The December issue of Health Affairs explores global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing growing quality issues in the pharmaceutical industry and concerning healthcare disruptions in Latin America. Survey data also highlights vaccine uptake inequities in low- and middle-income countries.
A study published in Health Affairs found that German hospitals with high quality ratings were more likely to decrease their quality levels, while those with low ratings improved. The authors recommend increasing public access to hospital quality information and promoting its use among referring physicians to drive quality improvement.
The immunization program costs in low- and middle-income countries are driven mainly by the cost of delivery, with a funding gap projected to decline in the coming years. To bridge this gap, both national-level scale-up and resource mobilization are essential for improving vaccine financing.
A study analyzing Eurobarometer surveys found that informal payments increased across EU states between 2013 and 2019, while public health expenditure was associated with fewer such payments. The researchers suggest strengthening health systems to combat corruption.
A study in Health Affairs estimated the independent effects of seven nonpharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 cases and deaths in Brazilian states. The results found that full restrictions on public events and full masking mandates significantly reduced disease spread, with combined effects being particularly effective.
A study examining subnational policy responses to COVID-19 in Latin America found high variation in adopted measures among countries. The authors conclude that governments should focus on evidence-based national policies while coordinating with subnational governments for tailored local responses.
A new study found a 1.1-percentage-point increase in stillbirths and a 0.72-percentage-point increase in newborn deaths in Nigeria during the pandemic. This increase of 22% and 23%, respectively, threatens the hard-won gains in child survival made over the past two decades.
The study found that democratic countries increased government health spending by $275 per person between 1990 and 2019, while autocratic countries saw only a $115 increase. Democracies are also more likely to maintain universal health coverage even during economic recessions.
A study of 173 countries found that increased testing intensity reduced COVID-19 transmission by 9%. Testing had the greatest influence among interventions, with a tenfold increase in tests to new cases reported reducing transmission. This explains why some countries, like China and Australia, achieved near elimination of COVID-19.
A study by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell estimates the macroeconomic consequences of firearm-related fatalities in OECD countries, finding cumulative losses of $239.0 billion from 2018 to 2030. The US experiences the highest relative losses, with a total of $152.5 billion attributed to firearm fatalities.
A 2018 survey found that 28% of organizations stopped or reduced at least one service in response to the policy, including reproductive health services. The current policy may negatively affect PEPFAR beneficiaries, particularly youth and pregnant women.
A study estimates the return on investment (ROI) of immunization programs for ten pathogens in ninety-four low- and middle-income countries over a two-decade period. The authors found a cost-of-illness approach yielded a ROI of 22.2 per dollar invested, while a value-of-a-statistical-life approach calculated an ROI of 51.8.
Researchers analyzed data from 2000-15 and found that electing women to local, state, and federal levels of decision making reduces child mortality. Higher representation leads to reductions in child mortality rates, with a 0.038 percentage point decrease for federal Chamber of Deputies and .038 percentage points at the state level.
A survey of Israeli adults found that public compliance with a self-quarantine order is significantly higher when individuals are assured of receiving compensation for lost wages. The study suggests that continuous earning is a crucial factor in determining public compliance with public health regulations.
A cohort simulation model found that Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage tax will prevent 239,900 cases of obesity and save $6.88 in healthcare costs for every dollar spent on implementation. Doubling the tax would also bring benefits, including a gain of 92,100 quality-adjusted life-years.
A hospital-only approach to deliveries could significantly reduce travel time for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries, with a potential increase of up to 45 minutes in average travel time. This shift would be feasible despite the challenges, as primary care facilities often fail to provide lifesaving care.
The study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) averted 9.5 million deaths worldwide between 1995-2015, with global economic benefits reaching $1.05 trillion. Future projections estimate that up to 40.2 million new HIV infections could be avoided by 2030, generating $4.02 trillion in economic gains.
Health expenditure in China is expected to grow from 5.3% of GDP in 2015 to 9.1% in 2035, with inpatient services projected to increase 9.2% annually. Circulatory diseases are expected to account for the largest percentage of health expenditure by disease type.
A study of 10 European health systems found that multimorbidity among older adults increased from 38.2% to 41.5% between 2006 and 2015. Germany saw the largest increase, while Denmark and Italy experienced declines in multimorbidity.
A study analyzing hospital survey data from nine Latin American countries found that telemedicine use varies greatly among hospitals. Selected health organization characteristics, national policy, and culture are driving forces behind telemedicine expansion.
A new study reveals that cardiac implants in the US are significantly more expensive than those in European countries, with prices ranging from $340 to $4,200 for a single device. The research suggests that health system-level factors contribute to these price differences and may influence hospital incentives to contain costs.
Five low- and middle-income countries lack trained health workers and essential medicines, hindering readiness for noncommunicable diseases. Policymakers can engage private sector in addressing NCD burden through partnerships, medicine procurement, and service financing.
The European Union's action plan aims to address antimicrobial resistance through strong national controls, further research, and global collaboration. The EU plan also prioritizes interoperability in healthcare, including e-prescriptions and personal health records.
A study published in Health Affairs found that male recipients of Colombia Mayor, a noncontributory pension program, had improved health outcomes. They reported 5.6% less bad health and a 5.4% reduced likelihood of hospitalization. The program provides eligible low-income elderly Colombians with a small monthly cash transfer of $16-34.
