Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
The Mental Health GPS service, a data-backed care navigation platform, received 2,384 calls in its one-year pilot. Caller concerns included work/personal, depression, and general anxiety, with the service providing continuous support and resources to callers.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Black cancer survivors experience slowdowns in diagnosis and delivery of care due to exposure to racial discrimination. Positive interactions, such as ready access to providers and displays of empathy, were identified as key factors in improving care.
Researchers analyzed 249,000 emergency department visits and found that patients of color received lower acute scores despite similar workups. Clinical decision support systems may help reduce these disparities, but require careful calibration to avoid bias.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.
A large multi-state study found that mupirocin ointment is highly effective at preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill patients, outperforming an antiseptic solution. The study involved over 800,000 ICU patients in 137 hospitals and showed a durable benefit from mupirocin.
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a $10 million grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to launch the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention. This new center aims to address cancer health disparities in L.A. County by increasing access to high-quality screening, prevention services, and timely care thr...
A study found that people with a specific genetic mutation in the CARD9 gene have higher IL-17 protein levels, making them more responsive to IL-17 inhibitor biologics. This discovery may lead to targeted treatment recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...
A new NIH grant will survey healthcare workers caring for people with dementia, gathering data to inform better care and policy. The study aims to understand workforce shortages, payment policies, and regulation, with a focus on direct care workers often overlooked.
University of Minnesota researchers identified top-performing primary care practices that deliver high-quality diabetes care through proactive patient outreach. These practices prioritize good communication and engagement with patients, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship essential for overall health.
Researchers found that relying on existing diagnostic CT scans instead of new ones for simple palliative radiation treatments reduced patient wait times from nearly five hours to under 30 minutes. This novel workflow can improve the patient experience and reduce costs, making it a promising approach for expedited care.
Researchers found that administering precursors of Elovanoids improved neurological deficit in an experimental model of ischemic stroke. The study identified a cascade of gene responses and sheds light on potential new therapeutic avenues for treating ischemic strokes.
A scoping review found that surgical scorecards can lower surgical procedure expenses by providing surgeons with direct feedback on their costs. The study analyzed data from 21 studies and identified key elements such as surgical supplies and operative time, revealing no significant impact on patient outcomes.
Utilization and spending on mental health services for children and youths with commercial insurance significantly increased from January 2019 to August 2022. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder accounted for most visits and spending across all phases of the study.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating invasive bladder cancer, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which may preserve quality of life. In a phase 2 clinical trial, approximately 43% of patients achieved complete response without surgical removal of the bladder.
A new study found that a shorter radiation treatment course is just as effective as a longer schedule for patients with non-HPV-related locally advanced disease. Delivering fewer, but higher doses of radiation was associated with similar tumor control and late-term side effects.
A new AI-powered app can detect autism in children with high accuracy, capturing a wide range of behavioral characteristics beyond eye movements. The app provides detailed information on which indicators led to its conclusions and why, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
A new study found that precision medicine navigators can significantly increase genomic testing rates for Black patients with prostate cancer. Genomic testing is used to gauge the likelihood of cancer metastasis and has been shown to be more accurate than traditional tests in predicting treatment outcomes.
A phase III trial suggests that fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five sessions are as effective as lower doses delivered over several weeks for patients with locally advanced disease. The treatment achieved a 96% five-year disease control rate, comparable to 95% for conventional radiation.
A new study, COOPERATE, provides tools to facilitate autonomy and control over individual’s own healthcare, resulting in improved patient activation, increased confidence in expressing pain-related goals, and better quality of life. The coaching program also showed a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
A study of 1.84 million US adults from 2008 to 2019 found registered nurses and healthcare support workers were more likely to attempt or die by suicide than non-healthcare workers. The findings highlight the need for improved mental health protections for these workers.
A global comparative study assesses barriers to participation in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs for men and women, highlighting sex differences and regional variations. The study provides patients with mitigation strategies to address these barriers and improve CR utilization.
Researchers identified specific blood biomarkers that can accurately identify patients with long COVID, revealing distinct immune and hormone function differences. The study also found abnormal T cell activity, reactivation of latent viruses, and reduced cortisol levels in patients with long COVID.
A retrospective analysis of EHR data found that repetitive screening questions may compromise accuracy, especially in high-risk populations. The study suggests that prioritizing repetition for performance metrics can lead to administrative burden and low-value care, diverting clinical capacity from other essential services.
