Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
The study found that ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations have more than doubled, exposing personal health information of nearly 42 million patients. The attacks grew larger in quantity and likelihood to affect large organizations with multiple facilities.
Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.
A new study found that unionized health care workers received better pay and non-cash benefits, but not more work hours, compared to their non-unionized counterparts. Labor unionization was associated with improved worker conditions, including higher earnings and better employer-provided insurance.
A randomized trial found that non-invasive interventions for treating spine pain improved disability and quality of life but did not decrease healthcare spending. Both treatments provided a small but significant reduction in pain-related disability at 12 months.
A UC Riverside study found that farmworkers in the Eastern Coachella Valley lack information and means to advocate for better public health due to language barriers, job insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. The study highlights disproportionate respiratory illness affecting Latinx children living near the Salton Sea.
A new study found that Black patients have lower odds of undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery and higher odds of serious complications or death compared to white patients. This inequity is linked to factors such as Medicaid insurance, hospital resource, and surgeon experience.
A new study found that prioritizing part-time employees can significantly improve the consistency of care in long-term care facilities. By consistently assigning part-time workers and having flexible full-time workers, facilities can reduce the average number of different nursing assistants a resident interacts with by 20-30% each month.
The NIH has established a research network to test community-based harm reduction strategies, including naloxone distribution and fentanyl test strips, to reduce overdose deaths. The network aims to save lives by connecting people who use drugs with services and treatments.
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that physically active individuals had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The research showed an association between physical activity and improved COVID-19 outcomes across major demographic groups, including black, Hispanic, and Asian patients.
Researchers found that high-performing practices used proactive approaches to organize staff and manage patient interactions, leading to comprehensive addressing of patient care needs during in-person visits. The study suggests incorporating proactive patient care processes into primary care delivery to improve diabetes outcomes.
A University of Cincinnati clinical research study found that participants who received on-site individualized nutrition education and shopping practice had a greater increase in adherence to a heart-healthy diet than the control group. The study, called SuperWIN, was conducted in partnership with Kroger Health.
A new study calls for anti-racist and holistic models of care to address ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare. The research highlights the need to consider social factors, racism, and cultural aspects of illness to produce equitable care.
A new poll finds that most older Americans (84%) have religious and/or spiritual beliefs important to them, with 71% citing religious beliefs. Many believe health care providers should respect their personal beliefs, but want them to discuss their faith with providers when needed.
A recent study by City of Hope found that only 30% of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors prioritize living longer as their top goal. Instead, 70% focus on addressing pain, fatigue, and losing function. The research highlights the need for better communication between care providers and patients to develop personalized treatme...
A web-based multicomponent intervention has been shown to improve blood pressure control and lower blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. The study included 4,100 patients and found that such an intervention can provide a new, effective way to treat hypertension in the community.
A recent report highlights gaps in telehealth guidelines for UK Allied Health Professionals, leading to unequal access to care. The study calls for uniform guidelines and training to ensure a successful digital transformation and address widening health inequalities.
A self-driven healthcare ecosystem supports individuals in managing their own health and wellbeing by recording and uploading data through a secure online portal. This approach aims to improve health outcomes while controlling costs and addressing social determinants of health.
The prevalence of methamphetamine-associated heart failure is rising worldwide, affecting a wide range of socio-economic and racial groups. Meth users are more likely to develop severe disease, with longer hospital stays and readmissions, compared to non-users.
A new study found that 1 in 10 women without pre-existing hypertension may develop it up to a year after childbirth, highlighting the need for extended blood pressure monitoring. Mothers at highest risk include those over 35, current or former smokers, and C-section deliveries.
Researchers developed an approach to connect Spanish-speaking smokers with tobacco treatment delivered by state Quitlines, leading to improved treatment enrollment and smoking cessation outcomes. Patients who received treatment in Spanish completed more counseling calls and were more likely to report abstinence from smoking than those ...
Researchers propose six competency domains for AI use in primary care: foundational knowledge, critical appraisal, medical decision making, technical use, patient communication, and awareness of unintended consequences. These competencies aim to harness AI's potential for patient and societal benefit.
Black patients were more likely to experience cognitive impairments, mobility issues, and vision problems after a heart attack. Functional impairments disproportionately affected Black patients and were associated with higher mortality rates.
US adults with mental health and substance use disorders saw significant reductions in smoking, while those without MH/SUD did not experience comparable changes. The study attributed these disparities to increased health insurance coverage under the ACA.
A study of 2,400 women found nearly a quarter developed high blood pressure more than six weeks after delivery. The research suggests monitoring during this period could mitigate severe cardiovascular complications.
A recent study by Washington State University found that rural public schools are less likely to provide mental health services compared to urban schools, with only 38.3% offering treatment. Rural schools also reported lower funding and lack of access to qualified professionals as barriers to providing these services.
The American Heart Association statement highlights telehealth's benefits in managing cardiovascular disease, including cost-effectiveness and improved rehabilitation. However, challenges like access to broadband internet and privacy security concerns hinder widespread adoption.
