Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Tax-exempt hospitals in the US have largely improved their charity care policies since the onset of COVID-19, with clearer eligibility criteria being implemented. However, regulatory attention is needed to address ongoing restrictions and issues with charity care.
A novel study in Virginia uses state all-payer claims data to accurately assess and predict future primary care workforce needs. The approach differentiates physicians with primary care training from those who practice true primary care, providing a more accurate estimate of U.S. primary care capacity.
Researchers from NAIST found that searches related to vaccine side effects positively correlated with vaccination rates in Japan. The 'vaccine concern index' captured searches of terms indicating vaccine hesitancy, revealing lower concerns among older people and female users.
Researchers found that subcutaneous anchor securement systems significantly reduced catheter migration (1.76%) compared to other methods (4.17%, 6.77%, and 9.69%). The study adds to the evidence supporting the use of SecurAcath, which has been shown to reduce bloodstream infections and prolong catheter lifespan.
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
A study found that building trust with community health workers (promotores) can lead to long-term self-care in type 2 diabetes patients. 32.4% of participants achieved 'self-care generativity,' while 40.5% progressed to 'stabilization.' The model, called Nosotros, could be replicated to improve chronic disease management.
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may limit medical treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases, as abortion bans take effect in more states. Providers will need to balance evidence-based clinical recommendations with personal and professional risks of violating reproductive rights.
Numerous gaps between dietary intake and recommended guidelines are found, particularly among vulnerable families, with race and ethnicity disparities persisting. A unified plan can improve nutritional outcomes by strengthening federal policies and programs.
Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, is honored with the TCT Career Achievement Award for his transformative work in interventional cardiology and patient care. He has made significant global contributions to cardiovascular medicine.
Researchers found that a specific sequence of drugs can reduce overall costs and improve the value of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer, while minimizing side effects. The study's results suggest that treatment sequencing approaches that minimize costs early may improve the value of care.
A study of 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries found that those enrolled in Medicare Advantage had lower rates of low-value care, including unnecessary tests and treatments. This study highlights the potential benefits of Medicare Advantage plans in reducing waste in healthcare.
A prospective study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that dedicated women's heart centers can significantly improve clinical and psychological outcomes for women with myocardial ischemia. The study, which followed 154 patients, showed a significant decrease in chest pain frequency and improved quality of life after attending...
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 3 mental health prescriber visits to Medicare patients were provided by PMHNPs, a significant rise from 2011-2019. The growth of PMHNPs helped offset the decline of psychiatrists treating Medicare patients, resulting in a 12% decrease in mental health specialist visits instead of a 30% drop.
A study of nearly 2,400 patients found that video telemedicine consultations matched in-person diagnoses in 87% of cases. The findings suggest a high degree of diagnostic accuracy for video telemedicine visits for most new clinical concerns.
A study found that expanded telehealth services for opioid use disorder care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to individuals staying in treatment longer and reducing their risk of medically treated overdose. The expansion also showed improved receipt and retention of medication-assisted treatment, suggesting a valuable approach to addr...
A new clinical practice guideline provides guidance on delivering women-focused cardiac rehabilitation programs to increase participation and improve outcomes. The guideline presents 15 recommendations to address inequities in cardiovascular disease care for women.
Physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that despite FDA deauthorization, a large number of doses of ineffective COVID-19 treatments were administered to patients in 2022, with wide variability by state. The study highlights the need for improved transparency and regulation of COVID-19 therapies.
A new RAND Corporation study found that higher-cost Medicare Advantage plans provided only slightly better care on average compared to lower-cost plans. However, quality varied substantially within each premium cost tier, and some high-quality care was observed among many plans in each tier.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
The program helped stem labor shortages in respiratory therapy and telehealth services, maintaining non-COVID-related health infrastructure. Researchers found that temporary workers engaged in a range of activities, including COVID-19 care, mental health support, and non-COVID care.
The THRIVE clinical pathway provides intensive case management, care coordination, and continuity of care to support patients transitioning from hospital to home. Early results show reduced 30-day ED visits and readmissions among participants.
A quality improvement program increased pneumococcal vaccination rates from 53% to 70% in adults aged 18-64 years with stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease. The intervention, which utilized electronic best practice alerts within the electronic medical record, improved vaccination rates primarily among this high-risk group.
