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Ensuring respect and dignity in the ICU

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a conceptual model defining three sources of patient dignity: shared humanity, personal narrative, and autonomy. The study identifies four consensus areas relevant to treatment with respect and dignity in the ICU, including treating patients as human beings, unique individuals, and entitled t...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNarrative Inquiry in Bioethics·DateMar 10, 2015

Why debunked autism treatment fads persist

Despite being discredited, interventions like Facilitated Communication remain widely used in the autism community due to emotional appeal and a desire for quick fixes. Experts emphasize the need for better education on effective treatments and caution against false hope.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEvidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention·DateFeb 26, 2015

New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow to the brain after adding stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy. The new treatment restores blood flow to 89% of patients, with 71% returning to independent living.

SourceMelbourne Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Behavioral therapy effective against pica in children with autism spectrum disorder

Researchers from Marcus Autism Center found intensive behavioral intervention to be effective in eliminating pica in children with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment involved blocking inappropriate eating, redirecting behavior, and rewarding disposal of non-edible objects, resulting in a 96% reduction in pica in most cases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 9, 2015

Is surgery a viable treatment option for patients age 80+ with acute spinal conditions?

A new study found that surgical treatment provides significant benefit for lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients over 80, with comparable complication rates to younger patients. The benefits of surgery were similar to those in younger patients, except for pain and physical function outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 4, 2015

Therapeutic bronchoscopy performed on a dolphin

A bottlenose dolphin with breathing difficulties underwent pioneering therapeutic bronchoscopy, marking the first time such a procedure was performed on a marine mammal. The dolphin's respiratory cycle improved significantly after the treatment, and she returned to her normal behavior.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 1, 2014

Bigger is not always better

A new study of over 12,000 Danish patients with hip fractures found that those treated in smaller hospital departments had a lower mortality rate and shorter length of stay. The quality of care was also higher in these departments compared to larger ones.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMedical Care·DateNov 13, 2014

Helping patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers

Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateNov 11, 2014