A novel surgical procedure has shown promising results in addressing incontinence in children with Hirschsprung disease who underwent the pull-through operation. Four of six patients have achieved normal bowel function, reporting improved quality of life and increased freedom.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that over 37% of insured Massachusetts residents experienced an insurance transition during the perinatal period. Individuals with Medicaid and Medicaid managed care were more likely to have a transition than those covered by private insurance, suggesting disruptions in continuity of care.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
This cross-sectional study investigated emergency department clinicians' concerns about medical errors resulting in either patient harm or malpractice litigation. The findings highlight the emotional toll of these errors on clinicians, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, and burnout.
The NHS faces exceptional workforce issues due to Brexit and junior doctors' contract disputes, leading to a need for more international medical graduates. A proposed scheme to increase the cap on Tier 5 visas could help address these shortages and bring valuable expertise from countries like India and Nigeria.
A remote hypertension, lipid program across a diverse health care network found that it may help optimize guideline-directed therapy at scale. The study results indicate a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk among patients with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.
The Mass General Brigham remote healthcare delivery program lowered blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol significantly in a study of over 10,000 participants. The program provided convenient care from home using digital solutions, improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved populations.
The University of Tsukuba researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict undertriage in phone-based triage systems. The model identified risk factors such as age, sex, and comorbid conditions, which can be used to update protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers from West Health push for elevating telehealth standards to ensure remote care meets the needs of older adults, including person-centered and equitable access. The authors propose a framework with guard rails to prevent low-value care and health inequities, while improving access to high-quality, timely, and convenient care.
The study found that the willingness to use video telehealth increased overall from 51% in February 2019 to 62% in March 2021. Subgroups with the lowest levels of willingness, such as Black adults and adults with less than a high school education, saw significant increases in their willingness to use video telehealth.
A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Research highlights the significant role emergency departments play in end-of-life care, with nearly one-third of decedents visiting the ED just before death. The study's findings emphasize the need for emergency medicine practitioners to identify patients in need of end-of-life care and provide necessary resources.
A global study provides actionable recommendations to combat COVID-19 without exacerbating socio-economic burdens. The report identifies six major areas for action, including whole-of-society strategies and vaccine-plus approaches.
The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.
FAU's nurse-led mobile health unit will provide technology-assisted, culturally aligned health promotion, disease prevention, and primary care services in underserved communities. The project targets high-risk populations with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found that changing gloves and instruments just before closing wounds can prevent as many as 1 in 8 cases of Surgical Site Infection. A new toolkit also helps hospitals prepare for pandemics, heatwaves, and natural disasters.
A recent study found that immigrant pregnant people faced persistent inequities in obtaining timely prenatal care compared to native-born individuals, exacerbating longstanding health disadvantages. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address disparities in Medicaid coverage based on immigration status and education level.
The American Heart Association is launching a two-year initiative to expand and enhance post-acute stroke care across Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota. The project aims to maximize recovery of function lost during a stroke, reduce risk of secondary effects, and extend high-quality guideline-directed care for all patients.
The NIHR Global Health Research Centre will collaborate with communities across Latin America to develop low-cost solutions for improving healthcare for non-communicable diseases. The centre aims to strengthen research capacity and provide formal training for local researchers and clinicians.
Rural and critical access hospitals are inadequately addressing social determinants of health due to limited resources, workforce constraints, and lack of incentives. Hospitals are not utilizing community partnerships effectively, which may be attributed to institutional partnerships and lack of incentives.
A study by researchers at ICES, Lawson Health Research Institute, and Western University found that virtual care during the pandemic led to significant environmental and patient cost savings. Virtual visits represented approximately 0.2% of total annual carbon dioxide emissions in Ontario and estimated $63 million in patient cost savings.
The American Geriatrics Society has released a framework for understanding the intersection of structural racism and ageism in healthcare. The framework highlights three fundamental changes: reflecting the population served, changing training and support for health professionals, and examining healthcare from an intersectional perspect...
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
A study by the Radiological Society of North America found that health insurance companies often pay more than necessary for radiology services, leading to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The study also suggests that radiologists can play a key role in delivering high-quality, low-cost care to patients.
A cross-sectional study of 291 primary care physicians found a significant positive relationship between EHR time and certain ambulatory quality measures. Increased EHR time was associated with improved panel-wide hemoglobin A1C level control, hypertension control, and breast cancer screening.
A study on long COVID found increased rates of healthcare use two months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly among women. The largest increase was seen in a small subset of patients, who required an extra week or more in hospital compared to uninfected individuals.
A new study by UCL researchers found that talking therapies on the NHS can improve the mental health of people with dementia, with 63% experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The therapy proved clinically beneficial, even though response rates were lower than those without dementia.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
The initiative vaccinated a significantly higher rate of young people, non-white populations, and Hispanic people than the average for the state and target communities. The program used a 'double equity' model to engage with local transportation companies and administered over 20,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses.
A new report from a joint task force recommends improved access to interventional radiologists in small and rural areas. The task force focused on strategies for recruitment and retention, including training opportunities, financial models, and community development.
Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.