The Indiana Training Program in Public and Population Health Informatics provides advanced training in data and information systems to improve population health. Trainees work with renowned researchers and partners to develop practical skills in informatics methods and strengthen public health interventions.
A study found that patients and their caregivers agreed on the severity of physical symptoms like pain and functionality, but disagreed on psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety. The researchers also noted that caregivers who were under stress overreported their patient's symptoms.
Despite lower hospitalizations for strokes and mini-strokes during the pandemic, patients with stroke experienced no decline in overall quality of care and outcomes. Missing blood pressure checks were associated with higher short-term and long-term mortality rates.
Researchers developed an evidence-based app to support caregivers in managing complex medication regimens for individuals with dementia. The Helping the Helpers app leverages virtual component and participatory co-design with caregivers to address significant caregiver burden, stress, and potential mistakes.
A new $2.4 million NIH award supports efforts to improve data sharing between dental and medical records, reducing delays in treatment decisions and improving patient health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed mobile app data to gain insight into behaviors of middle-aged women living with severe obesity in urban poverty. The study found associations between anxiety and weight loss or gain, as well as correlations between location, timing, and eating/drinking frequency.
A new Regenstrief Institute study evaluates commercially available matching methodologies against real-world gold standard data to identify opportunities for improving match accuracy. The study found that referential patient matching demonstrates greater sensitivity and accuracy than traditional probabilistic approach.
A new US study analyzed tooth survival rates after root canals in a general population, revealing median survival time of 11.1 years. The research found disparities in longevity among geographic regions and the impact of insurance status on treatment outcomes.
A new study from the Regenstrief Institute examines the effects of clinical texting on hospitalist and nurse communication, highlighting both benefits and challenges. The study suggests that clinical texting can improve communication, but also raises concerns about user buy-in and shared understanding.
A large international study found that PHQ-9 accurately indicates the presence and severity of depression, regardless of sex, age, or language. The tool enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression by measuring both physical and emotional symptoms.
Researchers found that people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who live in the community experience similar symptom burdens to those in nursing homes. The study suggests that palliative care interventions could ease symptom burden and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Health dashboards have proven their value during the COVID-19 pandemic and can now be used to track emerging public health threats such as cancer, HIV, and traffic injuries. Investing in people, processes, and technology is necessary to create effective dashboards that provide decision-makers with accurate and timely information.
Researchers found a significant decline in certain nutrition markers among denture wearers compared to non-denture wearers. The study suggests that dentists should be aware of this potential impact and provide advice or referrals for nutrition counseling.
Researchers propose that well-designed computerized clinical decision support can facilitate team approaches to healthcare, enhancing communication and coordinating group effort. The tool provides evidence-based information and guidance, enabling primary care physicians to oversee a diverse healthcare team more efficiently.
A new IU training program will focus on social and behavioral science training in Alzheimer's disease, leveraging IU's strengths in aging research infrastructure. The five-year T32 grant aims to grow the pipeline of scientists tackling complex clinical issues.
Researchers found that veterans with chronic headache are interested in combining alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage with mainstream medicine. Healthcare providers support patient empowerment, but need education on the scientific evidence for alternative therapies.
A new study shows that the telestroke program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers for stroke patients, decreasing rural healthcare disparities. The program increases care efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while optimizing care for patients.
A new study validates the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor as an accurate tool for monitoring post-intensive care unit (ICU) symptoms among ICU survivors through caregiver input. The tool assesses both patient and caregiver burden, providing clinically relevant information on physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
A study analyzed perspectives on personal health records from cancer patients and providers, highlighting the need for discussions about record uses. Implementing PHRs more widely, tailoring them to specific conditions, and making them user-friendly are next steps to improve patient-centered care.
Researchers developed an AI method to analyze electronic health record data and predict optimal drug regimens for type 2 diabetes patients with similar characteristics. The algorithm successfully supported medication selection for over 83% of patients, leading to better management of the disease and improved patient engagement.
Home health aides have been serving as lifelines to older adults during COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential medical assistance. Integrating them into healthcare teams could yield significant benefits, improving older adults' health outcomes.
Health policy experts review existing coverage systems and propose rigorous research to inform the US debate on universal healthcare coverage. They identify areas where additional research and stakeholder input are needed to achieve high-performing universal health insurance.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that only 20% of severe stroke patients received palliative care consultations. The study suggests that these consultations can help families and patients determine an acceptable outcome and guide treatment decisions to reduce prolonged suffering.
A qualitative study explores healthcare experiences of transgender patients in Indiana and reveals three major barriers: finding an affirming provider, navigating wait times, and feeling comfortable in care settings. The research highlights the need for primary care providers knowledgeable about transgender health and safe spaces to ad...
