Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Despite electronic health records, gaps in communication between primary care physicians and specialist physicians persist. The study found that 22% of PCPs report sending clinical information to specialists at the time of referral, and less than 35% receive information back after consultation.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
A York University-led study reveals individuals detransitioning face sparse clinical care and support, relying on online networks for guidance. Detransitioners experience physical and psychological challenges, including stigma from clinicians and unsupportive environments.
A qualitative study highlights the importance of timely and balanced information exchange in shared decision-making for vascular access placement. This collaborative approach involves presenting choices, sharing personalized knowledge, and eliciting patients' values and preferences to strengthen treatment plans.
A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that surgeons who oversee multiple surgeries simultaneously have a higher risk of complications and death. For surgeries involving one anesthesiologist directing CRNA or resident care, those managing three to four overlapping cases saw complication rates rise by 14%.
A study of 6,335 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease found that risk factor profiles have not improved over the last two decades. Despite advancements in therapies and guideline recommendations, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet all showed worse...
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.
A study published in CMAJ found that patients who received care from physicians speaking their primary language had shorter hospital stays and fewer falls and infections. Francophones had a 24% lower risk of death, while allophones had a 54% lower risk.
A study of 720 patients with thoracic cancer found increased odds of unsuccessful telemedicine visits among Black and disadvantaged patients. Unsuccessful telemedicine visits were associated with worse clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare.
A study in Brazil found that performance-related bonuses for family healthcare workers can significantly enhance the quality of primary health care, particularly in more disadvantaged regions. The analysis showed a notable difference in outcomes between areas with and without bonus incentives.
Researchers investigated radiation exposure among health professionals performing structural heart interventions, revealing higher doses for echocardiographers and cardiologists compared to sonographers. The study highlights the need for safer procedures and protective measures to mitigate radiation risks.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University finds almost six out of ten in-network providers listed under Oregon Medicaid provider directories are not actually available to see patients. This 'phantom' networks undermine access to care, leading to delays and interruptions in treatment.
The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...
This qualitative study provides consensus-level guidance to clinicians caring for patients with advanced cancer-related pain and opioid misuse or use disorder. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive assessment and multimodal treatment strategies.
A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.
A recent study found that half of patients in East London regularly see the same GP, a crucial factor in better patient outcomes. The researchers highlight the need for policymakers to measure and incentivize continuity of care to improve health outcomes.
A nationwide study found that nearly 8 out of 10 physicians believe the chances of a desired outcome are greater than the probability of individual steps leading to that outcome. This phenomenon, known as conjunction fallacy, can lead to unnecessary delays and harm to patients.
The American College of Radiology has issued risk mitigation guidance to help healthcare institutions conserve contrast media supplies amid a global shortage. Two healthcare systems, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, have implemented strategies that reduced their contrast use by at least 50%.
A study of 45,000 women found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the time it takes to receive a biopsy after an abnormal screening mammogram result. Factors such as individual characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and healthcare access were also associated with delays in biopsies.
A study found that over 60% of parents of children with kidney disease or hypertension are unsure or unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Effective vaccines exist to protect children from COVID-19, and the findings highlight the need for clear communication to address parental concerns.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Medicare could save up to $3.6 billion by purchasing generic drugs at the same prices as the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. The researchers compared the price of 89 generic drugs sold by MCCPDC to the price Medicare paid in 2020 and estimated potential savings of up to $3....
A new pediatric obesity program, Guided Self-Help (GSH), was developed to provide a less intensive and more accessible way to treat childhood obesity. The study found that GSH was similarly effective as traditional Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in supporting pediatric weight loss, but with higher attendance rates.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that patients in Tanzania faced barriers to accessing rehabilitative care following an injury, including difficulty finding transportation or childcare. The research highlights the need for improved patient education and increased access to outpatient services.
A new study at 21 US children's hospitals found that patients with limited English proficiency are less likely to question their child's hospital care due to language barriers. The researchers called on hospitals to ensure that families who speak languages other than English have an equal opportunity to speak up and potentially interce...
A cluster-randomised trial in Singapore showed a low-cost, multi-pronged intervention improved BP control, reduced cardiovascular risk and increased use of antihypertensive medications. The intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity and mortality globally with rapid scalability.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.
A study of nearly 2 million Medicaid enrollees in 2016 revealed racial disparities in healthcare spending and use. Black enrollees used fewer primary care services and recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had higher emergency department use compared to white enrollees.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that home oxygen therapy, care level need 4-5, and cancer are key predictors of frequent emergency house calls among elderly patients. This prediction can help allocate medical resources effectively.
The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
A survey of 866 clinicians revealed that their beliefs about telehealth quality and ease of use significantly impacted the proportion of care delivered remotely. Clinicians with more favorable views on telehealth were more likely to adopt it for various types of care.