A new study estimates that vaccines can prevent up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment in 41 low- and middle-income countries by 2030. The poorest populations are expected to benefit the most from vaccine programs, with a significant impact on health and economic outcomes.
The US has poorer child health outcomes compared to other industrialized nations. Childhood mortality rates declined in all OECD countries between 1961-2010, but US infants had a 76% increased risk of death.
Countries with underprepared health systems face a faster rise in noncommunicable diseases, requiring targeted investments to reduce modifiable risk factors and increase primary care access. The shift is driven by demographic factors rather than behavioral risks.
A study published in Health Affairs found that China's New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) increased health insurance coverage to 100% of counties by 2012. However, the scheme was not significantly correlated with reductions in mortality rates among people aged sixty and older.
Health insurance coverage in China rebounded from 32.3% in 1991 to nearly universal coverage of 94.7% in 2011. The study found that increasing health insurance rates led to higher treatment-seeking for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
European countries with higher healthcare expenditure experienced lower amenable mortality rates, with declines of up to 3.5% for men and 2.1% for women, according to a Health Affairs analysis.
In Mexico, disparities in cesarean births are significant, with rates varying by insurance program and delivery location. The study found that enrollees in Seguro Popular had lower cesarean birth rates than those without insurance or in other programs.
A study in Health Affairs explores Brazil's Estratégia de Saúde da Família program and its impact on mortality rates. The findings indicate that expanding primary healthcare can reduce mortality rates, but effective implementation depends on strong local governance.
A study published in Health Affairs evaluated the impact of in-service training and supervision on quality of care for pregnant women and sick children in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that while receiving recent training and supervision was associated with improved quality, it did not exceed 50% of expected performance.
A recent study in Health Affairs highlights critical primary care shortcomings in Latin American countries, including high rates of skipping needed care and emergency department usage. The findings emphasize the urgent need for attention to address these gaps as populations continue to age.
A study published in July Health Affairs found increased out-of-pocket expenditures among people aged fifty and older in eleven European countries between 2006-07 and 2013. The study revealed that those in lower income quintiles incurred less out-of-pocket expenditure compared to higher-income populations.
A study by Sebastian Salas-Vega and Elias Mossialos found a wide variation in the value of cancer drugs across 9 countries, with the US spending more than others but witnessing one of the smallest improvements in cancer-related mortality. The authors calculated a $32.6 billion net positive return from cancer drug care in the US in 2014.
Development assistance for vaccines in low- and middle-income countries increased from $822m in 2000 to $3.6bn in 2014, driven by the creation of Gavi and US/UK contributions.
A study in Health Affairs examines Mexico's life expectancy trends between 2000 and 2010, finding that homicide rates in the second half of the decade caused male life expectancy to stagnate. The authors suggest that approaches like epidemiological surveillance can strengthen policies to reduce violence.
A global study in Health Affairs found no significant differences in the health, nutrition, and educational outcomes of left-behind children and rural children living with their parents. The research suggests that programs specifically targeting left-behind children may be misdirected and should focus on all rural children instead.
The October issue of Health Affairs explores global health experiences to inform US policy, particularly on addressing risk selection and premium rates. Studies examine strategies used by European countries to reduce high costs, such as quality skimping and flexible premium rates.
Countries with higher cancer spending have consistently lower cancer mortality rates, with a 17% decrease in amenable mortality. Increased spending on breast cancer treatment also leads to improved survival rates without significant cost increases, but more research is needed to contain costs.
A global review of health issues highlights the UK's National Health Service (NHS) reduced spending on low-value procedures, while sub-Saharan Africans rate their health among the lowest in the world. The study also suggests that US cancer care may provide less value compared to Western Europe.
A new survey of 11 countries found that Americans with Medicare have quicker access to specialist care than many other nations. However, the US population is also reported to be sicker compared to older adults in these countries.
Vietnam has made significant progress in controlling infectious diseases such as SARS and HIV/AIDS, with a goal of universal coverage. However, disparities in health care access remain, particularly for rural areas and minority groups. The country aims to improve its health care system through increased funding and training.
A cost-value review of specialty versus traditional drugs found that specialty drugs offered greater gains for patients despite higher costs. Specialty drug coupons helped reduce patient out-of-pocket costs but may decrease insurers' ability to manage drugs.
The September issue of Health Affairs explores accountable care systems worldwide, suggesting five international framework components. The article also examines the effectiveness of social networking in reducing body mass index and highlights the potential for hospital transition interventions to reduce readmissions.
Analyzing six use cases for big data in healthcare, researchers found strong opportunities for cost savings in high-cost patients, readmissions, and treatment optimization. However, bed shortages were associated with higher mortality rates, highlighting the need for a public health approach to address this issue.
Healthcare experts examine potential cost savings in maternal mortality reduction, adolescent cancer treatment, and biosimilar medication use. Studies reveal the importance of long-term financing plans and access to follow-up care for improved outcomes.
A new study in Health Affairs found that combining pay-for-performance with capitation in China's Ningxia Province significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions and total spending per visit. The intervention led to a near-15% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions and a small decline in total spending.
Researchers examined the successes of connected health initiatives, such as Kaiser Permanente's integration of technology into patient care and the use of mobile phones to manage diabetes. They also found that facilities adopting telemedicine could reduce hospitalizations and costs by $120,000 annually.