Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A recent study published in Neurology found that commercial arm robots have no significant impact on the recovery of motor arm function in stroke patients. Despite improvements in technology, the robots did not demonstrate any improvement in muscle and arm function, and may even increase healthcare costs.
A randomized study found that individuals with cash benefits had significantly reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The study suggests that policies addressing poverty through income support may have a positive impact on health and access to care.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in primary care visits, with unequal distribution across patient groups. Telehealth utilization increased, but was less accessible to rural and disadvantaged populations.
The study explored how AI can be designed using a collaborative design strategy with input from primary care team members to better capture social determinants of health in clinical settings. Key findings suggest that the integration of AI into healthcare has both opportunities and challenges.
A new study has identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14 as genetic markers in inflammation that may contribute to stroke recurrence. These findings could lead to novel drug targets to mitigate disability and mortality after a first stroke.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed millions of patient records to measure healthcare system resilience and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that US healthcare systems exhibit moderate resilience but low adaptability, particularly for Black and Hispanic populations.
A new study identified the top reasons why physicians may be reluctant to intervene in addiction, with 'institutional environment' being the most commonly reported barrier. The study highlights the need for increased organizational support, leadership buy-in, and education to improve adoption of evidence-based care.
A qualitative study found that palliative care is underutilized in nursing homes, despite the need for symptom management and supportive care. Researchers propose creating a best practice model and evidence-based referral criteria to address this healthcare gap.
A new study found that an intervention involving automated appointment scheduling and reminder messages can increase primary care visits by 19 percentage points and improve screening tests and services. This low-cost intervention may help bridge the gap in postpartum care for individuals with chronic health conditions.
A study published in BMJ Public Health found that children living in deprived areas have a three times higher risk of needing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to preventive dental services to address socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health.
A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum found that opioid-exposed newborns are 41% more likely to be discharged home with their biological mother when mothers receive medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. This reduction in risk is significant, as it can have a positive impact on families and the child welfare system.
A new coordinated care model, Trauma Medical Home, has been found to improve psychological recovery and quality of life for older adults with trauma-related injuries. The care model provides comprehensive support, including medication adherence and cognitive assessments, to help patients recover from physical or psychological injury.
The study confirms the effectiveness of 12 standards in reducing hospital length of stay, costs, and complication rates. Standardized care protocols across multiple phases of surgical care lead to improved patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has shown that pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed over 17,600 patients and found no significant risk of esophageal damage or other complications, increasing confidence in the use of PFA technology.
A cross-sectional study found that LGBTQ+ individuals' health insurance coverage and access to care improve with Medicare eligibility, especially among sexual minorities and states with high disparities. However, the association is not consistently greater than for heterosexual and cisgender individuals.
A new study found that bupropion is associated with the least amount of weight gain among common antidepressant medications, with users being 15-20% less likely to gain clinically significant weight. The research also highlights the varying weight gain effects of different antidepressants.
The policy statement offers guidelines for institutions and medical professionals to weigh benefits and risks of imaging in emergency departments. It includes recommendations for deferring imaging in children transferred to pediatric referral centers and using shared decision-making strategies when multiple reasonable choices exist. Th...
Research from Michigan Medicine found that female patients with atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation are less likely to receive simultaneous procedures during cardiac surgery, despite guideline recommendations. This disparity may be related to perceived higher risk among women.
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...
A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.
A new study found that long-term care residents who receive primary care from family physicians speaking their language have lower rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, outcomes for Francophones were not impacted by language concordance.
A new study by UC San Francisco's ANSIRH program found that patients who received care remotely for medication abortion had similar outcomes to those who got ultrasounds and in-person care. The researchers analyzed the experiences of over 500 patients and found a high success rate for the
A Northwestern University study found that learning and practicing positive emotion skills like gratitude, mindful awareness, and self-compassion can improve health care workers' well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. However, the intervention only works for those who practice it regularly.
The HHS competition evaluated Ochsner Connected MOM's effectiveness in increasing blood pressure measurements among Black patients and rural populations. The program saw a statistically significant increase in blood pressure measurements, benefiting over 2,000 patients.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University identifies 22 key measures of high-quality psilocybin services, including safety indicators and client outcomes. The study provides a harmonized set of measures for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of these services, as other states consider legalizing psychedelics.
The US healthcare system faces a growing imbalance in anesthesia care providers, with major implications for patient care. Short-term and long-term solutions are needed to address the crisis, including reassessing workforce strategies and optimizing perioperative performance.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over 1 in 10 FQHC patients experience major social risk factors such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial strain. These challenges are significantly higher among FQHCs serving historically disenfranchised groups.
The BMJ Commission outlines its vision for a healthier UK with recommendations to address the current NHS crisis, including an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility. The commission also prioritizes improving the workforce, addressing public health challenges, and investing in general practice.
Researchers estimate that 32% of memory clinic attendees and 14% of specialist cognitive service patients are eligible for disease-modifying therapies. Biomarker testing is crucial to identify suitable patients, but only a minority have undergone tests.
