A new online tool has been shown to reduce decisional conflict in women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy, supporting informed decisions on immediate breast reconstruction. The study found that patients who used the tool felt better prepared for decision-making and had a lower rate of clinically significant decisional conflict.
A randomized trial of 50 older adults undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty found no difference in pain scores or other outcomes between liposomal bupivacaine and standard bupivacaine. The study suggests that the use of liposomal bupivacaine may not be worth considering for geriatric patients with hip fractures.
A noninvasive ultrasound technology called Break Wave lithotripsy (BWL) was found to be highly effective in treating urinary stones, with an 88% fragmentation rate. Patients were able to undergo treatment without anesthesia and had a high success rate of being completely stone-free after follow-up CT scans.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons has issued updated guidelines for evaluating and managing chronic constipation, emphasizing the need for personalized care and a multidisciplinary approach. The guidelines recommend strong and conditional recommendations based on evidence quality.
Emotional eating is linked to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Primary care providers can identify emotional eating by screening for disordered eating behaviors and psychosocial stressors using tools like PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
A study found that substituting lower-wage nursing staff for RNs leads to increased mortality rates, readmissions, and prolonged hospital stays. Hospitals experience a negative return on investment under this model.
A study published in Urology Practice found that ChatGPT generated 'acceptable' responses to nearly half of real-life patient questions, suggesting potential benefits for improving clinical efficiency. The AI tool scored high on accuracy and intelligibility but received lower scores for completeness and helpfulness.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found a link between Modic changes and microbial diversity in the lumbar cartilaginous endplates. Patients with Modic changes had more severe lumbar disc degeneration and a distinct metabolite profile, suggesting potential contributors to its pathogenesis.
The frequency of electric scooter-related injuries has increased nearly fivefold in Denver over five years, with a significant spike in weekend and nighttime incidents. Hospital charges for these injuries have more than doubled, averaging $10.4 million per year from 2020 to 2023.
A new classification system, PTNM, has been proposed for identifying subtypes of Peyronie's disease and penile curvature. The system, based on evidence-based criteria, identifies four distinct subtypes of PD and three non-PD categories, including congenital, maturational, and trauma-induced penile curvature.
A 10-year follow-up study reports significant and lasting improvement in outcomes with posterior decompression and fixation surgery for patients with Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (T-OPLL). Decompression and fixation yielded long-term benefits in neurological function, quality of life, and pain management.
A randomized clinical trial found that posterior foraminotomy provides outcomes comparable to those of the more commonly performed anterior cervical discectomy. The two-year surgical success rate was 81% in patients assigned to posterior surgery, similar to 74% in the anterior group.
Academic psychiatry departments and private telehealth companies can mutually benefit from strategic collaboration, according to a new article. By partnering with telehealth companies, academic institutions can focus on specialized care, education, and research.
TAS-303 reduces SUI episode frequency by 58% compared to placebo, while also improving urinary incontinence amount and health-related quality of life. The medication may offer a safer alternative for SUI treatment without adverse effects associated with existing medications.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that American Indian/Alaska Native women have consistently lower rates of breast reconstruction after mastectomy compared to non-Hispanic White women. The disparity persists despite an upward trend in reconstruction rates, with AI/AN women being nearly half less likel...
A study published in Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that laboratory values such as hemoglobin level, platelet count, and inflammatory markers can predict the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with morbid obesity. These findings may help surgeons identify high-risk patients and improve outcomes.
Patients in sunny climates may require higher doses of Botox to achieve good results in cosmetic treatment. The study found a significant difference in total Botox dose needed between high-sun and low-sun groups, with patients in Malta needing more Botox due to greater muscle activation and potential effects of sunlight.
The WISEWOMAN program, funded by the CDC, improved blood pressure, diet, and physical activity among low-income, uninsured women in Nebraska. Lifestyle interventions led to significant weight loss, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that nerve decompression surgery effectively reduces monthly migraine days and improves other headache outcomes, including frequency and intensity of attacks. The findings provide strong evidence in support of headache surgery efficacy.
Certain combinations of medication or psychotherapy with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are supported by clinical studies for major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment. Researchers recommend more sophisticated trial designs to move the field forward.
A review of clinical studies suggests that combining TMS or tDCS with certain types of psychotherapy or medication can lead to greater symptom reduction in patients with major depressive disorder. However, the research has limitations and more sophisticated trial designs are needed to move the field forward.
A nationwide assessment found that only 20% of US nonprofit hospitals address housing needs, with most located in cities serving populations with significant needs. Hospitals use various strategies to address housing insecurity, including collaboration with community partners and financial assistance.
Severe hip OA linked to worse functional impairment and increased ASD severity even after surgery, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Patients with severe bilateral hip OA had poorer physical functioning, disability scores, and correction of spinal alignment.
A new study suggests that ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for Black women's self-education about HIV prevention. The AI chatbot provided culturally sensitive information and empathetic responses when addressing questions specific to Black women, highlighting its potential to bridge healthcare gaps in marginalized communities.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that preoperative Botox injections can reliably predict the success of nerve decompression surgery for chronic migraine. Patients who responded positively to Botox injections showed significant improvements in migraine symptoms, with a positive predictive value of nearly 90%.
