Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that insured patients with cancer had better survival rates, especially among Black and Latino patients. The researchers analyzed data from the California Cancer Registry and found lower mortality rates among Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California.
A retrospective study found that most COVID-19 patients in a home-based hospital care program did not require care escalation to traditional hospitals. The study suggests that physician hesitation may play a role in deciding which patients are enrolled in such programs.
The new report presents a roadmap to achieving equity, inclusion, and belonging among cardiovascular professionals, calling for continual assessment of professional culture and climate. It also proposes continuous trainings to address individual, structural, and systemic racism and sexism.
The American Geriatrics Society has welcomed 15 new fellows who demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing high-quality, person-centered care for older adults. The new fellows have made significant contributions to education, clinical care, and research in the field of geriatrics.
A new study has identified 16 quality measures for end-of-life care in children with cancer, covering topics such as avoiding medically intensive care and assessing sibling needs. The measures aim to standardize care and identify disparities in quality of care received by different groups of children.
A study found that social factors like household income, language, and insurance did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth for their children's cardiac care during the pandemic. The study suggests telehealth is a feasible option for families, with higher acceptance rates among patients with certain diagnoses or Hispanic ethnicity.
Dr. Lindsay Hampson, a UCSF researcher, has received the AGS' Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for her work on improving patient-centered decision-making for older adults with urologic conditions. Her study found that multimorbidity, frailty, and mortality risk are common among older men with stress urinary incontinence.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors all members with the 2021 ARRS Gold Medal for their selfless service on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recognizes their distinguished contributions to radiology and its impact on patient care.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. Even inconsistent exercise provided some protection against poor outcomes.
Research highlights pharmacists contribute meaningfully to primary health care through comprehensive medication management services. Pharmacists support and align with foundational elements of primary care, improving patient care and advancing the mission of primary care.
Dr. Atai, a skilled clinician and medical administrator, has been recognized by the American Geriatrics Society for her exceptional work in teaching geriatrics trainees and providing high-quality patient care. Her empathetic listening skills and compassionate bedside manner have earned her the respect of her colleagues and patients.
Dr. Helen Fernandez will receive the 2021 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for her commitment to building the geriatrics health workforce and improving care of older adults through innovative education programs and pathways.
A recent update from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine highlights the benefits of telemedicine in providing safe and effective sleep care. The use of telemedicine has improved adherence to CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea patients, while cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia shows similar results to in-person treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
The REMi system, featuring innovative sensor tech developed by RMIT University, has been launched to deliver real-time and non-invasive resident monitoring and alerts. It enables the aged care workforce to non-intrusively monitor residents during the night and receive alerts at critical moments.
A study conducted in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa among 162 people living with HIV found that home delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly increased viral suppression compared to clinic care. The paid home delivery model improved health outcomes, particularly for men who struggle with clinic-based services.
Youth Medicaid enrollment in managed care increased from 65% in 2000 to 94% in 2017, but preventive care coverage fell short of the 80% goal. The study found significant increases in preventive care services in 17 states and decreases in six states, with Tennessee seeing the largest increase and North Carolina the largest decrease.
A new Geisel-led study found substantial regional variation in the intensity of fracture-associated drug (FAD) use among long-term care facility residents, with areas experiencing higher FAD use having higher hip fracture rates. The study analyzed Medicare data and prescription records, revealing a 12% difference in FAD prescribing ran...
A new study by RAND Corporation found that low-value healthcare spending among Medicare recipients decreased marginally from 2014 to 2018, but three services - opioid prescriptions for back pain, preoperative laboratory testing, and antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections - accounted for two-thirds of the wasteful care. The fin...
A new commission report calls for eye care to be included in mainstream health services and development policies to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 SDGs. Improving eye health can have immediate benefits for individuals and nations, including economic gains of $AUD 530 billion a year.
A virtual post-sepsis recovery program developed by Atrium Health has shown promise in helping sepsis survivors and those who have recovered from COVID-19. The program, known as STAR, uses low-tech telehealth methods to provide best-practice care for high-risk patients.
A Kaiser Permanente study found racial and ethnic disparities in the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19, with Latino patients nearly 4 times as likely to become infected as white patients. The study also found that Black patients were 2 times as likely to get COVID-19 as white patients.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that satisfied customers mean increased profits for public utilities, despite lack of competition. This is achieved through lower operating costs and increased trust from customers. The findings suggest that regulators should view investments in customer satisfaction as recoverable costs.
Research examines the role of transforming cardiovascular care in rural clinics, optimizing emergency room use, and successful adoption of virtual care. Studies show that hybrid models can provide more than 30% virtual care after COVID-19 restrictions lift, while also reducing unnecessary ER visits by 55.7%.
A retrospective analysis of cesarean deliveries found using a wound infusion pump with enhanced recovery efforts reduced opioid use by more than 80%. A third of patients never took narcotic pain pills after the procedure.
A researcher at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is studying the impact of a poverty-focused model on health outcomes for low-income individuals. The Transition to Success model aims to address social determinants of health, reducing healthcare use and improving conditions.
A new study by George Mason University found that healthcare professionals with a greater ability to respond to change experienced lower rates of burnout when their work environments offered strong communication, teamwork, and leadership support. The study also found that practices with higher organizational capacity for change had low...
A survey of adults with kidney failure reveals that most own mobile devices and have intermediate or advanced mobile health proficiency. The main reasons for using mobile health include making appointments, communicating with healthcare personnel, and obtaining laboratory results.
Kaiser Permanente has found that patients are more receptive to using mental health and wellness apps when referred by a clinician. Digital therapeutics such as mental health apps can offer significant help for patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep.
