Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A new study by researchers at ICES and St. Michael's Hospital found that women with one severe maternal mortality (SMM) condition were 20 times more likely to die than those without any SMM conditions, with risks increasing exponentially with the number of SMM conditions.
A new study found that health professionals are struggling to prepare and support children when a parent is dying due to lack of relevant skills and fear of causing distress. The researchers called for more guidance and training in this area, as well as patient records to flag up the presence of young children in the immediate family.
A recent study published by the American Society of Nephrology found a strong link between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia. Patients with acute kidney injury had a 7.0% vs. 2.3% chance of developing dementia, highlighting the potential long-term cognitive consequences of AKI.
Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.
A special issue by The Lancet warns that primary health care is underdeveloped and underfunded, with half the world's population lacking access to essential services. The Lancet calls for renewed leadership to revive primary health care, citing its importance in delivering better health for all.
A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 hospital stays found that women of color and those with pre-existing health conditions had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care for women around the time of delivery.
A new study published by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms. Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable.
Researchers identified key strategies to differentiate practices with improved performance for chronic disease patients, including fostering intrinsic motivation among providers and staff. These findings inform payers and primary care practices seeking evidence-based strategies to foster a stronger delivery system.
The study found that CPC+ practices primarily served wealthier areas, with lower median incomes and higher uninsured rates. In contrast, Medicare fee-for-service enrollees in areas without a CPC+ practice had significantly higher use of inpatient discharges.
A Mayo Clinic study found that enrollment in an opioid controlled substance agreement significantly reduces primary care visits, hospitalizations, and specialty visits among patients with chronic health conditions. The agreement also leads to increased radiology visits, but not emergency department services.
A new €10 million Parkinson's study will implement an integrated care model designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease across two health hubs in Bath, UK and Nijmegen, Netherlands. The project aims to bridge the gap between fragmented care providers and deliver proactive and integrated care to patients.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that urgent care visits have increased significantly while emergency room visits for low-acuity conditions have decreased by 36 percent between 2008 and 2015. The growth of urgent care centers is attributed to their convenience, shorter wait times, and lower costs.
The PCORI Board approved funding for 16 new studies comparing different approaches to improve care and outcomes for conditions like opioid use, cancer, depression, and stroke. The studies aim to provide evidence for better-informed healthcare decisions.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 200,000 young women found no increased risk of primary ovarian insufficiency after HPV vaccination. The research contradicts earlier reports and provides further evidence on the safety of adolescent vaccines.
Diabetologists are filling a crucial gap in patient care, but their growth is hindered by resistance from payers and colleagues. The new medical specialty aims to provide comprehensive diabetes management, but challenges persist due to reimbursement issues and varying opinions on scope of practice.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that community health center programs mailing free colorectal cancer screening tests to patients' homes increased screening rates by nearly 4 percentage points. Clinics that implemented the program had higher proportions of patients screened, with reminder letters significantly improving return rates.
Researchers found that opioid prescription rates have remained flat for commercially insured patients over the past decade, but rates for some Medicare patients are leveling off. The study of 48 million U.S. patients showed high rates of opioid use among disabled Medicare Advantage recipients.
A new e-learning programme trained care home staff to increase social interaction from two minutes a day to ten, improving resident wellbeing and staff attitudes. The programme, called WHELD, uses simple measures such as talking to residents about their interests and involving them in decisions around their care.
A systematic review suggests that active patient engagement can inform education, tools, planning, and policy, leading to improved quality of care and governance. Higher levels of patient engagement are associated with more substantial outcomes, such as redesigning care systems and adding support services.
Rural East African communities that hosted annual health fairs saw higher overall survival and viral suppression rates compared to standard care. Annual multi-disease health fairs delivered patient-centered, streamlined HIV care, resulting in fewer new HIV cases, better control of hypertension and diabetes, and lower TB rates.
A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.