The new law recognizes personalized medicine as a fundamental patient right, emphasizing individualized treatment and care. It sets a precedent for future health care innovations worldwide, integrating genomics, proteomics, and AI technologies.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.
The new certification aims to standardize training and increase skills in telehealth stroke care delivery, ultimately improving stroke outcomes. Telehealth stroke care can expand access to rural areas and communities facing barriers to stroke care.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that artificial intelligence (AI) technology should augment physician decision-making, rather than replacing it. ACP advises that AI tools should be designed to enhance human intelligence, prioritize privacy and clinical safety, and reduce disparities in healthcare.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that first-line MRI-based screening for prostate cancer is less effective and more costly than first-line PSA testing. Despite free MRI costs, the first-line approach resulted in increased false positives and overdiagnosis without substantial reductions in mortality.
A study found that telemedicine increased access to endocrinology care for adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, particularly those in rural areas and lower socioeconomic status. This enhancement of care access was primarily due to overcoming transportation barriers, mobility challenges, and long travel times.
The article discusses the need for better integration of clinical trials and health care delivery enterprises to improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The study highlights the benefits of integrating clinical trials with medical practice, including more accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.
A stepped-care model integrating palliative care at key points in patients' cancer trajectories shows reduced palliative care visits without compromising quality of life. The approach enables more efficient delivery of early palliative care, enhancing patient-reported outcomes.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
Researchers from Flinders University tested on-site pathology testing and found it to be equivalent to laboratory tests in terms of quality and accuracy. The study was conducted across 100 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Researchers found that 6% of patients with heart failure progressed to dialysis within a year, highlighting the need for integrating heart and kidney care. The study emphasizes prioritizing kidney function assessment in all patients with heart failure and promoting systemic changes to manage both conditions simultaneously.
A study by Washington State University found that treating minor illnesses at pharmacies can be effective and cost-saving, with patients recovering from almost all their ailments after a single visit. The research suggests expanding pharmacists' clinical services could improve healthcare access and reduce costs.
A study reveals a decline in reported Medicare Part B procedures performed by family physicians between 2014 and 2021. This trend is concerning as it may reduce access and increase costs for patients, particularly among the aging population.
Certified medical assistants distribute patient portal messages to the most appropriate physician, resulting in a 40% decrease in messages going directly to primary care physicians. This team-based care model improves both practice and clinician efficiency.
A study of community health clinic teams found that power imbalance between racial and role groups affects team dynamics and DEI efforts. The study highlights the need for leadership to invest time in developing relationships, recognizing staff contributions, and taking antiracist actions.
A study analyzing data from the National Cancer Database found that patients receiving care at minority-serving hospitals were 17% less likely to receive definitive treatment for breast cancer and up to 31% less likely for prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Improving treatment rates could lead to additional patient outcomes.
A breakthrough in trauma care has nearly quadrupled the 'golden hour' for treating large animals with internal bleeding during emergency ground and air transport. Researchers used a closed-loop, autonomous intervention system to resuscitate pigs with traumatic injuries, extending their survival time by several hours.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have received a $16.4 million grant to advance mental health care for children, leveraging machine learning and novel clinical measures to improve prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across childhood and adolescence. The project aims to create an actionable ...
The updated clinical guideline recommends multiple dose-fractionation schemes to relieve pain and symptoms of bone and spine lesions. Advanced radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are now routine clinical care for many patients.
Researchers found that hospitals with stroke center certification and coordinators have substantially better door-to-needle times for stroke patients, improving outcomes. The study highlights the importance of foundational infrastructure in telestroke programs, particularly for smaller hospitals.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement reveals significant gaps in the application of obesity research to patient care, with widespread adoption varying by healthcare professional and institution. The statement emphasizes the need for better implementation of evidence-based treatments and strategies, such as lifestyle mo...
New studies by University of Michigan physicians highlight the need for improved diagnosis coding to target efforts to optimize antibiotic use and reduce risk. Inappropriate prescriptions occur in up to 35% of adults treated in emergency departments, with similar rates seen in clinics serving Medicaid patients.
Researchers at Ochsner Health have developed SRP-001, a novel medication that leverages unique biological mechanisms to alleviate pain without typical side effects. The first-in-human Phase 1 trial confirms SRP-001's safety and tolerability, paving the way for its progression to further clinical stages.
A Mayo Clinic study of 492,597 patients with melanoma found that Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and experience worse outcomes due to the disease. In contrast, Black female patients fared better, with a higher survival rate for stage 3 melanoma.
The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.
Research suggests that labelling vulnerable patients in hospital as 'socially admitted' can lead to incorrect assumptions about their medical needs and hinder opportunities to identify treatable issues. The study highlights the need for reform of current structures and hierarchies to improve care for these patients.
A study by the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) found that 17% of patients received genome-matched treatment, resulting in a 31% reduced mortality rate within one year. However, only 9% participated in clinical trials, highlighting the need to improve access and delivery of precision oncology care.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
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.
A recent study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner than heterosexual women. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 female nurses and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities among sexual minority groups.