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 new set of policy considerations was released by the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes to address systemic barriers and structural barriers that hinder effective diabetes care. The document proposes concepts to realign financial incentives, enhance patient self-management, and optimize healthcare systems.
A study found that mothers and newborns admitted to ICU together have a higher risk of death compared to those not needing ICU admission. This can lead to maternal-infant separation, negatively impacting bonding., The study suggests coordination of care plans and transfer to the same hospital may help lessen this burden.
Kaiser Permanente Research Affiliates has received a national designation as an Evidence-based Practice Center. The new collaboration will conduct comprehensive evidence reviews for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, focusing on cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions.
A new study by Weill Cornell researchers found that EHRs enhance the quality of patient care, particularly for physicians using commercially available systems. The study used data from five different health plans and found significant improvements in four measures, including hemoglobin A1c testing in diabetes.
Widespread telestroke adoption could provide optimal care to more Canadians, but current usage is limited. Research shows improved outcomes and cost savings in provinces like Alberta, where telestroke ensured rural patients received tPA at the same rate as those treated in larger centres.
The Calgary Stroke Program and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute have achieved Distinction status for their exceptional stroke care, demonstrating a commitment to best practices, leadership, and innovation. The awards recognize the organizations' rigorous accreditation process and dedication to improving patient outcomes.
A large study of nearly 200,000 females who received the HPV4 vaccine found that immunization was associated with same-day syncope and skin infections after vaccination. The findings support the general safety of routine vaccination with HPV4 in preventing cervical and other genital cancers.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that using electronic health records improved drug-treatment intensification, monitoring, and risk-factor control among patients with diabetes. The study also noted greater improvements among patients with poorer diabetes control.
A 15-year analysis shows that state-of-the-art HIV care improves health outcomes across all patient groups, including those most affected by the disease. Comprehensive care models with multiple levels of support lead to better clinical outcomes.
A new report by the University of Leeds and the University of Leicester found that death rates in children's intensive care units are decreasing overall. However, there is a persistent higher risk of mortality for children of south Asian origin, highlighting disparities in staffing levels and quality of care.
A collaborative maternity care program in Vancouver reduced cesarean deliveries by 25% and shortened hospital stays by 22 hours for mothers and babies. The program also increased breastfeeding rates, with midwives delivering 42% of births compared to obstetricians.
Researchers analyze the effectiveness of Medicare's bundled payment program, finding that it faces challenges in rewarding providers for efficient care delivery. Experts discuss lessons learned from previous payment reforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms that address multiple aspects of the health system.
A national survey of over 1,000 registered nurses reveals that resistance from nursing leaders and organizational cultures prevent implementation of evidence-based practices. Respondents report a lack of education, access to information, and support as major barriers to adopting these practices.
A multi-center study of intensive care units (ICUs) led by UCSF faculty aims to better understand the nature of team-based care and patient involvement in ICU settings. The study, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, is expected to decrease healthcare costs and improve patient safety.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that overweight and obese pregnant women are 65% and 163% more likely, respectively, to have large babies compared to their healthy weight counterparts. Excess weight gain during pregnancy also contributes to having a large for gestational age baby.
A learning health system combines practice and research to rapidly apply best evidence in real-time clinical care. Group Health Cooperative's experience demonstrates the importance of strong leadership support, partnership between research and clinical operations, and effective communication for successful implementation.
Healthcare organizations discuss the benefits of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in reducing healthcare costs while improving quality. However, they also highlight concerns and design flaws in the current ACO models, such as lack of beneficiary engagement and administrative complexity.
The University of Missouri will use the grant to create a program called LIGHT2, which combines advanced technology with education for patients and providers. The high-tech component leverages MU's partnership with Cerner Corporation to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
Dr. Elizabeth McGlynn, a renowned expert in health services research and quality evaluation, has been recognized with the 2012 AcademyHealth Distinguished Investigator Award. Her landmark studies have significantly improved our understanding of US healthcare quality.
