A statewide study in Indiana found that pre-existing diseases significantly increased the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly among Black patients. The research also highlighted racial disparities in healthcare outcomes and access to care.
A novel nurse-driven virtual care model has been developed to support long-term nursing home residents. The model, based on an existing in-person care model, aims to enhance resident care by leveraging nurses' expertise and access to electronic medical records.
A study of 10,000 individuals with insomnia found significant racial disparities in prescription medication, with Black patients less likely to receive FDA-approved treatments. The research suggests that providers may be undertreating insomnia, particularly in non-White populations.
Experts highlight nine public health workforce strengths, 22 weaknesses, 14 opportunities and 14 threats in the nation's information systems. The report calls for a technology-enabled information infrastructure to deliver day-to-day essential services and respond effectively to emergencies.
Researchers explore ED visits as a continuum of care, evaluating frailty in older adults and deprescribing medications. The studies aim to improve subsequent care through better communication between emergency departments and primary care doctors.
Research highlights challenges in scalability and sustainability of stroke care quality improvement efforts, with multifaceted patient needs requiring multidisciplinary teams. The study identifies five key gaps in stroke quality improvement research, emphasizing the need for policy evaluation and comparison of hospital performance data.
A new study found that cognitive training, specifically speed of processing training, reduced the risk of falling among older adults at high risk of falls by 31% over 10 years. However, it had no effect on those at low risk of falling. Cognitive training may enhance physical-based interventions to reduce falls for some individuals.
A study of 4,791 patients found that taking ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for at least six months prior to ICU admission did not lower the prevalence of delirium. Chronic high blood pressure is a risk factor for ICU-acquired delirium.
A meta-analysis of 33,541 cancer patients found that advance care planning was associated with lower odds of aggressive end-of-life care, including chemotherapy and intensive care. Patients who engaged in advance care planning were also more likely to complete do not resuscitate orders.
A pilot study found that peer-support groups for emergency department physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced symptoms of distress, depression, and burnout. The study's results suggest that this low-cost intervention could be beneficial for healthcare workers in stressful situations.
A multi-state study confirms the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness in children and adolescents against moderate and severe COVID-19 outcomes. The study found that vaccination provided significant protection, but effectiveness decreased during Omicron dominance, with a booster dose increasing protection.
Researchers analyzed Hispanic adults' cancer knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors in Indiana, finding unexpected trends. The study provides guidance for targeted public health outreach and future research.
Regenstrief Institute researchers are using EHR data to advance measurement of chronic disease burdens, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They will discuss leveraging EHR data to improve clinician care and support targeted interventions for patients with chronic illnesses.
A large population study reveals that common cancer symptoms are pervasive across all types of cancer and sociodemographics, with higher symptom burdens among patients with lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic cancers. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing symptom management in patients who need or desire treatment.
A study found that socially vulnerable populations have poorer COVID-19 outcomes despite similar vaccine effectiveness, due to lower vaccination rates. The VISION Network analyzed electronic health record data and immunization records to highlight the need for targeted public health efforts on vaccine coverage.
A multi-state study found COVID-19 mRNA vaccines remain protective during Omicron BA.4/BA.5 predominance, with estimated vaccine effectiveness of 68% against hospitalization within 7-119 days post-vaccination.
A review of studies found that rates of presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea vary widely, with some areas treating up to 84% of patients while others treated less than 4%. The disparity highlights the need for standardized treatment guidelines and consideration of social determinants of health.
Researchers identified four distinct long-term pain trajectories in nursing home residents, shedding light on risk factors associated with persistent pain. The study highlights the need to improve pain assessment and evaluation, particularly among vulnerable populations like those with Alzheimer's disease.
A Regenstrief-led study found that enhanced spiritual care for family members of ICU patients resulted in a clinically significant decline in anxiety and improved spiritual well-being. The study demonstrated the importance of chaplains to the long-term psychological health of surrogate decision-makers.
People living with dementia are more likely to have cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage and receive less treatment, negatively affecting survival. Review authors provide pragmatic recommendations for clinicians treating cancer in patients with dementia.
Researchers found that continuous glucose monitors and wearable devices pose challenges for patients and caregivers, including issues with hardware, software, and device use. Nearly three-quarters of participants experienced low blood sugar levels, highlighting the need for improved technology to manage diabetes effectively.
A position paper highlights the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare, highlighting delayed care, exclusion from medical research, and adverse health outcomes. The authors advocate for increasing representation of diverse voices in healthcare policy discussions to promote solutions to these barriers to quality care.
Researchers developed an eight-point framework to assess the validity and performance of patient matching tools. The framework provides a standardized approach to evaluate patient matching algorithms, covering technical areas such as data preprocessing and record adjudication.
Benzodiazepine prescriptions have increased due to misuse and overdose rates. Experts recommend a multipronged strategy for cautious prescribing, including education and surveillance. This approach balances benefits and risks of the medication.
The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has created an endowed chair in cancer informatics with a $3 million gift from the Walther and Regenstrief foundations. This initiative aims to analyze large amounts of data to identify those at risk of developing cancer, optimize prevention and detection, and improve outcomes.
Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Sikandar Khan received the prestigious Paul Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award to study the role of reactive oxygen species in cognitive impairment. The award supports his work on delirium, a common complication in ICU patients with acute respiratory failure, which can lead to post...
