Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
Researchers analyzed data from 556 health systems nationwide to find common forms of low-value care, such as unnecessary tests and treatments. Systems with smaller primary care physician shares, no teaching hospitals, and more minority patients were more likely to use these services.
Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.
A new study by The Ohio State University College of Nursing found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated clinician burnout and mental health problems among nurses. The study suggests that effective interventions such as mindfulness, health coaching, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve mental/physical health and well-being.
Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente identified a blood cystatin C test as an alternative to estimate kidney function, eliminating the need for racial considerations. The study showed that this approach produces similarly accurate results and may promote equity for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.
Researchers propose a framework to clarify common terms used in population, community and public health, aiming to reduce confusion and ambiguity. The shared language framework enables effective collaboration among clinicians, public health professionals and policymakers.
A study analyzing Medicare data found that racial and ethnic minority groups received fewer opioid prescriptions for new low back pain compared to white patients. This disparity persisted during the first wave of the opioid epidemic, despite growing awareness of its adverse effects.
The study found large reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar control among Hispanic and Black patients after Medicaid expansion. The first five years of expansion were associated with significant benefits for these populations.
A survey of 147 medical professionals found that smaller endotracheal tube sizes reduce complications in professional voice users. The team hopes to establish evidence-based practices for managing the airways of these patients, who are particularly vulnerable to damage from intubation.
A Mount Sinai study found that polygenic risk scores were no better at predicting worsening symptoms than written reports in schizophrenia patients. The results raise questions about the use of polygenic risk scores in real-world situations, suggesting a doctor's report may be an untapped source of predictive information.
The study evaluated the impact of the program on patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Patient engagement rates reached 78.9%, highlighting the efficacy of virtual care at home during the pandemic.
A study developed by HSS experts shows improved patient outcomes, including reduced hospital stays and readmissions, after implementing an optimized recovery pathway for complex spine surgeries. The new approach also lowered complication rates and enabled patients to recover faster at home.
A pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial is using digital communication to target common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including age, language, and education level. Family physicians will receive tailored information to share with patients through email and text message, aiming to improve vaccine uptake.
A new study by Spinal Cord Injury Model System investigators found that remote wheelchair-skills training increases clinician confidence in teaching peers. The training program improved trainees' ability to navigate real-world spaces, empowering them to engage with their communities. This innovative approach has the potential to expand...
A telephone-delivered nursing care strategy combining heart failure care management with depression treatment improved patients' clinical outcomes. Patients receiving 'blended' collaborative care showed better mental health-related quality of life, including improved mood and reduced limitations in social activities.
A survey of 11,000 health care workers found significant racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, with Black workers experiencing a nearly 5-fold increase compared to white workers.
A Kaiser Permanente study found strong adherence to HIV-prevention drug therapy soon after prescription, but inconsistent use among vulnerable groups. The study suggests that targeted strategies are needed to support the effective use of PrEP in high-risk populations.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortions were safe and effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers examined data from patients who underwent telehealth abortion procedures and found that they had similar outcomes to in-person procedures.
Referral guidelines for nephrology care are shifting towards identifying patients at higher risk of kidney failure. A study using Veterans Health Administration data found that referring patients with a two-year risk of kidney failure above 1% would identify those at highest median risk.
A new study found that nearly one in five babies in Brazil were born 'small' and at increased risk of mortality. The researchers identified six 'small vulnerable newborn' phenotypes, which showed the highest mortality risk was 62 times greater than full-term babies.
A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.
A survey of mostly African American adults found that vaccine hesitancy was greatest among those aged 18-29, with COVID-related housing insecurity increasing the odds by sevenfold. Younger individuals and those experiencing housing insecurity were more likely to be resistant to vaccination.
The Telehealth Service Implementation Model (TSIM) offers a comprehensive approach to developing and sustaining successful telehealth programs. TSIM addresses key challenges such as provider and patient engagement, technical, financial, regulatory, and administrative burdens.
A new UBCO study determines that wearable technology and telehealth can tailor treatment plans for Parkinson's disease by identifying peak times of symptoms. The research found positive experiences and health outcomes for patients using wearable devices in combination with telehealth appointments.
Long-term kidney transplant survival rates in the US have increased significantly over the last three decades, with five-year survival rates for deceased and living donors rising from 66.2% and 79.5%, respectively, in 1996-1999 to 78.2% and 88.1% in 2012-2015.
A new strategy to improve viral suppression among people living with HIV in NYC has been awarded a 5-year, $3.3 million grant. The D2S intervention aims to bolster medication adherence by delivering client-level viral suppression status reports and targeted capacity-building.
A Korean population-based cohort study found that cancer, particularly multiple myeloma and leukemia, is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure. The study included approximately 825,000 patients with cancer compared to twice as many without cancer, matched on other characteristics.
A survey study found significant racial and ethnic differences in self-reported measures of health status, healthcare access, and affordability. The study analyzed data from 20 years, revealing persistent disparities across various racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that states have implemented new autism-specific Medicaid programs, with the most common type being the 1915(c) waiver authority, providing home and community-based services. The study suggests that further replication of successful efforts is needed to improve access to services for individuals on the autism spectrum.
