A Dartmouth Institute study found that regions with high specialist to primary care ratios have more overuse of low-value services, and the use of these services remained relatively consistent over time. The study also highlighted a concerning 'potential for double jeopardy in health services receipt among black Americans'.
A study of nearly 12,000 records found that community-based palliative care reduced emergency department visits for dying patients by an average of two times per year. Patients receiving palliative care were more likely to live in urban areas and have a partner, leading to significant reductions in ER visits.
A new study reveals barriers and facilitators to implementing a digital health programme in the UK, highlighting challenges such as lack of IT infrastructure and trust in security. The researchers provide ten key recommendations to aid adoption, including investment in digital healthcare and upskilling efforts.
Experts suggest taking social risk factors into account to deliver high-quality care to vulnerable populations. The Medicare system can start using existing data on factors like dual eligibility, rural/urban residence, and birthplace to adjust payments and quality measurements.
Leaders of seven major US academic medical centers warn that travel restrictions from Muslim-majority countries are harming patient care and biomedical research. The restrictions have led to delays in visa processing, affecting over 100 personnel at Boston-based Partners HealthCare.
Researchers analyzed over 45 million pregnancies to find an association between day of delivery and maternal-fetal mortality. Maternal deaths were found to be significantly higher on weekends than weekdays, suggesting a 'spill-over' effect that is present on both weekend and weekday deliveries.
A new study found that providing medical assistance in dying in Canada may not increase healthcare costs and could even reduce spending by up to $138.8 million. The researchers used data from the Netherlands and Belgium, where medically assisted dying is legal, to estimate the impact on Canadian healthcare spending.
Two new articles emphasize the need for comprehensive approach to geriatric care, focusing on person-centered care and evidence-based changes. AGS prioritizes programs supporting high-quality care for older Americans, aiming to improve clinical care and workforce skills.
The American Geriatrics Society has emphasized the importance of strengthening clinical care and workforce development to support older Americans. The society outlines its vision for person-centered care, focusing on expanding healthcare options, ensuring quality in healthcare, and addressing geriatrician shortages.
The US has shifted from institutional to community-based long-term care, allowing individuals to choose services at home and in the community. Self-directed care programs improve participant well-being and cost containment, according to The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that transfusing older blood (over 5 weeks) can lead to excessive iron release, potentially harming patients. The study suggests reducing the maximum storage limit of red blood cells from 6 weeks to 5 weeks.
Researchers at the University Health Network found that a single fecal transplant is not more effective than the standard of care in treating recurrent C. difficile infection. The study's results suggest that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and long-term implications of fecal transplantation.
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in articles within radiology journals addressing patient-centered care, with only a limited number of journals publishing multiple original research articles. The study identified four journals that had published more than one original research article on the topic.
A population-based cohort study found that primary care physicians with higher ambulatory volumes deliver lower-quality diabetes care, while those with higher diabetes-specific volumes provide better care. The study's results suggest a clear association between physician volume and quality of diabetes management.
A Cardiff University study found that home-based rehabilitation significantly improves visual function and daily life for people with low vision. Home visits by visual rehabilitation officers led to a greater improvement in visual function compared to standard hospital appointments.
The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) provides a generic framework for customizing healthcare solutions in individual countries or states. By empowering health workers, PACK aims to improve primary care and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in low-income countries.
A combination therapy of thioguanine and decitabine has shown promising results in a small Phase I clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Eight out of 12 patients responded to the treatment, including six who achieved complete remission.
The integration of EMRs and patient portals is changing healthcare delivery by providing actionable data for doctors to make informed decisions. This shift towards a more patient-centered approach enables personalized care, improved health outcomes, and enhanced patient engagement.
A Mayo Clinic study comparing thousands of overlapping and non-overlapping surgeries found no difference in postoperative complications or deaths within a month. Overlapping surgeries provide greater access to qualified surgeons and more efficient use of operating rooms.
Research suggests direct costs for select orthopaedic procedures at ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) could be significantly less than university hospitals. ASCs offer convenient and potentially cost-effective care options with streamlined processes.