A new study from University of Eastern Finland indicates that telemedicine played a crucial role in maintaining essential type 2 diabetes care amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite reduced face-to-face appointments, remote services for diabetes management cushioned the decline and kept overall contacts only 9% lower than 2019.
A Mayo Clinic study found that disparities in opioid treatment access persist among women, Black and Hispanic populations. Despite increased access, these groups continue to face systemic barriers, including racism, mistrust of healthcare professionals, and lack of clinicians able to prescribe buprenorphine.
Dr. Mona Fouad has been recognized for her leadership in health disparities research and commitment to equity in healthcare. Her work has led to the development of rigorous research and interventions to make healthcare more accessible to historically underserved populations.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
The study found that standing orders significantly raised guideline adherence for patients on intermediate FN risk regimens but did not change the FN rate among patients on chemotherapy at any risk level. Prophylactic CSF use rates were substantially below guidelines for both high-risk and low-risk regimens.
Kaiser Permanente researchers present 10 studies on improving cancer care delivery, including strategies to reduce hospitalizations and mortality among older patients. The studies also explore the use of real-world data versus clinical trials in cancer treatment.
The study found that the adapted version of the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) Program, RED for Depression (RED-D), reduced hospital readmissions among patients with depressive symptoms by 48% and 70% at 30- and 90-day marks. The program included post-discharge depression treatment and transition support.
Case volumes grew by 180% as the eConsult service launched a sub-specialty COVID-19 group in March 2020. The service provided real-time data advice from infectious disease specialists on novel coronavirus, reducing unnecessary specialty referrals and saving time and money.
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation has donated $10 million to City of Hope to expand its supportive care programs for cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life. The partnership aims to establish supportive care as a standard practice in cancer care across the US.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis have a low risk of stroke, potentially reducing the need for surgery. The study tracked over 3,700 patients and showed that those not undergoing surgery had a cumulative stroke risk of 4.7% within 5 years.
A study of 6,500 physicians found that mistreatment and discriminatory behaviors by patients, families, and visitors are common, especially among female and minority physicians. The findings suggest an association between these experiences and higher rates of burnout.
A study of 28,000 trauma patients found significant sex-based disparities in timeliness of care, with females facing longer delays and higher likelihoods of long-term care. The results suggest that female trauma patients are at a disadvantage in receiving timely trauma care compared to their male counterparts.
A new study finds that Kaiser Permanente's Presence of Mind initiative can effectively deliver mental health information to young adults, reducing stigma and improving attitudes toward treatment. The program, launched in 2020, includes live streams, online training sessions, and creator-led content.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, leading to long-term benefits. The coaching program resulted in better blood pressure control compared to usual care and enhanced medication management programs.
A 12-month home-based progressive and supervised exercise program improves physical performance, handgrip strength, and activity of daily living in patients after hip fracture surgery. The study shows that investing in rehabilitation exercise benefits individuals and society.
A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
A new study published by Harvard Medical School and The University of Texas Medical Branch found that despite international consensus on treating acute myocardial infarctions, there are substantial variations in treatment and outcomes across six high-income nations. The U.S. stands out for its high risk of death within a year of hospit...
A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN) found that incorporating the Electronic Health Record-Enabled Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment (ELEVATE) program into electronic health records can significantly improve smoking cessation rates among cancer patients. The research demonst...
Researchers argue that national strategies ignore pandemic's early lessons on chronic diseases and their disproportionate impact on underserved populations. They recommend incorporating prevention and control of chronic diseases into existing policies.
Surgeons-in-training suggest reducing waste, switching to reusable devices and gowns, optimizing OR energy use, and delivering care via telemedicine to lower climate impact. Implementing these changes can help extend patient lifespan and expand access to timely care while addressing climate change.
A $66,000 NIH grant will support Karry Weston's two-year study on the lack of breastfeeding in rural Missouri. The goal is to identify cultural factors influencing mothers' decisions, with a focus on improving maternal care in rural communities.
Researchers presented studies on reducing medication errors, improving hospital mobility, and predicting mortality risk in older adults with dementia. The EQUiPPED study showed a significant decrease in potentially inappropriate medication prescribing, while the Comparative Effectiveness study found improvements in delirium scores and ...
The American Geriatrics Society honored over 20 leaders in various disciplines with prestigious awards at the #AGS22 Annual Scientific Meeting. These leaders champion person-centered care for older adults through research, education, and clinical practice.
A team of researchers developed a prognostic model using automated brain scans and machine learning to predict survival and recovery in severe TBI patients. The model accurately predicted risk of death and unfavorable outcomes at six months after the injury, potentially improving clinical decision-making and patient care.