Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study found that older registered nurses are working longer, accounting for a quarter of the surge in RNs in recent years. The trend extends nursing careers by 2.5 years after age 50, increasing the 2012 RN workforce by 136,000 people.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that premature newborns are 32% less likely to die if admitted to high volume neonatal units compared to low volume units. High volume units provide more experience and resources for clinicians, leading to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
A study published in BMJ Open found that preterm babies admitted to high volume neonatal units have a lower risk of dying compared to those admitted to low volume units. High volume units provide more care days, which may contribute to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
The Kaiser Permanente Southern California Outpatient Safety Net Program uses electronic health records to identify and address potential gaps in patient care, targeting issues such as medication interactions and follow-up tests. The program has shown promise in improving patient safety across various clinical conditions.
A 15-year study found that HIV-positive individuals with high CD4 cell counts had no excess risk of ischemic stroke compared to HIV-negative subjects. This suggests that maintaining immune function may protect against ischemic stroke.
The study found that hospitalizations for STEMI increased from 3.7 to 15.8 per 100,000 population over the decade, despite improvements in treatment intensity.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers significant benefits for diabetes patients, including non-exclusion of pre-existing conditions and access to preventive services. The law also authorizes the creation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, delivering evidence-based lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A NYU Langone expert suggests reforms to improve the VA health system's administration, staffing, and management. Key proposals include changing the culture, creating new scheduling systems, and hiring more primary care physicians to meet the growing demand.
The American Cancer Society has released guidelines to support primary care of estimated 2.8 million men with a history of prostate cancer in the US. The guidelines outline posttreatment clinical follow-up care for long-term and late effects, including health promotion, surveillance for recurrence, and management of physical and psycho...
The VA's decline in safe, effective patient-centered care can be fixed by refocusing on primary mission, ensuring quick screening of veterans on wait lists, and implementing a 'continuous healing relationship' strategy. Strong leadership and greater transparency are key to restoring trust in the system.
A study found that primary care physicians in team-based care models with electronic health records (EHRs) improved their quality of care more than those without EHRs. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model was associated with significant improvements in care, including better preventive screening and testing.
The study found that physician-led ACOs are more likely to have comprehensive care management programs and advanced IT capabilities. These organizations also tend to measure and report financial and quality performance at the clinician level.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care invites speakers to challenge common assumptions about end-of-life care. Raanan Gillon presents a case for weighing individual patient circumstances over age when deciding on life-prolonging therapies.
The GME system faces transparency and accountability issues, with only 20.9% of residents practicing primary care. Recommendations propose fully funding the National Health Care Workforce Commission and requiring transparent spending of GME funds to support a more efficient physician workforce.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that critical access hospitals have higher transfer rates after surgery compared to non-CAHs. However, the proportion of patients using post-acute care was similar between CAHs and non-CAHs, raising questions about the long-term implications for these facilities.
Practitioners can use shared decision making and motivational interviewing to adapt approaches for different clinical situations.
The Penn team advocates for adopting a four-stage design process to identify and solve healthcare issues, where in-house professionals combine passion and knowledge to drive change. This approach enables hospitals to create more effective solutions quickly and efficiently.
A new Center at Indiana University School of Medicine aims to equip the future health care workforce with tools of implementation science. This enables optimal care in a rapidly changing environment, focusing on patient-centered and cost-efficient care.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
The innovative Healthy Aging Brain Center care model improves health outcomes and quality of care for older adults with cognitive impairment by reducing patients' behavioral and psychological symptoms. The model generates an annual net cost savings of up to $2,856 per patient, with potential nationwide cost savings of billions of dollars.
Two new dementia care models seek to decrease stress for caregivers, reduce health care costs and improve quality of care for older adults. Caregivers' close involvement with the medical team is a key feature of both models.
A study found a substantial decrease in the use of nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging from 2006 to 2011, with a 51% relative decline. The study suggests changing physician behavior and declines in incident coronary disease contributed to the reduction.
A national randomized clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh experts found that a structured approach to diagnose and treat sepsis did not change survival rates. The study provides strong evidence that may change the way sepsis is diagnosed and treated, with prompt recognition and treatment being key to effective care.
Health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically following the implementation of quality improvement strategies, including patient education, nutritional support, and enhanced continuity of care. Key clinical outcomes, such as improved lung function and nutritional status, have also seen significant progress.
A RAND Corporation study found that better continuity of care for patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or emphysema leads to significant reductions in hospital emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This improvement can result in substantial cost savings for Medicare, up to $1.5 billion per year.
Depression is the leading cause of pediatric primary mental health admissions, accounting for $1.33 billion in annual hospital charges. The study also found that bipolar disorder and psychosis are common and expensive diagnoses, emphasizing the need for prevention and wellness measures.
A new study found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea who received care from board-certified sleep medicine physicians and accredited sleep centers were two times more likely to be adherent to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Patient satisfaction was also associated with physician certification.
A new £7.1 million grant will support the Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, which aims to tackle avoidable blindness and improve quality of eye care across the Commonwealth. The programme will deliver fellowships, research, and technology to strengthen health systems and provide accessible care.
A pilot study found that mailing free stool tests to patients' homes increased colon cancer screening rates by nearly 40% among uninsured and low-income patients. The test, called FIT, is simple, cost-effective, and can be done at home.
A new study finds that rural primary care physicians are committed to professionalism and quality improvement, contrary to common perceptions. They were more likely to participate in quality improvement activities, discuss costs of care with patients, and report having added Medicaid or uninsured patients to their patient panels.
