Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
The new Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity will develop innovative approaches to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths in the Gulf South. The center aims to promote maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black pregnant and postpartum people.
A multidisciplinary team at Hollings Cancer Center has launched a trial to reduce delays in starting radiation therapy after surgery, which can worsen outcomes. The ENDURE approach addresses organizational, team, and patient-level barriers to care, with promising preliminary results.
Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.
Research shows digital health platforms can deliver personalized nutrition services, decrease burden, and medical expenses. Facilitators include clear communication, training, and social interaction, while barriers include cognitive changes, technology difficulties, and privacy concerns.
A new study found that nearly half of low-value care received by Medicare beneficiaries occurs outside of their health systems. Factors such as advanced age, gender, and geographic location are associated with higher risk of receiving out-of-system low-value care.
Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.
The CMS Innovation Center has launched a new dementia care and payment model that provides comprehensive support for patients with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model aims to improve quality of life, reduce caregiver strain, and delay nursing home placement.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in ovarian cancer survivors. Incorporating exercise programs into standard oncology care may improve quality of life for these patients.
A study found COVID-19 vaccination coverage was high among healthcare workers and older adults, but low among non-priority recipients. The main reason for wanting to be vaccinated was to prevent self-infection and protect family members.
A new study found that federal government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans improved staffing levels at nursing homes during the pandemic. Loans reached understaffed facilities, increasing staff hours among certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
A Cochrane review reveals that organizational interventions can reduce the use of physical restraints in care home residents by 14%, without increasing falls or fall-related injuries. Supportive managers play a crucial role in implementing these interventions, which improve knowledge, skills, and strategies among frontline staff.
A Canadian study found that patients were very satisfied with care from their family physicians (90%) and allied health teams (89%), comparable to traditional in-person models. Another pilot program successfully engaged hard-to-reach adolescents in preventive care, demonstrating a 40% increase in show rates for well visits.
Researchers surveyed primary care clinicians on telemedicine use during the pandemic, noting initial challenges but increasingly positive attitudes towards its value. Clinicians recognized video- and phone-based care as a valuable tool, but also identified obstacles such as infrastructure and reimbursement issues.
A cross-sectional survey of 121 patients found that 90% were very satisfied or satisfied with family physician care, and 89% with allied health team care. Comparing to previous experiences, 75% believed IVC encounters were better or same as in-person encounters.
Researchers identified key strategies contributing to significant reductions in Medicare acute hospitalization rates at high-performing Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) sites. These clinics implemented effective strategies such as improving timely access to primary care, identifying high-risk patients with enhanced care managemen...
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
Telehealth use in Michigan has increased significantly, especially for mental health needs and rural residents. The study found that 11-17% of appointments take place virtually, up from less than 1% before the pandemic.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will conduct a multicenter randomized control trial to test the benefits of enhanced primary care (E-PRIME) in children with complex chronic conditions.
A study at University of Tsukuba found that pharmacists with higher assertiveness scores are more likely to initiate communication that leads to physicians altering prescriptions. This suggests that effective communication skills can improve the safety of drug therapy.
A large new study by Kaiser Permanente found no significant differences in health outcomes between pregnant patients receiving in-person or multimodal (virtual + in-office) prenatal care. Rates of complications like preeclampsia, severe maternal morbidity, and NICU admissions remained steady across time periods.
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.
A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center describes the scope and integration of their music therapy program within10 UH medical centers. The study examined 14,261 music therapy sessions provided to 7,378 unique patients who had been referred by 1,169 healthcare professionals.
The Multicultural Psychology Consultation Team (MPCT) fosters a network of clinicians and leaders interested in increasing access for people with rising identities. The team's efforts focus on building cultural humility, multiculturally responsive clinical care, and supporting providers delivering care.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that home blood pressure monitoring can reduce cardiovascular events by 4.9% and stroke cases by 3.8% over 20 years, leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes for underserved populations.
A new talking therapy called Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) has shown encouraging early signs of being more effective and cheaper to deliver than current Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). ADePT targets building wellbeing alongside reducing depressive symptoms, with promising results in a pilot trial.
A new AI-powered NLP model developed by Emory and Georgia Tech successfully triaged patient messages reporting positive COVID-19 test results with 94% accuracy. The model expedited physician-patient communication, leading to faster access to treatment within a five-day window.
