Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
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.
Despite rapid telehealth adoption, audio-only visits persist in California safety net clinics, raising concerns about the quality of care for low-income patients. Researchers found that some clinics replaced audio-only visits with video visits using promising practices such as technology assistance and real-time technical support.
Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.
Dialysis facilities referred more incident patients, transplant centers evaluated more, but fewer were placed on the waitlist following KAS implementation. This led to a decline in overall waitlisting nationwide.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that rehabilitation at home (RAH) can lead to lower costs ($8,404 vs. $9,215) and improved patient experiences, including increased activities of daily living. The study also showed signals towards greater functional status improvement.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that individuals without jobs or stable housing experience worse depression symptoms when treated with therapy or antidepressants. The researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving over 4,800 participants and discovered that unemployed patients had 28% poorer outcomes compar...
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved funding for 12 new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies focusing on maternal health, autism, and urinary incontinence. These studies will improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in real-world settings.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School implemented a cohorting model during the pandemic, which provided high-quality care to infectious patients and contained outbreaks. The study found a 2% improvement in in-hospital survival rates and reduced complications for COVID-19 patients.
A study examining online reviews on Yelp found that healthcare consumers frequently report experiencing and witnessing discrimination during hospital care. The analysis of 100 randomly selected US hospitals revealed a significant proportion of negative experiences due to racism, sexism, and homophobia.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that adherence promotion programs like MAPS reduce costs and improve outcomes for adolescent kidney transplant recipients. Strategies with similar costs to MAPS can still be cost-effective if they decrease rejection episodes by a small amount.
A systematic review found that intersectional identities are associated with lower diagnostic screening and reception of preventative services. Patients with these identities face increased distrust of the healthcare system and negative cancer outcomes.
A regionwide, structured colorectal cancer screening program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white Kaiser Permanente members. Organized screening outreach markedly increased screening rates and led to significant decreases in incidence and death rates.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...
A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed key technologies to enhance acute hospital care at home. These include telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, clinical team coordination, and supply chain management, which have increased inpatient capacity by over 10,000 bed-days.
A new study found that severe mental health symptoms among nurses are linked to lower ratings of patient care quality and safety. The research highlights the importance of addressing work environment factors, such as heavy workloads and inadequate staffing, to protect nurse mental health.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
A new machine learning process has been developed to identify and classify hip fractures from X-rays, achieving 92% accuracy and confidence. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce care costs, and alleviate the bottleneck of unreported radiographs in the UK.
The study analyzed changes in outpatient mental health care services among children and adolescents during the pandemic. The results showed a significant increase in mental health care use among this age group.
A study found that many big box retailers lack Spanish language COVID-19 vaccine resources, hindering access for Hispanic populations. The researchers recommend increasing the visibility of these resources and incorporating non-English materials into public health strategies.
The IU-led AMPATH Global network is expanding to Ghana and Mexico, building on a successful collaboration that has played a crucial role in combating HIV, social determinants of health, and COVID-19. The partnership aims to improve public-sector healthcare systems and promote well-being in underserved communities.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found significant variations in care delivery among physicians with the same specialty and city, despite delivering care in the same clinical scenarios. The researchers analyzed medical insurance records from 2016 to 2019 and found that top-performing physicians were five to 10 times more like...
In Bangladesh, cesarean sections have increased significantly from 3.88% in 2004 to 33% in 2017/18, but the disparity in access between wealthy and poorer women has grown. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this issue.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute identifies divergent priorities among cancer patients and their caregivers during active treatment, with patients focusing on physical issues like pain and caregivers prioritizing social support. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced whole-family approaches to supportive oncology care deli...
The ESMO-WHO collaboration developed an evidence-based methodology for evaluating national medication formularies, helping Kazakhstan update its list of essential cancer medicines and treatment protocols. The approach resulted in increased budget allocation to cancer care and improved access to high-quality treatments.
The US healthcare system is failing to provide adequate care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, experts warn. A recent report recommends using a comprehensive classification system that incorporates the Glasgow Coma Scale score, CT scans, and blood tests to better assess the severity of TBI.
A Dartmouth study reveals that consumers using at-home COVID-19 self tests may misinterpret the implications of their test results, leading to either unnecessary or inadequate quarantine. The study suggests that individuals at high risk for infection should still quarantine after a negative test result.
A study by RAND Corporation researchers found that most physicians in group practices owned by health systems are paid primarily based on the volume of care they provide, rather than quality and value. Only a small fraction of total physician compensation is tied to performance-based financial incentives.
The study examines changes in mental health care and telemedicine use among over 650,000 Medicare patients with severe mental illness during the pandemic. The findings highlight significant disruptions in care, leading to reduced access to essential services.
Researchers evaluated reimbursement fund distribution to healthcare professionals and facilities for uninsured patients with COVID-19, highlighting key disparities. The study found significant variations in funding allocation across different regions and provider types, affecting treatment access for vulnerable populations.
A multilevel program improved the awareness and adoption of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in rural Colorado. The program increased the proportion of practices providing or referring patients for treatment from 18.8% to 74.4%, with a significant increase in buprenorphine prescriptions over four years.
A study found that team-based primary care, coupled with payment reform, can reduce emergency department use among patients. The analysis showed lower rates of increase in ED visits among those transitioning to a team-based capitated practice compared to non-team-based capitated practices.
A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.
Technology-facilitated abuse is common among young men in the US, with 38% reporting experiences in the last year. Primary care doctors are urged to adapt intimate partner violence screening tools for male patients, including technology-facilitated abuse assessment.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased job demands on primary care teams, but new skill development opportunities and sense of purpose boosted staff morale. Management support played a crucial role in mitigating burnout, with participants reporting greater support and patience within their practices.
A mixed-method review and meta-analysis found that integrated palliative care in ambulatory settings has limited effect on reducing symptom burden, but improves health care utilization for U.S. adults with non-cancer related chronic illnesses. The models were also effective in increasing advanced directive documentation.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.