Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.
A study found that Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) costs may be higher than expected reimbursements, potentially limiting access to recommended services for minority and low-income patients. The program aims to prevent diabetes in Medicare beneficiaries, but insufficient reimbursement may deter healthcare providers.
A new clinical practice guideline emphasizes the importance of early identification and referral to physical therapy for infants with CMT. Early intervention can result in excellent outcomes, including full passive neck rotation and zero surgical interventions.
A new approach using umbilical cord blood stem cells has shown promising results in repairing cleft palates in infants. The procedure, performed as part of reconstructive surgery when the infant is a few months old, provides good results in growing new bone to close the upper jaw cleft and may avoid the need for later bone graft surgery.
A special issue of Health Physics journal highlights women's contributions to and experiences in radiation protection and safety. The articles showcase the historic roles of women pioneers and their diverse roles in health physics, including research on approaches in monitoring radiation exposure.
The HPV vaccine offers a promising approach to lowering rates of cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases worldwide, particularly in underserved populations. Research highlights disparities in cervical cancer screening among different demographic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
A new study evaluates the Early Feeding Skills (EFS) checklist as a valid and reliable tool for assessing the emergence of feeding skills in preterm infants. The EFS provides a comprehensive assessment of oral feeding skills, including respiratory regulation, swallowing coordination, and staying engaged with feeding.
A study by Daniel J. Scott and colleagues found that surgeons spent significantly less time interacting with patients (10.03 minutes) after implementing an electronic medical records system. Despite initial increases in labor costs, the time spent on documentation persisted, leading to a negative trade-off for patient care.
A study published in Advances in Neonatal Care reports that managing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) requires a cascade of care, emphasizing the need for improved coordination and resources. The researchers identified four essential areas to improve NAS care, including greater education and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
A comprehensive study found that women receiving silicone breast implants may be at increased risk of several rare adverse outcomes compared to the general population. The elevated risks included conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a higher risk of stillbirth and melanoma.
A study published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that repeat vaccinations are safe for most children with mild to moderate reactions after their initial immunization. Sixteen percent of patients experienced recurrent adverse events following immunization, but most were no more severe than the initial reaction.
A US children's hospital implemented a first-of-its-kind project to eliminate or reduce pain from elective needle procedures, improving patient satisfaction and staff concerns. The 'Children's Comfort Promise' project introduced four research-proven strategies, which saved time and reduced staff turnover.
The new guidelines focus on the needs of clinicians and managers providing rehabilitation care for patients with moderate to severe TBI. The guidelines cover topics such as intensity and frequency of services, managing behavioral disorders, and social participation.
The Journal of Addictions Nursing special issue provides a unique nursing perspective on the opioid crisis, highlighting research topics and expert views. The publication presents seven original research papers addressing various aspects of OUD, including medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention, and stigma reduction.
A nationwide study found that surgeon-related factors, such as communication and empathy, significantly impact patient satisfaction. Practice-related issues like waiting times and office staff had a weaker effect on patient satisfaction scores.
A study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that mobility and self-care abilities are the greatest impactors on quality of life for spinal cord injury patients. The research, which analyzed data from 195 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury, revealed differences in priorities between tetraple...
A series of articles and commentaries highlights the importance of process improvements, team culture, and enterprise cybersecurity in preventing cyberattacks. Healthcare executives discuss key components of effective cybersecurity strategies, including organization-wide training and shared responsibility.
A study reveals a widening wage gap between hospital CEOs and medical staff, with CEO salaries increasing by 93% while doctor and nurse wages rose by 26-15%. The cost-burden of nonclinical workers contributed to the growth in healthcare costs, with nationwide expenditures reaching $3.2 trillion in 2015.
A study found that Medicare preventive care visits are lower in racial and ethnic minority patients, with income and education partially explaining the difference. The rate of use increased modestly since its introduction but remains low, highlighting the need to promote its use among beneficiaries and providers.
A three-part study of 22 retired pro football and hockey players found no increase in the rate of early-onset dementia or cognitive decline. Standard neuropsychological tests and brain imaging scans showed minimal differences between groups, contradicting previous concerns about CTE.
A long-term study confirms that cross-linked polyethylene hip implants significantly lower the rate of repeat surgery, with a cumulative revision rate of 11.7% compared to 6.2% for conventional polyethylene implants over 16 years. The use of XLPE implants also encourages total hip replacement in younger patients.
A study found that travel times for nurses in neurocritical care units increase staffing ratios by 33-50% due to frequent assessments and procedures. Implementing additional staff, including a 'circulating nurse' position, can improve patient care and retention rates.
A study found that 3D image simulation did not improve patient-reported outcomes after breast augmentation surgery. Despite increased awareness and adoption of the technology, patient satisfaction with results remained unchanged.
Researchers developed a custom-made silicone implant technique using 3D CAD technology, yielding high-quality results in patients with chest deformities related to Poland syndrome. The implants provided good cosmetic outcomes and improved the patients' social and emotional aspects of quality of life.
Mind-body therapies, such as biofeedback and mindfulness, can help alleviate anxiety in teenagers. Nurse practitioners play a vital role in screening for anxiety and creating personalized plans to combat it.