More than 100 resolutions have been passed naming racism a public health crisis, with less than 1 in 5 explicitly mentioning funding for initiatives. The surge is linked to greater national attention brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements.
A research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delivering acute care at home for non-COVID patients freed up substantial inpatient capacity during the COVID-19 surge. The Home Hospital program provided care for 65 acutely ill patients, amounting to 419 bed-days, over a 3-month period.
A study of 7,400 emergency department physicians found that those who recently saw patients with a pulmonary embolism were 15% more likely to test subsequent patients for the condition. The 'availability heuristic' may influence physicians' care decisions.
Rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for assault increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Researchers attribute the rise to increased domestic violence due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Health Forum found that 83% of primary care patients and 92% of mental health clinic patients answered the question about their access to firearms. The study suggests that asking about firearm access could support suicide prevention by creating opportunities to discuss safety planning, includ...
A review by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that QI studies in Ireland enhanced multiple elements of healthcare quality, including effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and safety. The studies primarily focused on improving patient care and hospital operations.
A Dartmouth research team led by Glyn Elwyn is testing interactive educational approaches to boost vaccine confidence among unvaccinated long-term care workers. The study aims to measure vaccine confidence, knowledge, and trust in the COVID-19 vaccines.
A study examined the association between COVID-19 and prescription medication changes among nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada. The researchers found significant changes in medication prescribing patterns before and after the pandemic onset.
A new intervention program, First 1,000 Days, has been shown to decrease excess weight gain in infants. The program combines individualized health coaching for pregnant women with changes in clinical care, resulting in lower odds of being overweight at six months and one year.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
Recent Mayo Clinic research reveals a significant increase in opioid overdose-related emergency department visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opioid overdoses accounted for 1 in every 313 visits, up from 1 in every 400 visits in previous years.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that white patients receive higher annual doses of prescription pain medicine than Black patients, even when treated by the same health system and team of clinicians. The researchers suggest that systematic racial bias is a major contributor to these disparities.
Primary care physicians provide the largest share of services for vaccinations and majority of clinical visits for vaccination, making them well-positioned to administer COVID-19 vaccines. They can also answer vaccine questions and provide clinical guidance on interpreting results from COVID-19 testing and immunity determinations.
The article synthesizes lessons from primary care and behavioral health integration to inform organizing principles for advancing social care integration practices. This approach aims to improve the health of patients and communities by identifying and addressing their social and economic needs.
The study highlights three key themes in transitional care research: delineating function versus form of interventions, evaluating implementation processes, and engaging stakeholders. These findings aim to improve decision-making and patient-centered outcomes, despite challenges in comparing results between studies.
A phase 3 trial found that Lu-PSMA-617 significantly improved survival and progression-free survival of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment delivered beta radiation directly to tumour cells, keeping them alive for longer than standard care.
Researchers characterized clinical content of ambulatory care among office-based and telemedicine visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found significant changes in care delivery, with a shift towards telemedicine visits during the pandemic.
An international research team has mapped the current global landscape for musculoskeletal health and developed an action plan to address the growing global burden of disability. The blueprint prioritizes eight key areas, including community education, leadership, and research, to guide health systems reform and promote integrated care.
The UK HealthCare team has been awarded a prestigious CDC grant to optimize stroke prevention and care in Kentucky. The three-year grant will focus on implementing comprehensive stroke systems for those at high risk and stroke patients, with the goal of reducing mortality rates and addressing disparities.
A team-based model assists primary care physicians in managing specific health conditions through a care manager with advanced expertise. This helps patients process information, review treatment options, and receive needed support between physician visits.
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that continuity of nursing care improves patient outcomes for people with dementia. The research showed that increased continuity of care leads to a lower risk of rehospitalization, even after controlling for other clinical risk factors and the intensity of home health care.
A new special issue of The Gerontologist explores strategies to improve the long-term care workforce, including diverse approaches to care and flexible models. The collection aims to provide positive guidance for future research and policy, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.
Dr. Sarah Goff's study examines the effects of Medicaid ACOs on asthma outcomes for children, aiming to improve pediatric asthma care and address social determinants of health. The research may inform other states considering ACO models for their Medicaid programs.
A community health worker intervention has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions among patients discharged to short-term rehabilitation. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found a 32.3% reduction in readmissions for this population compared to those discharged home.
A global study found that nearly half a billion people with diabetes are not receiving comprehensive care, which can reduce health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and nerve damage. The study highlights major gaps in specific care, including low cholesterol-lowering medication use.
UVA Children's is part of a national network aiming to improve autism care by quickly applying the latest research and best practices. The network focuses on managing common symptoms like hyperactivity, irritability, and anxiety in children with autism.
A review of virtual reality training programs found that they can elicit empathetic behavior in medical radiation technologists, improving patient-centered care. The study suggests VR may be an effective tool for learning care recipients' perspectives and controlling biases in future research.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that seniors eligible for Medicaid have 60% more disabilities compared to those without Medicaid. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is associated with a 30% increase in post-ICU disabilities after adjusting for variables such as age and education.
A new benefit has been implemented, allowing eligible Veterans to receive urgent care from community providers. The study found that most Veterans who used the service lived within 30 minutes of a VA primary care site and had no copays for urgent care visits.