Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Two new ACP papers advocate for policy changes to improve healthcare access and inclusivity for people with disabilities. The papers offer recommendations to address health disparities, promote disability-inclusive medical education, and foster a supportive workplace environment.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Artificial intelligence can complement human expertise to improve radiology workflows and patient care. The JACR Focus Issue on AI in Workflow Optimization explores the integration of AI technology to enhance efficiency and deliver better care.
A study found that only 9% of older adults with advanced cancer prioritize extending survival over maintaining quality of life. The lack of responsiveness of the current oncology care delivery system to patient preference may be a significant issue. This highlights the need for care system changes to prioritize patient needs.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that young adults are more likely to consume healthcare through online apps, especially when no patient fees are charged. Women tend to have higher consultation rates than men, who experience a sharper decline in consultations once they turn 20.
The MOH–NUS Postgraduate Fellowship in Biomedical Ethics aims to equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and understanding of biomedical ethics, ethical analysis and reasoning. The first awardee, Ms Kwek Shi Qi, will conduct a research project to map barriers and drivers for nurses mediating ethical conflicts in frontline work.
A modelling study suggests that reduced international donor funding increases the household economic burden of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. The research found that decreased funding leads to a significant rise in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
A study found that refugee and immigrant children have lower rates of emergency department visits for minor illnesses compared to their Ontario-born peers. The researchers attribute this to the healthcare-navigation support they receive during early settlement.
Researchers found that sunscreens with the same SPF of 50 and active ingredients can range from $0.04 to $3.79 per application, highlighting huge variations depending on product price and skin exposure.
The study found that telemedicine patient visits were billed $400 less and resulted in fewer follow-up visits compared to in-person appointments. For respiratory symptoms, telemedicine appointments were cheaper by roughly $800 on average, highlighting its cost-efficiency.
A new study by UCSF found that most healthcare systems are neglecting to ask patients if they have access and skills to use digital tools, despite increasing online care demands. The lack of assessment is particularly concerning for uninsured patients, who often experience worse health outcomes.
A study found that Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws significantly reduced the supply of obstetricians and gynecologists, particularly older and newly trained doctors. This led to a decline in more than 2 obstetrician-gynecologists per 100,000 females aged 15–44 years.
Researchers have developed a definitive guide to safely navigating health information on AI-powered chatbots, addressing the risk of 'hallucinated' or factually incorrect advice. The Health Chatbot Users’ Guide focuses on harm reduction and maximises benefits to users, offering a pragmatic and neutral approach.
The Mayo Clinic Representative Office in the Cayman Islands will help patients make appointments at Mayo Clinic locations worldwide. The staff also assist with travel arrangements, billing, and insurance coordination, providing free services to patients and their families.
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
Despite efforts by the government to increase GP numbers, England is facing a severe doctor drought, with patient demand far outstripping GP capacity. The British Medical Association and Royal College of GPs warn of a 'troubling picture' of general practice under growing strain.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
Research by University of Pittsburgh surgeon-scientists reveals that EMS clinicians who treat a high number of trauma patients have improved survival rates. The study found a 10% decrease in mortality for every five additional trauma patients treated annually, with no association between years on the job and patient outcomes.
A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.
A new Cochrane review found that nurse-led hospital care matches doctor-led care for safety and effectiveness, but may achieve better outcomes in some areas. Nurse substitution is not a one-size-fits-all approach, requiring the right training and support to work well.
The 4th annual symposium of Project CHANGE will focus on addressing Japan's future healthcare workforce shortage, particularly the nursing shortage, through collaboration with engineering. The event will feature a keynote speech by Prof. Sei-Kwang Hahn and presentations on nursing engineering.
A one- and three-month antibiotic treatment regimens both had few adverse reactions and high rates of completion in preventing active tuberculosis, says a new study published in PLOS Medicine. The regimens were deemed successful and neither proved superior to the other.
A new guideline published in CMAJ advises hospitals to implement 21 recommendations to increase environmental sustainability in operating rooms. The guidelines include reducing energy use, using reusable devices, developing recycling programs, and rethinking disposal of unused supplies.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Five Ochsner Health hospitals have been named among Newsweek's America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2026, exceling in clinical excellence, patient experience, and innovation. These hospitals were recognized from over 6,000 nationwide for their dedication to providing excellent care.
A new study finds that the 2010 WHO Code initially reduced physician migration from World Health Organization-designated shortage countries, but did not improve their physician supply. The code showed promise in reducing physician emigration by approximately 2,600 fewer physicians each year, but its effects diminished over time.
The new guidelines outline standardized infrastructure planning, workforce development, technology integration, and emergency preparedness measures to standardize critical care across hospitals in China. The initiative aims to reduce disparities in care and ensure evidence-based treatment nationwide.
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has committed to updating its robust information resources for cancer patients and caregivers annually, available in both English and Spanish. The updated resources will provide factual, trustworthy information to guide patients and caregivers towards their best possible outcome.
Despite improvements in UK air ambulance service availability since 2009, regional gaps remain. The provision of advanced interventions like blood transfusion varies, while 24/7 doctor-based teams are not consistently available across the UK.
A study analyzing 3225 trauma patients in South East England found that air ambulance pre-hospital care significantly improved survival rates, with 2125 patients exceeding 30-day survival. Those most likely to benefit were severely injured patients with moderate probability of survival, who unexpectedly survived for 30 days.