A survey of primary care physicians reveals most would provide only partial disclosure of medical errors, falling short of patient expectations and national guidelines. The strongest predictors of disclosure were perceived personal responsibility, seriousness of the event, and value of patient-centered communication.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that palliative care was associated with improvements in patient quality of life, symptom burden, and advance care planning. The findings suggest that palliative care can have a positive impact on patients' lives, but more research is needed to identify the most effective interventions.
Researchers found inconsistencies in patient care after ICU discharge, with factors like poor communication, lack of knowledge, and time pressures contributing to issues. Effective rehabilitation requires a comprehensive approach involving health professionals, patients, and families.
A recent study from Indiana University highlights the challenges of ensuring medical care is consistent with patient preferences. The authors propose practical recommendations to overcome barriers, including documenting specific treatment preferences and reviewing patient records regularly.
A new study found that heart surgery patients' chances of survival depend on the overall level of teamwork among all physicians who cared for them. Tight 'social networks' of physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower readmission rates and reduced mortality.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that a new health accord for Canada should enable wholesale change in the federal-provincial relationship. The journal calls for flexible approach to allow for health system innovation and federal funding to improve the overall healthcare system without prespecified targets.
A recent study found that patients who continued with their prescribed medical therapy after stent or bypass surgery had significantly better outcomes than non-adherent patients. Adherence to antiplatelets and statins was a more powerful predictor of adverse event-free survival than the type of revascularization procedure.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that pregnancy significantly increased the risk of stroke in women under 35, but not in those over 45. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 women hospitalized for stroke between 2003 and 2012.
A home-based palliative care (HBPC) program for individuals with advanced illnesses was associated with significant cost savings and improved quality of care. The study found a mean total cost of care per person reduced by $12,000, fewer hospital admissions, and greater use of hospice during the final three months of life.
The new opioid urgent care center provides a full continuum of treatment services, including detoxification and follow-up care, to patients with substance use disorders. Faster Paths integrates BMC's existing addiction services to streamline access to treatment.
The study found improvements in some quality measures, such as recommended medical treatment and cancer screening, but worsened in others, like antibiotic use. Patient experience ratings also showed significant gains. However, deficits in care continue to pose serious health risks.
A 7-state research consortium led by Henry Ford Health System has been awarded funding to expand the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to enroll 1 million participants and collect data on lifestyle, environment, and genetics influencing health and disease risk.
A randomized controlled trial involving over 300 informal health care providers in West Bengal found that training increased correct case management for ailments like angina, diarrhea, and asthma. However, the training did not significantly affect drug prescribing behavior, including antibiotic overprescription.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that implementing lean processes reduced average surgical wait times from 33 days to 12 days, while increasing operative volume and reducing no-shows. The improvements were sustained over multiple areas and seen during the implementation of new technologies.
A 10-year study shows that integrating mental and physical healthcare results in higher screening rates, more proactive treatment, and better clinical outcomes for patients. Patients in team-based practices had lower rates of healthcare utilization and costs compared to traditional practices.
A study found that integrated team-based care practices were associated with higher rates of quality measures, such as active depression screening and adherence to diabetes care bundles. This approach also led to lower rates of acute care utilization and reduced payments received by the delivery system.
A recent analysis calls for broader support for patients with serious chronic illnesses, moving away from end-of-life focus and expanding medical education. Canada ranks 18th worldwide in palliative care availability and must develop more strategies to promote care to patients with non-cancerous illnesses.
The Einstein-Montefiore and CUNY research team will use the data for their own research projects, addressing scientific clinical and healthcare delivery questions that inform care in Central Africa and beyond. The ongoing study involves over 50,000 HIV-positive children and adults taking anti-retroviral therapy.
The study found that despite progress toward universal coverage, citizens still reported gaps in primary care organization, financing, and delivery in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. People with better experiences at the primary care level were less likely to say their health system needed major reforms.
A recent study in Health Affairs highlights critical primary care shortcomings in Latin American countries, including high rates of skipping needed care and emergency department usage. The findings emphasize the urgent need for attention to address these gaps as populations continue to age.
