A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for policies and approaches to overcome barriers in integrating family caregivers into healthcare teams. The report suggests investing in programs that provide supportive services for family caregivers and expanding access to care coordinators to facilitate effective communication and inform...
A recent study found that healthcare utilization declined by 23% in March and 52% in April, with diagnostic procedures like mammograms and colonoscopies dropping by over 65%. The switch to telemedicine created disparities among lower-income and non-white patients, who had lower rates of telehealth use.
A RAND Corporation study finds that health systems need better mechanisms for creating and disseminating best practices to leverage technology effectively. The study suggests that payment reform may not be sufficient to drive change and that significant investments in hardware and software are needed.
A new RAND Corporation report reveals that Facebook users are less apt to press the 'like' button on content when they learn it's part of a foreign propaganda campaign. Researchers found that most users in hyper-partisan news consumer groups reconsider their initial response after source is revealed, with media literacy interventions s...
A study of 2.2 million tweets found coordinated efforts by foreign actors on Twitter to interfere in the US presidential election, mirroring Russia's tactics from earlier meddling. Researchers recommend detecting and responding to these efforts before an election, and publicizing the threat to protect Americans from online manipulation.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that US insulin prices are significantly higher than those in other high-income countries, even when accounting for rebates and discounts. The average price per unit across all types of insulin in the US is $98.70, compared to a fraction of this cost in other nations.
A new RAND Corporation report examines foreign election interference in the US, focusing on creating distrust among Americans and reducing consensus. The study reveals that Russia's efforts are based on Cold War strategies aimed at undermining democratic governance processes.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that American adults have increased their alcohol consumption significantly during the pandemic, with women experiencing a 41% rise in heavy drinking episodes. The overall frequency of alcohol consumption also rose among all adults aged 30 and above.
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that private health insurers paid hospitals an average of 247% of what Medicare would pay, highlighting a significant disparity in hospital pricing across the US. The analysis covered over half of the nation's community hospitals and revealed wide variations in prices among states.
A RAND Corporation study found that telemedicine services can extend care for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. The study examined the experiences of nine community health centers in California and found a significant increase in telemedicine volume over time.
A RAND Corporation report highlights shortcomings in treating veterans with co-occurring disorders, emphasizing the need for standardized evidence-based treatments and regular evaluations. The study recommends incorporating veterans' preferences into care decisions and exploring telehealth options during the pandemic.
A RAND Corporation study found that states with the most-restrictive combination of common policies associated with a 11% reduction in firearm deaths. Child access prevention laws were found to demonstrate the strongest association with subsequent changes in firearms death rates.
A RAND Corporation study found that behavioral health integration is possible in various medical practices, with adaptation to each practice's needs being key to success. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, despite the effectiveness of integration in improving patient care and reducing mental illness burden.
A public health insurance option could reduce premiums for individuals by 10-27% due to lower provider payment rates. However, its impact on expanding coverage is limited, with only a 3-8% increase in insured individuals under most scenarios.
A new study found that South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program significantly lowers the likelihood of rearrest or probation revocation among drunk driving offenders, particularly those with a history of second or third offenses. The program's frequent alcohol testing and swift sanctions appear to be key factors in reducing recidivism rates.
The RAND Corporation's latest study found that child-access prevention laws reduce self-inflicted fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries among young people. Stand-your-ground laws are associated with increases in firearm homicides, while waiting periods may reduce firearm suicides.
A new RAND Corporation study found that about 12% of young adults surveyed were aware of heated tobacco products and 5% reported using them. The devices are being promoted by the tobacco industry as alternatives to cigarettes.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that households in the bottom fifth of income groups pay an average of 33.9% of their income toward health care, while families in the highest income group pay 16%. The analysis also reveals that payments to finance health care account for 18.7% of average household income.
A RAND Corporation analysis suggests that Medicare overpays surgeons for postoperative care, with only a small share of the care provided. Adjusting payments could reduce reimbursements by 28% and result in increased payments to primary care providers.
A RAND Corporation study estimates that 3,300 people in the Los Angeles County jail mental health population are suitable candidates for diversion into community-based clinical services. The study found that 61% of inmates were appropriate candidates for diversion, with men making up 85% of the jail's mental health population.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that federal disability benefits encourage more family caregiving, with recipients increasing in-kind assistance from adult children and enabling them to reallocate time to care for their parents. The study also shows a significant increase in the likelihood of children receiving payment for their help.
Researchers found that district-level police crime centers associated with significant reductions in robberies and burglaries, as well as shootings and sexual assault. The approach enabled novel responses to crime incidents and improved rapid decision-making among police.
A RAND Corporation study finds that allowing people aged 50-64 to buy into Medicare would lower health care premiums for this group. However, it would drive up costs for younger Americans who buy health insurance on exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. The estimated premium to buy into Medicare would be around $10,000 per y...
Researchers found that infants born in states with punitive policies had higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome, highlighting the need for public health approaches to prevention and expanded treatment access. Policies requiring reporting of prenatal substance use were not associated with increased withdrawal risk.
A new study by RAND Corporation outlines the challenges Australia faces in preparing for a possible breakthrough treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Australian healthcare system lacks sufficient medical specialists, diagnostic scanners, and infusion centers to handle the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and potential u...
