Alcohol consumption is common among patients with liver disease, associated with poor outcomes. The authors advocate for expanded treatment of alcohol use disorder in everyday clinical practice, including patients with advanced liver disease.
A recent study by Boston Medical Center found that only 24% of youths receive FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder within three months of diagnosis. Patients who receive medication are more likely to remain in treatment compared to those who only receive behavioral health services.
Research finds that experiencing homelessness for over six months can cause long-lasting harm to a child's physical and developmental health. The study also reveals that prenatal and postnatal homelessness increase the risk of negative health outcomes.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center have developed a method to identify high-burden communities for drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa, tracking changes over five years. The study found that Cape Town townships and informal settlements saw the highest rates of drug-resistant TB.
The increasing use of photo-editing technology on social media is changing beauty standards, leading to a rise in self-esteem issues and body dysmorphic disorder. Researchers recommend psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, over surgery to address these concerns.
Boston Medical Center's Vital Village Network has selected ten local communities to form the Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing Learning Community to address barriers and develop innovative community partnerships aimed at improving the early childhood experience. The initiative will support these communities in building a robu...
A new study in Academic Emergency Medicine found that emergency department testing for HCV increased monthly screenings by 6,000 percent. The program successfully diagnosed and treated 292 active infections, with 155 cases falling outside the CDC's birth cohort for high-risk individuals.
Researchers found significant reductions in all-cause and opioid-related mortality among overdose survivors taking methadone or buprenorphine. However, only three out of ten overdose survivors receive these medications.
A quality improvement initiative at Boston Medical Center used non-pharmacologic approaches to care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, resulting in decreased medication use, length of stay, and health care costs. The new approach included skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and parental presence, leading to significant imp...
A free tax preparation program in pediatric clinics helped over 753 clients receive $1.6 million in federal tax returns, with a significant improvement in tax filings and client knowledge about the EITC. The program also reduced financial stress for low-income families and maximized their tax refunds.
A new study from Boston Medical Center and Boston University found that stronger alcohol policies significantly reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related car crashes, resulting in lower death rates. The research indicates that comprehensive policy approaches are needed nationwide to address this critical public health concern.
Boston Medical Center is conducting a study to test the efficacy of two different methods of delivering cognitive behavioral therapy - face-to-face or online - to children with anxiety. The study aims to determine which format is more effective for patients, particularly those in lower-income and minority families.
A new study reveals that pharmaceutical payments to doctors increase their opioid prescribing rates, with a 9.3% spike in opioid claims among those who received marketing in 2015. The study recommends regulatory limits on payments to curb the problem.
Researchers found that patients and caregivers prioritize caring attitudes, accountability, and continuity of care during hospital discharge processes. These outcomes lead to excellent and trustworthy care, but poor care can result in mistrust, anxiety, and confusion.
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to bridge a gap in care for patients with substance use disorders by linking them with trained peer recovery coaches. The project, Project RECOVER, will provide support and sustain recovery for up to six months through interventions delivered by certified peer coaches.
Colorectal cancer rates have increased by 22% among young adults under 50, prompting researchers to create an effective screening method. A new imaging technology called nanocytology will be used to identify high-risk patients and ensure timely treatment.
Dr. Jeffrey H. Samet, an internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine care and research, has been awarded the American College of Physicians' Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award #1. He is being recognized for his innovative work in developing theory-based behavioral interventions to address substance use disorders.
Project ASSERT, a peer education program at Boston Medical Center, has been awarded the American College of Physicians' Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award. The program uses team-based counseling to provide alcohol and substance use services, education, and referral to treatment for over 60,000 patients since 1994.
CReM researchers engineered two new categories of lung epithelial cells in vitro using pluripotent stem cells. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate comprehensive profiles of air sack-like and airway-like cells, which can be used to create lung tissue in vitro.
A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...
A recent review article emphasizes the need for further clinical studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to develop evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines. Non-pharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding and rooming-in have shown positive short-term results, but larger, multi-site trials are necessary.
A six-year study of 24 transgender men treated with testosterone therapy found no rise in estrogen levels and a later stabilization within normal ranges. The results support the safety of testosterone therapy for transgender men without additional risks to female reproductive tissues.
A new study by Boston Medical Center found chemical peels to be a relatively safe treatment option for people with darker skin. The research revealed that less than four percent of participants experienced unwanted side effects.
A new study found that screening all adults for hepatitis C can identify more infected people, increase cure rates, and reduce death rates from HCV-attributable diseases. The expanded testing strategy could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing cirrhosis and other long-term complications.
A new study found four types of collaborative programs in Massachusetts connecting overdose survivors with addiction treatment, harm reduction, and community support services. Public health and public safety partnerships have been shown to be effective in reaching high-risk populations.
A new study found that one in three low-income renters face housing instability, linked to poor health outcomes and material hardships. Housing instability was associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes, including poor caregiver health and food insecurity.
Researchers found that women who underwent failed outpatient sterilization procedures were more likely to experience a live birth and less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy compared to those who had surgical options. The study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, included data from nearly 1,000 pregnancies after sterilization failure.
A new web-based tool, Learning Moment, tracked medical students' learning experiences and found that most took place in patient rooms. The study concluded that the bedside remains an important component of medical education for students entering multiple specialties.
A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.
A new study at Boston Medical Center is testing a two-part intervention to engage parents in early intervention services and training. The goal is to improve social communication skills, development, and reduce ASD symptoms in children with autism.
A new program at Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction has shown promising results in engaging patients with substance use disorders in medication treatment during hospital stays. The study found that 70% of patients initiated methadone treatment and 49% linked to an outpatient clinic were still engaged in treatment afte...
Hospitals investing in affordable housing can reduce emergency room visits and costly interventions, saving taxpayer dollars. By combining housing with wraparound services, hospitals can build healthy communities where families can thrive financially and physically.
A new study found that smokers who received financial incentives, in addition to personalized support, were nearly 10 times more likely to quit smoking after six months compared to those in the control group. The intervention also showed significant reductions in smoking rates among older participants, women, and non-white smokers.
A new study found that stronger alcohol policies, including taxes and sales restrictions, can reduce the likelihood of alcohol involvement among homicide victims. This policy change resulted in a 1% reduction in likelihood of alcohol involvement for every 1% increase in policy restrictiveness.
A new study found that routine and rapid hepatitis C virus testing among young adults who use injection drugs significantly improves life expectancy. The test results are available on the same day as the sample is drawn, increasing the quality of life for this patient population.
A Boston hospital is conducting a study on the use of lorcaserin to treat cocaine addiction, targeting serotonin receptors in the brain. The goal is to reduce cravings and rewards associated with cocaine use, with the potential to provide a real game-changer for treatment options.