The Aging Brain Care model, developed by Indiana University researchers, aims to deliver better health care to older adults through interdisciplinary care teams and personalized treatment plans. The expanded program is expected to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.
A systematic review found that private healthcare is not superior to the public sector in terms of efficiency, accountability, or effectiveness. The public sector often lacks timeliness and hospitality, while both sectors have financial barriers to care.
RAND Corporation researchers suggest that existing administrative data may be unable to detect the effects of health IT. To accurately gauge impact, new measurement tools are needed. Health IT can lead to greater convenience, access and quality while lowering costs if it supports teamwork, care coordination and innovative approaches.
Researchers combined data from 11 integrated health systems to form the SUPREME-DM DataLink, a unique resource for population-based diabetes research and clinical trials. The database contains over 1.1 million people with diabetes, mirroring the general population, allowing for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study found that companion presence in physician visits hinders communication for older adults with poor mental health, leading to shorter visits and less patient-centered care. The research suggests a need for greater attention to primary care infrastructure to support delivery of mental health care.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that doctors who dictated their patient notes had significantly worse quality of care compared to those who used structured documentation. Doctors who used free-text notes had better quality of care in providing influenza vaccinations.
A new report shows that integrated heart failure services can reduce unwanted hospital deaths, allowing many patients to die at home. The study found that specialist nurses played a pivotal role in discussing end-of-life care with patients, enabling them to make plans and set their affairs in order.
The US Commission on a High Performance Health System proposes a community-based initiative to enhance health and reduce spending, focusing on chronically ill patients and quality improvement efforts. The plan aims to save $184 billion in health spending over the next decade by improving care for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
Community health plans have broken down silos of care to coordinate among providers and directly engage with patients, leading to successful transitions. The Avalere report highlights five practices that facilitate care transition programs, including using data to tailor programs to patients' needs.
The Merkin Family Foundation will fund promising Broad Institute scientists as Merkin Institute Fellows, supporting bold research in areas like stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program aims to create a pipeline of talented researchers advancing science and medicine at the Broad Institute.
A new study found that communication problems between patients and their care providers are more prevalent than traditional medical errors, leading to significant harms. Patients often take positive steps to address issues, but some become more hesitant to seek care.
A study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine reveals that 82% of PICU bed-time is used for value-added purposes, while 75% of full PICUs have at least one non-value-added bed. The research provides an understanding of opportunities for improvement to optimize patient flow and resource utilization.
A study by Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium found that most practices followed guidelines for breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, but had gaps in managing symptoms and end-of-life care. To improve quality, the consortium initiated a project to provide palliative care delivery.
A systematic review found that a difference of more than 10mmHg or 15mmHg in systolic blood pressure between arms is associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. The study supports the need for two-arm blood pressure checks to become the norm.
A study led by Salomeh Keyhani found no evidence to support the notion that higher regional healthcare costs indicate inappropriate care. The researchers reviewed 114,830 peer-reviewed articles and concluded that there is a lack of scientific evidence to design policies that reduce unnecessary care.
A network approach improved outcomes for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing remission rates from 55% to 68%. The ImproveCareNow network implemented quality improvement efforts, leading to improvements in care processes and patient outcomes.
Researchers project that the cost of family health insurance premiums will surpass household income by 2033, with a current estimate suggesting this could happen as early as 2021. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the US healthcare environment following the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Car...
A two-year behavioral program implemented by health educators in physician offices resulted in significant, yet modest, reductions in waist circumference among obese patients. The intervention showed greater reductions in men, while women experienced smaller and less sustained reductions.
The ACGME's new accreditation system will evaluate residents' core competencies in six areas: patient care, medical knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Teaching institutions must develop learning outcomes and submit reports every six months to document resident progress.
A new UCLA study found that a widely used assessment tool for community health centers may not accurately measure the quality of diabetes care. The study examined 30 Los Angeles County health centers and found no correlation between the tool's scores and the actual quality of care.
