Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new research study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a community volunteer program can reduce healthcare usage among older adults and shift care from hospitals to primary care. The Health TAPESTRY program combines volunteers with electronic software to support optimal aging, leading to increased physica...
The Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative targets comprehensive training for all hospital staff to improve quality and safety for patients with dementia. The program aims to lower rates for in-hospital injuries, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions.
A new model developed by the Regenstrief Institute provides chaplains with a framework to deliver better care to families of patients in intensive care settings. The Spiritual Care Assessment and Intervention (SCAI) framework helps chaplains provide proactive, semi-structured spiritual care to meet family members' needs.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests that adolescents with access to SBIRT services have sustained reductions in mental health conditions and lower healthcare utilization over a period of three years. The study found that those with access to SBIRT were less likely to have mental health or chronic medical conditions after one year.
A team at Vanderbilt University is developing 'safe harbor' standards of care based on scientific evidence to reduce defensive medicine and its consequences. The project aims to lower healthcare costs, improve quality of care, and decrease patient exposure to radiation.
A new study by Bocconi University's Alexander Kentikelenis and colleagues finds that IMF loans' structural reforms weaken states' ability to regulate the economy. The research highlights how privatization, price deregulation, and public sector job cuts compromise state capacity, hindering sustainable growth.
A recent clinical trial found that longer hemodialysis sessions did not improve patient outcomes, while also highlighting the need for effective strategies to engage clinicians and patients in trials embedded within routine care. The study's findings suggest a pressing need for data-driven guidance in dialysis practice.
Dr. Kellie Flood, an Associate Professor at UAB, is recognized for her outstanding geriatric care, research, and leadership. She has expanded geriatrics expertise in Alabama and beyond through various programs, including the UAB Geriatric Scholar Program.
Courtney Balentine, MD, MPH, and Candace Yvonne Parker-Autry, MD, will receive the Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Surgical and Related Medical Specialties. Their research focuses on improving care for older adults through innovative approaches, such as Virtual Acute Care for Elders (ACE) and phenoty...
Population health departments within US medical centers are rapidly evolving to address clinical and social determinants of health. The study highlights five primary opportunities for US medical schools to advance population health, including promoting a holistic view of health, engaging community residents and leaders, supporting heal...
The New England Journal of Medicine advocates for standardized care in treating Ebola patients. Recent innovations, such as the Cube System, offer improved patient-centered care through continuous observation and accessibility.
A narrative review identifies seven digital programs supporting nonspecialist health workers in increasing access to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries. The projects illustrate possibilities of using digital platforms to support task-sharing interventions, but many challenges remain.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found wide variation in the use of intensive care units and general medical units for non-invasive ventilation, with no difference in outcomes detected between patients treated on either unit. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 patients and found that some hospitals delivered most non-invasiv...
A study found that pharmacists in accident and emergency departments can provide overall clinical care to patients, taking on roles such as examining and diagnosing patients. With their medicines expertise, they fill gaps in doctor and nurse practitioner rotas.
Researchers developed a tool to help patients with progressive conditions identify areas where they need extra support. The Support Needs Approach for Patents (SNAP) is a concise evidence-based intervention that enables patients to express their needs and improves person-centred care.
An integrated therapy combining behavioral weight loss treatment and problem-solving therapy with antidepressant medication improved weight loss and depressive symptoms in patients with co-occurring obesity and depression. The study showed that participants receiving integrated therapy experienced a decline in body mass index and depre...
A new study found that evidence-based care can improve patient outcomes for acute kidney injury, reducing hospital stays by several days. The intervention also led to improved recognition of AKI, medication optimization, and fluid assessment, resulting in better patient care.
A new report emphasizes the importance of transforming healthcare delivery in the US to reduce cancer burden. The study identifies goals for a high-performing healthcare system, including access to primary care, timely evidence-based treatment, and patient-centered care.