A study published in JAMIA Open surveyed 112 FHIR apps, revealing a rapidly growing landscape of clinical and research-focused applications. Most apps were standalone and web-based, with a focus on clinicians rather than patients, highlighting the standard's potential for secure health information exchange.
A digital detection of dementia study aims to evaluate the practical use of an AI tool for early identification of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study uses a passive digital marker and patient-reported outcomes survey, which have shown potential in detecting mild cognitive impairment and reducing healthcare costs.
A multi-state study found that bivalent booster vaccines significantly reduce COVID-19-related emergency department or urgent care visits and hospitalization rates. The study showed a 57% reduction in COVID-19 related emergency department or urgent care visits compared to unvaccinated adults.
A large real-world study has confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination is more effective than natural immunity in preventing death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for any cause. Vaccinated individuals had a 37% lower risk of all-cause death and hospital admission rates compared to those with natural immunity.
A national study confirms that vaccination significantly reduces disease severity and hospitalization risk for COVID-19, even among individuals who develop breakthrough cases. Hospital stays are shorter, ICU admissions are less common, and hospital deaths are lower among vaccinated adults compared to unvaccinated individuals.
A study aims to enhance accessibility and value of health information tools for older adults with both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The research focuses on developing a user-friendly technology to detect low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion, and even death.
A new study found that a three-year interval between screenings using non-invasive multi-target stool DNA testing is clinically appropriate for individuals with average risk of colorectal cancer. The study, led by Thomas F. Imperiale, M.D., identified no colorectal cancers in participants after an initial negative test.
A new online personal health record tool has significantly increased adherence by colorectal cancer survivors to national guidelines. The tool, developed by the Regenstrief Institute and other researchers, provides a patient-centered platform for tracking follow-up care, managing symptoms, and connecting with healthcare providers.
A multistate study found that mRNA COVID vaccines were less effective in immunocompromised adults, with protection rates ranging from 34% to 71% after multiple doses. The study emphasizes the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as masks and antibody treatment, for additional protection against severe COVID-19.
The Regenstrief Institute and Indiana Department of Health are collaborating on an influenza surveillance data pilot study to analyze the spread of Influenza in Indiana. The partnership aims to identify patterns and hot spots throughout the state to inform public health strategies.
A recent study published in JMIR Cancer found that unvaccinated adult cancer patients with COVID-19 were seven times more likely to die from any cause of death compared to those without the infection. The study, conducted by researchers at Regenstrief Institute, analyzed data on adult cancer patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2020.
A large JAMA study found hospitalizations for COVID-19 disease occurred mostly in high-risk patients, including older adults and those with comorbidities. Vaccination and booster shots significantly reduced the incidence of severe COVID-19 illness among all age groups.
A nationwide U.S. study found that mRNA booster immunizations extend COVID-19 protection for four to five months, but immunity begins to wane after this period. The study recommends additional booster doses to maintain high immunity levels against severe COVID.
A large, real-world study found mRNA COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect against serious disease and hospitalizations in pregnant women. The study provides strong evidence for vaccination as a preventive measure during pregnancy.
The author suggests that individuals at average risk between 45 and 49 years old should consider non-invasive screening alternatives, such as fecal immunochemical tests or stool DNA testing. This approach would benefit others who need more invasive screening resources and reduce the strain on colonoscopy services.
Researchers at the Regenstrief Institute have co-developed a new brief screening tool to measure patient-reported symptoms of TMD. The TMD-7 scale will help clinicians manage debilitating symptoms associated with the condition, which is often misunderstood and undertreated.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that music can reduce the likelihood of critically ill, mechanically ventilated older adults developing delirium. Music exposure was associated with improved post-ICU brain health and reduced risk of death.
Researchers are developing a comprehensive surveillance system to track lingering symptoms of COVID-19, known as long COVID-19. They will utilize existing health data and enroll patients to gain accurate information on the burden and outcomes of individuals affected by long COVID.
A research team has been awarded $10 million to develop a collaborative care model to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other dementias among delirium survivors. The study aims to improve cognitive recovery and quality of life for patients after emergency surgery.
Staff turnover affects both residents and their families, compromising the quality of care. Continuity of nursing home staff and leadership is essential for delivering personalized care, as frontline workers deliver 90% of care. Researchers emphasize the need to attract and retain well-trained staff who enjoy working with older adults.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute found that pharmacist-led deprescribing care coordinators can significantly reduce prescription of anticholinergics in older adults. The study used two pharmacist-focused models, including face-to-face and telephone outreach, which collectively decreased anticholinergic use by 73%.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute reveals that two-thirds of stroke patients screening positive for depression received no mental health treatment. The gap persists despite changing attitudes toward mental health treatment, with disparities seen in older patients, men, and minority groups.
A meta-analysis of 54 studies confirms that caregiver engagement across healthcare transitions is crucial in preventing rehospitalizations and enhancing patient outcomes. Caregivers play a critical role in facilitating care transitions when the healthcare team actively partners with them.
The Avoidable Transfer Scale identifies potentially avoidable hospitalizations in nursing home residents based on EHR data. The tool enables nursing homes to focus on trends and process improvements, benefiting residents and reducing healthcare costs.