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Yale study: Doctors give electronic health records an 'F'

A new study by Yale researchers found that physicians rate EHR systems poorly, with an average score of 45, leading to increased frustration and burnout. The study suggests that the steep learning curve and lack of intuitive design contribute to this outcome, affecting specialties such as dermatology and general surgery.

SourceYale University·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 14, 2019

Stress testing the healthcare system

Scientists at CSH Vienna create model to determine regional health care system's resilience in real-time, focusing on physicians' networks and patient flows. The model helps identify critical points where the system can absorb or compensate for lost doctors without collapse.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel method to identify patterns among patients with multiple chronic conditions

The study found that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes were the most common triplet of chronic conditions, while lung disease and heart attacks were a surprisingly common pair. Patients living in lower-income areas developed a second chronic condition 15 years earlier than their counterparts in higher-income areas.

Artificial pancreas system better controls blood glucose levels than current technology

A new artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, reducing time in range for high and low glucose levels. The system also showed improvements in hemoglobin A1c and other measurements related to diabetes control compared to current technology.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

How opt-out organ donation could affect US waiting lists

A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that an opt-out organ donation policy could alleviate some of the burden on US waiting lists, but its impact would be marginal. The researchers found that such a policy could potentially translate to large gains in life years for thousands of patients awaiting organ transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 2, 2019

NIH researchers develop MRI with lower magnetic field for cardiac and lung imaging condition

Researchers at NIH and Siemens developed a low-magnetic-field MRI system that improves image quality of lungs and other internal structures, making medical imaging more affordable and accessible. The new system also reduces the risk of heating and allows for safer procedures for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.

Comparing primate vocalizations

A new study by MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa and Esther Clarke reveals that Old World monkeys can combine two items in language sequences, but this ability stops at two. Unlike humans, who can recombine terms to create an infinite variety of sequences, the monkeys' language lacks the capacity for greater complexity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 3, 2019

Training trials

A study published in BMJ found that reduced training hours for medical residents did not compromise the quality of care delivered by new physicians. The analysis of 485,685 hospitalizations showed no significant differences in patient outcomes, including mortality and readmissions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 11, 2019

On the way to nanotheranostics

A new nanotheranostic system uses silica-coated bismuth-ferrite harmonic nanoparticles to combine diagnostic imaging with targeted drug delivery, overcoming limitations of previous approaches. The system allows for medically safe release of therapeutics upon near-infrared light activation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 8, 2019

Breaking the barriers to health care for transgender individuals

A comprehensive review by Mount Sinai experts aims to help clinicians understand medical issues relevant to transgender people, addressing the biggest barrier to care - lack of knowledgeable providers. Recommendations include determining transgender identity, prescribing hormone therapy, and updating electronic medical records.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 1, 2019

Shorter rotations in intensive care units mitigate burnout among physicians

A Penn Medicine pilot study finds that shorter intensive care unit rotations can significantly reduce burnout rates by as much as 41% while increasing job fulfillment. The study suggests that organizations can implement strategies like truncated staffing rotations to mitigate burnout and improve physician well-being.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 2019

Individuals who attempt suicide carry an increased genetic liability for depression, regardless of their psychiatric disorder

A genome-wide association study found that individuals who attempt suicide carry an increased genetic liability for depression, regardless of their underlying psychiatric disorder. The study analyzed the genomes of over 6,500 suicide attempters and 17,000 non-attempters with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2019

SCAI and ACVP release consensus statement on cardiovascular catheterization laboratory economics

The statement emphasizes that high-quality CCL care should not be limited by fiscal concerns, and provides recommendations for balancing revenue and expenses. It also highlights the importance of aligning leadership, strategy, organization, processes, personnel, and culture to optimize outcomes and efficiency.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 19, 2019