Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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...
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.
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.