Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
A literature review by Loyola Medicine neurologist Antonio H. Iglesias highlights TMS efficacy in treating depression, OCD, and other neurological conditions, including stroke, acute migraines, and dementia. The treatment is well-tolerated with few side effects.
A new study highlights the potential need to standardize quality measurement for cardiovascular care. Hospitals recognized by the AHA and ACC for high-quality care were more likely to be financially penalized under value-based programs than other hospitals.
A study published in Circulation shows that declines in heart attacks are greatest among men, with a nearly 50% decrease between 2000 and 2014. While women also experienced a decline, their rate slowed in the last five years of the study.
A new PSU study found that decreasing out-of-network primary care across all Medicare ACOs could save the system $45 million a year. Higher specialty care leakage was associated with higher costs for ACOs, driven by outpatient care and emergency room visits.
A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.
Despite initial efforts to improve patient outcomes through integrated care, a recent study found that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) face significant challenges in integrating social services into their medical practices. The researchers identified limitations in data collection and partnership development as major obstacles.
A new score, the Cambridge Multimorbidity Score, outperforms the Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting healthcare outcomes for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. The score can help clinicians prioritize care and optimize health delivery to an aging population.
The Value Transformation Framework (VTF) provides a step-by-step guide for healthcare organizations to shift to value-based care, focusing on improving quality of care and outcomes. The framework addresses three domains: Infrastructure, Care Delivery, and People, with 15 Change Areas offering flexible steps toward improvement.
A new Dartmouth study found that pharmaceutical companies' promotional access to US primary care practices is substantial, especially in smaller practices and those without academic affiliation. The researchers also discovered a pattern of higher promotional activity in the Southern region of the country.
A recent study found that fewer than one-third of caregivers to older adults report being regularly asked by health care workers about needed support. Most caregivers reported positive interactions with health care workers, but the lack of regular check-ins highlights a need for improved caregiver support.
A guided self-help approach was safe and effective in reducing psychological distress and improving functioning among female South Sudanese refugee women living in Uganda. The intervention resulted in meaningful improvements in symptoms of depression, PTSD, and explosive anger, with benefits seen across different trauma histories and l...
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) in 2012 reduced infant mortality rates among Medicaid patients, particularly preterm births. The CCOs' integrated care model addressed social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, to improve patient outcomes.
The American College of Physicians releases a series of policy papers recommending systemic reforms to achieve better healthcare for all. The recommendations address coverage and cost of care, healthcare payment and delivery systems, barriers to care, and social determinants of health.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a new vision for a better US healthcare system, emphasizing universal coverage, reduced barriers to care, and value-based payment systems. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote patient-centered care.
A recent study surveyed 1,446 adults and found that just 6.4% consider the religious affiliation of hospitals they choose, while 71.4% said their care should not be curtailed by religious dogma. The research highlights conflicts in care for women who are often denied certain reproductive healthcare at Catholic hospitals.
A randomized controlled trial found that substitutive home hospital care reduced costs, decreased health care use, and 30-day readmissions compared to traditional hospital care. The study also showed improved physical activity among patients receiving home hospital care. This model could transform how acute care is delivered in the US.
Bystanders play a crucial role in saving cardiac arrest victims, with early emergency care by bystanders reducing the chance of survival by 7-10% per minute. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest and performing CPR, including using an automated external defibrillator (AED), can significantly increase survival rates.
Researchers used a dataset to model primary care networks and found that removing critical fractions of PCPs can lead to significant weakening of the network. This can result in inadequate coverage for patients, even when critical thresholds are not reached.
A machine learning model identified patients at risk of requiring kidney replacement therapy, leading to a significant improvement in dialysis initiation rates. The system calculates weekly risk scores and alerts clinicians to optimize treatment decisions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
A study found that delaying gallbladder removal for acute cholecystitis by more than three days after hospital admission increases the risk of complications, hospital readmissions, and longer hospital stays. Performing the operation within 24 hours of admission reduces these risks.
The Center for the Urban Child and Healthy Family at Boston Medical Center has been selected for a national demonstration project to develop innovative, person-centered strategies for adults and children with complex health and social needs. The program aims to improve health outcomes and foster health equity by integrating care services.
A new study estimates that about one-quarter of total US health care spending is waste, ranging from $76 billion to $94 billion. The authors found that the estimated annual cost of waste was $265.6 billion, with potential savings ranging from $191 billion to $282 billion
The National Institute on Aging announced winners of its Eureka competition, which aims to spur technological innovations in dementia care. MapHabit took first place with a mobile app helping people with dementia follow simple commands and receive feedback from caregivers.