The Center will conduct high-quality research on patient-centered outcomes and comparative-effectiveness research, focusing on underserved populations. It aims to inform decision-making by assessing the benefits and harms of different interventions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that an EHR-based screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) reduced the number of unscreened at-risk men by over 50% in 15 months. The program used electronic health records to signal providers that patients needed screening, leading to a significant decrease in unscreened patients.
A new study supports tele-emergency services in extending emergency care to rural areas. The research found that 95% of respondents felt tele-emergency improved the quality of care at their facility, with benefits including second opinions and adherence to evidence-based protocols.
An expert argues that allowing patients to choose the ethnicity of their attending doctors perpetuates institutional racism in hospitals. Dr Nadeem Moghal suggests that confronting racists and strengthening institution policies are key to preventing such incidents.
A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has received a $50 million gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to establish its first dedicated women's hospital at Mission Bay. The new hospital will offer integrated care for women, including cancer treatment and reproductive care.
A systematic review found that patient decision support interventions have inconsistent results in reducing healthcare spending, with some studies predicting savings ranging from $8 to $3,068 per patient. The impact on treatment utilization rates was mixed and the quality of economic analyses varied.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that centenarian numbers increased by 72.3% in Ontario over 15 years, with women making up 85.3% of centenarians. The majority lived independently or received publicly funded home care, highlighting the need for tailored health and social care.
A new study found that using an online patient portal to refill medications increased medication adherence and improved cholesterol levels in patients with diabetes. The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, involved 17,760 patients with diabetes who used the online portal to order prescription refills.
A survey of senior hospital executives shows they are highly optimistic about the future of the US healthcare system, expecting improved quality of care and cost reductions by 2020. Despite a pessimistic national dialogue, leaders believe reform will bring significant improvements in care delivery and management.
Palliative care consultant Claud Regnard argues that the Liverpool Care Pathway was unfairly maligned and that its demise will not improve end-of-life care. He rejects recommendations to replace it with an 'end of life care plan', citing lack of evidence for its effectiveness.
A new study from Duke University finds that the Chiranjeevi Yojana program in Gujarat, India, has failed to deliver on its promise of reducing infant and maternal deaths. The program, which aimed to provide free childbirth care at private hospitals, saw no statistically significant change in birth outcomes or healthcare utilization.
A new study shows that telemedicine consultations can effectively manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve quality of life. Virtual house calls enable individuals with the condition to live independently while receiving specialized care.
A new study published in Health Affairs suggests that providers and organizations can reduce acute care costs through public health measures and educational initiatives. The authors propose a fee-for-service payment system with incentives based on resource and quality measures to encourage high-value care.
A study of over 30,000 women in Ireland found that private patients were more likely to have a C-section or surgical delivery, with rates twice as high for planned C-sections. The disparities remained after adjusting for social and medical factors.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 17,217 adult members with diabetes found that those using mail order pharmacies had significantly fewer emergency room visits for any cause. The study suggests that mail order pharmacy may improve patient safety and utilization without compromising patient outcomes.
A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
Penn Medicine researcher Ezekiel J. Emanuel recommends limiting US health care cost growth to match US economy's GDP growth for improved quality of care and transformed healthcare system. The proposal involves team-based care coordination, reduced hospitalizations, and more outpatient monitoring.
A proposed funding mechanism coupled with a competitive peer-review process may transform the physician workforce, according to an analysis in Health Affairs. The current system is inflexible, ignoring growing needs for competencies beyond acute patient care.
Researchers at Penn Medicine are studying health care disparities among people with disabilities through the Mrs. A and Mr. B Project, a collaborative effort with Virtual Ability, Inc. The project aims to provide patients with information to make informed decisions about their medical care.
A RAND Corporation study suggests that expanding patient-centered medical homes and nurse-managed health centers can help eliminate up to 50% of the expected primary care physician shortage by 2025. These new models rely on a mix of medical providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
A national panel of experts recommends that osteopathic medical schools develop programs in partnership with teaching hospitals and training sites to provide more hands-on learning. The goal is to train primary care-focused physicians who can deliver team-based care and are proficient in prevention, health systems planning, leadership,...
A Vanderbilt study found that providing patients with a simple biosketch card about their doctor can improve patient satisfaction scores by 22%. The study showed that patient comfort with care is crucial for recovery, and this intervention is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance the patient experience.
The American Thoracic Society expert panel recommends that patients work with their providers to develop individualized action plans to prevent 'dyspnea crisis' episodes. These plans can include alternative relaxation and breathing techniques, medications, and oxygen therapy to ease symptoms.
Kaiser Permanente's Complete Care model has shown steady improvement in quality scores, with an average increase of 13% compared to the national average. The program uses Proactive Office Encounters to address patient needs, promoting preventive care and improving chronic condition management.
BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.
The Latin American Urology Association names its highest accolade after UCLA's Dr. Shlomo Raz in recognition of his efforts to educate and train urologists in the region. The inaugural Shlomo Raz Medal will be awarded annually to a deserving urologist who furthered Raz's mission.
The Change AGEnts Initiative aims to create change in healthcare practice that improves the health of older adults. The project, funded by a $5 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, brings together researchers, clinicians, and health system leaders to develop and implement evidence-based models.
A new study found that when ICUs are busy, doctors discharge patients more efficiently without negatively impacting patient outcomes. This suggests that strained resource settings prompt providers to critically re-evaluate patient needs and transfer patients who can be managed outside the ICU.
A new process called 'Smart Rounds' optimizes the safety and efficacy of radiation therapy by formalizing multidisciplinary reviews at the beginning of treatment planning. This leads to safer, more individualized radiation treatment plans and better utilization of medical resources.