A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.
A new study suggests that exempting asthma medications from the deductible in high-deductible health plans may reduce medication use and exacerbations in children, but not adults. The research found small decreases in annual fills for some controller medications among children switching to HDHPs.
Exorbitant healthcare spending depletes population resources, harming vulnerable groups through increased insurance premiums and taxes. The authors propose reducing financial pollution by learning from environmental pollution policy approaches.
A study of 1038 mother-child pairs found that cumulative early life risk factors cumulatively predict increased indicators of adiposity and metabolic risk markers. Children with more risk factors had a higher risk of overweight or obesity and metabolic risk in early adolescence.
A new study developed an algorithm that predicts antibiotic resistance and provides personalized treatment recommendations, reducing broad-spectrum antibiotics by 67%. The tool is a step toward reducing antibiotic resistance and improving outpatient care.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors who switched to high-deductible health plans did not experience an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The researchers attributed this finding to the inclusion of low or no out-of-pocket costs for medications and p...
A study found that individuals with bipolar disorder who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced a moderate decrease in nonpsychiatrist mental health outpatient visits. However, rates of psychiatrist visits, medication use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations remained unchanged.
A randomized controlled trial found that tailored messages addressing HPV vaccine concerns improved intent to vaccinate, while a bundled approach was less effective. The study suggests that personalized messaging may be essential for increasing HPV vaccination uptake among hesitant parents.
A new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines the potential effects of proposed SNAP eligibility changes on health and healthcare affordability. Researchers found that families at risk of losing benefits face high rates of chronic illness, poor health status, and financial challenges.
A new study found that Prescription Drug List (PDL) coverage for preventive asthma medications can reduce financial burden and increase medication adherence. However, barriers to PDL use include lack of awareness, exclusions, and inconsistent benefits.
Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
Researchers analyzed data from a large US health insurance plan to compare risks of repeat surgeries after gastric bypass and sleeve procedures. Sleeve gastrectomy was associated with lower overall risk of subsequent operative and nonoperative interventions up to four years post-surgery, the study suggests.
A new study found that calorie labeling in a fast-food restaurant franchise resulted in an initial small decrease of 60 calories per transaction, equivalent to a 4% reduction. This effect was short-lived, with calorie purchases increasing over time.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute will lead the FDA Sentinel System, a national program monitoring drug safety using electronic health data. The institute's 10-year experience in developing and operating the system will be expanded with the addition of a new Sentinel Innovation Center.
Researchers developed two new algorithms that can identify patients at high risk of HIV and may benefit from preventive care. The models use data from patients' electronic health records to flag potential candidates for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, which is over 90% effective in preventing HIV acquisition.
A new paper provides an updated national birth weight reference for the United States using the most recent, nationally representative birth data. The study aims to improve clinical indicator of morbidity and long-term health outcomes in children and their mothers by addressing previous limitations.
A large GWAS study identified novel loci associated with asthma susceptibility, including the gene IL1RL1 and HLA-DQA1, in four major ethnic groups. The study suggests unique biological pathways contribute to asthma susceptibility across different ethnicities.
The ABATE Infection Trial found that daily antiseptic bathing with nasal ointment reduced hospital-acquired bloodstream infections by 30% in patients with central venous catheters, a high-risk group. This intervention also decreased antibiotic-resistant organisms, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, in this patient po...
Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP stems from concerns about increased risk-taking behavior among users. However, research suggests that PrEP can facilitate healthy sexual behaviors and enhance overall well-being. The authors propose strategies to mitigate biases and promote patient-centered care for PrEP dissemination.
A national data resource, the Sentinel Initiative, has been instrumental in advancing medical product safety. Partnering with over 200 health system leaders, it uses a distributed network of electronic health data from 18 health plans and hospital systems, covering >100 million people.
Research found that individuals with diabetes who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced delays in seeking care for symptoms of blood vessel diseases, including cardiac chest pain and transient ischemic attacks. The study suggests that increased out-of-pocket costs lead to changes in healthcare behavior.
A nationwide network study has found a small association between early antibiotic exposure and weight gain in young children. The research, published in Pediatrics, suggests that antibiotic use at less than 24 months of age may lead to slightly higher body weight at 5 years of age.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with increases in weight, but exercise and diet may reduce the obesogenic effects of these environmental contaminants. Lifestyle changes can fight the obesogenic action of PFAS.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that an eight-week treatment regimen for hepatitis C may be just as effective as a 12-week course in black patients. The study suggests that more people could take advantage of the shorter treatment duration, benefiting access and reducing costs.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute has awarded grant funding to 14 Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire providers to improve care delivery and reduce costs. The grants focus on innovative practices in substance use management, medication adherence, and behavioral health integration.
A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 65% of parents supported age-based restrictions on indoor tanning for adolescents. Parents who perceived the harms of indoor tanning were more likely to support bans, highlighting the importance of public health efforts to reduce adolescents' use.