Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
This special issue of Population Health Management examines health disparities in underserved populations, including telehealth utilization and mobile medical clinics. Thought leaders discuss the importance of addressing structural racism and promoting health equity to reduce inequities in pediatric healthcare access.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open estimates that COVID-19 vaccination in California resulted in significant public health impacts, preventing over 1.5 million cases and 72,000 hospitalizations. The study also found that vaccination led to 19,000 deaths during the first 10 months of vaccination.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that the Pfizer COVID-19 third dose vaccine provides strong protection against hospital admissions and emergency department visits in the first few months. However, this protection wanes over time, even after a third dose, against omicron variants.
Dr. Lauren Southerland will receive the award for her pioneering multidisciplinary geriatric models of care for older adults with emergency healthcare needs. Her research focuses on quality improvement, implementation science, and incorporating geriatric care into ED care.
A study by Osaka University researchers reveals patients waited years for diagnosis of rare diseases like hereditary angioedema. Long diagnostic delays can be fatal, and raising awareness is key to improving treatment.
Researchers propose that well-designed computerized clinical decision support can facilitate team approaches to healthcare, enhancing communication and coordinating group effort. The tool provides evidence-based information and guidance, enabling primary care physicians to oversee a diverse healthcare team more efficiently.
ACOs with higher percentages of minority patients have lower quality performance and poorer preventive care outcomes. In contrast, ACOs with lower out-of-network primary care rates show no differences in quality performance among different racial and ethnic groups.
A study of over 31,000 compassionate use requests found significant disparities in access to unlicensed products for patients with serious medical conditions across countries. The analysis identified key factors contributing to these disparities.
A new study led by the University of Houston College of Medicine found that racial and ethnic disparities persisted in telemedicine usage during the pandemic. African Americans were 35% less likely to use telemedicine compared to whites, while Hispanics were 51% less likely. The digital divide was a major factor, with limited access to...
Dr. Mitchell T. Heflin, MD, MHS, is honored with the 2022 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for his extensive contributions to geriatrics education and healthcare provider training. His work focuses on developing innovative models of care and improving interprofessional collaboration.
Patients in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods and those needing language interpretation had higher connection rates for successful video visits, thanks to medical assistant involvement. Overall, the study found 87% of video visits had a successful connection.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
The study analyzed over 125,000 US health care workers, finding that frontline workers were at highest risk of leaving the workforce due to burnout and stress. The researchers also identified specific factors contributing to turnover, such as inadequate staffing and lack of support from employers.
In a study published in BMJ Open, researchers found that abortion rates remained stable in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with no significant changes in timing or decision-making. Women who sought abortions did not hesitate to proceed, citing supportive care and reassuring healthcare systems.
The American Geriatrics Society honors Dr. Sharon Brangman's research on Alzheimer's disease, hospice, palliative medicine, depression, and end-of-life care. She will deliver the Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture at #AGS22, focusing on diversity in study populations and community engagement.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases immune responses in patients with multiple myeloma, but a subset remains vulnerable. The study found that 88% of patients developed antibodies after the third dose, leading to improved neutralization of the wild-type virus.
The review highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks, equity, ethics, accountability, and governance in digital health initiatives. The future of digital health in LMICs may be tied to securing public-private partnerships to address concerns around data safety, confidentiality, and access.
A new approach for measuring physician adherence to best practices has been developed, taking into consideration patient characteristics and physician training background. The study found that pulmonary and critical care medicine training was associated with higher recognition of ARDS, a form of lung failure.
A new early warning detection system implemented at a hospital reduced medical emergencies and mortality rates by detecting subtle changes in patients' vital signs and cardiac rhythm. The system, which includes real-time alerts and collaboration between nurses, aims to improve the quality of care delivered to critically ill patients.
Dr. Kelley's work focuses on improving care quality for older adults with serious illness, promoting patient-centered healthcare services and policies. She has introduced innovations to account for costs, considering out-of-pocket expenses and family caregiver labor.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that a specialized primary care medical home improved the care and treatment of patients with serious mental illness, resulting in better mental health-related quality of life. The patient-centered medical home model provided comprehensive, coordinated care among patients and their clinicians, lead...
Researchers analyzed 61 COVID-specific chatbots in 30 countries, finding common uses such as risk assessment, symptom data collection, and appointment scheduling. They also discovered that anonymity of user interactions varies across cultures, affecting the effectiveness of follow-up services.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased delivery of mental health counseling through telehealth, with 47.9% of outpatient visits transitioning online by December 2020. Unequal access to mental health care was found among older adults, Black and Hispanic people, and those with lower incomes.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.
A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.
Researchers synthesized 46 reports on mass vaccination clinics to offer guidance on planning, logistics, and human resources. Key findings highlight the importance of strong recommendations from healthcare providers in improving vaccine uptake and confidence.
Researchers used a programmable button to page phlebotomists for blood draws, reducing the time it took to diagnose a heart attack by an average of 11 minutes. The study showed a significant reduction in processing times, from 14% faster diagnosis to 2.5-minute shorter blood draws.
A new study found that 48% of patients with subsidized health care insurance reported one or more social risks, with housing instability being the most prevalent. Patients with social risks were twice as likely to report having poor health, despite being demographically similar to those without social risks.
Investments in primary care research can enhance community-centeredness, reducing inequities in access, quality, and outcomes of care. Strategic research prioritizes whole person care and innovative payment models to support primary care's future success.