Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A nationwide study in Japan found that the proportion of home deaths increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas with high population density and numerous enhanced home care clinics. The study suggests that these factors played a crucial role in meeting the increased demand for home care services.
A study by Mass General Brigham demonstrates that large language models can help reduce physician workload and improve patient education, but also identifies limitations that may affect patient safety. The researchers emphasize the need for vigilant oversight and a measured approach to LLM implementation.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
The innovative Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program successfully connected residents with family physicians in Renfrew County, addressing the rural shortage of primary care providers. Over 2,800 unique patient appointments were conducted, with 70% done virtually, offering comprehensive team-based primary care.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that AI models like GPT-4 outperformed doctors in diagnosing and treating eye problems. The researchers suggest using AI for triaging patients and providing advice in well-controlled contexts, where access to specialist healthcare professionals is limited.
The study found that staffing considerations such as stable and consistent staff, sufficient staff for family-like relationships, supporting staff, and key staff leading by example improve quality of care. Care homes with experienced care staff and higher staff-to-bed ratios are more likely to receive positive CQC ratings.
Qualitative research finds that locum doctors face significant patient safety challenges due to unfamiliar work environments, lack of support, and inadequate governance arrangements. The study calls on NHS leaders to rethink their approaches to engaging and supporting locums, and for locums themselves to reflect on their experiences.
A new study reveals that generative AI can draft empathetic responses to patient messages, reducing burnout among physicians. The tool provides a starting point for physicians to craft thoughtful responses, improving communication quality and efficiency.
The NCCN 2024 Annual Conference shared updates on improving cancer care worldwide, including plenary sessions on drug shortages and hereditary cancer risk. Key takeaways include the need for transparency around oncology supply chains and the importance of genetic testing to reduce cancer risk.
A new study shows that a massive effort to reduce the overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) led to a nearly 30% reduction in prescriptions, but also resulted in some veterans missing out on protective use. The intervention, which imposed limits on PPI prescription size and refills, was carried out in one region of the Veterans Healt...
A new American Heart Association Scientific Statement highlights the importance of patient-centered care in cardiovascular health, combining expert knowledge with consideration of patients' beliefs, preferences, and values. The statement provides practical guidance on incorporating person-centered care into routine clinical practice.
A new national poll finds that 60% of people aged 50-80 have visited urgent care clinics or retail clinics for medical care in the past two years. Many sought immediate attention, vaccinations, or tests, and 75% plan to use these sites again in the next two years.
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.
Researchers found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI significantly reduced major and minor bleeding incidents by 55% compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. The study, ULTIMATE-DAPT, showed no increase in adverse ischemic events, suggesting continuing aspirin may cause harm without benefit.
A telephone-based strategy improved guideline-directed medical therapy rates for outpatients with heart failure by 30 days, offering a low-cost solution for rural settings with limited access to care. This study suggests the potential for expanded remote healthcare initiatives to address health disparities.
A new study found that a remote team focused on education and medication management can improve guideline-directed-medical-therapy adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who received education simultaneously with medication management demonstrated a higher rate of medication uptake.
A new study found that inter-atrial shunts improve symptoms and outcomes in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but worsen outcomes in those with preserved LVEF. The device reduces high pressures in the left atrium, causing shortness of breath and hospitalizations.
A novel acoustofluidic micropump has been developed to efficiently drive liquid in energy and space, providing robust technical support for portable systems. The micropump exhibits high volume efficiencies and superior energy efficiency, exceeding reported values.
A Rutgers Health study has found that mothers with mild and moderate to severe depressive symptoms have more emergency department visits for their infants. Infants of mothers with moderate to severe depression had 21% more visits than those without any symptoms, while those with mild symptoms had 10% more visits.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.
A Northwestern University study found ChatGPT's responses to radiation oncology patient questions were on par or exceeded professional society answers. The AI technology aims to empower patients before and after seeing physicians, while also reducing clinician burnout.
A trio of studies show increased diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in pregnant and new mothers with private insurance, but disparities persist. The findings suggest that policy changes and increased awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses and treatments.
The study found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased median overall survival to 37 months and progression-free survival to 26 months. 57.2% of patients showed an objective response, with nearly one-fourth experiencing lymph-node pathologic complete response.
A new telerehabilitation program has shown promising results in improving lower extremity recovery post-stroke. Participants experienced improvements in mobility and strength, as well as gained self-management skills to empower themselves and maintain their achievements.
An investigation by The BMJ found that most NHS trusts in England did not make derogation requests due to concerns around patient safety. However, some trusts warned of potential harm to patients from cancelling operations at the last minute and short staffing, leading to rejected requests.
A retrospective cohort study found that PERT significantly reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis episodes among children with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The study also identified genetic markers, such as SPINK1 mutation, that influence treatment outcomes and suggest a tailored approach to patient care.
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.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that community mental health nurses integrated into primary care teams significantly improved patient outcomes. The research showed that shared IT systems and training sessions for mental health professionals contributed to the effectiveness of this model.
The report highlights key challenges and priorities in ensuring the NHS vision is realized, including improving workplace conditions, effective people management, and workforce planning. The authors emphasize the importance of operational management and new technologies to support the effective running of the NHS.
