Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A new study by the Dartmouth Institute found that Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are making modest gains in reducing high-cost care settings. For patients with multiple conditions, ACOs saved an estimated $136 per patient annually, while clinically vulnerable patients saw savings of $456 per year.
A new study by Dr. Joel Ray found that women born in the Caribbean or Africa are two times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit at the time of their delivery than Canadian-born women. The risk is higher for mothers from Jamaica and Ghana, with rates up to 2.7 times higher than Canadian-born women.
A new study by Rice University health economists aims to understand the association between physician-hospital integration and healthcare quality and price. The project will analyze data from 2008-2013 to examine the effects of integration on patient outcomes, readmission rates, and hospital finances.
Allina Health's LifeCourse approach demonstrates significantly better quality of life scores for patients with chronic illness compared to usual care. The program employs a patient-centered experience tool to understand and support the needs of complex patients.
Penn State College of Medicine faculty define health systems science and its curriculum, complementing basic and clinical sciences. They identified 12 core domains and cross-cutting domains to be included in medical school curricula.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that young African-American adults are less susceptible to delirium in the ICU compared to Caucasians of the same age group. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 adults, also revealed differences in medication use and disease severity between racial groups.
A new study shows that the innovative OnTouch Via patch enabled over 50% of diabetes patients to report improved insulin dose compliance. The wearable patch allows for discreet delivery of rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes, reducing stress and anxiety associated with dosing.
Researchers found that men with localized prostate cancer often underestimate their life expectancy without treatment and overestimate the benefits of surgery or radiation. This can lead to overtreatment, decisional regret, and decreased post-treatment quality of life. A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine suggests ...
A panel of international experts has published a Consensus Statement recommending how to deliver cardiac rehab components at low cost in developing countries. The statement recommends leveraging affordable technologies and community health workers to increase access to life-saving programs.
A new study suggests that lowering blood pressure goals for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease could prevent up to 43,000 additional deaths from cardiovascular disease each year. The simulation also found that intensive blood pressure treatment would be cost-effective and improve treatment outcomes for men.
Two new studies published in The Lancet find no association between weekend senior doctor staffing levels and mortality, instead highlighting variations in quality of care throughout the week. Researchers suggest that policies to address weekend quality of care alone represent a major oversimplification of the problem.
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine found that the landmark national study's methodology was flawed, leading to misinterpreted results that questioned the effectiveness of PSA testing. They suggest reconsidering prostate cancer screening guidelines.
Outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions were estimated to be 30% inappropriate in the US, with an annual impact of 34 million unnecessary prescriptions. A 15% reduction in overall antibiotic use is necessary to meet the White House National Action Plan goal by 2020.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that using a hearing aid significantly improves cognitive test scores in older adults with hearing loss. The researchers suggest that this may help prevent or slow the development of dementia.
A new study reveals substantial disparities in healthcare quality experienced by Hispanic Puerto Rican residents in Medicare Advantage plans. Despite making up nearly a quarter of enrolled residents, Puerto Ricans received significantly worse care on 15 of 17 quality indicators, with gaps exceeding 5 percentage points.
Researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by GNB1 gene mutations, leading to severe developmental delays and seizures. Whole-exome sequencing of patients revealed the genetic mutations, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Programs to prevent inappropriate medication use, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and link vulnerable adults to Medicare are highlighted at the AGS16 meeting. These initiatives aim to improve quality of care and address population growth needs for older adults.
Experts estimate that expanding proven interventions in pregnancy care, infectious disease treatment, and childhood nutrition could avert millions of maternal, newborn, and child deaths annually. The estimated investment required is approximately $6-12 billion per year, equivalent to just $4.7-$6.7 per person.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified six promising practices to improve healthcare for individuals with social risk factors. These practices include commitment to health equity, data and measurement, comprehensive needs assessment, collaborative partnerships, care continuity, and engaging patient...
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that quality of care varied significantly among eight commercial virtual visit companies, with differences in diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. The variation was greater for certain conditions, such as viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis.
The University of Stirling has developed an innovative activity toolkit to support people living with dementia. The 'gardens' themed kit provides a group activity pack to prompt conversation and reminiscence, aiming to bring benefits such as constructive conversations, social connections, and engagement with personal histories.
A new genetic urine test has been developed to predict high-grade prostate cancer, identifying 92 percent of men with elevated PSA levels who had high-grade cancers. The test could spare hundreds of thousands of men from unnecessary biopsies and reduce the risks associated with the procedure.
Researchers found that charges are inflated by a factor of three to one, disproportionately affecting the underinsured and uninsured. The study suggests targeting office-based events and procedures rather than operating room interventions for improved value within surgical care.
Paul Lee examines the USPSTF's latest report on vision screening for asymptomatic older adults. The study highlights strengths and challenges in the current recommendation process, emphasizing the need for more rigorous clinical trials to inform treatment decisions.
A University of Michigan team proposes customer loyalty programs in healthcare to enhance both health and financial benefits. They suggest perks for patients based on how long they've stayed with the same doctors or received care from network sites.
A University of Leicester study finds that GPs and hypertension detection are associated with lower premature mortality in England. In less deprived practices, continuity of care was also linked to lower mortality rates.
Researchers found that uninsured children have the lowest and most unstable medical home experiences, despite being in greatest need of constant, quality care. The study emphasizes the need for extra efforts to ensure all children have access to quality healthcare, even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that patients who accessed their online health information and received timely alerts about potential gaps in care were more likely to receive preventive tests and screenings. The online tool enhanced the rate of preventive care by 9% for mammograms, 6% for Pap smears, and 12% for diabetes testing.