The growing number of cancer survivors, particularly those over 65, poses a significant challenge in delivering follow-up care due to their multiple health issues. Risk-stratified cancer follow-up care is recommended as a solution to address the supply and demand gap.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and suffer severe maternal morbidity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Text-based monitoring of blood pressure reduced racial disparities in ascertainment.
High-need, high-cost patients account for 50% of US healthcare spending. Patients identify care management, telemedicine, and home health visits as beneficial solutions to prevent ED overuse. Care management helps with appointment scheduling and reminders, while home-based services enhance patient convenience and comfort.
The article highlights the need for fundamental changes in pharmacy practice to effectively and safely meet society's healthcare needs. Key findings include repurposing physical layouts, optimizing workflow processes, and integrating pharmacists into patient care plans with eHealth technology and interprofessional teamwork.
The UK has invested £446 million in CDTs, which will equip the next generation of doctoral level researchers with skills needed for tackling global challenges. Industry partners have also contributed £386 million, with 1,400 project partners involved in the programme.
Americans with primary care receive more recommended cancer screenings, flu shots, and reported better patient experience compared to those without. Primary care also leads to better overall healthcare access.
A new study provides evidence-based recommendations on how to catch life-threatening conditions that cause fainting. Low-risk patients can be safely discharged home within two hours, while medium and high-risk patients can be sent home after six hours with no danger signals detected.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly four in ten youth who died by suicide were Medicaid enrollees. The study suggests effective suicide screening for enrollees could decrease suicide mortality in the US, and highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts among specific demographic subgroups.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that fewer than half of young people in the US discuss sensitive topics with their regular healthcare providers. The researchers suggest modifying healthcare delivery practices could improve these discussions, promoting better health outcomes for young people.
The DNA10K initiative will engage over 10,000 patients with genomics testing, providing personalized risk factors for hereditary conditions. Patients will have access to genetic counselors and clinical pharmacists to interpret test results and develop individualized care plans.
A new study by American Society of Nephrology examined 281,233 patients with diabetes and CKD in 130 VA facilities. The findings point to areas where care might be improved and standardized among facilities.
A new study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases across Europe, with rates rising by 3.4% per year. The study's findings have important implications for healthcare planning and delivery, highlighting the need for improved blood sugar control and increased support services.
A new template for referral communication has been developed to improve communication among clinicians, increasing satisfaction, workload, and efficiency. The template addresses issues such as incomplete medical histories, delayed appointments, and phone tag between professionals.
The project aims to improve diabetes management for Latinos through telementoring sessions, empowering primary care providers with advanced training. La Clínica del Pueblo and George Washington University launched the first ECHO site in the region to address high diabetes prevalence and long waitlists.
The American College of Physicians has released a set of principles to guide patient partnership in healthcare, aiming to improve health outcomes, practice efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The principles emphasize the importance of patients and families being active partners in their care, contributing to system development and ed...
A study found that a training programme for caregivers in care homes improves the lives of residents with dementia, reducing agitation and hospital admissions. The programme, known as WHELD, cost £660 per resident to achieve significant improvements, saving up to £4,000 per home.
A pilot program in rural New Mexico promoted patients' active involvement in their daily care, leading to modest improvements in clinical measures. The intervention also showed significant benefits in mental health quality of life and reduced CKD risk factors.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that risk-score guided care improved healthcare delivery for high-risk heart failure patients, reducing mortality rates by 48% and 30-day readmission rates by 25%. This innovative approach uses personalized risk scores to direct patients to advanced levels of care.
The study found that performance coaching significantly increased rates of tobacco dependence treatment delivery among primary care clinicians. Clinicians who received coaching had higher rates of providing key elements of the 5As model and arranging follow-up support.
Researchers found that part-time clinicians have longer appointment backlogs when available in clinic is reduced. Establishing clinician teams and non-clinician support can help improve access to appointments.
