Researchers found that extending specialized care to patients with advanced kidney disease before their kidneys fail could save the US healthcare system more than $1 billion annually. Improving care coordination among these patients is crucial for reducing costs and improving health outcomes.
A new study suggests that EU countries are unprepared to rapidly move future Alzheimer's treatment into clinical use due to shortages of medical specialists and infusion capacity. The study estimates that up to 1 million people may be left without access to transformative care if a breakthrough occurs.
The RAND Opioid Policy Tools and Information Center (OPTIC) will analyze policies aimed at curbing the nation's opioid epidemic, developing more powerful tools for tackling the crisis. Researchers will create a simulation tool to inform methods for identifying effective policies in specific communities.
A new web tool demonstrates how patients can create customized hospital rankings based on their individual needs and preferences. By allowing patients to prioritize quality measures, hospital ratings can be made more relevant to each person's healthcare needs.
A new RAND Corporation report suggests that smartphone apps could improve medical record matching by allowing patients to participate in the process. The study found that mobile phones and smartphones offer a promising approach to ensure accurate record matching, but development and testing are needed.
A RAND Corporation study found that adolescents who view tobacco ads in convenience stores are more willing to try vaping products. Hiding the 'power wall' behind an opaque barrier reduced willingness by 15%. Researchers suggest limiting point-of-sale advertising may help reduce industry efforts on adolescent nicotine use.
A single-payer health care plan in New York could expand coverage for all residents without increasing overall spending, according to a RAND Corporation analysis. The plan would require substantial new tax revenue and shift financing among households and businesses, with the highest-income households paying substantially more.
A California study found that student mental health peer organizations increase students' perceived knowledge about mental health, decrease stigma, and promote helping behaviors. The study involved 1,129 students from 12 colleges, demonstrating the potential of student-run initiatives to shape a more supportive climate on campus.
A RAND Corporation study found that medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders jumped by 62% among Medicaid recipients, but disparities emerged in poorer counties and areas with larger black and Hispanic populations. The expansion of this treatment led to new racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.
A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that more than 6 percent of Massachusetts adults received risky opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, increasing their chances of death. The study identified six types of risky prescribing practices linked to fatal opioid overdoses and other causes of mortality.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that adolescents who view more medical marijuana ads are more likely to use marijuana and have positive expectations about the substance. The study suggests that regulations on marijuana advertising may be necessary to prevent harm, particularly for young people.
The VA health care system performs similarly to or better than non-VA systems on most measures of inpatient and outpatient care quality, according to a new study. The findings suggest that the VA needs targeted quality improvement efforts to ensure uniform high-quality care at all facilities.
A new study finds that telemedicine can offer aid to people hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma by providing routine medical care in the days following the disaster. The top diagnosis during this time included acute respiratory illnesses and skin problems, similar to national trends.
A new RAND Corporation paper warns that AI's potential to encourage risky behavior and undermine strategic stability poses a significant threat to global security. Improved sensor technologies and the rise of first-strike capabilities could erode mutual assured destruction, making nuclear war more likely.
A new RAND Corporation report reveals Russia's sophisticated social media campaign targeting the Baltics, Ukraine, and nearby states. The report recommends strengthening tracking, blocking, and tagging of Russian propaganda, offering alternative media, and developing compelling arguments to align populations with Western values.
A RAND Corporation study found that California's Mental Health Services Act has reduced homelessness and hospitalizations for seriously mentally ill individuals in Los Angeles County. The program has also improved employment and wellbeing outcomes among those served.
A two-year study by RAND Corporation found persuasive evidence for child access prevention laws and moderate evidence for background checks and mental illness-related prohibitions. The study identified gaps in evidence for most gun laws, but suggests areas for compromise and increased funding for gun research.
A RAND Corporation study found that only 2% of NY health providers are equipped to provide timely and quality care to veterans. The report highlights gaps in the readiness of community-based providers to address veterans' unique needs, with few providers accepting VA coverage.
A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that a new supermarket in a low-income neighborhood can improve residents' economic well-being and health. Researchers surveyed 831 residents and reported improvements in economic benchmarks, such as reduced food insecurity and lower rates of high cholesterol.
A new study found that graphic anti-smoking posters in convenience stores can increase the risk of some teens starting to smoke. The study discovered that adolescents who were already at risk for smoking reported being more susceptible to cigarette smoking after viewing the displays.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that US transportation and water infrastructure funding is not broken, but a national consensus on priorities is needed. Targeted spending increases can largely eliminate maintenance backlogs by 2030, while federal capital funding can include resilience requirements for natural disasters and climate c...
A public-private effort in Los Angeles County has reduced emergency medical services, inpatient hospital care, and outpatient health services use among those enrolled in the Housing for Health program. Participants made an average of 1.64 fewer emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays decreased by more than 4 days.
A new study suggests that a breakthrough Alzheimer's treatment could leave millions of people without access to care due to the US healthcare system's limited capacity. The study identifies shortcomings in specialist diagnosis, diagnostic scanners, and infusion centers, and recommends measures to prepare for an Alzheimer's therapy.
