A quality improvement project at a hospital found that asking patients about food insecurity is feasible and effective. The process, which included two simple questions, identified 6% of patients as needing assistance with food resources, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and improved patient health outcomes.
A study published in Urology Practice found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in surgical procedures for urology residents, but case volumes rebounded sharply in 2021. The research suggests that urology trainees did not suffer prolonged detriment in case volume or surgical training.
Research suggests that cancer-related fatigue (CRF) contributes to balance problems in breast cancer survivors, even after chemotherapy. CRF predicts greater postural sway and changes in 'sit-to-stand' function, highlighting the need for rehabilitation professionals to consider CRF in exercise prescriptions.
A combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel shows excellent outcomes in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The 'Gem/Doce' therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to BCG treatment, resulting in high response rates and good tolerability.
A leadership program called Advancing Leadership in Times of Crisis (ALTC) has increased knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts among public health professionals in Puerto Rico. The program, developed by Impactivo, aims to 'evolve and adapt' to the needs of the public health workforce, with extremely high levels of satisfac...
New guidelines from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons provide updated treatment recommendations for anorectal abscess, anal fistula, and rectovaginal fistula. The guidelines emphasize the importance of both surgical approaches and medication options in managing these conditions.
A study found that only 32% of hospital websites provided full compliance with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule, which requires online posting of prices for knee and hip replacement. Many hospitals also failed to provide machine-readable files or required users to provide personal information.
A survey of specialist surgeons reveals that most would opt for polypropylene mesh mid-urethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence, but conventional abdominal surgery with mesh or vaginal reconstruction is preferred for pelvic organ prolapse. The study aims to alleviate the negative stigma associated with mesh use.
The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology and four international medical societies have published consensus statements on the treatment of pre-invasive vulvar lesions. These guidelines highlight the need for specific attention to these lesions, which can cause symptoms such as burning and itching, and may progress to invasive can...
A study found that despite PrEP's effectiveness in reducing HIV risk by 99%, many male couples underestimate its benefits and experience high levels of stigma. Joint education for male couples may improve PrEP adoption rates, and providing information to both partners can facilitate open discussions and concerns about the medication.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a super-pulsed thulium fiber laser system improved stone-free rates and reduced residual fragments in pediatric patients with urinary stones compared to standard low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. The study, which evaluated 125 procedures in 109 patients, showed ...
A new minimally invasive surgical approach uses spring-mediated cranioplasty and distraction osteogenesis to guide skull shape in infants with complex craniosynostosis. This technique enables normal brain development while improving head shape, with significant improvement seen in a 3-month-old girl with a complex form of the condition.
A survey of plastic surgery residents found that high costs and inflexible work hours hinder access to childcare. Women residents are disproportionately affected, missing work more often due to childcare issues and considering leaving their programs.
A report by Washington State Department of Health and colleagues outlines efforts to develop and advance Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) in three states: Ohio, Oregon, and Washington. These states are part of PHNCI's 21st Century Learning Community, focused on advancing public health transformation.
A Swedish study found that rates of adverse events after hip replacement surgery are essentially the same for procedures performed by female and male orthopaedic surgeons. The overall rate of adverse events was lower for THA procedures performed by female surgeons, at 6%, compared to 7% for male surgeons.
A new study found that people over 50 are more likely to use sunscreen if they believe it prevents sunburn, while those who think it takes too much time are less likely. The researchers suggest using reminders from romantic partners or focusing on skin cancer risk as effective messaging strategies.
A new robotic system has shown promising results in treating early-stage prostate cancer with high accuracy and low complication rates. The KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to current surgical robots, offering improved comfort levels for surgeons.
Recent advances in neuroimaging technology show promise in helping tES to effectively treat visual hallucinations (VH) in psychiatric disorders. These advances, combined with individualized modeling techniques and advanced electrical field modeling, may provide a sound foundation for subsequent research on using VH.
A study found no increased mortality risk or serious adverse outcomes in high-risk patients receiving tranexamic acid during IT fracture surgery. The medication, which promotes blood clotting, was also associated with a small decrease in blood transfusion risk.
A bundled care Medicare program has led to reductions in some outcome disparities for Black patients compared to White patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery. The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model has improved key outcomes such as hospital readmission rates, length of stay, and Medicare payments.
Patients with lower levels of sex hormones are more likely to undergo surgery for rotator cuff tears, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Estrogen deficiency was associated with a 48% higher incidence of rotator cuff repair in women, while testosterone deficiency was linked to an 89% higher rate in men.
A study analyzes the marketing and practice trends of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction in major US cities, finding inconsistent credentials among providers. The average price per treatment is around $490, with varying costs and protocols across clinics.
A study found that strength training activates androgen receptors to protect against muscle pain in mice. Resistance training also alleviated pain only in male mice, while females did not show similar benefits. The findings suggest exercise may be a useful treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A study found that selfies significantly distort facial features, making noses appear 6.4% longer on average compared to standard clinical photographs. The distortion also affects the chin and base of the nose, leading to a significant increase in the ratio of nose to chin length.
A large population-based study found chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with reduced brain volume in pain-processing areas, including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors.