A new study by OHSU-led researchers found that nearly one-third of physicians enrolled in Medicaid don't actually care for a single patient covered by Medicaid insurance. This 'ghost' phenomenon hinders access to healthcare, leading to delayed or foregone care and ultimately increasing costs.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
A new questionnaire-based scale assesses nursing practices supporting fertility preservation decisions in women with cancer. The study highlights three essential dimensions of nursing practice: professional decision-support, communication facilitation, and system-based collaboration.
A team of researchers at Lancaster University has created a digital platform called 'Pace Me' to help people with Long COVID manage their energy levels. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the intervention was safe and well-received, but did not outperform standard care in reducing symptoms.
A retrospective analysis of 94 adult patients who underwent PEEK cranioplasty found that surface architecture may influence postoperative healing, with smooth implants associated with higher rates of wound complications and infections. Perforated implants showed lower rates of major fluid collections, especially in trauma patients.
A recent study highlights the dangers of a compartmentalized medical system and proposes three essential reforms to promote inclusive care. Patients with multiple conditions face difficulties in accessing care due to fragmented services, while interdisciplinary care ultimately leads to positive outcomes.
A new treatment combining cognitive and occupational therapy is being tested to improve stroke recovery, especially for rural patients. The 'cognition-first' approach tackles cognitive difficulties before physical rehabilitation, addressing a significant gap in existing treatments.
The Ann Arbor Guide provides two algorithms for triaging adults with suspected UTIs, one for non-pregnant women and the other for men. It also emphasizes the importance of accurate testing and treatment to prevent overuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to estimate blood oxygen levels in heart failure patients using standard cardiac MRI. This breakthrough could spare thousands from undergoing risky tube procedures, allowing for safer and more frequent monitoring.
A UC San Diego study found that older women with a history of depression and anxiety had a 78% higher risk of developing long COVID. The researchers analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and hope to inform preventative measures for public health officials and policymakers.
A new study found that nudging both patients and providers with reminders increased flu vaccine numbers by almost 3,000 more people than expected. The researchers believe this could lead to strategies to boost annual flu vaccination rates.
In Ontario, primary care home visits for adults aged 65 years and older decreased by nearly 30% after a 2019 policy change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonpalliative visits declined more than palliative ones, which showed growth after 2020.
The W8Buddy study, a major real-world evaluation of digitally delivered specialist weight management pathways, is recruiting 450 participants from 4 Specialist Weight Management Services across England and Wales. The study aims to assess the long-term health benefits and economic impact of digital tools for obesity care.
Smartwatches with PPG and ECG functionality improve atrial fibrillation detection, detecting it four times more often than standard care. Researchers detected heart arrhythmia in 21 patients using smartwatches compared to five in those receiving standard care after six months of monitoring.
A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
The US saw a decline in nursing home capacity between 2019 and 2024, with rural areas experiencing the greatest declines. The decline was linked to longer hospital stays and increased distance between patients' homes and available nursing facilities.
A recent University of Michigan study analyzed over 60 million Medicare participants and found that total visits remained stable or declined slightly through June 2024. Despite widespread adoption of telehealth, overall healthcare visits stayed steady or decreased, contradicting predictions of increased utilization.
A machine learning model has identified the most important drivers of cancer survival in nearly all countries, highlighting factors such as national wealth, access to radiotherapy and universal health coverage. The model provides data-driven roadmaps for policymakers to prioritize resources and close survival gaps.
Dr. Timothy Riddell has been appointed as the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of Ochsner Health, with a focus on guiding the system's long-term goals for sustainability and success. He brings 28 years of experience within the Ochsner group practice to his new role.
ACCESS-AD aims to address Alzheimer's disease challenges with a coordinated framework for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. The project combines advanced neuroimaging with digital biomarkers to support early patient identification and personalized treatment pathways.
A new study by the University of Stirling has found that introducing parkwalkers to parkrun events has led to a surge in walker participation. The initiative has increased the proportion of new female participants and reversed a decline in the average age of new attendees.
Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.
A new study from Brown University researchers reveals that private equity firms have acquired over 500 autism therapy centers across the US, with a focus on states with high rates of autism diagnoses. The findings raise concerns about the potential impact on access to treatment and the quality of care for families seeking services.
A study found that many Norwegian mothers do not attend postnatal check-ups, with women citing a lack of information about the service and fear of discussing sensitive topics. The study suggests that providing clear information and supporting women in discussing their birth experiences could improve attendance rates.
A new University of Oxford-led study found that exposure to non-optimal temperatures accounts for 3.0% of recorded healthcare costs in England, equivalent to £3 billion annually. Cold days drive cumulative demand surges, while very hot days cause sharp same-day spikes in services.
A population-based surveillance study found both maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab effective in protecting infants from RSV hospitalizations. The studies results show that these products reduced RSV-associated hospitalization rates in newborns and infants under 11 months by up to half compared to previous seasons.
A study found that switching to electronic medical records at HIV clinics in Malawi led to a 28% reduction in deaths after five years, with the greatest impact on children. The introduction of EMR systems prevented approximately 5,050 AIDS deaths and improved healthcare efficiency.