Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
A national study by Boston Children's Hospital found that primary care practices caring for children reported significant difficulties in obtaining behavioral health services. The study, published in Annals of Family Medicine, highlights the pressing need for mental health support in children and adolescents.
A new study reveals that over 85% of primary care practices face difficulties in obtaining evidence-based pediatric behavioral health care, including medication advice and family-based therapy. Policy changes are necessary to address these barriers and ensure comprehensive care for children's growing behavioral health needs.
A new study found that staff assumptions about minoritized groups contribute to variability in nursing home care for residents with advanced dementia. Remedies include addressing staff biases, increasing funding, and standardizing advance-care planning.
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, researchers found increased health service use and higher death rates among adults with dementia and Parkinson disease. The study examined changes in these populations compared to older adults without neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that telemedicine improved access to primary care services for Black patients, reducing the historical racial gap in follow-up appointment attendance. Completion rates rose from 52% to 70%, while overall benefits included shorter wait times and higher completion rates via telemedicine.
The Massachusetts General Hospital team implemented three strategies to increase access and address concerns of immigrant patients, including offering patient education in multiple languages and integrating medical interpreters into virtual visits. These efforts aim to reduce disparities and improve care for all patients.
A study analyzing 676 US health care systems found features associated with overuse of health care include having fewer primary care physicians and being investor owned. These factors were less likely to include a major teaching hospital, contributing to the overuse of healthcare within US health systems.
A study found that telemedicine increased access to surgical care, but disparities persisted among low-income and older Americans. Virtual consultations were more common among white patients than Latinx and Hispanic patients, while Black patients were more likely to use video conferencing.
A successful intervention combining education and workflow increased primary care screenings for geriatric conditions, improving attitudes towards older adults. The program leveraged teamwork to integrate these important screenings into care delivery, resulting in significantly higher screening rates.
A CHOP study found that infants born via uncomplicated cesarean delivery have a low risk of early-onset sepsis and should not receive antibiotics at birth. The study's findings could help clinicians tailor antibiotic use in newborns, reducing complications and unnecessary treatment.
A cross-sectional survey of 21,027 women from 12 European countries found that half experienced negatively affected maternal and newborn care due to the pandemic. Sweden reported serious quality shortcomings, including insufficient protective equipment and inadequate consent procedures.
A new study found high rates of trauma for mothers and babies from forceps and vacuum deliveries, with over 25% of forceps deliveries resulting in severe perineal tears. Researchers call for a reassessment of the safety of these birthing practices.
A study identified 17 military medical treatment facilities that can provide high-quality obstetric care, including emergency cesarean delivery. This collaboration could reduce preventable maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant patients in rural communities.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center created a new resource to manage long-term heart disease risk after specific pregnancy complications. The review synthesizes recommendations for primary care clinicians to assess and manage risk, focusing on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery.
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
A randomized controlled trial involving 51 GP practices and 404 patients found a significant reduction in the number of medicines prescribed for older people with multimorbidity. The intervention group experienced over 800 medicines being stopped, with only mild adverse reactions reported.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that over 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act's passage, many physicians still don't understand their legal obligations to provide accessible care. The lack of knowledge raises concerns about healthcare quality and equity.
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.
A recent study found that a substantial decline in lung cancer deaths is associated with earlier diagnosis of lung cancer through increased screening via computed tomography (CT) and follow-up scans. This approach can lead to surgical interventions, which can often be curative for precancerous nodules.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
A new study warns that Omicron could lead to 100,273 fewer elective operations performed over the three winter months due to increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients. The model used NHS England data from September 2020 to July 2021 to project elective surgery activity based on the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital.
A pilot study found that virtually guided prolonged exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms more effectively than traditional exposure alone, using real-time psychophysiology to tailor stress levels. Most patients saw a clinically significant reduction in their PTSD Checklist score after 10-12 sessions.
A Trinity College study found that severe COVID-19 patients who received care outside of an ICU had a higher mortality rate compared to those in the ICU. The study highlights Ireland's shortage of ICU beds and emphasizes the need for increased critical care capacity.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers has found that people with HIV are at higher risk of developing heart failure than those without the condition. The study identified significant differences in heart failure risk among various demographics, including age, sex, and ethnicity.
A Rutgers-led study found that racial biases among health care providers may limit the number of Black women taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. The study also highlights how providers' racist beliefs can disadvantage Black women's access to PrEP, a medication up to 92% effective when taken correctly.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
A new approach to fall prevention in care homes, called the 'Guide to Action to prevent Falls in Care Home' programme, has been shown to significantly reduce falls among residents. The study found that this intervention reduced falls by over 43%, while also being cost-effective and improving quality of life.