A report in Urology Practice compares four online tools to reduce prescription drug costs for patients with common urologic conditions, including Medicare Part D Plan Finder and Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company. The analysis highlights the benefits of using these tools, such as affordable pricing and convenient refill options.
A clinical trial found that video-only hand therapy is non-inferior to in-person therapy after thumb CMC arthroplasty, offering a more patient-driven approach with reduced travel burden. Video-administered therapy provided similar outcomes and significantly reduced travel distance and time for patients.
Research suggests that hospital work environments have a significant impact on HCAHPS scores. Nurses' education and staffing levels also play a role, but to a lesser extent. Improving these factors may lead to better patient outcomes and higher reimbursement levels.
A new study supports the use of neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, showing improved biochemical progression-free survival and treatment-free survival rates. The treatment combination offers significant benefits in controlling PSA levels and potentially improving patient outcomes.
A national multicenter study found that 31% of individuals with complicated mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury had marginal or inadequate health literacy. Health literacy can impact the use of healthcare education and recommendations, emphasizing the need for clinicians to attend to patients' needs.
A survey study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery finds that parents overwhelmingly believe surgeons should obtain consent before posting pictures of children on social media. The researchers recommend seeking consent from both parents and children, with an average age of 9.65 years for child assent.
A survey found that social media use significantly increases patient empowerment and informed decision-making in plastic surgery. Patients who used social media to gather information scored higher on key categories of the Cyber Info-Decisional Empowerment Scale.
A survey of 473 patients found that those who used social media to gather information scored higher in patient empowerment categories. Facebook and RealSelf platforms were associated with increased empowerment in treatment options. Plastic surgeons are encouraged to engage with and contribute to social media to promote patient autonomy.
The study found that craniofacial injuries related to exercise and weightlifting have increased sharply over the past decade, with higher rates in men and younger age groups. Safe exercise practices, including proper technique training and supervision by gym staff, are recommended to reduce injury rates.
Reducing surgeon manipulation of predicted operating room time improved overall scheduling accuracy, with a significant decrease in underscheduled operations and manipulations. The study found that educating surgeons about the importance of accurate OR planning increased accuracy rates by 6.2 percentage points.
A review suggests that psychiatrists should prioritize alleviating the sequelae of gender minority stress to promote resilience in TGD individuals. The authors emphasize the importance of individualized, culturally responsive care and educate clinicians to address unique challenges faced by this population.
The ICNIRP panel states that research on SWL exposure is inconsistent, with some studies indicating possible effects on alertness or sleep and others not supporting such effects. The panel also notes that potential long-term adverse effects of SWL exposure are unclear, particularly regarding its impact on chronic diseases and conditions.
A survey of 156 individuals found that 94% of LGBTQ+ respondents were open about their identity in the workplace, but 74% reported experiencing bullying, discrimination, or being treated differently. The authors recommend creating safer environments by enforcing no-tolerance policies and promoting diversity and sensitivity training.
A new study suggests that Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) may offer significant savings for patients taking common urology medications, with the greatest potential to reduce costs being for solifenacin and oxybutynin. The online pharmacy's standardized pricing can reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $20 per prescription.
A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests that robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques do not significantly increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 patients undergoing THA between 201...
A study published in The Journal of Urology reports that racial representation matters to Black patients seeking prostate cancer information online. This lack of representation can lead to mistrust and discourage screening among Black men, who have higher rates of prostate cancer compared to White or Hispanic men.
A newly developed neural network is highly accurate in identifying key landmarks important in breast surgery, enabling rapid and automated detection of breast symmetry. The network's performance was tested using a set of photographs of patients who underwent breast reconstruction after cancer surgery.
A study published in The Journal of Urology found that alkaline water has a negligible alkali content, making it ineffective for preventing kidney stones. Alternative beverages and over-the-counter products with higher alkali levels may be more effective in raising urinary pH.
A study found that recent literature on prolonged grief disorder relies heavily on patient self-reported symptomatology, leading to systematic overestimation of prevalence. Clinical interviews and judgment are essential for a fuller understanding of the bereaved person's experience.
Targeted muscle reinnervation performed at the time of amputation reduced pain scores and prevented complications related to abnormal nerve regrowth. The procedure also lowered neuroma risk, particularly in patients undergoing acute TMR.
A new study published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that approximately 60% of people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience chronic pain, even up to 30 years after injury. Chronic pain can significantly worsen outcomes for individuals with TBI, and medications are often the most frequently used treatment.
A clinical trial found that diosmin reduced swelling at the knee, calf, and thigh up to 14 days after TKA, with lower pain scores on movement. The study also showed improved outcomes for short-term complications and a trend toward decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting.
The study analyzed 16 years of data from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and found an increased rate of outpatient abdominoplasty without overnight hospital stays. Concomitant liposuction was also more commonly performed in recent years. Despite changes, abdominoplasty remains a safe and reliable procedure.
Research reveals that less than half of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction receive palliative care, highlighting the need for early referral to promote patient comfort and avoid invasive treatments. Hospice care significantly reduces high healthcare use at end-of-life.
A new supplement in JCEHP examines conceptual shifts in continuing professional development, proposing a person-focused, practice-informed approach that considers context, subjectification, and socio-material dimensions. This approach aims to generate meaningful advancements and transform the health professional-as-a-person.