Demand for VA services is expected to increase until the end of the decade, driven by an aging veteran population and higher reliance on VA health services. The system faces challenges in providing care to veterans outside its facilities, with long waits and limited access to specialty care in rural areas.
A multicenter trial found that corticosteroids significantly reduced severe respiratory complications and hospital stays in late preterm babies. The study's lead investigator believes this will transform the way healthcare is delivered to mothers at risk of late preterm delivery.
A survey of 276 chief nurse executives found that many hospitals struggle with implementing evidence-based practice, leading to poor scores on key performance measures. The researchers emphasize the need for leadership support and education to create a culture of evidence-based care.
Researchers found that blacks, Latinos and Asians had lower risk of coronary heart disease compared to whites without diabetes or prior history of heart disease. The study suggests systematic efforts by Kaiser Permanente may help reduce racial disparities in health care.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
The Association for Cancer Physicians has released a new strategy to improve cancer patient services and outcomes in the UK. The comprehensive plan focuses on delivering excellent and safe medical oncology care, contributing to NHS development, and providing innovative approaches to cancer care.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a grant to Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing to use policy flight simulators to determine the usability and effectiveness of the Transitional Care Model. The goal is to accelerate decisions to implement the TCM, which addresses negative effects associated with common breakdowns in care.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that exchanging secure emails with doctors improved overall health for 32% of patients with chronic conditions. Patients who used email as their first method of contact reported reduced phone contacts and in-person visits.
A new paper calls for a radical shift in India's healthcare delivery system, prioritizing primary care and strengthening the public sector. The authors identify structural problems with the current system, including high healthcare costs driving millions into poverty, poor quality of care, and inadequate human resources.
A multidisciplinary accountable care team model has been shown to decrease hospital stays and lower costs by $649 per stay. The ACT model, implemented across an urban hospital, has also improved communication with patients and families, as well as employee engagement and job satisfaction.
The inaugural issue of Healthcare Transformation features provocative conversations with thought leaders and decision makers, including Aneesh Chopra and Jack and Suzy Welch. The journal aims to reimagine healthcare delivery, education, and technology, predicting a Blockbuster-to-Netflix paradigm shift in the healthcare industry.
Researchers discovered a single genetic mutation responsible for 20% of severe congenital heart disease cases accompanied by neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used genomic sequencing to analyze 1,213 children with congenital heart disease and identified a subset of genes that act as conductors in organ formation.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that adults with type 2 diabetes are often tested more frequently than needed, resulting in unnecessary costs and time burden. The researchers found that excessive testing increases the odds of overtreatment with hypoglycemic drugs.
Two studies found that higher cesarean delivery rates were not correlated with maternal or neonatal mortality, but rather inversely correlated with certain health problems in childhood. The researchers suggest that the optimal level of cesarean delivery may be higher than previously recommended.
A new study from NYU Langone found that reducing post-surgery care referrals to facilities did not increase readmission rates, while improving patient recovery and reducing costs. The hospital implemented a program to discharge more patients home for recovery, with significant drops in facility referrals.
A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has released a report outlining current and future challenges to the specialty of nephrology. Key findings include the increasing fragmentation of kidney care, uneven distribution of nephrologists across the US, and declining interest among residents choosing nephrology fellowships.
A team-based, coordinated specialty care approach produces better clinical and functional outcomes than typical community care for people with first episode psychosis. Treatment is most effective when provided soon after psychotic symptoms begin.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a position paper supporting the use of telemedicine in sleep medicine practices. The paper outlines recommendations for integrating telemedicine into practice, including clinical care standards and quality assurance processes. Fair reimbursement for telemedicine services is also supp...
A UTMB study found that older diabetic patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners had lower rates of preventable hospitalization than those with physician care in nonmetropolitan areas. Nurse practitioner care was shown to be comparable to that of physicians in terms of quality and clinical outcomes.
A study found that cardiac patients receiving care from physicians and advanced practice providers have comparable quality of care, despite low compliance with performance measures. Advanced practice providers showed higher rates of screening for smoking and referral to cardiac rehabilitation.
A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that 76% of patients accepted online postoperative care as the only form of follow-up, while 68% reported equal effectiveness between online and in-person visits. The researchers believe designing tools for online care is key to determining when in-person care is needed.
A study based on over 10 million patients found that family health teams led to improved diabetes monitoring and screening rates. Patients in these teams were more likely to receive recommended testing and screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
A new study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that patients in Ontario who received primary care from a family health team had improved diabetes care, including increased monitoring and management. However, the impact on cancer screening was mixed, with some areas showing improvement while others did not.
Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
A study of extremely preterm infants found changes in maternal and infant care practices resulting in improved survival rates. Survival without major health problems increased significantly for infants born at 25-28 weeks.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that privately insured pregnant women with 24-hour OB coverage and midwife care had lower C-section rates compared to those with traditional care. The study, which tracked data from 2011-2014, showed a significant decrease in C-sections among these patients.
Physicians are dissatisfied with EHRs, citing redundant information and poor utility. The study suggests redesigning EHR documentation tools to prioritize assessment and plan sections.
Studies find HIV-infected women receive inadequate prenatal care, resulting in low viral suppression rates at delivery. Women connected to care soon after delivery are more likely to remain in care and achieve viral suppression.
A new study by Dr. Steven Narod finds that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are twice as likely to die from breast cancer compared to the general US population. The study also reveals that black women and those under 35 have a higher risk of mortality.
A new Medicaid health care program in Texas has improved care for disabled adults with chronic conditions like heart attacks and COPD. The program's managed care component led to better adherence to recommended standards of care during acute events, such as heart attacks and worsening of COPD.