.
A team of UK doctors report treating the first 8 cases of artificial stone silicosis, a severe form of lung disease caused by silica exposure. The authors call for a ban on artificial stone kitchen worktops and improved workplace safety regulations to prevent further cases.
Reducing child poverty in England between now and 2033 would significantly boost child health, cut infant deaths, children in care, hospital admissions, and childhood nutritional anaemia. The most deprived regions, especially in the North East, stand to benefit the most.
Researchers recommend banning artificial stone in the UK and Europe to reduce exposure to silica dust, which can cause irreversible lung disease. Alternative materials like marble and granite are better regulated and not associated with a heightened risk of silicosis.
Trauma centers in Southern California reported an increase in cerebrovascular, orthopedic, and spinal injuries caused by border wall falls. Most patients (85%) were discharged outside the San Diego area, despite having severe injuries, highlighting a humanitarian crisis with inadequate follow-up care.
Research finds that a quartet of factors contributes to the 18-year US lifespan gap, with individual risks rising in tandem with more factors. A simple scoring system helps identify those at risk of early death.
A study of 140 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found a link between inflammatory activity and specific cognitive impairments, including diminished visuospatial abilities and executive functions. Cognitive impairment was recorded in 60% of patients compared to 40% of volunteers.
A small comparative study found that rubbing a lettuce leaf on a nettle sting may provide similar relief to using a dock leaf. The cooling and soothing effect of sap evaporation from the crushed leaf is thought to be responsible for this effect, which may work just as well without any treatment.
The use of mood-altering drugs among children and young people is rising steadily, with a tendency to prescribe them for longer periods. Experts emphasize the need for better understanding of psychotropic medications' risks and safe doses in different age groups.
Research suggests that unplanned pregnancies among active service women are likely curbing US military readiness, resulting in the loss of an estimated 2.5-4.5 million active duty days per year. The highest rates of unplanned pregnancies are among 18-24 year olds, White women, and those serving in junior ranks or the Army.
The study found that 79% of gun owners cited protection as the primary reason for owning a firearm, with increasing numbers of women and minority ethnic backgrounds citing this reason. Gun ownership has become predominantly motivated by protection, appealing to demographics beyond traditional firearm owners.
Researchers question the high levels of ice used at summer Olympics, citing potential stress on local resources and lack of evidence-based practices. They advocate for more sustainable approaches and better data on ice consumption.
The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to experience high levels of ozone and grass pollen, potentially affecting athletes' health. Background air quality monitoring data suggests that PM2.5 levels are below the WHO recommended threshold, but NO2 levels exceed the limit at some stations
Research finds more than 12,000 lives lost to unintentional gun deaths between 2001 and 2021 across US states. Poverty, rural residency, non-White ethnicity, and firearms ownership are associated with higher rates of such incidents.