A study published in Spine Journal found that patients taking opioids for at least three months before spinal fusion surgery were more likely to continue taking opioids one year after surgery, with rates of 42% vs. 9% in the opioid-taking group compared to those who didn't take opioids before surgery.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients taking prescription opioids for more than 60 days before total knee or hip replacement surgery are at higher risk of hospital readmission and repeat joint-replacement surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of both adverse outcomes,...
Professional baseball players with faster hand-eye coordination tend to draw more walks and swing at pitches in the strike zone, indicating improved plate discipline. The study suggests that measuring hand-eye coordination may be helpful in player selection and training could potentially lead to better batting performance.
A nationwide study of nearly 600,000 Danish children found that severe childhood infections are associated with lower school achievement in adolescence. Hospitalizations for infections were linked to a 38% reduction in the odds of completing ninth grade, while primary care treatment was unrelated.
A study found that high opioid doses and concurrent sedative use are key risk factors for fatal opioid overdose among Medicaid patients. The research identified chronic pain, medical diagnoses associated with addiction, and mental health disorders as additional risk factors.
Patients with heart failure experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety are at higher risk for progressive heart disease and adverse outcomes. Psychotherapy may offer advantages over medications as a treatment option for these patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that obesity and overweight are associated with chronic disease risks for survivors of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study included 7,287 adults with TBI who underwent inpatient acute rehabilitation.
A study analyzed 4,701 comments on physician review sites, finding that negative ratings for office staff, billing, and wait times are more common than for surgeon competence or outcomes. Surgeon-independent factors, such as office environment and billing, have a significant impact on overall scores.
Researchers report a higher incidence of PAH after cryolipolysis, with 15 events in 11 patients representing 0.72% of treatments, highlighting the need for caution and careful management when dealing with this complication.
A recent study found that most adolescents with gynecomastia do not require routine endocrinology assessment and hormone laboratory testing. Most cases of gynecomastia can be identified without such testing, according to the study.
A study by Sapienza University of Rome found that children of same-sex parents had fewer reported difficulties and normal scores in psychological adjustment compared to children of different-sex parents. Family functioning, particularly for gay fathers, was also better among same-sex parents.
A recent study found that starting physical therapy within three weeks of a concussion provides similar outcomes to waiting longer. The therapy, which included progressive exercise and vestibular training, led to reduced concussion-related symptoms in both early and late PT groups.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that older adults with higher financial literacy are at lower risk of being hospitalized. The association remained significant after adjusting for other factors, including income and physical health.
Facial transplantation is a safe and feasible option for patients with severe facial defects, providing good aesthetic and functional outcomes. Studies show that facial transplant recipients have lower perceived disfigurement scores compared to those undergoing conventional reconstruction.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients who take prescription opioids for a longer period before spinal surgery are more likely to continue using opioids several months after surgery. Duration of opioid use before surgery was the main risk factor for continued use. After adjustment, the likelihood o...
Drowning deaths often result from cardiac events rather than 'dry drowning.' Experts emphasize the need for precise terminology and strategies for increasing oxygenation. The American Red Cross suggests patients seek care if symptoms worsen after water inhalation.
Plastic surgeons are crucial in managing young women at high genetic risk of breast cancer due to BRCA gene mutations. These women have a low lifetime risk of breast cancer, only 1.5-3.4% by age 30, and may benefit from mastectomy, but the decision is complex and requires careful consideration.
Three-dimensional printed models provide a useful visual reference for plastic surgeons performing rhinoplasty, helping to achieve the desired clinical result. The models also improve communication with patients before surgery, making it easier to understand the surgical possibilities and limitations.
A national resilience strategy is proposed to reverse mortality trends from drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicides. The strategy includes improved pain management, harm reduction services, and new approaches to suicide prevention.
The study analyzed an insurance database of over 1 million patients with knee osteoarthritis treated between 2007 and 2015. Updated guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons led to a decline in hyaluronic acid injections, while steroid injection rates leveled off after a recommendation against its use was made.
The updated 'Hour-1 Bundle' introduces five critical steps for treating sepsis immediately upon recognition, including measuring lactate levels, performing blood cultures, and administering broad-spectrum antibiotics. This revised bundle aims to further reduce mortality rates among patients with sepsis by beginning treatment promptly.
A study published in Medical Care found that homeless veterans are more likely to experience unplanned hospital readmissions after surgery, particularly those discharged to nursing homes. Homeless veterans were younger and had lower rates of medical diseases but higher rates of mental health problems, contributing to the increased risk.
Recent advances in PTSD research focus on brain structure and function, informing efforts to interrupt the processes leading to symptom development. Effective treatments like exposure therapy are based on mechanisms of fear extinction, while new approaches target stress hormones and brain regions involved in emotion dysregulation.
Researchers found significant improvement in walking speed for patients undergoing brain magnetic stimulation after a stroke, with greater effects seen on the same side of the brain where the stroke occurred. However, there was no significant impact on balance or motor function.
The study found four broad themes affecting obstacles to treatment: patient eligibility, treatment capacity, knowledge of treatment options, and communication. Researchers recommend improving referral systems with a database of clear eligibility criteria and increased education for providers.