A study examining emergency department suicide prevention intervention found that a safety planning program reduced suicidal behavior and increased likelihood of attending mental health treatment. The program, which included personalized identification of warning signs, coping skills, and social supports, was associated with improved o...
A recent statewide survey of Illinois child care providers and early interventionists reveals that many struggle to accommodate infants and toddlers with disabilities in their settings. The study highlights the need for training and resources to support caregivers in identifying and supporting children with disabilities. The findings e...
A new paper highlights physicians' important role in evaluating refugees' claims of torture and persecution to bolster their asylum cases. Forensic exams have been shown to increase approval rates to 89% compared to 37.5% for all asylum seekers nationally.
A research team at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been approved for a five-year, $4.5 million funding award to evaluate two treatments for children with obesity. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of counseling by primary care providers versus a combination of provider and family-based treatment.
The NHS's founding principle of providing care based on need received 23% of the votes, ahead of limiting commercial influence and general practice. The results reflect the public's high value on a non-profit healthcare system.
A study found that elderly patients with hip fractures who received rehabilitation under Medicare Advantage programs had shorter hospital stays and less therapy time. These patients also experienced a lower rate of readmission to the hospital within 30 days and higher successful discharge rates to the community.
A collaborative effort to build capacity in addressing post-disaster behavioral health issues successfully expanded local mental health infrastructure by hiring new staff and training providers on evidence-based models. The Resilient Baton Rouge program achieved multiple objectives, including planning and coordinating service delivery ...
A study published in The American Surgeon found that ambulatory surgical centers who publicly listed their prices saw increased patient volume and revenue. Five of the six centers reported a 30-50% increase in revenue and patient satisfaction after implementing price transparency.
A clinical trial found that comparable diabetes care eliminates racial disparities in kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that delivering standardized care can reduce racial disparities in diabetes-related complications.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists and WHO have updated international anesthesia standards to improve surgical care worldwide. The guidelines aim to provide concrete standards for facilities, equipment, medications, and professional aspects of anesthesia care.
A multidisciplinary lung health clinic has been developed to provide quality, seamless care for low-income individuals with lung conditions. The clinic uses best practices such as interdisciplinary teams, patient navigators, and walk-in services to improve patient outcomes.
Patients and caregivers prioritize clear accountability, continuity, and caring attitudes in care transitions. Effective services include actionable information, collaborative discharge planning, empathic communication, and uninterrupted care.
The new Canadian guideline recommends against routine screening for visual impairment in older adults living independently, as it does not prevent limitations on daily living. Instead, patients should make their own appointments for regular vision screening or seek help if they suspect visual problems.
A simple visual screening tool can identify older adults at increased risk for dementia after a minor decline on the Mini-Mental-State-Examination. Early career family physicians with a broader scope of practice report lower burnout rates, while resilience training alone may not be enough to address burnout.
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to bridge a gap in care for patients with substance use disorders by linking them with trained peer recovery coaches. The project, Project RECOVER, will provide support and sustain recovery for up to six months through interventions delivered by certified peer coaches.
The VA health care system performs similarly to or better than non-VA systems on most measures of inpatient and outpatient care quality, according to a new study. The findings suggest that the VA needs targeted quality improvement efforts to ensure uniform high-quality care at all facilities.
A Mayo Clinic survey found that nearly a third of patients did not use any opioids prescribed after surgery, with only 8% disposing of their remaining medications. The study suggests that patient factors such as age and pain score can influence opioid use, highlighting the need for tailored prescribing guidelines.
A recent study found substantial variation in the use of quality improvement strategies among small- to medium-size US primary care practices. These practices may require external support to enhance their ability to implement quality improvements and adapt to new payment and delivery models.
A recent study found that major disruptive events, such as clinician losses and changes in ownership, frequently disrupt primary care practices in Oklahoma. These events negatively affect quality improvement efforts and patient care, highlighting the need for further research to address their root causes.
