Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Researchers discovered a single genetic mutation responsible for 20% of severe congenital heart disease cases accompanied by neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used genomic sequencing to analyze 1,213 children with congenital heart disease and identified a subset of genes that act as conductors in organ formation.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that adults with type 2 diabetes are often tested more frequently than needed, resulting in unnecessary costs and time burden. The researchers found that excessive testing increases the odds of overtreatment with hypoglycemic drugs.
Two studies found that higher cesarean delivery rates were not correlated with maternal or neonatal mortality, but rather inversely correlated with certain health problems in childhood. The researchers suggest that the optimal level of cesarean delivery may be higher than previously recommended.
A new study from NYU Langone found that reducing post-surgery care referrals to facilities did not increase readmission rates, while improving patient recovery and reducing costs. The hospital implemented a program to discharge more patients home for recovery, with significant drops in facility referrals.
A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has released a report outlining current and future challenges to the specialty of nephrology. Key findings include the increasing fragmentation of kidney care, uneven distribution of nephrologists across the US, and declining interest among residents choosing nephrology fellowships.
A team-based, coordinated specialty care approach produces better clinical and functional outcomes than typical community care for people with first episode psychosis. Treatment is most effective when provided soon after psychotic symptoms begin.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a position paper supporting the use of telemedicine in sleep medicine practices. The paper outlines recommendations for integrating telemedicine into practice, including clinical care standards and quality assurance processes. Fair reimbursement for telemedicine services is also supp...
A UTMB study found that older diabetic patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners had lower rates of preventable hospitalization than those with physician care in nonmetropolitan areas. Nurse practitioner care was shown to be comparable to that of physicians in terms of quality and clinical outcomes.
A study found that cardiac patients receiving care from physicians and advanced practice providers have comparable quality of care, despite low compliance with performance measures. Advanced practice providers showed higher rates of screening for smoking and referral to cardiac rehabilitation.
A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that 76% of patients accepted online postoperative care as the only form of follow-up, while 68% reported equal effectiveness between online and in-person visits. The researchers believe designing tools for online care is key to determining when in-person care is needed.
A study based on over 10 million patients found that family health teams led to improved diabetes monitoring and screening rates. Patients in these teams were more likely to receive recommended testing and screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
A new study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that patients in Ontario who received primary care from a family health team had improved diabetes care, including increased monitoring and management. However, the impact on cancer screening was mixed, with some areas showing improvement while others did not.
Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
A study of extremely preterm infants found changes in maternal and infant care practices resulting in improved survival rates. Survival without major health problems increased significantly for infants born at 25-28 weeks.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that privately insured pregnant women with 24-hour OB coverage and midwife care had lower C-section rates compared to those with traditional care. The study, which tracked data from 2011-2014, showed a significant decrease in C-sections among these patients.
Physicians are dissatisfied with EHRs, citing redundant information and poor utility. The study suggests redesigning EHR documentation tools to prioritize assessment and plan sections.
Studies find HIV-infected women receive inadequate prenatal care, resulting in low viral suppression rates at delivery. Women connected to care soon after delivery are more likely to remain in care and achieve viral suppression.
A new study by Dr. Steven Narod finds that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are twice as likely to die from breast cancer compared to the general US population. The study also reveals that black women and those under 35 have a higher risk of mortality.
A new Medicaid health care program in Texas has improved care for disabled adults with chronic conditions like heart attacks and COPD. The program's managed care component led to better adherence to recommended standards of care during acute events, such as heart attacks and worsening of COPD.
The Medicare and Medicaid programs are critical components of the US healthcare system, serving over 111 million people. They face significant challenges in adapting to a changing healthcare landscape while navigating conflicting priorities from beneficiaries, practitioners, and policymakers.
Researchers found that hospital staff perception of door-to-needle time did not match actual performance. Middle and low-performing hospitals often overestimated their ability to quickly administer anti-clotting medication.
A recent study found that over two-thirds of adolescent and young adult cancer patients utilize aggressive interventions in the last month of life, including intensive care and chemotherapy. The researchers suggest a need for further research into supporting these patients to make informed end-of-life choices.
A recent article by Michael K. Gusmano and Frank J. Thompson examines the success of Medicaid's Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Initiatives (DSRIP), finding mixed evidence on its effectiveness. The authors conclude that while DSRIP has potential, its effectiveness is still unclear.
A statewide collaborative initiative in South Carolina reduced avoidable hospital readmissions by improving healthcare transitions after discharge. The Preventing Avoidable Readmissions Together (PART) initiative engaged over 90% of the state's acute care hospitals, leading to a promising model for care transitions strategies.
SAGE has strengthened its medical portfolio by partnering with SingHealth to publish the journal Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. The journal, which publishes quality research on all aspects of healthcare and biomedical sciences, will benefit from SAGE's publishing expertise and global reach.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the US, with elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking contributing to half of heart disease deaths. Despite decades of progress, reducing these modifiable risk factors has not led to significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality.
A new study examines the impact of remoteness on health care access in rural Liberia, highlighting strategies to close disparities. Strategies include shifting care to lowest level providers and training community health workers.
A new study reveals wide geographic variation in use of clotbuster treatment for stroke, with some regions providing treatment to nearly all patients and others giving none. This disparity can lead to unnecessary disability and higher costs for stroke survivors.
