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Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Electronic reporting of symptoms by cancer patients can improve quality of life and reduce emergency visits

A multicenter study found that electronic symptom monitoring improved quality of life, clinical outcomes, and well-being in metastatic cancer patients. The PRO-TECT trial showed significant benefits for patients who reported their symptoms via a home-based electronic monitoring system.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Language comprehension impacts medical prescriptions for Ontario's long-term care Francophone, Allophone residents: uOttawa study

A new study by uOttawa highlights the importance of providing culturally and linguistically concordant care to avoid inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics. Francophone and Allophone residents are more likely to experience inappropriateness compared to English-language patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBMC Geriatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2024

Telemedicine improved doctors’ quality of patient care during COVID pandemic, new study shows

A new study from Binghamton University found that telemedicine enhances the quality of patient care and increases physician satisfaction. The study analyzed data from 10,302 physicians nationwide and identified key features such as videoconferencing and electronic health records integration that contributed to improved outcomes.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 23, 2024

One in five UK doctors use AI chatbots

A survey of UK general practitioners reveals that 20% of doctors use generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their practice. The study highlights the potential benefits of AI in reducing administrative burdens and supporting clinical decision-making, but also raises concerns about errors, biases, and patient privacy.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 18, 2024

More than just medicine: Proactive approach responds to ethical issues facing medical care teams

A research group at Osaka University proposes two proactive ethics consultation methods: inter-professional ethics rounds and patient note reviews. These methods aim to improve clinical decision-making by addressing ethical issues in a more proactive manner, leading to better medical care and alleviated moral anguish among medical staff.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAsian Bioethics Review·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 19, 2024

Is climate change keeping patients from vital doctor appointments?

A study from Drexel University researchers found that temperature extremes are associated with higher rates of missed primary care appointments, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. The study suggests that telemedicine coverage could help mitigate this issue as climate change worsens.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2024

Hope for long-term antidepressant users as study shows half can taper off drugs with simple support

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

Patients seen by female gastroenterologists have significantly less health care utilization than patients seen by male providers

A recent study found that patients seen by female gastroenterologists have significantly less healthcare utilization than those seen by male providers. Female patients, in particular, experience lower rates of emergency department visits and primary care office visits after receiving initial consultations from female gastroenterologists.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2024

CU Department of Medicine doctor discusses unintended consequences of patients having immediate access to test results

Immediate electronic release of patient results can lead to misinterpretation and negative outcomes, as seen in CU doctor Benjamin Vipler's experience with his mom. The 21st Century Cures Act aims to empower patients with their health information but requires further study on its impact.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 7, 2024

Location, location, location

A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2024

Loma Linda University study reveals alarming rates of pediatric injuries from mechanical bull riding

A new study by Loma Linda University reveals that mechanical bull riding is a real public health concern, especially for young riders. The study found that traumatic brain injuries are the most common outcome, and long-term consequences can be severe, including memory issues and learning disabilities.

Treatment from female doctors leads to lower mortality and hospital readmission rates

Research suggests that female physicians have a clinically significant impact on patient outcomes, with lower mortality and readmission rates compared to male doctors. Female patients benefit more significantly from treatment by female physicians, possibly due to better communication and understanding of sensitive health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Medicare pays for message-based e-visits. Are older adults using them?

A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

This common medication could save half a million children’s lives each year. So why is it underprescribed?

A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2024

Trust in doctors, not public officials, boosts COVID-19 vaccination

A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that Americans who trusted their own doctors were more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In contrast, trust in public officials had no significant impact on vaccination behavior. The researchers conclude that engaging the medical profession in communicating vaccine benefi...

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024

Senior physicians may care for fewer patients with Medicaid and from racial/ethnic minorities than junior physicians

A new study found that senior physicians in cognitive and procedural specialties see fewer Medicaid patients and those from racial/ethnic minorities compared to junior physicians. This raises concerns about a two-tiered healthcare system and disparities in patient access.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Creating a future, together, for rare-disease research

Researchers from Osaka University developed an online space for conversation and collaboration among patients with rare diseases, family members, researchers, and former policymakers. The project identified key themes and research priorities, including financial burden, daily life impacts, anxiety, and hospital visits, providing a uniq...

SourceOsaka University·JournalResearch Involvement and Engagement·DateDec 12, 2023

Study reveals gaps in fracture risk communication and patients’ preferences for visual representation

A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Women seeking credibility in health care feel ‘on trial,’ struggle with constraints of double binds

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the struggles women face in establishing credibility for their medical problems and receiving proper treatment. These women engage in 'credibility work,' where they meticulously gather evidence, marshal witnesses, and carefully manage their appearance to convey validity. H...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2023

High blood pressure in males in late adolescence associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events later in life

A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 25, 2023

ChatGPT’s responses to people’s healthcare-related queries are nearly indistinguishable from those provided by humans, new study reveals

A new study by NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Grossman School of Medicine reveals that chatbots' responses to people's healthcare-related queries are nearly indistinguishable from those provided by humans. Participants were able to correctly identify human-generated responses only 65.1% of the time, while chatbot responses were a...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJMIR Medical Education·DateJul 17, 2023

Health professions requiring advanced degrees have few Latinos

A new study by George Washington University researchers reveals that Mexican Americans and other Latinos face significant barriers to occupations in the healthcare field that require an advanced degree. The study found that despite being the largest Latino subpopulation, Mexican Americans represent one-quarter or less of the professions.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2023

Specialty drugs accounted for most new product launches in the past decade. Why do we know so little about how clinical studies influence their diffusion?

Researchers from McGill University and Ontario Tech University examine the drivers of specialty drug diffusion. They propose a framework that suggests clinical studies affect the diffusion through a multi-stage scientific evidence production process. The study finds that marketing activities have no significant effect on prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 14, 2023

Updated literature review reinforces link between care continuity, lower health care costs and more appropriate care usage

A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature links continuity of the doctor-patient relationship to reduced healthcare costs and increased appropriate care utilization. The study found that interpersonal continuity remains significantly associated with lower healthcare costs and more effective care usage across various studies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 23, 2023

How old are your bones?

Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2023

New research in JNCCN finds telemedicine consistently outperforms in-person visits for cancer care when both are available

A large-scale study of patient experiences with telemedicine and in-person visits found that telemedicine consistently outperformed in-person visits in terms of access to care and provider engagement. The study analyzed survey responses from over 39,000 patients across more than 50,000 visits.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSurvey·DateMay 8, 2023

New Family Heart Foundation study reveals systemic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023