Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 presented at ASTRO's Annual Meeting has identified the Common-Terminology-Criteria-for-Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale as a reliable method for assessing patient reactions to radiation therapy. The study found that using this standardized scale improved consistency among caregivers, enabling more uniform and effective care.
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.
Residents enrolled in managed care had more nursing home-based primary care visits and nurse practitioner visits, reducing hospital transfers. Survival rates did not differ between groups, but intensive primary care services may improve end-of-life care affordability.
The ESMO Designated Centres programme has seen a significant increase in new applications, with 37 successful new entrants in 2013. The programme aims to promote integrated oncology and palliative care services for cancer patients and has been highly successful, with over 160 centres recognized globally.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that chronic care management did not result in increased abstinence from alcohol among individuals with alcohol and other drug dependence. The study compared participants receiving chronic care management with those receiving usual primary care, but no significant difference was found.
A survey of young breast cancer patients found that nearly all chose prophylactic mastectomy to reduce risk of contralateral breast cancer, despite knowing it doesn't improve survival rates. The study highlights the need for better risk communication strategies to help patients make informed decisions.
The American College of Physicians outlines a team-based model of healthcare with 13 principles to encourage effective teamwork and collaboration. Highly-functioning teams assign responsibility based on patient needs, prioritize culture, communication, and mutual respect.
A new book by Harry P. Selker, M.D., M.S.P.H., offers a fresh perspective on the Affordable Care Act, highlighting its potential as an experiment in translational research. The book explores the history, impact, and future of healthcare reform.
A study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) for patients with diabetes resulted in a modest reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. However, EHR implementation did not affect office visit rates.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that electronic health records were associated with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for patients with diabetes. The use of EHRs improved the quality of care, resulting in fewer negative events.
A new study by George Washington University researchers finds no evidence that primary care physicians deliver less care to low-income and vulnerable patients. Despite critics' claims of substandard care, the study analyzed data from over 31,000 visits and found comparable care for all patients regardless of insurance status.