The 2022 Pharmacy Forecast Report notes that COVID-19 disruptions have led to increased roles for pharmacists in patient care, emergency preparedness, and technology. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable access to digital tools and explores strategies to mitigate supply chain issues.
A Norwegian study reveals that out-of-hours emergency doctors with higher admission rates inflict significant unnecessary costs on hospitals. The study found that patients seen by these doctors have a greater chance of hospital stays, particularly those over 69 years old.
The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.
A large-scale study of over 1.2 million people found breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but more frequent and severe in those with weakened immune systems. The study supports the introduction of a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals to increase protection.
A multi-state study shows that family medicine physicians are crucial in rural maternity care, delivering babies in 67% of hospitals and being the only doctors in 27%. The loss of obstetrical services poses a significant burden to pregnant people and infants, with patients facing long distances for care.
A team of nurse-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center doubled the hospital's ICU capacity by 93% to care for critically-ill patients. They developed a proning team, redeployed staff, and implemented modifications to hospital rooms to minimize staff exposure to the virus.
A Kaiser Permanente study found the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be 87% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and 96% effective in preventing hospitalization. The vaccine's effectiveness persisted even among those with underlying conditions, providing reassurance about its durability.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has mapped the distance to HIV care services in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting that 7 million people live more than 10 minutes away and 3 million people live more than 30 minutes away. The research aims to develop cost-effective policies for HIV interventions in underserved areas.
A new project aims to provide peer support and research opportunities for students with caring responsibilities. The study reveals that without adequate support, caring can negatively impact physical and mental health, university performance, and social life.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
A recent study of 9,900 US nursing homes found that private equity acquisition was associated with higher Medicare costs and increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations for preventable conditions. The study highlights concerns about the impact of corporate ownership on nursing home quality and cost.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
Researchers developed a novel model to identify specific genes and genetic alterations in multiple myeloma, stratifying the cancer's severity via DNA and RNA sequencing. This model revealed diverse subtypes and high-risk patients beyond current classifications.
A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.
A new study of family doctors' views and experiences reveals that a software tool meant to reduce emergency hospital admissions is of limited use and benefit. The researchers found mixed views and experiences among GPs and practice managers about the tool, which was used in Wales as part of an earlier trial.
A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that telephone visits accounted for a larger proportion of telemedicine care than video visits, highlighting their role in addressing the 'digital divide'. Despite challenges, providers reported positive experiences delivering care remotely using both phone and video, and emphasiz...
A nationwide study found that patients who reported their symptoms weekly using a digital tool received more timely treatment, leading to improved physical function, symptom control, and quality of life. The PRO-TECT trial showed statistically significant improvements over the current standard of care.
A new risk score developed by Mount Sinai researchers can help predict possible contrast-associated acute kidney injury among patients undergoing PCI. The 'Mehran-2 CA-AKI Risk Score' enhances management of high-risk patients before, during, and after the procedure.
A new trial shows that the novel surgical device venous external support (VEST) may improve outcomes of coronary bypass grafting using leg veins by preventing intimal hyperplasia, a key factor in vein graft failure.
In a large commercially insured population, overall outpatient care usage didn't change significantly despite increased telemedicine use. Telemedicine appeared to substitute for in-person visits, suggesting its potential as a convenient alternative.
A KU study reveals that individuals' political ideologies play a crucial role in shaping their health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, conducted using two surveys and a review of existing data, found that ideology was a significant predictor of health behavior, especially when compared to other factors such as age,...
A new study found that healthcare providers hold less favorable judgments about patients who inject drugs, leading to potential lack of access to preventive HIV medication. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness and standardizing access to PrEP for all people, regardless of their risk factors.
The USPSTF has developed strategies to address systemic racism in its recommendations, aiming to promote health equity in preventive services. The new approaches focus on eliminating disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
A new study found that QFR-guided PCI resulted in lower one-year rates of heart attack and a lesser chance of needing additional PCI, with a 35% reduction in mortality. The technology helped eliminate unnecessary stents and identified more obstructive lesions.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been shown to be safe for advanced breast cancer patients, with no notable differences between vaccine brands. The second dose is crucial to induce an immune response, which has been found in 80% of patients with solid tumours.
Mount Sinai joins a nationwide network of medical centers specializing in rare disorders to foster knowledge-sharing, connect patients with specialists, and improve treatment and research. The designation aims to establish a standard of care for rare diseases.
Defects in surgical care cost the American health care system over $12 billion annually. A holistic approach through Centers of Excellence can address these defects, increasing quality, patient experience, and reducing costs.
A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.
A new study revealed that global guidance for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is not effective and needs revision. The FALCON trial found no superiority of interventions like alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan coated sutures over lower-cost alternatives.