The EvidenceNOW initiative, launched by AHRQ in 2015, aimed to improve cardiovascular care in small and medium-sized primary care practices. The program provided external quality improvement support and funding to seven regions across the US, resulting in improved quality of care and heart health outcomes.
Patients with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy are often unaware of the potential harms of lung cancer screening. Despite this, many agree to undergo screening due to personal health goals, trust in their clinician, and anticipation of regret over not getting screened. Discussions between patients and clinicians about the ben...
A study of 5,437 US adults found that many patients with varying socioeconomic status chose telemedicine over in-person visits. The results support the use of telemedicine as a valued care delivery approach, and continued monitoring is needed to ensure equitable access.
Black and Hispanic individuals received fewer telemedicine visits than white individuals after controlling for geographic region, contrary to national trends. The study suggests systemic inequalities in access to telemedicine care exist despite increased use during the pandemic.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that people living outside urban areas and those of Native American and Hispanic descent face longer travel distances to see neurologists. This can result in delayed diagnoses, higher costs, and reduced quality of life for dementia patients.
Medicare expenditures were higher for Black and Hispanic individuals compared to whites, with average total costs ranging from $136,326 to $165,730. The analysis attributed these differences to greater use of high-cost care during the last year of life.
A new commentary from Boston University School of Public Health emphasizes the need to address digital redlining, which disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations. The authors propose standardizing social determinants of health screenings to include questions about broadband access.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.
A new policy analysis from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute identifies the intensive care crisis in rural America and proposes comprehensive solutions. The study suggests policies like reducing uninsured populations through ACA Medicaid expansion and increasing healthcare workforce can strengthen rural intensive care capacity.
The Lancet Public Health paper emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in bereavement care, with researchers advocating for transitional care models that integrate hospital and community-based support. The proposed model aims to bolster community capacity to support grievers and prioritize bereavement as a vital part of ethical health...
A special section of The Permanente Journal explores the correlation between early-life trauma and poor health outcomes. The collection features 13 articles on innovation in trauma-informed health care, including research on adverse childhood experiences and the importance of clinical practice stepping up to meet growing demand.
A new study challenges the prevailing view on maternal mortality rates in the US, finding stable rates between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021. The researchers used a more accurate approach to identify and classify maternal deaths, refuting the idea of dramatic increases.
Researchers at UTEP are developing a movement-based training program to help healthcare providers manage burnout and improve patient outcomes. The program combines elements of art and science, using exercises like breathing techniques and somatic strategies to promote mindful movement and holistic wellbeing.
A new analysis found that nearly all involuntary care home closures in England since 2011 were run for-profit. This raises questions about the role of private providers in exacerbating the sector's crisis. The study suggests that systematic reasons may exist for why enforcement occurs mainly in private for-profit provision.
Patients living in areas with severe primary care shortages have a higher risk of emergency surgery, complications after surgery, and readmission. The study highlights the need for efforts to increase training and geographic distribution of primary care providers.
A recent study found that many people with type 2 diabetes know little about their condition, highlighting the need to improve communication and disease knowledge. The study revealed significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding blood sugar monitoring and late-stage complications like ketoacidosis.
A qualitative study of 25 Black patient interviews reveals significant medical mistrust and anticipation of racism in emergency care. The study suggests system improvements are needed to address these issues and improve health outcomes for Black patients.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that non-profit organizations provide the highest-quality elderly care in Swedish residential care homes. These homes have the highest staff density, most competent care staff, and highest resident satisfaction compared to homes run by profit-making companies.
A comprehensive study found pulse oximeters significantly overestimated oxygen saturation readings in individuals with darker skin tones. This could lead to missed treatments and incorrect diagnoses, as devices may not accurately reflect critical oxygen levels.
New Flinders University research reveals that health economists can play a key role in improving hospital efficiency and decision-making in Australia. By analyzing data and engaging with clinicians, health economists can inform budget decisions and prioritize areas of greatest improvement. The study's findings provide a basis for the b...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the value of AI technology in improving cardiovascular disease patient outcomes. Despite its potential, AI applications face gaps and challenges, including robust clinical validation and addressing biases.
A new review of 13 studies found that hospitals privatised deliver worse quality care after conversion from public ownership. This challenges the theory that privatisation improves healthcare quality through increased market competition.
The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.
A study by the University of Tsukuba found that keratin microsphere gel enhanced cell proliferation and gene expression related to hair growth. The gel's stimulatory impact on papilla cells was validated through genetic analysis, demonstrating its potential as a safe and effective hair growth agent.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that daylight saving time has a minimal impact on heart health. Researchers analyzed data from 36 million adults and found a slight increase in cardiovascular events during the spring and fall transitions, but this was deemed clinically insignificant.
The COVID-19 pandemic has widened socioeconomic disparities in death at home and access to specialized palliative care for cancer patients. The study found that these disparities were amplified, highlighting the need for equitable and consistent care access.
A recent study found that quality-based incentives increase the quality of medical treatment, particularly for severe illnesses. However, financial incentives do not necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that doctors' altruistic motivations play a crucial role in providing high-quality care.