A new study by researchers at ICES and St. Michael's Hospital found that women with one severe maternal mortality (SMM) condition were 20 times more likely to die than those without any SMM conditions, with risks increasing exponentially with the number of SMM conditions.
A new surgical home pathway for spinal fusion surgery reduces opioid pain medication need and shortens hospital stays, achieving sustainable benefits over two-and-a-half years. The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrates improved care value and patient outcomes.
A new study found that health professionals are struggling to prepare and support children when a parent is dying due to lack of relevant skills and fear of causing distress. The researchers called for more guidance and training in this area, as well as patient records to flag up the presence of young children in the immediate family.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found a strong link between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia. Patients with acute kidney injury had a 7.0% vs. 2.3% chance of developing dementia, highlighting the potential long-term cognitive consequences of AKI.
Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.
A special issue by The Lancet warns that primary health care is underdeveloped and underfunded, with half the world's population lacking access to essential services. The Lancet calls for renewed leadership to revive primary health care, citing its importance in delivering better health for all.
A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 hospital stays found that women of color and those with pre-existing health conditions had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care for women around the time of delivery.
A new study published by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms. Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable.
Researchers identified key strategies to differentiate practices with improved performance for chronic disease patients, including fostering intrinsic motivation among providers and staff. These findings inform payers and primary care practices seeking evidence-based strategies to foster a stronger delivery system.
The study found that CPC+ practices primarily served wealthier areas, with lower median incomes and higher uninsured rates. In contrast, Medicare fee-for-service enrollees in areas without a CPC+ practice had significantly higher use of inpatient discharges.
A Mayo Clinic study found that enrollment in an opioid controlled substance agreement significantly reduces primary care visits, hospitalizations, and specialty visits among patients with chronic health conditions. The agreement also leads to increased radiology visits, but not emergency department services.
A new €10 million Parkinson's study will implement an integrated care model designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease across two health hubs in Bath, UK and Nijmegen, Netherlands. The project aims to bridge the gap between fragmented care providers and deliver proactive and integrated care to patients.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that urgent care visits have increased significantly while emergency room visits for low-acuity conditions have decreased by 36 percent between 2008 and 2015. The growth of urgent care centers is attributed to their convenience, shorter wait times, and lower costs.
The PCORI Board approved funding for 16 new studies comparing different approaches to improve care and outcomes for conditions like opioid use, cancer, depression, and stroke. The studies aim to provide evidence for better-informed healthcare decisions.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 young women found no increased risk of primary ovarian insufficiency after HPV vaccination. The research contradicts earlier reports and provides further evidence on the safety of adolescent vaccines.
Diabetologists are filling a crucial gap in patient care, but their growth is hindered by resistance from payers and colleagues. The new medical specialty aims to provide comprehensive diabetes management, but challenges persist due to reimbursement issues and varying opinions on scope of practice.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that community health center programs mailing free colorectal cancer screening tests to patients' homes increased screening rates by nearly 4 percentage points. Clinics that implemented the program had higher proportions of patients screened, with reminder letters significantly improving return rates.
Researchers found that opioid prescription rates have remained flat for commercially insured patients over the past decade, but rates for some Medicare patients are leveling off. The study of 48 million U.S. patients showed high rates of opioid use among disabled Medicare Advantage recipients.
A new e-learning programme trained care home staff to increase social interaction from two minutes a day to ten, improving resident wellbeing and staff attitudes. The programme, called WHELD, uses simple measures such as talking to residents about their interests and involving them in decisions around their care.
Rural East African communities that hosted annual health fairs saw higher overall survival and viral suppression rates compared to standard care. Annual multi-disease health fairs delivered patient-centered, streamlined HIV care, resulting in fewer new HIV cases, better control of hypertension and diabetes, and lower TB rates.
A systematic review suggests that active patient engagement can inform education, tools, planning, and policy, leading to improved quality of care and governance. Higher levels of patient engagement are associated with more substantial outcomes, such as redesigning care systems and adding support services.
A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.