A new study finds that patients taken directly to endovascular centers receive treatment 99 minutes earlier than those transferred from one hospital to another. This reduces the chance of a good outcome by 30-40%. Implementing this insight could improve patient outcomes nationwide.
Researchers found that low UPSIT scores predicted dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, while entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia. Odor identification testing may be useful in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A study analyzed Medicare beneficiaries and found that admission to primary stroke centers (PSCs) was associated with lower seven-day and 30-day death rates. However, longer travel times of at least 90 minutes to PSCs appeared to offset any benefit of care there.
The University of Minnesota, Medica Research Institute, and HealthPartners Institute will study the impact of the Patient Centered Medical Home model on diabetes care in Minnesota. The research aims to identify specific changes in primary care offices that have improved health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
A new web-based data facility has been launched to aid the creation and implementation of patient-centered care policy. The Measure for Person Centred Coordinated Care (P3C) provides a compendium of measures for person centred care, making it easier to source information for commissioners and researchers.
A new study describes a scalable solution for transforming health-care delivery in primary care into the PCMH model. A simplified form of cognitive task analysis (CTA) was used to analyze how doctors' office staff thought about and delivered care, advising them on improvements.
A systematic review of 69 studies found that VA facilities offer similar or superior quality care in some areas, such as mortality rates and preventive services. The study suggests that the VA healthcare system compares favorably with other health care settings.
The VA healthcare system generally delivers safe and effective care similar to other health systems, with some exceptions. However, studies on timeliness, equity, efficiency, and patient-centeredness show mixed results.
The grant will support Columbia University's Precision Medicine Initiative and integrate special populations into translational research efforts. The Irving Institute aims to increase focus on precision medicine, develop translational therapeutics, and nurture a cadre of junior scientists with diverse backgrounds.
A systematic literature review by The Dartmouth Institute found that multicomponent strategies targeting both patient and clinician involvement are effective in reducing low-value care. These interventions include providing feedback to physicians and medical staff on their use of low-value services.
A review article argues that telehealth will transform healthcare delivery, providing access to care at a lower cost. The authors identify three trends reshaping telehealth: making care more accessible, expanding its application beyond acute conditions, and migrating from hospitals to home and mobile devices.
The UC Riverside School of Medicine has received a $2.3 million grant to integrate medical student education, resident training, and faculty development in primary care specialties. The goal is to address health disparities and improve healthcare delivery in low-income areas of inland Southern California.
Researchers identified innovative strategies to overcome barriers to integrating mind-body medicine into primary care, including group patient visits and stress management conversations. The study aims to increase the integration of mindfulness, hypnosis, and biofeedback techniques into mainstream medical practice.
The WHO has developed an Emergency Medical Teams concept to provide surge support to national health systems in disaster situations. The United States has not adopted this concept, despite over 64 countries launching or developing teams.
Four NYC medical centers, including Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, will collaborate on a $46.5 million NIH grant to enroll 1 million+ US volunteers in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to improve health outcomes by understanding individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
Researchers from GW University developed a conceptual model for acute, unscheduled care, identifying issues with current care delivery and proposing ways to improve it. The model incorporates social determinants and care-seeking decisions to optimize outcomes and reduce costs.
The NY State Dept of Health AIDS Institute has funded $3.75 million in grants to support HIV/AIDS prevention among at-risk youth in NYC. Project STAY, a comprehensive health program, aims to provide education, screenings, and linkages to care for young people engaged in risk-taking behaviors.
A study published in The BMJ found that less than 60% of premature babies born in 11 European countries received a package of four simple, widely available care measures known to improve survival. Receiving full evidence-based care was associated with improved survival rates.
A new German research project will examine migrant care workers' arrangements, comparing Germany's family-responsibility model with the Netherlands' state-framed system. The study aims to assess care quality in private households and its socio-political significance.
Studies show that e-consults can decrease wait times, improve clinical care, and reduce the need for face-to-face appointments. The use of electronic consultations increases access to specialists' care for patients who often have difficulty getting a specialist, including the uninsured and underinsured.