High-performing primary care practices use similar strategies to manage change and improve diabetes care, including standardizing the care process, enhancing care teams, and engaging staff and clinicians. These practices also focus on proactive care, pre-visit planning, and improving patient relationships.
A study by University of Tsukuba found that elderly patients receiving better services from their primary care providers are more likely to receive the varicella-zoster virus vaccination. The study suggests that providing adequate services needed by patients during primary care may improve shingles vaccine coverage.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A study reviewing current research on ADHD in older adults highlights the need for better approaches to screening and diagnosis. The authors conclude that existing guidelines focus on children and young adults, leading to a lack of consideration for the condition in people aged 50-55.
Over 75% of hospitalized AKI patients lack proper follow-up kidney health testing after discharge. Less than 25% have kidney function monitored with blood and urine tests within 90 days of discharge.
A systematic review of 117 reports from 19 countries found that over half of volunteer community health care workers experience labor exploitation, including sub-minimum-wage pay and excess work hours. The study highlights the need for fair compensation and safe working conditions to improve quality of care and overall health outcomes.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has received a $54 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance clinical and translational science. The grant will enable the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI) to translate discoveries into better health and patient care across the state.
Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...
Research found that depression screening methods, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, correctly identified more patients who attempted suicide than suicide risk screenings. The study suggests that comprehensive screenings tools may be more effective in identifying patients at risk of suicide and depression.
A new study suggests that collecting and sharing positive feedback among healthcare workers can increase mutual appreciation and improve the work culture. Researchers analyzed peer-to-peer positive feedback and found that it is a feasible way to foster teamwork, collegiality, and civility.
A pilot study shows significant improvements in self-reported mental health and depression among racially and ethnically minoritized veterans who received peer-led patient navigation. The program, developed by the Regenstrief Institute, supports patients in identifying their healthcare priorities and communicating with clinicians.
Researchers advocate for accessible breast cancer screening services for individuals with disabilities, highlighting physical barriers such as equipment accessibility and fragrance-free policies. They stress the need for social and procedural barriers removal through comprehensive training and resources.
A survey of 1958 NHS health professionals found that work-related stress, workload intensity, and staffing levels were the primary factors driving decisions to leave. The results highlight the importance of addressing these fundamental factors to improve staff retention in the NHS.
Research highlights ways to blend caring profession into virtual landscape, focusing on pre-visit, visit, and post-visit phases. Key findings emphasize active listening, reflective listening, and maintaining professional appearance for effective communication.
A new survey by USC Street Medicine found that street medicine programs are helping to fill the gap in access to mental health and substance use treatments for unhoused individuals in California. The study suggests that these programs can serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for people who are unsheltered.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A new global definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been proposed by experts, expanding the criteria to include non-invasive ventilation and pulse oximetry. The updated definition aims to improve recognition of ARDS at an earlier stage, allowing for more effective interventions.
Research finds that English hospitals meeting NHS 18-week waiting list target often only treat patients who are close to the threshold, rather than those in need. The study suggests that some trusts may prioritize compliance over clinical need.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
A new study from Women's College Hospital and ICES found that older females with atrial fibrillation are at higher stroke risk due to inadequate monitoring and treatment, highlighting sex inequities in cardiovascular care.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...
Higher-staffed and performing hospitals were more resilient during the pandemic, but patient experiences declined in all hospitals by late 2021. The study highlights the importance of hospital preparedness and performance in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on patient care.
A new study published in the Journal of Vascular Access found that subcutaneous anchors are more effective than adhesive securement devices in preventing catheter dislodgement. The study showed a significant reduction in unplanned catheter replacements and complications, with SecurAcath demonstrating a 99% success rate.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital evaluated ChatGPT's recommendations for cancer treatment aligned with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. They found that approximately one-third of the chatbot's responses were non-concordant, highlighting its limitations in clinical decision-making.
Most research focuses on treating existing mental health conditions rather than preventing them or promoting mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently researched outcomes. The findings reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.
A new study found ChatGPT to be nearly 72 percent accurate across all medical specialties and phases of clinical care. It was also 77 percent accurate in making final diagnoses. However, the model struggled with differential diagnosis, which is a crucial aspect of medicine.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has established new core clinical competencies for lifestyle medicine intensivists, a level of certification that requires advanced skills and knowledge to practice intensive therapeutic lifestyle treatment. The competencies aim to guide the education and practice of physicians speciali...
A five-year study will enroll 2,634 adults with a fragility fracture to compare Augmented-Fracture Liaison Service Care with Enhanced Usual Care. The primary measure of effective patient care will be the number of subsequent fractures in each group.
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.