The anticholinergic burden scale helps identify patients at risk of cognitive decline from these medications. The editorial highlights the complexity of safely reducing or stopping these medications due to their risks.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute identifies divergent priorities among cancer patients and their caregivers during active treatment, with patients focusing on physical issues like pain and caregivers prioritizing social support. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced whole-family approaches to supportive oncology care deli...
Researchers developed AI models trained on clinical data from a statewide health information exchange to predict healthcare resource utilization for individuals with COVID-19. The models demonstrated accurate public health predictions and provided valuable insights into patient-level need for healthcare resources.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute found that local mask policies have a strong impact on mask-wearing behavior in public places. The research team observed 76,000 people at various locations and found that most people wore masks even after the state lifted its mandate.
A successful intervention combining education and workflow increased primary care screenings for geriatric conditions, improving attitudes towards older adults. The program leveraged teamwork to integrate these important screenings into care delivery, resulting in significantly higher screening rates.
Researchers analyzed hospital visits, admissions, and deaths for 50,393 children with asthma to track trends. The study used health information exchange data, revealing a significant increase in pediatric asthma death rates despite a decline in hospital admissions.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that annual rates of hospital transfers decrease with age, but younger residents are more likely to require dialysis or tube feeding. In contrast, older residents are more likely to have cognitive decline, dementia, and diabetes.
A new study reveals that mobile apps for hospitalists lack user-centered designs, relying on paper and memory for tasks. The authors propose prioritizing data entry and presentation apps to improve continuity in hospital-based medicine.
The US healthcare system faces challenges in balancing individual-based efforts with community-based initiatives, according to Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Christopher M. Callahan. He advocates for reforms, such as screening for social determinants and workforce enhancements to facilitate integration of social care.
A study identified three major areas for organizations to reduce burnout and increase work engagement: balancing job demands and resources. Clinicians cited policies that hinder care delivery as a key factor, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
A new study published in BMJ Health & Care Informatics examines decades of dashboards designed to communicate health data, highlighting the need for user-centered design and effectiveness testing. The research aims to guide the development of dashboard enhancements and customizations that support informed decision-making.
A local health department in Indiana used surveillance data to identify neighborhoods with high disease burden and set up test sites, resulting in a decline in new cases among targeted groups. The success of this intervention highlights the importance of using data to address systemic racism and promote health equity.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute found that lack of protocols or standard operating procedures in the recovery room is a significant barrier to administering post-operative chemotherapy to reduce bladder cancer recurrence. The researchers identified 58 Michigan urologists who reported this as a major obstacle, emphasizing the n...
A clinical study concludes that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is not designed for diagnosis in emergency and inpatient settings. FIT should only be used for validated colorectal cancer screening, not for evaluating symptoms such as rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
A new study found that vulnerable populations are less likely to receive cancer survivorship care plans, which can help with transition out of active treatment. The Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine analyzed data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System's Survivorship modules.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute found that Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) scales for depression can accurately diagnose and track patient symptoms. The study showed similar accuracy to the widely adopted PHQ-9 scale, supporting PROMIS as a viable screening option.
A report highlights the challenges faced by underrepresented physicians in medicine, particularly in surgery. The authors emphasize the importance of enhancing mentorship and sponsorship relationships to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Researchers developed novel scoring tools to predict colon cancer risk in average-risk individuals, especially useful in low-screening countries. The tools consider factors like age, smoking history, and aspirin use to determine personalized risk.
The study found that nearly half of clinicians experience moral distress when treating end-stage renal disease in undocumented immigrants. Clinicians cited suffering patients due to inadequate dialysis as a primary factor contributing to their moral distress.
A national study found COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalizations and emergency department visits caused by the Delta variant. The Moderna vaccine is significantly more effective than Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, with unvaccinated individuals being 5-7 times more likely to need emergency care or hospitalization.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and intensive care admissions due to the virus. The vaccines provide significant protections for older adults and minorities, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
A large-scale study of COVID-19 data in Indiana found that Black communities and rural residents were more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus. The study highlighted disparities in public health efforts and calls for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
Researchers developed MOGONET, a novel multi-omics data analysis algorithm that integrates genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic data to provide a holistic view of biological processes underlying human diseases. The framework outperforms existing methods in analyzing disease biomarkers and predicting patient outcomes.
A recent study published in JAMA found that just under three-quarters of attendees at five games of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament wore masks correctly. Masking behavior varied widely among areas within the venue, highlighting challenges in encouraging public health behaviors.
Researchers are developing an app, Helping the Helpers, to support caregivers in managing medications for patients with dementia. The app uses user-centered design to address the unique needs of caregivers, aiming to improve medication adherence and safety.
A study from Regenstrief Institute identified patterns in the course of COVID-19 in frail nursing home residents, revealing a range of symptoms and outcomes. The research provides insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on survivors and informs efforts to confront outbreaks.