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JMIR news: Patient simulator robots, participation fraud in online research, and more

Researchers highlight the importance of human moderation and algorithmic misinformation tagging in online patient support communities and online research. Mobile apps and patient simulator robots also play a crucial role in digitizing health records and training rural clinicians for rare emergencies.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 25, 2026

Drones could speed up delivery of automated external defibrillators to patients suffering cardiac arrest

A new study found that drones can significantly reduce the time between cardiac arrest reporting and defibrillation, particularly in rural and congested areas. By combining fixed AEDs with drones, access times can be reduced by up to 3.76 minutes, with over 95% of cases covered within five minutes.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2026

Violence against emergency workers is increasing: hospital overcrowding is a major contributor

A survey of 1,300 health professionals worldwide reveals that 75.5% have witnessed violence, with patients and relatives being the main perpetrators. The study highlights overcrowding as a significant contributor to violence, with many respondents reporting psychological harm and diminished quality of care.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·JournalEuropean Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 24, 2026

Study shows how risk of death rises with rate of overcrowding and corridor care in hospital emergency department

Research found that emergency department overcrowding increases patient mortality by one percent for every ten percent increase in occupancy. The study also linked corridor care to increased risk of deaths, highlighting the need for policy makers and hospital managers to prioritize emergency care.

Infectious disease epidemics are associated with global losses in human resources for health, with low- and middle-income countries impacted relatively more, according to analysis over 20 years and 194 countries

Analysis of 20 years and 194 countries reveals epidemic disasters disproportionately affect health workforce equality in low- and middle-income countries. Global losses in human resources for health are estimated due to infectious disease epidemics, with significant impacts on healthcare systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2026

Emergency room visits for gambling disorders nearly doubled after expanded online gambling market

A new study found that emergency room visits for gambling disorders increased by 154% among males aged 10-29 and 116% among males aged 30-44 after the expansion of online gambling in Ontario. The study suggests that the concentration of this increase among younger males is particularly concerning.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2026

Reducing infections after heart surgery could save Medicare $441 million per year

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that heart surgery infection rates vary significantly across U.S. hospitals, with some experiencing nearly double the risk of others. By reducing infections, hospitals could prevent 2,600 infections and reduce Medicare spending by $441 million annually.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

Joint Statement from the American College of Cardiology, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions on transcatheter aortic valve replacement national coverage determination

The American College of Cardiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions released a joint statement on TAVR national coverage determination. The statement aims to preserve the quality framework that contributed to TAVR's success, emphasizing the importance of collaborations, registrie...

Combined screening and online cognitive-behavior skills-building program reduces burnout, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in nurses

A randomized clinical trial found that nurses experiencing mental distress benefited from combining mental health screening with a digital cognitive-behavior skills-building program, resulting in significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The program also improved healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalWorldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing·DateSep 9, 2026

Surgical treatment of fat distribution disorder is particularly effective

The LIPLEG study found that liposuction is significantly superior to conservative therapy in terms of key treatment outcomes, with 68.3% of patients experiencing clinically relevant pain reduction. The procedure also led to a marked improvement in quality of life, with patients reporting a reduction in pain and an increase in mobility.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2026

National call-to-action needed to strengthen primary care pipeline in medical education: HMSOM Educators

A new paper outlines strategies to strengthen primary care pipeline in medical education, including mitigating administrative burdens, leveraging AI, and enriching student experiences. The authors emphasize the need for well-thought-out approaches to nudge the trend in a positive direction, rather than a single fix.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 4, 2026

Informal supporters share experiences of NDIS behavior support practitioners

The study highlights the need for greater transparency and expertise in NDIS behavior support, with supporters seeking clearer information about practitioners' qualifications and approach. The research also emphasizes the importance of person-centered practice, involving participants and informal supporters in planning and implementation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Journal of Social Issues·TypeSurvey·DateSep 2, 2026

Widely-used back braces lack strong evidence for chronic low back pain

A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 1, 2026

New guidelines aim to bring precision medicine to stroke rehabilitation

Researchers developed new guidelines to study molecular biomarkers associated with stroke recovery. The recommendations aim to identify biological signals that can help clinicians determine the most effective therapies for each patient at the right moment. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of creating national biomarker cent...

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 28, 2026

New approach to mental health care reduces hospital admissions

A new approach to mental health care, Open Dialogue, has been shown to reduce hospital admissions and improve satisfaction with care. The study found that those treated with Open Dialogue had a higher odds of never being admitted to psychiatric inpatient hospital care and lower odds of re-referral to crisis care.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2026

Women make up nearly 70% of the global health workforce, even as the world faces a shortage of 34 million health workers

The global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023, with women driving most of the growth, yet remaining concentrated in lower-paying professions. An additional 34.4 million health workers are needed to achieve moderate universal health coverage, with shortages greatest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateAug 18, 2026

Experts say cuts to AHRQ threaten the future of health care quality and patient safety in the US

Recent staffing cuts, funding disruptions, and organizational changes at AHRQ have raised concerns about research projects on diagnostic errors, maternal health, and primary care. Experts call for Congress to act and urge the agency to resume regular meetings of the US Preventive Services Task Force.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 17, 2026

Waiting for a bed, but not for care: Emergency department boarding study finds wide variation in handoffs

A new study found that 23% of emergency department boarding patients wait at least 4 hours before receiving inpatient-quality care, with some patients waiting 12 or 24 hours. The study highlights the importance of efficient handoffs from emergency to inpatient care, particularly for vulnerable populations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2026

JMIR News: Keeping up with clinical AI

Clinical AI innovations are enhancing healthcare capabilities through competition-driven development, customization, and cost-effectiveness. Modern technologies, such as rehabilitation robotics and AI-powered robots, are personalizing treatment plans to improve recovery rates and reduce healthcare costs.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2026

Doctors born abroad play major role in care for millions of patients in underserved U.S. communities

A recent study found that nearly half of the US internal medicine workforce consists of doctors born outside the United States, with significant implications for patient care in underserved communities. These foreign-born physicians provide essential care to patients from diverse backgrounds, including Black and Latino populations, and...

SourceAmerican Board of Internal Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026

Systemic gap in drug subsidies leaves low-income pregnant women with fewer treatment options

A nationwide study in Australia found that financial status impacts access to modern anti-nausea medications, driving off-label prescribing and structural health inequities. The study suggests updating medication funding structures to expand pregnancy-relevant medication approvals and subsidies.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2026