Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
The Medicare and Medicaid programs are critical components of the US healthcare system, serving over 111 million people. They face significant challenges in adapting to a changing healthcare landscape while navigating conflicting priorities from beneficiaries, practitioners, and policymakers.
Researchers found that hospital staff perception of door-to-needle time did not match actual performance. Middle and low-performing hospitals often overestimated their ability to quickly administer anti-clotting medication.
A recent study found that over two-thirds of adolescent and young adult cancer patients utilize aggressive interventions in the last month of life, including intensive care and chemotherapy. The researchers suggest a need for further research into supporting these patients to make informed end-of-life choices.
A statewide collaborative initiative in South Carolina reduced avoidable hospital readmissions by improving healthcare transitions after discharge. The Preventing Avoidable Readmissions Together (PART) initiative engaged over 90% of the state's acute care hospitals, leading to a promising model for care transitions strategies.
A recent article by Michael K. Gusmano and Frank J. Thompson examines the success of Medicaid's Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Initiatives (DSRIP), finding mixed evidence on its effectiveness. The authors conclude that while DSRIP has potential, its effectiveness is still unclear.
SAGE has strengthened its medical portfolio by partnering with SingHealth to publish the journal Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. The journal, which publishes quality research on all aspects of healthcare and biomedical sciences, will benefit from SAGE's publishing expertise and global reach.
A new study examines the impact of remoteness on health care access in rural Liberia, highlighting strategies to close disparities. Strategies include shifting care to lowest level providers and training community health workers.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the US, with elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking contributing to half of heart disease deaths. Despite decades of progress, reducing these modifiable risk factors has not led to significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality.
A new study reveals wide geographic variation in use of clotbuster treatment for stroke, with some regions providing treatment to nearly all patients and others giving none. This disparity can lead to unnecessary disability and higher costs for stroke survivors.
The Independence at Home Medicare demonstration program saved over $25 million in the first year by improving geriatric care and reducing hospital readmissions. The program, which provides home-based medical care through house calls, resulted in improved patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Research found that individual state stroke legislation plays a crucial role in certifying primary stroke centers and increasing the availability of prompt stroke care. State action, including implementing policies for emergency medical services, has led to a significant increase in certified hospitals nationwide.
Community health workers are expected to play a vital role in healthcare delivery due to the increasing need for CHWs nationwide. A new perspective piece offers guidance on how to maximize effectiveness, including integrating CHWs with formal healthcare providers and addressing upstream issues.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that clinicians are hesitant to prescribe naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, due to concerns about its effects and potential risks. Despite its promise as a tool to prevent deaths, logistical challenges and clinician reluctance hinder widespread adoption.
NYU Langone Medical Center has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to help primary care practices use the latest evidence to improve heart health. The grant, part of the EvidenceNOW Initiative, aims to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and study effective practice improvement strategies.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
A pilot study using the PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program registry shows that high-quality outpatient cardiovascular care can be achieved in resource-limited environments like India. The registry collected data from 68,196 patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, highlighting areas for imp...
The American College of Physicians recommends screening for five common cancers: breast, colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and cervical. High-intensity screening may do more harm than good due to over-diagnosis and overtreatment. ACP advises focusing on tests that improve health and avoid harms.
Researchers at UT Dallas developed a predictive analytics model to identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk. The study found that health IT systems can reduce readmissions, with hospitals implementing cardiology and administrative information systems exhibiting lower readmission rates.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
A new study reveals that the perception of quality care for the dying in the US has worsened over the last decade, with loved ones reporting a decrease in satisfaction. Despite efforts to improve end-of-life care, significant gaps remain between patient and provider preferences.
The BMJ urges the next Health Secretary to prioritize sustainable funding, collaboration, and transparent governance to secure the NHS's future. The service is stretched close to breaking point due to flat-line funding, aging population demands, and social care cuts.
Research finds patients who arrived by ambulance took an average of 26 minutes compared to 38 minutes for those driving themselves. Paramedics can activate care more quickly than patients seeking care on their own, highlighting the importance of trusting EMS providers.
A study of over 1,300 women service members and veterans found that fewer than a third sought post-assault health care, despite growing awareness and efforts to deter sexual crimes. Researchers identified embarrassment, confidentiality concerns, and adverse career impacts as key factors preventing servicewomen from seeking care.
A study of over 6,600 veterans found that using both VA care and a Medicare Advantage plan did not have any negative impact on quality of care, but raised concerns about duplicate federal spending. The researchers also noted that many veterans relied more heavily on VA care than Medicare Advantage visits.
A new study by Imperial College London found that alternative providers of primary care in the NHS performed worse than traditional GP practices on 15 out of 17 indicators. The study highlights the need for careful evaluation of the private sector's role in delivering NHS services.
RAVE empowers clinicians to write personalized decision support rules based on their experience with patients, enhancing patient care and safety. The tool's checks and balances ensure that rules meet specified criteria and are only accessible to the intended users.
A new interoperability challenge has been discovered in health information exchange, highlighting the need for standardized facility identification. Researchers propose a rough draft system to capture, store, and manage information about facilities at all levels of the health system.
The new guidelines emphasize regular growth monitoring, structured behavioural programs, and parent involvement in addressing childhood obesity. These measures aim to promote healthy growth patterns and lifestyle changes among children and youth.