People with severe mental illness experience increased likelihood of health problems and poorer physical health due to inadequate pain management. Current treatments are often excluded from clinical trials, and low physical activity is a common issue in both conditions.
Researchers have successfully used a new sound wave technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to break up kidney stones in humans, achieving a median of 90% stone volume fragmentation within 10 minutes. The procedure shows potential for an office-based treatment approach with minimal tissue injury and no anesthesia required.
A recent study found that age-adjusted suicide rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans receiving care in the VHA system increased by nearly 150% over two decades. The youngest age group, aged 18-39 years, had the highest suicide rate of 66.0 per 100,000 person-years.
Elite-level athletes face significant risks and challenges in eating disorder care, with up to 45% of female athletes and 19% of male athletes affected. Treatment must consider the athlete's sport context, including the role of coaches, sports psychologists, and teammates.
A study of nearly 158,000 US residents found that immigrants had increased financial worries in areas like retirement and medical costs, despite lower overall rates of psychological distress. However, serious psychological distress was associated with higher levels of financial worry in non-US-born individuals.
A systematic review found that mobile apps based on ecological momentary intervention (EMI) may be a useful tool for managing patients at risk of suicide. EMI interventions can provide 'low-cost, 24/7 support' and are particularly promising for adolescents and young adults who are comfortable with digital technologies.
A study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that service members who sustained combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of long-term disability. The odds of being on a trajectory of worse long-term outcome were 49 times higher for those with blast TBI compared to those with no blast exposure.
Researchers successfully used composite tissue transfer techniques from face transplant surgery for 'autotransplantation' of avulsed facial tissues. The technique involves re reconnecting the patient's own blood vessels to restore circulation, allowing for successful replantation without postoperative complications.
A recent study found that younger age at the time of menarche is associated with chronic pain in adulthood. Women who experienced their first menstrual period earlier reported higher rates of chronic pain and longer duration of pain. The study suggests that increased estrogen levels may contribute to this association.
A study of over 2,700 men with localized prostate cancer found that initial treatment choice didn't affect depression or emotional well-being. However, factors such as age, overall health, and initial depressive symptoms were linked to declines in mental health outcomes.
A study found that YouTube videos on cosmetic injectables often lack reliable information, with physician-created content being more trustworthy than patient-based ones. Websites tend to offer higher quality information, but their popularity is lower compared to YouTube videos.
A study found that patients with lower preoperative body satisfaction had increased incidence of infections and delayed wound healing after breast reconstruction. Psychological screening and intervention may help identify at-risk patients and reduce complications.
A study published in The Nurse Practitioner found that maladaptive coping strategies such as using caffeine and taking daytime naps can actually decrease sleep quality. Patients who used these strategies had longer times to REM sleep and more frequent nighttime arousals compared to those who did not use them.
A supervised exercise program can reduce anxiety and fear of cancer progression in men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer. The study found significant improvements in mental and physical health benefits, including a reduction in prostate cancer-related anxiety and fear of progression.
Patients who discontinue biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) before orthopaedic surgery are more likely to experience a disease flare following surgery. However, discontinuing bDMARDs does not appear to increase the risk of surgical site infections or delayed wound healing. The review and meta-analysis highlights ...
A recent study reveals that Black and Latinx men are severely underrepresented in online prostate cancer resources. The study found that only 9% of people depicted in online content were Black or Latinx, highlighting the need for greater representation and diversity in health education.
A study published in Urology Practice found that urologists in group practices or alternative payment models scored higher in most MIPS categories and potentially earned higher reimbursements. In contrast, individual urologists scored lower across all domains except for cost.
Postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary care approach. The new clinical practice guideline presents evidence-based recommendations for physical therapy management, including a hybrid diagnostic model and classification system.
A study found that a redesigned patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach focusing on defined 'high-value elements' (HVEs) does not reduce healthcare costs for patients at primary care practices. The HVE approach was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits, but no change in total costs.
Research suggests early-life infection, inflammation, and metabolic changes contribute to psychiatric disorders through critical brain development periods. This may lead to new treatment approaches for depression and psychosis.
A qualitative study explores the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and brain injury during COVID-19, highlighting increased risks, severity, and gaps in research and services. The study reveals that survivors face ongoing violence and increased risk to their mental and physical health.
The pandemic has led to significant progress in increasing practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) across the US. Several states have made emergency changes permanent, expanding full practice authority for APRNs in Delaware and Massachusetts.
A new study found that COVID-19 lowered expenses for orthopaedic surgery residency applicants due to the elimination of in-person interviews and away rotations. The median total expenses decreased from $7,250 in 2020 to $2,250 in 2021, with significant savings seen in interview and away rotation costs.
A study found that hyaluronic acid (HA) injection services for knee osteoarthritis increased among Medicare beneficiaries, with advanced practice providers driving the trend. The number of HA services increased from 1,090,503 in 2012 to 1,209,489 in 2018, with costs also rising.
After the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) statement discouraging routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, rates of prostate cancer screening and biopsy decreased across racial groups. However, Black men had higher rates of local and metastatic prostate cancer despite similar screening rates.