A comprehensive review of connected diabetes care products found the potential for improved outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens. However, awareness and use of these programs remain low among healthcare professionals and patients.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that a named GP scheme did not lead to improved continuity of care or reduced emergency hospital admissions among older patients. Instead, it increased the risk of emergency hospital admissions, particularly among those aged over 75.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded six research grants to develop a learning health care system for the treatment of early psychosis. The grants aim to improve quality of care and patient outcomes while speeding advances in early psychosis services and science.
The Warriors Research Institute, a Baylor Scott & White center, has received a $500,000 grant to expand its telehealth program for Texas veterans and their families. The program offers high-quality, accessible mental health treatment via live video conferencing, with significant improvements in quality of life reported by participants.
Case management programs delivering high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary care plans yield positive results for adult frequent users with chronic diseases. The systematic review identified key characteristics of effective case management, including high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary team care.
Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.
Researchers found a 14.5% increase in appropriate use of preventive medicine and a 41% reduction in blood pressure among patients using SMARTHealth. The program, developed by the George Institute, empowers local women with training on blood sample collection and data analysis to provide cardiovascular care.
A hospital-only approach to deliveries could significantly reduce travel time for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries, with a potential increase of up to 45 minutes in average travel time. This shift would be feasible despite the challenges, as primary care facilities often fail to provide lifesaving care.
A new study comparing heart attack care in Sweden and the UK found that patients in Sweden had lower mortality rates for both STEMI and NSTEMI forms of heart attacks. The results suggest improved outcomes due to increased use of invasive treatments and recommended medications in Sweden.
A new supplement to Annals of Family Medicine highlights early findings from federally funded initiatives aimed at transforming medical practices and improving community health. Key findings include the importance of monitoring clinician burnout and leveraging technical assistance to expand access to urgent care.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that more than one in four US adults with diabetes were not diagnosed, while nearly one in three received inadequate care. Younger, female, and non-white adults were particularly affected by disparities in meeting treatment targets.
A Veterans Health Administration program significantly improved access to mental health and primary care services for veterans with behavioral health needs. The initiative resulted in 11% more mental health visits, 40% more primary care visits, and a 9% higher average annual cost per patient.
Sepsis survivors are at higher risk for major health problems and death due to persistent inflammation, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers found that nearly all patients with sepsis have increased inflammation during hospitalization, but this inflammation often persists long after discharge.
The new staffing model emphasizes three key interdependent roles: palliative care physician, resource nurse, and social worker. This approach aims to deliver an optimal, integrated palliative care program, and collaboration among team members is crucial for success.
A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.
A new study found that having an intensive care unit within the emergency department improved care and survival rates for all emergency department patients. The study, which examined Michigan Medicine's own EC3 unit, observed a decrease in mortality rates and ICU admissions among emergency department patients.
Researchers found that nearly 50% of chronic kidney disease patients had uncontrolled hypertension and 40% had uncontrolled diabetes between 2006-2014. Statin use was also low, averaging only 3% over the study period.
Researchers found that ACOs with a balance of primary care providers and specialists had lower annual spending per beneficiary. The study suggests policymakers consider adding medical specialists to ACO governance and creating better financial incentives for specialists.
A pain management protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid prescriptions after C-sections. The protocol involves a combination of long-acting opioids and non-narcotic medications to limit inpatient morphine use, resulting in shorter hospital stays and improved patient satisfaction.
A new case study from NYU School of Medicine provides a roadmap for academic medical centers to bridge the gap between clinical practice and public health. The report outlines four core approaches to improving health and reducing health inequities, including engaging community partners, transforming healthcare operations, and shaping p...
A new study found that delayed antibiotic delivery for sepsis patients is associated with lower ER triage scores, particularly among those assigned mid-range scores. This delay can result in longer door-to-antibiotic times of up to 32 minutes, impacting patient survival.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that community-based adherence clubs for HIV patients resulted in higher losses from care over two years compared to clinic-based care. Despite this, health outcomes were similar between the two groups.
The policy statement recommends optimizing stroke systems of care with standardized triage protocols, public education initiatives, and comprehensive post-stroke care. The goal is to maximize patient outcomes in acute stroke care, addressing disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
Research by UMass Amherst epidemiologist Elizabeth Evans identified factors affecting women vets' use of VA-provided health care, including poor connections, limited knowledge, and uncomfortable environments. The study aims to inform improvements to VA health care design and delivery to better serve women veterans.
A new clinical pathway at Christiana Care Health System's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute has shown better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for cancer patients. The SCOOP pathway, launched in 2016, improved patient experiences by reducing emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and readmissions.
A new measure of primary care evaluates vital functions through patient and clinician perspectives, reducing measurement burden. The Person-Centered Primary Care Measure assesses 11 domains, including accessibility, continuity, and goal-oriented care.
Research by George Mason University found that nurse care coordinators and individual care plans are crucial for improving healthcare quality and delivery in PCMH programs. Providers also emphasized the importance of trust and communication between providers and payers.
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 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 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 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.
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...
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.
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...