Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 new University of Ottawa study highlights the positive impact of a hybrid approach combining virtual and in-person care, improving access to primary care in rural regions. The hybrid model has been found to be effective in recruiting providers in underserved areas and providing equitable care access for patients.
A University of Arizona study found that most people who fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) are confused by its instructions, leading to inaccurate data. The study highlights a problematic phrasing in the questionnaire's instructions, which asks patients to indicate the frequency with which they've been bothered by symptoms.
Researchers have launched a new multimodal medical dataset, Observer, capturing anonymized, real-time interactions between patients and clinicians. The dataset links video, audio, transcripts, and electronic health records to study subtleties like body language and environmental factors affecting care.
Researchers at UT Health Sciences Center have developed an AI-enhanced platform called ENRICH, which leverages advanced analytics with community-based human support to reduce treatment interruptions and improve cancer outcomes. The program identifies patients at highest risk for interruption and deploys targeted support resources.
A three-year study by the University of Plymouth is investigating why fewer overseas-trained doctors become GPs and consultants in the NHS. The project seeks solutions at individual, trust, and national levels to support international medical graduates' career progression.
The study demonstrates a significant association between the overall asynchrony index (OAI) and patient outcomes in COVID-19-associated severe pneumonia. Patients with a high asynchrony burden had significantly higher intensive care unit mortality and fewer ventilator-free days, highlighting the importance of PVA monitoring.
Cliff Megerian, MD, FACS, received the Sam Miller Goodness Award for his compassionate care, world-class research and relentless commitment to kindness. The Values-in-Action Foundation recognized UH's dedication to making Northeast Ohio a better place.
The Asia Pacific Regional Audit highlights key trends, gaps, and opportunities in 22 countries and regions. The audit reveals a steep rise in fracture rates due to poor bone health and an ageing population, with China, Malaysia, and Australia experiencing significant increases.
A UBCO study found that resilience is shaped by supportive communities, not individual traits. Community-based strategies and place-based interventions are crucial for effective suicide prevention.
A multicenter study found that higher-intensity rehabilitation in the ICU is linked to faster recovery and lower risk of delayed recovery for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Purposeful mobilization preserves muscle strength and function, supporting faster return to independence.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
The study found that escalation area care is widespread and routine, compromising patient safety and generating substandard experiences. The highest proportion of patients were treated in waiting rooms and corridors, with children and mental health patients also being cared for in these spaces.
The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A study assessing the commercial roll-out of gene therapies for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia reveals operational differences between two treatments. The median time to complete treatment was around 9-10 months, with most patients requiring only one cell collection procedure.
A multidisciplinary project resulted in a significant rise in iron deficiency screening and treatment for pregnant patients. The project standardized ferritin testing and prescribed oral or IV iron supplements to address low ferritin levels, leading to improved median hemoglobin levels among those who received IV infusions.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that its data-driven command center increased hospital bed use efficiency by 63%, reducing emergency department boarding time by 33% and patient transfers by 13%. The initiative also streamlined discharge processes, resulting in a 12% drop in waiting times for patients ready to leave the hospital.
A new series of case studies by The Lancet highlights the social and cultural forces contributing to global health inequities. Medical anthropologist Carlos Martinez's study focuses on asylum seekers' access to healthcare, citing the need for clinicians to partner with community-based organizations to overcome challenges.
Renuka Iyer, a leading oncologist with extensive experience in cancer care and research, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. She will oversee the development of evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and treatment.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...
In-flight cardiac arrest is a rare yet catastrophic event that claims up to 86% of air fatalities. Implementing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on board could significantly boost survival rates from 6% to up to 70%. The authors recommend standardized CPR protocols training, telemedicine integration, and mandatory AED placement.
The study found that children with at least one complex chronic condition now account for more than two-fifths of pediatric bed days and nearly three-fifths of hospital charges. The concentration of these children in urban teaching hospitals has real implications for where care happens, who delivers it, and how it is paid for.
