A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention suggests that stopping hormone therapy can lead to tumor regression and decline new breast cancer rates. Researchers analyzed data from over 741,000 woman-years, finding no correlation between screening mammography use and former hormone users
Research found that individuals with dementia had a significantly higher rate of hospital admissions for all causes and ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. These findings suggest opportunities to improve outpatient care for seniors with dementia by identifying preventive strategies for common conditions like pneumonia, heart failure,...
The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.
A Group Health Research Institute study found that obesity is associated with higher health care costs, but not due to co-occurring depression. Similarly, depression is linked to increased costs, but not because of co-occurring obesity. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the general population.
A recent study found that nearly 37% of Alzheimer's patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors also received anticholinergic drugs, which can have negative effects on cognition and function. However, the study revealed no association between dual use and increased risk of death or nursing home entry.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that yoga and intensive stretching classes both showed significant improvements in back-related function and symptoms for adults with chronic low back pain. Both forms of exercise were effective in reducing pain medication use, with benefits lasting at least six months.
Researchers found that US patients started dialysis approximately five months earlier on average between 1997 and 2007. This delay reduction translates into additional hemodialysis treatments, hours of treatment, and payments for each patient.
A Group Health Research Institute study found that long-acting opioids and new opioid use are associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in older adults. Benzodiazepines do not seem to increase the risk, but it is crucial to look more closely at opioid prescriptions and infections.
Atrial fibrillation increases dementia risk by 40-50% through weakening heart function and inflammation, study suggests. Researchers found a link between the condition and cognitive decline in older adults.
Group Health developed care plans for nearly 6,000 patients receiving long-term opioid therapy, standardizing use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. The initiative aimed to enhance prescribing safety and improve care for patients with chronic pain.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.
A randomized controlled trial found that both structural and relaxation massage types helped alleviate chronic low back pain and improve function. Massage patients experienced significant reductions in pain, improved functioning, and increased activity compared to those with usual care.
Dr. Ed Wagner receives the prestigious William B. Graham Prize for his work in chronic illness management, cancer care, and patient-centered care. The prize recognizes his significant contributions to studying how best to provide healthcare.
A video-based decision aid helped patients weigh the pros and cons of bariatric surgery, leading to greater certainty and less conflict. The trial found that patients who watched the video felt more informed and confident in their decisions.
A randomized trial of 208 Group Health patients found that online care management significantly reduced symptoms of depression and improved medication adherence. The study suggests that online messaging can be a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional phone calls for follow-up care.
The study found that radiologists who interpreted more mammograms had clinically and statistically significantly fewer false-positive findings without missing more cancers. Increasing annual screening volume requirements could lower the number of American women with false-positive workups by over 70,000 per year.
Women with a history of breast cancer have double the cancer rates as those without, according to a comprehensive study. Annual mammography screening detects second breast cancers early, but may not be as effective in detecting invasive breast cancer.
A randomized controlled trial found that a team-based primary care intervention called TEAMcare reduced depression and improved blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in patients with diabetes and heart disease. Patients assigned to the TEAMcare intervention had better quality of life and were more likely to have t...
Researchers suggest scheduling mammograms in the first week of a woman's menstrual cycle to improve accuracy in detecting breast cancer. The study found that mammography conducted at this time was more sensitive, but not necessarily specific, for finding breast cancers in pre-menopausal women.
The Mental Health Research Network aims to make research faster, less expensive, and more relevant to real-world healthcare. By analyzing data from 10 million people in 12 states, researchers hope to find effective methods for detecting, treating, and preventing mental disorders.
Researchers found the PHQ-9 screening test to be effective in detecting major depression in teenagers with a sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 77.5%. The team concluded that the PHQ-9 is an excellent choice for primary care clinicians seeking to screen for depression in teens.
A four-year study funded by the AHRQ investigates Total Health, a unique benefits program offering preventive care, reduced copayments for chronic conditions, and health promotion programs to manage chronic diseases. The study aims to improve employee wellness and productivity while controlling healthcare costs.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute and the University of Washington found that 86% of patients agreed to share their de-identified genetic information in a federal database. The study suggests that researchers should ask for consent before sharing data, even if participants initially agree to it.
A Seattle study finds that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be obese. The research reveals that socioeconomic factors such as low education levels, single-parent households, and high household income disparities contribute to childhood obesity rates.
