Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that improved facility infrastructure does not necessarily lead to better healthcare quality in low- and middle-income countries. Despite moderate levels of infrastructure ratings, facilities delivered widely varying quality of care.
Researchers developed a tracking system using NFER sensors to monitor ICU nurses' daily tasks, enabling more efficient planning of nurse shifts and hospital unit design. The study aims to advance understanding of ICU nurses' workflow and improve healthcare delivery processes.
A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.
A Harvard Medical School study found that a pay-for-performance program inadvertently shifted funds away from physicians treating sicker patients, exacerbating disparities in healthcare delivery. The program's design did not account for differences across patient populations, leading to no improvements in performance or care quality.
Researchers found nearly 1 in 7 adult patients reported using marijuana at least once a year, with young adults more likely to use daily. Daily cannabis use was linked to higher risks of addiction and complications, particularly among young men with depression.
Researchers developed a new framework to report and design models of care for multimorbidity, highlighting changing elements such as reduced home care and increased extended appointments. The framework provides a tool for standardized reporting and research on multimorbidity interventions.
A patient-centered medical home model implemented in over 800 Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics showed significant improvements in chronic disease outcomes, including better blood pressure and cholesterol control for up to 1-5% of patients. The model, known as Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), provided multidisciplin...
A recent study reveals that over a quarter of cancer survivors experience poor quality of life post-treatment, with significant unmet needs in eight out of ten countries. The study highlights the need for comprehensive survivorship care and coordinated resources to support cancer patients.
A new tool to support organisations and practitioners achieve person-centred care has been developed. The Person Centred Coordinated Care Organisational Tool (P3C-OCT) helps guide implementation and assess effectiveness of the approach.
A new study found that disappearance of heart murmur while standing reliably rules out pathologic heart murmurs. The test, using an acoustic-based stethoscope, has a high predictive positive value and specificity, but poor sensitivity.
A new study has identified six attributes associated with high-value primary care practices, including decision support for evidence-based medicine and careful selection of specialists. These attributes are linked to three themes: care traffic control, cognitive burden reduction, and value-based reimbursement.
Countries with underprepared health systems face a faster rise in noncommunicable diseases, requiring targeted investments to reduce modifiable risk factors and increase primary care access. The shift is driven by demographic factors rather than behavioral risks.
The study found that annual well-visit rates among adolescents increased from 41% to 48% after the ACA, with significant gains among minority and low-income adolescents. The ACA's requirement for coverage of preventive services without a copay led to increases in the receipt of recommended services up to age 21.
A growing proportion of public monies are being diverted to profit margins, warns Professor Neena Modi. She argues that a mixed system reduces healthcare effectiveness and calls for 'visionary leadership' and investment in the NHS to address its challenges.
Dr. Juan Robles has received a $1 million grant to support Bronx students pursuing healthcare careers and create a more inclusive workforce. The program aims to bridge the cultural gap between doctors and their patients, which research shows enhances communication and trust with patients.
A new study found substantial variability across US medical centers in diagnosing and treating disorders of sex development (DSD), with some institutions lacking specialist teams. Families often face difficult decisions about irreversible procedures, highlighting the need for improved guidelines and collaboration among providers.
A new study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found that nearly half of all US medical care is delivered by emergency departments. Emergency department visits increased by 44% over a 14-year period, with African-American patients and those without insurance using these services at a higher rate.
A new curriculum has been developed to provide standardized training for healthcare providers in teleneurology. The curriculum covers key areas such as technology, licensure, and patient relationships, aiming to improve the quality of remote neurology care.
A new systematic review of evidence suggests that primary care physicians and their teams can provide effective addiction care using anti-opioid medication. The studies found that patients had the highest chance of successful treatment when working with a team of non-physicians, including nurse case managers.
A new model of treatment for youth with anxiety can be effectively delivered using at least 14% less therapist time than traditional treatment services. The study tested a stepped care model, where young people first begin using self-help to manage their symptoms before stepping up to treatment with a therapist.