Clinicians have 10 proposed rights regarding their electronic health record use, including uninterrupted access and succinct summaries of patient health histories. These rights aim to ensure safe, efficient, and effective use of electronic health records.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has established a new credentialing process for doctors who plan to travel internationally to disaster sites. The Disaster Responders Certification Program provides training and certification for orthopaedic surgeons, with three levels of certification available. A study reports long-term po...
Two studies suggest that cleansing umbilical cord with chlorhexidine solution during and after birth can reduce sepsis and mortality in babies in rural parts of Sindh province, Pakistan. The interventions showed a significant reduction in infections and mortality risk, with no effect seen from handwashing alone.
A new study published by Kaiser Permanente found that older women who lose more than two inches in height face a higher risk of fractures and death. The research suggests that clinicians should consider bone density testing, counseling, and treatment to help prevent fractures. Women who lost more than two inches in height were 50% more...
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.
Christian Davis Furman, a leading geriatrician at UofL, has been chosen for the CMS Innovation Advisors Program to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce costs. She will receive a stipend of up to $20,000 to support her activities during the one-year program.
A study of nurses and physicians in ICUs found that perceived inappropriateness of care was common, associated with inadequate decision sharing, communication, and job autonomy. The main reported reason for perceived inappropriateness of care was a mismatch between the level of care and the expected patient outcome.
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients are overwhelmingly interested in accessing their doctors' notes, but doctors are cautious about the impact on their workflow. Patients reported benefits such as improved medication adherence and feeling more in control of their care.
Physician-defined patient complexity differs from common diagnosis-based measures, highlighting social and behavioral contexts that impact primary care. Primary care physicians designated about one-quarter of their patients as complex, with older, more experienced physicians reporting higher proportions.
A study published in Medical Care explores ways to empower patients and transform cancer care systems to improve quality. Researchers propose new approaches, including accountable care and personal health records, to address racial disparities and wasteful overuse.
Research on funding models in primary care practices found no association with superior preventive care delivery. Instead, female physicians, smaller patient loads, and electronic reminders were linked to better health outcomes.
The study found that the nation's largest for-profit chains operate with significantly lower staffing levels than non-profit and government-owned nursing homes, leading to poorer quality of care. The top 10 chains have a strategy of keeping labor costs low to increase profits, resulting in more deficiencies and serious deficiencies.
A community-based care coordination approach combining evidence-based science and asthma education has shown improvements in health outcomes, particularly among low-income and minority children. The program demonstrated reductions in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, as well as increased parent empowerment and environmental t...
New Zealand's strategic approach to health care, from patient to provider and community, has enabled the development of integrated care services. The country's experience with electronic medical records and health IT systems has helped make it a leader in overall quality of care delivery.
A partnership between Xavier University, Daughters of Charity Services and Children's Health Fund is bringing reliable healthcare to children with asthma in New Orleans. The program uses a unique approach to deliver evidence-based care through community health centers and mobile clinics.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of physician practices in the US do not meet national standards for 'medical homes', a model of care that aims to provide higher quality and cost-efficient care. The lack of access to these medical homes disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those living below the poverty l...
A survey of 87 mostly developing countries shows improvement in awareness of mental health issues among leaders, but poor political will and limited resources remain major barriers. Successful examples include mental health campaigns in Nigeria and Uganda's integration of services into primary care.
A new study found that patients who visited physical therapists directly had fewer visits and lower overall costs, while maintaining continuity of care. The study analyzed 62,707 episodes of physical therapy and suggested eliminating physician referral requirements for physical therapist services.
A QUT program trains nurses to provide end-of-treatment care plans for cancer patients, reducing the need for ongoing information and emotional support. The intervention also leads to lower proportions of patients requiring emotional support and improved GP feedback on care plans.
A study by UCLA researchers found that primary care physicians who treat Latino patients are less likely to believe they can provide high-quality care. The challenges include inadequate time with patients, lack of affordability, non-adherence to treatments, and difficulties in communication. Implementing the Affordable Care Act may add...
A new report highlights significant disparities in health care access and outcomes among vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a three-pronged policy framework to ensure adequate access, financial protection, and improved coordination of care. This will help reduce rates of preventable hospital admissions ...