A randomized trial found that combining behavioral counseling with varenicline (Chantix) increases smoking cessation success. The study shows web- and phone-based counseling to be effective tools when combined with Chantix, improving early cessation rates and medication adherence.
The medical home prototype improved quality of care, patient experiences, and clinician well-being, with significant cost savings through reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings support the model's ability to address healthcare concerns and provide recommendations for implementation.
Researchers have linked diabetes to a 40% greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation, with the risk rising for longer duration of diabetes and less controlled blood sugar levels.
Group Health's patient-centered IT approach results in high patient satisfaction and efficient communication with providers. Evaluations show patients value secure e-mail, phone, and online services for better care.
A randomized trial found that massage eased anxiety symptoms, similar to psychotherapy or medications, but not more effective than simple relaxation. The benefits of massage may be due to a generalized relaxation response.
A study of nearly 10,000 patients found that those receiving higher opioid doses were 9 times more likely to overdose compared to those on lower doses. The researchers strongly associate the risk with prescribed dose, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices.
Two new studies suggest that late-life dementia is a complex disease resulting from multiple processes, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular brain injury, and Lewy body disease. Higher levels of leptin may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to the findings.
Researchers found that depressed women had no significant difference in weight loss success compared to non-depressed women. The key factor was attendance at a minimum of 12 sessions, regardless of depression status.
The ACT study focuses on finding ways to delay or prevent dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings highlight the role of vascular disease and controlling high blood pressure in reducing the risk of late-life dementia.
ResearchToolkit.org provides a comprehensive platform for health researchers to create and sustain successful multisite collaborations. The site offers tools and resources for developing research networks, launching projects, and sharing study results, aiming to ease logistical difficulties and enhance efficiency.
The Group Health Research Institute will receive more than $15 million in federal stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The institute's success rate for these competitive awards surpassed its typical rate of about 30 percent.
A randomized trial found that organized phone therapy for depression significantly improved symptoms, leading to a gain of 46 depression-free days over two years. The treatment was cost-effective, with only a $397 increase in outpatient health care costs, compared to $676 for phone care management alone.
A one-year evaluation demonstrates the benefits of the patient-centered medical home model, which provides personalized care, prevention, and coordination. The study found significantly fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations among patients with access to a medical home.
Jessica Ridpath's PRISM Toolkit helps researchers communicate clearly in written materials, improving informed decision-making and reducing risks. The toolkit has been downloaded 2,000 times and has led to revisions of patient letters, brochures, and consent forms across healthcare institutions.
A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.
Group Health Cooperative's Patient-Centered Medical Home pilot showed significant success, reducing emergency room visits by 29% and inpatient hospital stays for patients with chronic conditions. The model also improved care team satisfaction and patient experience, leading to long-term cost savings.
A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that taking statin drugs does not lower the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients. In fact, the study suggests that people on statins may be at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
A new study found that taking a short break from postmenopausal hormone therapy does not lower the risk of false-positive mammogram results. However, it may help reduce breast density, making tumors harder to detect on X-rays.
Group Health has received a $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of treatments for depression. The project will use electronic medical records to track health outcomes and identify best matches for patients.
A randomized trial found acupuncture to be as effective in treating chronic low back pain as usual care, with simulated and standard acupuncture showing similar benefits. The study suggests that the mind-body connection and physiological effects may play a role in the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.
Researchers studied 2,736 participants over 12 years and found a 66% higher risk of dementia among heavy NSAID users. The study suggests that earlier findings suggesting NSAIDs prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease may have been due to younger age groups.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that varenicline (Chantix) did not worsen mood symptoms or side effects in smokers with a likely history of depression. The COMPASS trial tracked over 1,100 patients and detected only one serious psychiatric event involving suicidal thoughts.
The Chronic Care Model has been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients with chronic diseases. The model guides quality improvement efforts in medical practices, promoting team-based care, self-management support, and integrated decision support.
A Group Health study found that flu vaccination had no protective effect against pneumonia in elderly patients. The largest case-control study of flu vaccine use in the elderly revealed a lack of correlation between vaccination and reduced risk of pneumonia.
A new online care program for hypertension has shown promising results, nearly doubling the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure. The 'e-BP' study used web-based care and at-home blood pressure checks to improve treatment outcomes.
Research debunks five myths about domestic violence in men, revealing serious effects on mental health and long-term consequences. The study found that many men experience domestic violence, with depressive symptoms nearly three times as common among those who have been abused.