Experts predict reduced access to care, widening inequalities and increased private provision as the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and STPs lead to blurred distinctions between health and social care. The lack of consideration for different funding bases has led to concerns about equitable distribution of resources.
Researchers found ED opioid prescriptions were 44% less likely to exceed a three-day supply and 46% less likely to progress to long-term use. Patients in non-ED settings received higher doses, with one in five exceeding CDC guidelines, leading to a higher risk of long-term use.
Researchers developed an electronic triage tool to improve patient care in emergency departments, identifying critically ill patients and assigning priority treatment levels. The tool showed equal or improved identification of patient outcomes compared to the existing emergency severity index (ESI) based on a multi-site retrospective s...
The new Canadian guideline recommends one-time ultrasonography screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men aged 65-80, while not screening women or older men. The guideline is based on evidence from randomized controlled trials and aims to reduce mortality, rupture, and emergency procedures.
Patients in a collaborative care model received more substance abuse treatment and reported higher abstinence rates compared to those receiving usual primary care services. The study suggests that integrating treatment into primary medical care can increase access to evidence-based substance use treatment.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that hospitals with lower registered nursing staff levels have a higher risk of patient death. The study reveals that care left undone due to lack of time is the key factor in understanding variation in mortality rates in hospitals.
A nationwide program showed that telemedicine can deliver quality care to people with Parkinson's disease in their homes via video conferencing. The study found that virtual house calls were as effective as in-person visits, saving patients time and travel, while improving access to care for those with limited mobility.
PCORI's Board of Governors approved nearly $74 million for seven studies on palliative care. The projects will compare different strategies to deliver care and examine their impact on quality of life, hospitalizations, and caregiver burden.
A new study reveals a 34% increase in overdose-related ICU admissions between 2009 and 2015, with average cost of care rising by 58%. The opioid epidemic has made patients sicker and killed more people despite intensive care, researchers say.
A new healthcare delivery model proposes partnering ERs with primary care to address failing health in underserved areas. This approach aims to connect patients to other physicians and resources, improving overall rural population health.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals born in high stroke mortality states have a higher risk of developing dementia. Black participants had the highest risk, with cumulative 20-year dementia risks at age 65 being 30.13% compared to 21.8% for those not born in high stroke mortality states.
A Kaiser Permanente study implemented a decision support tool to reduce unnecessary CT scans for minor head injuries, resulting in a 5.3% decrease in CT use and an increase in identified injuries. Nearly all emergency departments participating in the intervention reduced head CT scans.
A cluster randomized factorial trial found that training and support have a lasting impact on primary care clinicians' delivery of screening and advice to heavy drinkers. The study suggests that repeated training and support can lead to an increase in the volume of brief interventions delivered to heavy drinking patients.
A recent study by CHLA found that caregivers are generally more satisfied with actual care than expected in pediatric emergency departments. Effective communication between physicians and families can improve expectations and health knowledge.
Germany's health system has proven remarkably resilient, but faces challenges such as overtreatment and continuity of care issues. The country has the potential to be a strong partner in global health research, but must increase its financial commitment and expertise.
A new paradigm of empathy-based medicine is needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce practitioner burnout. Technology can exploit available technologies to gather basic information prior to consultation and aid decision-making.
A study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that up to 53% of cancer patients' non-admission ED visits could be prevented with timely care in an outpatient setting. The most common reason for ED visits was pain, costing a median $1,127 per visit.
A new book by the World Health Organization provides a comprehensive guide to establishing and delivering palliative care services globally. The manual aims to integrate palliative care into mainstream healthcare systems, improving access for millions of people worldwide.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected researchers Dr. Emerson Wickwire, Dr. Jessica Levenson, Dr. Benjamin Pliska, and Dr. Allen Firestone to receive research awards for their projects aimed at improving sleep health and advancing the field of sleep medicine.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute has awarded grant funding to 14 Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire providers to improve care delivery and reduce costs. The grants focus on innovative practices in substance use management, medication adherence, and behavioral health integration.