Early findings from EvidenceNOW reveal cost challenges in recruiting practices for quality improvement initiatives and the impact of hospital ownership on burnout. The study also found solo practices outperform groups in meeting ABCS targets, but leadership and adaptive reserve are not associated with blood pressure control.
Dr. J. Eugene Lammers, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, is the 2018 Clinician of the Year for his innovative approaches to care and commitment to empowering healthcare teams. He has worked with interdisciplinary teams across the U.S., prioritizing person-centered care for older adults.
A novel blueprint for faster implementation of more evidence-based healthcare solutions has been designed and implemented. The Agile Implementation methodology provides a catalytic platform for transforming the current healthcare delivery system into a patient- and family-centric, high-reliability model.
A study found that access to dental services increased for Medicaid children between 2013-2015, with 77% utilizing Type I services and 21% using Type II services. Sealant access rates improved, but sealant utilization remained low, particularly among older children.
A new study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates that implementing an automated notification system can improve the follow-up of actionable tests pending at discharge. The system significantly improved the time to documented action for these tests, with patients receiving follow-up on their results much faster.
A recent study found that neglectful behaviors are widespread among English care home staff, despite efforts to provide person-centered care. The survey of 1,544 staff revealed that many witnessed residents being left waiting for care or having insufficient time for food.
A study conducted in veterans found that a telehealth program for diabetes self-management results in comparable improvements in blood glucose control to traditional care. The program combines electronic consultations and ongoing telephone-based care, providing team-based care with follow-up.
A report recommends replacing problem-oriented EHRs with goal-directed designs that incorporate patient profiles, health planners, and actionable information. This shift would improve patient care and refocus medical professionals on human health's full scope.
New Mayo Clinic research reveals that a significant majority of patients are receptive to asking about sexual orientation and gender identity, dispelling long-held concerns among healthcare providers. The study aims to improve health disparities among LGBTI patients by encouraging providers to ask these questions.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that larger hospitals with more procedures performed under bundled payments showed significant cost savings. Non-profit and major teaching hospitals were also more likely to succeed under this model, with improved care quality and lower costs per case.
The NCDR Annual Conference brings together registry professionals to share best practices and learn from leading experts. Attendees will receive updates on new registries, strategies for improving patient care, and how to use registry data for decision-making purposes.
A RAND Corporation study found that only 2% of NY health providers are equipped to provide timely and quality care to veterans. The report highlights gaps in the readiness of community-based providers to address veterans' unique needs, with few providers accepting VA coverage.
Canada's legacy in health is threatened by unacceptable Indigenous health disparities and a need for healthcare reform. The Lancet Series calls for bold action to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable health system for all Canadians.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that up to 37 percent of studies on clinical trials show grossly exaggerated early results. The researchers emphasized the need for physicians and patients to be cautious when considering new or early trial evidence, as it may not accurately reflect real-world outcomes.
A study found a strong correlation between midwife integration and better birth outcomes, with higher rates of vaginal births and breastfeeding. States with high midwife integration, such as Washington and Oregon, had lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.
A large-scale trial found that upskilling care home staff to deliver person-centred care, combined with just one hour of social interaction per week, significantly improves quality of life and reduces agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
A recent study by University of Exeter researchers has identified three main themes influencing GPs' decisions to leave or remain in direct patient care. The findings highlight concerns about the under-value of general practice within the healthcare system, professional risk in delivering care, and considerations about career options.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a cost-effective treatment option for adolescents with depression who decline or stop using antidepressants. The CBT program was shown to reduce depression-related health care costs by $5,000 on average over a two-year period.
A new study published in Prehospital Emergency Care suggests that risk management approach can combat EMS fatigue. The guidelines recommend limiting shifts to less than 24 hours, providing access to caffeine, allowing naps while on duty, and educating personnel on fatigue risk management.
A new study in India found that a checklist and coaching intervention significantly improved the quality of care during labor and delivery, with major gains in proper administration of oxytocin, initiation of breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin contact. However, despite these improvements, death rates remained unchanged.