New study assesses association between clinical and financial integration, finding that financial integration has few positive effects on patient outcomes. Clinical integration, however, is associated with greater use of quality-focused care delivery processes and less spending.
A study found that telemedicine adoption in emergency rooms significantly shortened average length of stay and wait time. This is achieved through efficient information exchange, flexible resource allocation, and improved specialist consultations.
Researchers at UIC are studying the burden of tobacco use and developing a smoking cessation program for high-risk populations. The project, Mi Quit CARE, uses patient portals like MyChart to deliver interventions and aims to increase quit rates among low-income communities.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a new ALS guideline establishing a patient-focused approach to manage the disease. The guideline provides recommendations on communication, disease-modifying therapies, multidisciplinary care, and caregiver support.
Researchers analyzed 16.7 million people's telemedicine and in-person visits during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to understand changes in outpatient care delivery. The study found that telemedicine compensated for declining volumes and geographic variation, suggesting a new model for healthcare delivery.
A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for policies and approaches to overcome barriers in integrating family caregivers into healthcare teams. The report suggests investing in programs that provide supportive services for family caregivers and expanding access to care coordinators to facilitate effective communication and inform...
Treating opioid addiction with buprenorphine in primary care can be financially sustainable, according to a microsimulation model. Physician-led treatment and shared medical visits with nurse care managers yield the greatest net revenue gains.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that postpartum care visits often fall short, with women receiving only 91.1% of recommended blood pressure screenings and just 8.7% depression screenings. The researchers analyzed data from over 20 million visits and identified room for improvement in the delivery of postpartum care.
Patient clinical data leverages reduce healthcare spending and utilization by reminding patients for preventive services, setting health goals, and improving quality improvement. Practices with targeted outreach and population health monitoring also see lower Medicare spending and utilization
Research finds that buprenorphine therapy in primary care can be financially sustainable, with rural practices and physician-led treatment generating the most revenue. Effective hearing loss screening also shows promise, with increased referral rates to audiology specialists leading to improved health outcomes.
Despite COVID-19, Nemours Children's Health System increased patient immunizations by 4.6% through a hybrid approach combining in-person and telemedicine, with over 36,000 primary care telemedicine visits and nearly 10,000 'tele-well' visits.
A RAND Corporation study finds that health systems need better mechanisms for creating and disseminating best practices to leverage technology effectively. The study suggests that payment reform may not be sufficient to drive change and that significant investments in hardware and software are needed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated adoption of innovative diabetes care models, including telehealth, to improve medical outcomes and patient experience. Despite challenges such as lack of insurance coverage and workforce shortages, these models have the potential to transform diabetes care for millions worldwide.
A new US study found that hospital-based waterbirths have no higher risk of NICU admission compared to control group births. Waterbirth was also associated with reduced perineal lacerations and improved patient satisfaction.
A new online programme will improve and personalize care for people with dementia in care homes, which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme aims to support care staff and residents through peer networking and solution sharing.
A uOttawa-led research project aims to examine how primary care providers can offer better healthcare for people living with serious mental illness. The study will analyze the primary health care experience of this population group and identify ways to improve the system.
The study found that COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in telemedicine encounters and a decrease in office-based visits for primary care. The shift allowed for increased access to healthcare services while minimizing the risk of in-person transmission.
Historical racial & ethnic health inequities significantly contribute to the disproportionate COVID-19 impact, particularly among African American, Latinx, and Navajo Nation communities. Baseline inequalities in healthcare are exacerbated by the pandemic.
Researchers analyzed data to find that preventive measures like prenatal care and hospital births can significantly decrease the occurrence of fistulas. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address this significant public health issue in Uganda.
A 12-year study in Alabama found that rural counties with in-county obstetrical care had significantly better infant birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates and fewer underweight deliveries. The lack of access to obstetrical care was also associated with higher percentages of underrepresented minority residents.
This study analyzed CCM claims from 2015 to 2018, showing a significant increase in usage driven by primary care physicians. The majority of claims were billed under the original general CCM code, with newer codes accounting for a small portion.
A qualitative study found that telepsychiatric collaboration improved the ability of primary care physicians to serve patients with mental health needs. Rural clinics adopted telehealth methods, enabling all staff members to better diagnose and assess mental health issues.
Out-of-pocket and total visit expenditures for primary care physicians have shifted towards private insurance and Medicare, impacting access. The study suggests that continued trends may lead to increased difficulty in accessing primary care services, particularly for Medicaid patients.
A study found that rural counties with obstetrical care have better infant birth outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer underweight babies. Telehealth can also support collaborative mental health care in rural clinics, enabling primary care physicians to work proficiently with patients.
The virtual ACS Clinical Congress 2020 features hundreds of new research findings, contemporary topics in surgery, and a digital approach with live and on-demand sessions. Journalists can apply for press credentials to cover the event from remote locations.
Researchers used modest data and basic engineering AI to solve complex MRI appointment no-shows. The study found a 17.2% improvement in no-show rates after implementing phone call reminders for high-risk patients.
Patients with the highest obesity risk who received a tailored coaching program lost 5% of their body weight, compared to 0.5% in usual care group. The study demonstrates the importance of convenient and accessible interventions in overcoming barriers to weight loss.
A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.
A new palliative care model will be implemented in eight Indiana and eight Maryland nursing homes to enhance quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The UPLIFT-AD trial aims to build capacity for palliative care within facilities and provide external support.
Karen Giuliano, AACN Distinguished Research Lecturer, shares her journey from bedside care to challenging critical care and medical device innovation. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in developing person-centered, humanistic patient care.
A new study finds that abortion care churn, including clinic-level instability and chronic uncertainty, creates barriers for patients and compromises access to abortion care in Ohio. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider the multifaceted impacts of restrictions on abortion access.