A novel tablet, OPTILOGG, is helping heart failure patients to manage their condition by providing education, registering body weight, and titrating diuretics. Patients' self-care behaviors improved significantly, with a median score decrease of 10.5 points or 37%.
Michigan Medicine researchers explored best practices in EMS oversight to improve pre-hospital care. They identified seven key factors for high-quality EMS oversight: competition and collaboration, leadership, organizational structure, quality improvement culture and practice, relationships and communication, resources, and community-s...
A patient-centered medical home model successfully treated 66 patients with HCV, demonstrating that general internists can deliver effective care. The multidisciplinary team approach and enhanced social work services show promise for broader implementation of HCV treatment in primary care settings.
The Teaching Health Centers (THC) program, created under the Affordable Care Act, funds 700 primary care residents to serve in 28 states, helping 500,000 people living below poverty line, most with public insurance or none.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected three researchers to receive Strategic Research Awards for their projects on telemedicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of CBT-I delivered through telemedicine versus in-person sessions. One project will evaluate th...
A study published in Health Affairs found that Partners Pioneer ACO's care management program reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with elevated but modifiable risks. The program achieved a $101 per participant monthly reduction in Medicare spending, a 6% decline.
Dr. Maura Brennan is being honored by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) for her dedication to education and training future leaders in geriatrics. Her work has helped bridge empathy between students and educators, inspiring interest in geriatrics across diverse professions.
Dr. Fatima Sheikh, MD, CMD, MPH, is recognized for her outstanding work in post-acute and long-term care, as well as her dedication to mentoring a diverse team. She has championed programs to manage chronic conditions and advance care planning for older adults.
Dr. Sei Lee is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to individualized care for older adults, including the development of the Lee Index mortality prediction index. He will deliver a plenary presentation on preventive care at the AGS 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting.
The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting will showcase novel approaches to goals-oriented care, explore the future of Advance Care Planning, and highlight innovative dementia care models. The meeting will also feature renowned speakers, awards ceremonies, and expert discussions on policy priorities.
A study found that less than 50% of eligible women in India take up the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme due to obstacles such as poor care quality and transport challenges. Community health workers, known as ASHAs, were identified as major enabling factors in accessing delivery care.
A new study found that a videoconferencing educational program equips rural primary care providers with the confidence to manage patients with complex diabetes. The program, called Endo ECHO, improves access to specialized care for large numbers of patients through weekly virtual clinics.
The study found that 1.5 million more low-income adults reported having a dental visit in 2014 than in 2010, with improved access among childless adults. However, poor parents saw a decline in dental visits, suggesting strain on the limited capacity of dental providers.
A three-year research collaboration aims to create more accurate ways of measuring cancer progression. The project uses digital images from completed clinical trials to develop drug response metrics, with the goal of identifying optimal tumor burden measurement methods.
A special issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine reviews primary care innovation and suggests new models that prioritize population health and cost control. Experts highlight the importance of preserving trusting relationships between patients and primary care physicians to achieve better outcomes.
A mobile app reduced the number of in-person follow-up visits for patients after surgery, with no impact on complication rates or patient satisfaction. The study found that patients using the app attended fewer visits and sent more emails to their healthcare professionals.
A review of 270 studies found that supported self-management helps people with asthma take control of their own illness, reducing symptoms and hospital admissions. Tailored support can improve quality of life and prevent deaths, experts say.
A recent study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that only 16 percent of heart attack survivors meet the recommended amount of physical activity in the weeks following hospitalization. Clinician-supervised exercise programs have shown promise in encouraging more physical activity, but participation remains poor.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that nurse practitioners and physician assistants deliver care comparable to physicians in community health centers. The research has implications for healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas where non-physician clinicians are increasingly relied upon for primary care.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that the Affordable Care Act improved primary care access for Medicaid patients, increasing appointment availability from 57.9% to 63.2% between 2012 and 2016.