A new US study reveals that most Americans' free time is spent on screen activities, not exercise. Despite perceived lack of leisure time, physical activity rates remain low, with only 53% meeting aerobic guidelines.
A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for innovative approaches to address the fentanyl crisis, which has worsened dramatically with tens of thousands of deaths annually. The study suggests that supply disruption, creative supply-side strategies, and increased access to novel treatments are crucial in reversing the tide.
A new RAND Corporation report estimates that US spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine reached nearly $150 billion in 2016. The market for cannabis is roughly the size of the cocaine and methamphetamine markets combined, with total spending fluctuating between $120 billion and $145 billion each year.
A California law that limits out-of-network doctor bills appears to be protecting patients from surprise medical bills, but has shifted bargaining leverage in favor of insurance plans. The law has also eroded the negotiating power of smaller physician groups, leading to consolidation among medical practices.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that lower-income parents are less likely to involve their children in youth sports due to financial constraints. The study surveyed over 2,800 parents and found that 52% of lower-income families participate in sports, compared to 66% of middle- and higher-income families.
A national study found that child psychiatric telephone access programs significantly increased the proportion of children receiving mental health services. States with statewide programs had higher treatment rates compared to those with partial or no programs. The study suggests that expanding these programs could bolster the number o...
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that parents who help unemployed adult children offset costs by adjusting their behavior, such as spending less on food and working more. This decision may result in financial detriment for the parent, highlighting the economic impact of such decisions.
A two-year social marketing campaign in California significantly encouraged more people to seek care for symptoms of mental distress. Exposure to the campaign increased recognition of mental illness and advocacy for those affected.
A new RAND Corporation study found that young adults who live near medical marijuana dispensaries use marijuana more frequently and have more-positive views about the drug. The associations were strongest among those living near dispensaries with storefront signs, suggesting regulating such advertising could curb excessive use.
A smaller city's municipally funded team provided intensive services to chronically homeless individuals, resulting in most residents entering housing and reducing public services usage. However, the program faced challenges in graduating clients to other support programs.
A study by RAND Corporation found that a prison-based college program in North Carolina took incarcerated individuals longer to complete coursework than traditional students. Despite the challenges, the program showed promise in reducing recidivism and improving post-release outcomes.
A RAND Corporation report outlines how some Asian nations are reforming illicit drug policies, while others adopt harsher approaches. China's role as a focal point in the global supply of fentanyl is also discussed.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private health plans pay hospitals an average of 241% of what Medicare would pay, with significant variations in prices among states. The analysis suggests that employers can redesign their health plans to better align hospital prices with care value.
A new study from the RAND Corporation found that allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription can sharply reduce fatal opioid-related overdoses. States that adopted laws enabling direct dispensing of naloxone by pharmacists saw a significant decrease in overdose deaths, with an average reduction of 27% d...
A new RAND Corporation study found that co-use of cannabis and tobacco or nicotine products is associated with poorer mental and physical health, as well as greater problematic behaviors among young adults. More than a third of surveyed young adults reported using both substances together.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that primary care services account for only 2.12% to 4.88% of total medical and prescription spending among Medicare beneficiaries. This estimate is lower than previous studies, and highlights the importance of investing in primary care for better outcomes and lower costs.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that graphic health warning labels on cigarette packages can deter some adults from purchasing tobacco products, particularly those with lower nicotine dependence. However, the strategy is unlikely to influence those smokers who are most addicted to nicotine.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that nocturia, a health condition causing frequent nighttime bathroom visits, can lead to economic losses of $44.4 billion annually in the US. People suffering from nocturia report lower life satisfaction and work engagement, resulting in lost productivity and GDP.
A study found that paying patients to use lower-priced medical providers can reduce healthcare spending by an average of 2.1%. The program offered a cash reward to patients who used lower-priced providers, resulting in a 4.7% decrease in MRI prices, 2.5% decrease in ultrasound prices, and 1.7% decrease in mammogram prices.
A study by RAND Corporation found that younger Americans are more likely to be arrested than previous generations, linked to lower marriage rates and earnings. Arrests during youth are associated with negative trends later in life, including lower chances of being married and less economic success.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that OxyContin reformulation in 2010 led to a large rise in hepatitis C infections as drug abusers switched to injectable heroin. States with higher rates of OxyContin misuse prior to the reformulation saw a three-fold increase in hepatitis C infections.
A Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health campaign targeting youth aged 14-24 showed impressive results in changing public attitudes toward mental health. The 'WhyWeRise' campaign increased support for people with mental illness and empowered youth to mobilize around mental health activism.
A systematic review by RAND Corporation finds a growing evidence base for palliative care, supporting home-based palliative care, interdisciplinary team care, and telehealth interventions. However, limitations exist in social needs assessments and culturally-sensitive care.
A study by RAND Corporation and American Medical Association found that physician practices struggle with data skills, financial risks, and administrative burdens. The report suggests a slower pace of change and design involvement in payment methods could improve engagement and patient care outcomes.
Adolescents who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes and increase their use of both products over time. The study suggests that teens don't substitute vaping for cigarettes, but rather use both products more frequently as they get older.