Research finds that patients are most satisfied with publicly regulated and financed healthcare systems. A study of 21 European countries reveals that increased competition has not led to improved patient satisfaction. Instead, Norway's public sector-led system is cited as a model for success.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found that increasing the blood level at which faecal blood testing triggers a colonoscopy invitation can reduce lives lost from bowel cancer. This approach is more effective than changing the gap between screening invitations.
Researchers found that two new techniques can help reduce needle fear in primary-aged children, including a distraction game and positive memory reframing. The study involved 41 children and showed promising results for broad vaccination programs.
Global health researchers argue that poor and vulnerable populations are already bearing the brunt of climate change and will be disproportionately affected by net zero healthcare targets. The NHS in England faces significant challenges in meeting its ambitious emissions reduction goals without exacerbating existing health inequalities.
A 12-month exercise program improved physical functioning and aerobic exercise capacity in adults with CKD stages G3b-4. The program, which included resistance and aerobic exercise, showed no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study found that rural Americans with early-onset Alzheimer's are less likely to be seen by specialists and receive essential tests, which can impact diagnosis, symptom management, and disease progression. This disparity puts rural patients at a disadvantage and overburdens primary care providers.
Staff turnover affects both residents and their families, compromising the quality of care. Continuity of nursing home staff and leadership is essential for delivering personalized care, as frontline workers deliver 90% of care. Researchers emphasize the need to attract and retain well-trained staff who enjoy working with older adults.
A new study finds that primary care physicians need at least 26.7 hours/day to see an average number of patients, with team-based care reducing the time to 9.3 hours/day. The research highlights the challenges of providing comprehensive care within the constraints of a clinic workday.
A survey study published in JAMA Dermatology found that Asian patients with psoriasis spend significantly less face-to-face time with dermatologists compared to patients of other races and ethnicities. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare access and cultural competence in dermatology care.
A study of 29,000 Israeli healthcare workers found that recipients of a fourth Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine dose had a significantly lower risk of acquiring COVID-19 during the Omicron variant wave. The research suggests that a booster dose may offer enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers argue that using tools to estimate racial and ethnic information can identify algorithmic bias and combat disparities in healthcare. This approach can lead to more equitable pay-for-performance schemes and better clinical decision-making.
A multisite clinical trial will deliver behavioral interventions to over 1,000 adults aged 50 and older with excess weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. The adaptive treatment model tests an evidence-based video program against a program with problem-solving therapy delivered via videoconferencing.
A researcher studied the 'black box' phenomenon in breast cancer survivorship care, revealing communication gaps between women and their providers. She found that black boxing can hide service access complexities, emphasizing the need for improved information pathways to address post-treatment needs.
A study by UC San Diego researchers reveals health care facilities serving diverse populations were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rollout. The findings highlight inequities in vaccine distribution, contradicting national policy goals.
A synthetic control analysis of California's millionaire tax found that additional funding could improve mental health outcomes. The study suggests that investing in mental health programs may have prevented up to 5,500 suicides over a 14-year period.
Researchers found that individuals staying in hotels received significantly reduced acute care services, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact beyond just reducing COVID-19 cases among vulnerable populations.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that telehealth can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction for pregnant mothers and their infants. The researchers analyzed 28 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies to assess the effect of telehealth-delivered care on maternal health outcomes.
Researchers found similar operational procedures for remote medication abortion services across diverse practice settings, with adaptations made to local laws and regulations. The study highlights the feasibility of offering abortion services through telehealth, demonstrating potential variations in service adaptation.
Patient-centered medical homes can bring meaning to healthcare by focusing on individualized outcomes and personal growth. By incorporating narrative medicine and goal-oriented care, primary care physicians can transform practices into truly person-centered models of care.
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.
Despite electronic health records and care coordination efforts, communication gaps between primary care and specialist physicians persist, with 22% of PCPs sending information rarely or never at referral times. This delay can lead to delayed diagnoses, unnecessary testing, and patient dissatisfaction.
The report proposes a health equity framework to address disparities in telehealth services, focusing on strategic priority, patient input, social determinants, and institutional racism. It calls for integrating equity and innovation efforts to ensure access to telemedicine and digitally enabled health tools.
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.
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 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 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 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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.