A new analysis from the RAND Corporation estimates that biosimilar drugs could reduce healthcare spending in the US by $54 billion over the next decade. This is largely due to increased competition and regulatory changes, which will drive down prices and improve access to biologic drugs.
The nation's public cord blood banks provide benefits for patients and the research community, outweighing costs. Researchers recommend standardizing payment and encouraging diverse collection practices to strengthen the system.
The spread of hypersonic missiles would increase strategic wars and jeopardize nations, including US, Russia, and China. Researchers recommend joint action to prevent proliferation, proposing export controls and international control of technology.
A RAND Corporation report finds that repealing the Affordable Care Act would likely lead to increased demand for VA services and more uninsured veterans. The study estimates that older, low-income veterans are most at risk of losing health insurance coverage.
A new RAND Corporation report analyzes economic life under Islamic State control, revealing a 23% reduction in GDP of cities under its control. The group's inability to sustain a large-scale prosperous proto-state is attributed to institutional failure and military opposition.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private hospital care payments in Indiana are significantly higher than national norms and are increasing over time. The state's largest hospital systems command the highest prices, with some hospitals charging up to 3.5 times the Medicare rate.
Patients in a collaborative care model received more substance abuse treatment and reported higher abstinence rates compared to those receiving usual primary care services. The study suggests that integrating treatment into primary medical care can increase access to evidence-based substance use treatment.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.
The American workforce faces high levels of physical and emotional demands, including long work hours, unpleasant working conditions, and a lack of control over schedules. Despite these challenges, many workers report feeling supported by their bosses and colleagues.
A RAND Corporation study found that staff at federally qualified health centers, which serve the nation's poorest patients, are experiencing high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction. The study surveyed clinicians and staff across 296 clinics, finding declines in professional satisfaction, work environment, and practice culture.
A new study of over 2,200 children finds no link between having a dog or cat and improved mental or physical health. While children from pet-owning families tend to have better general health, the association disappears when adjusting for other variables.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that black and Hispanic patients are more likely to receive care from poorer quality hospices. In contrast, caregivers of these patients report similar or better experiences within the same hospice compared to white patients.
A RAND Corporation study found that providing medical care to patients with opioid addiction using three quality measures can significantly reduce death rates. These measures include not prescribing opioids or common anxiety medications, receiving psychosocial counseling, and having quarterly visits with a physician.
A RAND Corporation study found that safety-net providers adopting a medical home model improved primary care access but did not decrease specialty care use or Medicare expenditures. The model aims to provide comprehensive, personalized care, which can improve outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.
Researchers found that developing a pipeline to improve school leadership has been affordable for six urban districts, spending 0.4% of their budgets on the initiative. The main expense was district staff salaries, with per-pupil costs totaling $42.
A new RAND Corporation report finds that quantifying cost savings from California's Proposition 47 is challenging due to lack of infrastructure and data tracking. Researchers recommend establishing better performance metrics to examine the impact of reforms on workloads and services.
The chartbook highlights the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions among older adults and women, emphasizing treatment challenges for patients with co-occurring health issues. The data also underscores the significant burden of chronic illness on the healthcare system.
A RAND Corporation study found that LGBQQ college students are more likely to seek off-campus mental health services due to concerns over confidentiality and uncertainty about on-campus eligibility. Despite this, they experience higher rates of psychological distress, academic impairment, and stress compared to their heterosexual peers.
The US needs a new approach to defeat the Islamic State by addressing root causes of conflicts, reconciling disenfranchised populations with governments. This requires long-term commitment to establish legitimate governance in Iraq and Syria.
A RAND report identifies conditions that would help North Korean elites accept unification, including individual safety, wealth, and meaningful contributions. The report recommends actions by the ROK to address these concerns and prepare for potential unification.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that sociodemographic factors have a stronger association with unhealthy food consumption than the food shopping environment. Being younger, male, and lacking a college degree were linked to greater intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and discretionary fats.
Flood insurance is becoming unaffordable for many NYC households, with 33% projected to struggle financially if updated FIRM rates are adopted. The RAND Corporation study proposes affordable programs, including means-tested financial assistance and grants, to mitigate this burden.
A new RAND Corporation study analyzes over 200 real-world zero-day software vulnerabilities, establishing initial baseline metrics that can augment other studies. The research finds that zero-day vulnerabilities have an average life expectancy of 6.9 years, making public disclosure a moderate level of protection.
A RAND Corporation study found that direct-to-consumer telehealth services prompt new use of medical services, leading to increased spending. Despite the convenience and lower costs associated with telehealth visits, only 12% of telemedicine visits replaced traditional office visits, while 88% represented new use of medical services.
A RAND Corporation study found that convincing low-cost lunch truck operators to provide healthier meals is possible with proper training and support. The study showed that healthier meals can be profitable for food trucks, especially those targeting white-collar or residential areas, and that consumers give them high ratings.