Research found a 42% increase in respiratory virtual visits among those living near burn zones, while cardiovascular virtual visits rose by 44%. In-person outpatient visits also increased substantially.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology highlights the transformation of lung cancer from a feared and stigmatized disease to one that is increasingly understood as chronic and treatable. Advances in screening, therapeutics, and survivorship have improved outcomes for patients.
The 9th IOF Asia-Pacific Bone Health Conference will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and shape the future of bone health across the region. The conference will feature keynote lectures, sponsored sessions, and a launch of the IOF Asia-Pacific Regional Audit 2025.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that streamlined surgical preference cards can significantly reduce hospital waste and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing thousands of surgeries, they identified unnecessary items and optimized lists to save up to $3 million over five months.
A national survey by SFU researchers found that Canadians with Long COVID identify virtual healthcare services as crucial to their care, citing benefits like reduced risk of infections and travel time. The study aims to produce a national guidebook providing recommendations on improving virtual care access for people with Long COVID.
The study found that federal loan restrictions will place substantial financial barriers on aspiring physicians, potentially reducing workforce diversity and worsening existing physician shortages. The researchers urge policymakers and medical schools to consider targeted solutions like loan forgiveness or tuition reduction programs.
A new study reveals that social determinants of health have a significant impact on rural–urban differences in colorectal cancer mortality rates. The research found that low socioeconomic status, household characteristics, and racial/ethnic minority status were key drivers of these disparities.
Researchers developed a revolutionary AI platform to assess the fairness and accuracy of commercial algorithms in detecting diabetic eye disease. The platform was tested on 1.2 million images from diverse ethnic groups, achieving high accuracy rates compared to human grading.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that combining generative AI with ambient documentation technologies significantly reduced after-hours work and note delays. The hybrid program, which included a virtual scribe, showed a 41% decrease in after-hours work and a 66% decline in documentation delays.
An emerging AI-powered system, coordn8, has tripled the speed of fax processing and cut a full week off the new patient intake process. The system automates the intake and filing of faxed documents into electronic health records and allows patients to digitally give their consent.
A UCSF study found that a combination of outreach methods, including texts and live phone calls, significantly improves follow-up care for hard-to-reach patients. The integrated approach increased engagement among African American patients to 76.4% and improved overall reach rate by 3.5%, supporting their recovery and treatment outcomes.
Linda Bulone, a Queens Cancer Center Oncology nurse, received the 2025 Alliance Clinical Research Professionals Research Integrity Service Excellence (CRP RISE) Award. She has significantly increased clinical trial participation, expanded early screening efforts, and supported reductions in late-stage diagnoses.
Lung cancer screening has the potential to prevent 3 times more deaths and gain 3 times more life-years than current levels. Increasing awareness and accessibility of lung cancer screening could lead to wider adoption.
Research published in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals that US cities' indoor vaccine mandates did not significantly increase vaccination rates or reduce COVID-19-related outcomes. The findings challenge assumptions about the effectiveness of local public health interventions.
Research suggests that health apps, wearables, and interactive programs can improve physical activity, diet, and weight outcomes for children and teens. Mobile apps had the greatest impact on diet and weight outcomes, while wearables were most effective for reducing sedentary time.
A qualitative study found that physician responses to patient expectations contribute to pay gaps among Canadian physicians, particularly women, racialized, and immigrant physicians. Researchers suggest adjusting compensation models for extra time required for certain care types and examining fee schedules for underpaid services.
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center has received a top hospital safety grade of 'A' from the Leapfrog Group, demonstrating its commitment to zero harm and quality care. The hospital's Zero Harm initiatives have reduced infections, improved outcomes, and enhanced patient safety.
A new study ranks 38 OECD countries on their progress toward global health goals, finding that some of the world's wealthiest nations lag behind smaller economies. Nations with well-integrated public health systems and preventative care achieve better outcomes for every pound spent.
Researchers identified a 'sweet spot' in clinical decision-making, where presenting two or more appropriate treatment options increases the odds of physicians selecting a high-quality alternative. The study challenges the widely cited status-quo bias theory and suggests that more options can lead to better care decisions.
Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital earned a Fall 2025 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing their rigorous commitment to patient safety. This is the first time Keck Medicine has received two 'A's simultaneously.