The Independence at Home Medicare demonstration program saved over $25 million in the first year by improving geriatric care and reducing hospital readmissions. The program, which provides home-based medical care through house calls, resulted in improved patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Research found that individual state stroke legislation plays a crucial role in certifying primary stroke centers and increasing the availability of prompt stroke care. State action, including implementing policies for emergency medical services, has led to a significant increase in certified hospitals nationwide.
Community health workers are expected to play a vital role in healthcare delivery due to the increasing need for CHWs nationwide. A new perspective piece offers guidance on how to maximize effectiveness, including integrating CHWs with formal healthcare providers and addressing upstream issues.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that clinicians are hesitant to prescribe naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, due to concerns about its effects and potential risks. Despite its promise as a tool to prevent deaths, logistical challenges and clinician reluctance hinder widespread adoption.
NYU Langone Medical Center has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to help primary care practices use the latest evidence to improve heart health. The grant, part of the EvidenceNOW Initiative, aims to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and study effective practice improvement strategies.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
A pilot study using the PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program registry shows that high-quality outpatient cardiovascular care can be achieved in resource-limited environments like India. The registry collected data from 68,196 patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, highlighting areas for imp...
The American College of Physicians recommends screening for five common cancers: breast, colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and cervical. High-intensity screening may do more harm than good due to over-diagnosis and overtreatment. ACP advises focusing on tests that improve health and avoid harms.
Researchers at UT Dallas developed a predictive analytics model to identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk. The study found that health IT systems can reduce readmissions, with hospitals implementing cardiology and administrative information systems exhibiting lower readmission rates.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
A new study reveals that the perception of quality care for the dying in the US has worsened over the last decade, with loved ones reporting a decrease in satisfaction. Despite efforts to improve end-of-life care, significant gaps remain between patient and provider preferences.
The BMJ urges the next Health Secretary to prioritize sustainable funding, collaboration, and transparent governance to secure the NHS's future. The service is stretched close to breaking point due to flat-line funding, aging population demands, and social care cuts.
Research finds patients who arrived by ambulance took an average of 26 minutes compared to 38 minutes for those driving themselves. Paramedics can activate care more quickly than patients seeking care on their own, highlighting the importance of trusting EMS providers.
A study of over 1,300 women service members and veterans found that fewer than a third sought post-assault health care, despite growing awareness and efforts to deter sexual crimes. Researchers identified embarrassment, confidentiality concerns, and adverse career impacts as key factors preventing servicewomen from seeking care.
A study of over 6,600 veterans found that using both VA care and a Medicare Advantage plan did not have any negative impact on quality of care, but raised concerns about duplicate federal spending. The researchers also noted that many veterans relied more heavily on VA care than Medicare Advantage visits.
A new study by Imperial College London found that alternative providers of primary care in the NHS performed worse than traditional GP practices on 15 out of 17 indicators. The study highlights the need for careful evaluation of the private sector's role in delivering NHS services.
RAVE empowers clinicians to write personalized decision support rules based on their experience with patients, enhancing patient care and safety. The tool's checks and balances ensure that rules meet specified criteria and are only accessible to the intended users.
A new interoperability challenge has been discovered in health information exchange, highlighting the need for standardized facility identification. Researchers propose a rough draft system to capture, store, and manage information about facilities at all levels of the health system.
The new guidelines emphasize regular growth monitoring, structured behavioural programs, and parent involvement in addressing childhood obesity. These measures aim to promote healthy growth patterns and lifestyle changes among children and youth.
A study analyzing salaries of registered nurses in the US from 1988 to 2013 found that male RNs consistently outearned their female counterparts across settings, specialties, and positions. The pay gap remained unchanged over time, with an estimated $5,148 difference in adjusted earnings.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
A new study published in Medical Care found that specific health system factors, including prescriptions with a 90-day supply and lower copayments, nearly doubled the likelihood of patients adhering to prescribed heart and diabetes medications. The study examined nearly 130,000 Kaiser Permanente members with diabetes and aged 65 or older.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits among Medicare patients treated by patient-centered medical homes, with outpatient ED visits growing more slowly. However, there was no effect on rates of inpatient hospitalization, which is significantly more expensive.
Researchers predict a shortage of over 33,000 primary care physicians by 2035 due to demographic changes and insurance expansion. To eliminate this deficit, experts suggest increasing residency production by nearly 2,200 positions by 2020.
The American Society of Hematology proposes a new role for hematologists in a rapidly changing US healthcare system. The 'systems-based' clinical hematologist model offers a sustainable approach to recruit and retain talent in the field.
A new study by Penn Medicine researchers found that even with optimal conditions, a large proportion of the US population would be unable to access a comprehensive stroke center within 60 minutes. The study suggests that population-based planning is crucial to develop systems of care given finite resources.
A new collaborative care model for ICU survivors decreases serious illness likelihood after discharge and improves quality of life, reducing post-ICU syndrome symptoms. The Critical Care Recovery Center provides patient-centered care to address functional impairments and disorders.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Australia's mental health care system is multi-tiered rather than universal, with those living in disadvantaged areas receiving fewer services and from less highly trained providers. The research highlights a disparity in access to psychiatric and clinical psychologis...
A recent study published in the IBD Journal found significant racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with Crohn's disease. Black children had a 1.5 times higher frequency of hospital readmissions due to Crohn's disease compared to white children.
OU College of Engineering professors will develop resilience metrics for buildings and infrastructure, and analyze the impact of climate change on natural hazard modeling. The center aims to create science-based tools and guidelines for communities to assess their resilience and minimize post-disaster disruption.