A UK-wide evaluation found that nearly all (93%) of dying hospital patients had demonstrable unmet needs for palliative care. The deficit was more apparent in district general hospitals compared to teaching hospitals and cancer centres.
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
A new study reveals Indigenous men in Canada are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and experience cancer spread, despite universal healthcare access. Researchers identify key infrastructure changes needed to improve screening and treatment outcomes.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
A systematic review of published evidence finds patient aggression against general practice staff is common, boosting absenteeism and staff turnover; receptionist experiences are under-studied and under-represented in research.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists, leaving many seniors without access to mental health care. The research suggests that this limited coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and foregone treatment.
The American Heart Association has introduced a new telehealth certification program to standardize training for healthcare providers in telehealth care delivery. This certification aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating telehealth into clinical practice.
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.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a photonic radar system that can accurately detect pauses in breathing patterns remotely. The system has been tested on cane toads and simulated human breathing devices, demonstrating its potential for non-invasive vital sign monitoring in clinical environments.
A systematic review of 41 studies involving 7,800 participants found that psychosocial interventions led to decreased healthcare utilization in most services. The greatest reductions were seen among caregivers and individuals with mental illnesses, particularly when interventions were delivered one-on-one by health professionals.
A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.
The number of GPs and hospital doctors retiring early has increased by an average of 9.3% year on year since 2008, according to official figures. This trend coincides with the introduction of pension taxation rules that penalize doctors for working extra hours.
A Nottingham University Business School expert is working with Brazilian nurses to reduce post-caesarean wound infections, a common issue worldwide. The project aims to prevent infections through improved care management, which could improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.
A study of 406 family caregivers found that those with higher primary care functions experienced lower stress related to caregiving. Longitudinal and comprehensive elements of primary care functions were associated with reduced stress levels.
A new global study published in the leading cancer journal finds that funding for cancer patient navigators improves medical outcomes, increases screening rates, and reduces healthcare costs. Navigators provide personalized care, support patients with diagnosis, treatment options, and relevant medical information.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to identify clinical challenges and uncover opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum features three comprehensive tracks addressing stakeholder interests and explores the role of digital health care dynamics.
The American Heart Association has launched a $20 million initiative to tackle health challenges in rural America, focusing on novel solutions to heart disease disparities. The Health Equity Research Network on Rural Health aims to explore innovative ways to address unique obstacles faced by rural communities.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
A novel nurse-driven virtual care model has been developed to support long-term nursing home residents. The model, based on an existing in-person care model, aims to enhance resident care by leveraging nurses' expertise and access to electronic medical records.
A new study reveals that transgender people seen in the emergency room are sicker than cisgender individuals and more likely to be admitted to hospital. The research found a significant increase in ER visits by transgender patients between 2006 and 2018, with over half of these visits linked to chronic conditions or mental health issues.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center used a generative AI chatbot to solve complex diagnostic cases, finding it accurate in nearly 40% of cases and providing correct diagnoses in two-thirds of challenging scenarios. The study suggests generative AI has the potential to assist medical professionals in diagnosis.
Researchers argue that emoji-based language systems can improve communication between patients and physicians, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with stroke or vocal impairments. The use of emoji can condense surveys and questionnaires, increasing response rates and appealing to patients.
The ASHP Summer Meeting presented research on clinical pharmacists' impact on type 2 diabetes treatment intensification with GLP-1 receptor agonists. A study found 85% of patients received care from clinical pharmacists had their medication titrated to the first effective dose, compared to 12.5% without pharmacist involvement.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that implementing a streamlined process for urgent cesarean deliveries improved infant Apgar scores, particularly for Black and Hispanic infants. The study reduced decision-to-incision time by 64% among all patients, with the largest improvements seen in Black and Hispanic patients.
A study analyzing de-identified data from almost 11,000 total visits by Penn Medicine employees found that telemedicine visits were 23 percent less expensive than in-person visits for the same conditions. The per-visit costs of the telemedicine program averaged $380 while in-person encounters cost $493 to conduct.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
A study found that autistic individuals who experience Medicaid coverage disruptions are more likely to receive an intellectual disability diagnosis later. This could be due to the fact that autism diagnoses alone may not be sufficient for retaining Medicaid coverage in states without specific criteria.