A study analyzing salaries of registered nurses in the US from 1988 to 2013 found that male RNs consistently outearned their female counterparts across settings, specialties, and positions. The pay gap remained unchanged over time, with an estimated $5,148 difference in adjusted earnings.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
A new study published in Medical Care found that specific health system factors, including prescriptions with a 90-day supply and lower copayments, nearly doubled the likelihood of patients adhering to prescribed heart and diabetes medications. The study examined nearly 130,000 Kaiser Permanente members with diabetes and aged 65 or older.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits among Medicare patients treated by patient-centered medical homes, with outpatient ED visits growing more slowly. However, there was no effect on rates of inpatient hospitalization, which is significantly more expensive.
Researchers predict a shortage of over 33,000 primary care physicians by 2035 due to demographic changes and insurance expansion. To eliminate this deficit, experts suggest increasing residency production by nearly 2,200 positions by 2020.
The American Society of Hematology proposes a new role for hematologists in a rapidly changing US healthcare system. The 'systems-based' clinical hematologist model offers a sustainable approach to recruit and retain talent in the field.
A new study by Penn Medicine researchers found that even with optimal conditions, a large proportion of the US population would be unable to access a comprehensive stroke center within 60 minutes. The study suggests that population-based planning is crucial to develop systems of care given finite resources.
A new collaborative care model for ICU survivors decreases serious illness likelihood after discharge and improves quality of life, reducing post-ICU syndrome symptoms. The Critical Care Recovery Center provides patient-centered care to address functional impairments and disorders.
A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Australia's mental health care system is multi-tiered rather than universal, with those living in disadvantaged areas receiving fewer services and from less highly trained providers. The research highlights a disparity in access to psychiatric and clinical psychologis...
A recent study published in the IBD Journal found significant racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with Crohn's disease. Black children had a 1.5 times higher frequency of hospital readmissions due to Crohn's disease compared to white children.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients with advanced cancer perceived a higher level of compassion from physicians when presented with an optimistically framed message about future treatment options. The results suggest the need for extra support and care for delivering bad news while preserving hope.
OU College of Engineering professors will develop resilience metrics for buildings and infrastructure, and analyze the impact of climate change on natural hazard modeling. The center aims to create science-based tools and guidelines for communities to assess their resilience and minimize post-disaster disruption.
A comprehensive, population-based regional health care management program for men with prostate cancer has led to improved outcomes. The program includes safety-net screening programs, improved surgical procedures, and enhanced drug management, resulting in lower rates of blood loss and osteoporosis-related complications.
The editorial highlights the need for bold action to improve end-of-life care in nursing homes, focusing on symptom control, advance care planning, and high-quality palliative care. Nursing home providers are urged to prioritize training staff in these areas to ensure better support for patients and their families near the end of life.
Dr. Yeh's research found inadequate macronutrient delivery associated with lower discharge rates to home, highlighting the need for improved nutritional therapy in ICU patients. The study contributes to a growing understanding of the importance of nutrition in critical care outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet emphasizes the need for improved healthcare systems to combat the growing obesity crisis. The study suggests that current clinical delivery systems are poorly suited for preventing and managing obesity, and that health professionals lack the training and tools needed to treat this condition. The auth...
A primary care nurse-delivered intervention increased physical activity among older adults, with significant increases at both 3 and 12 months. The intervention included individualized PA plans and pedometer feedback, leading to higher step counts and moderate-to-vigorous PA bouts.
After 40 years of work, experts conclude that securing individual rights, improving caregiving relationships, and reforming healthcare systems are crucial to advancing end-of-life care. Strategies include training clinicians in communication skills, designing systemic improvements, and enacting financing reforms.
Changes to labor and delivery care systems, introducing expanded midwifery and streamlined obstetric staffing, led to significant decreases in primary and repeat cesarean delivery rates. This study suggests that modifying the traditional model of obstetric care can lower cesarean delivery rates while improving maternal safety.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that the adjusted risk ratio for heart attacks among HIV-positive patients decreased from an 80% increased risk in 1996 to no increased risk in 2010-2011. The improved care and treatments led by Kaiser Permanente's early awareness of cardiovascular disease risks have result...
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have developed a credible tool to assess medical students' ability to deliver patient-centered care. The Patient-centered Care - Objective Structured Clinical Exam (PCC-OSCE) evaluates behaviors such as effective communication, empathy, and active listening.
A five-year national trial will investigate interventions for patients with multiple chronic conditions, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The study aims to identify effective treatments for patients with coexistent diseases and implement integrated healthcare delivery models.
A landmark study found that training older adults in social media improves mental health and well-being by enhancing cognitive capacity, increasing self-competence, and combating isolation. The study showed that participants became more positive about computers, engaged in social activity, and had a stronger sense of personal identity.
A study of healthcare professionals reveals persistent barriers to effective transitional care, emphasizing the importance of patient education and provider accountability in reducing complications and rehospitalizations among older adults
A new survey of 11 countries found that Americans with Medicare have quicker access to specialist care than many other nations. However, the US population is also reported to be sicker compared to older adults in these countries.
Researchers studied 30,670 patients undergoing heart surgery across 27 hospitals and found that the lowest-cost hospitals had significantly lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, and fewer post-operative complications. These findings suggest that initiatives improving quality of care may also reduce costs for this population.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that most community-based mental health providers lack the necessary training to address the specific needs of military veterans. The survey of 522 mental health providers revealed that only 13% met criteria for cultural competency and delivering evidence-based care.
The latest issue of Global Heart explores the challenges of delivering critical care in resource-limited settings, where cardiovascular disease is emerging rapidly. Key findings include the need for effective diagnostic resources and treatments for conditions like sepsis, ARDS, and pulmonary vascular disease.
Research suggests that hospital interventions can significantly reduce smoking rates, with around 14.5% of hospital admissions being smokers. Implementing routine smoking cessation support could prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths.
The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR) collects data on coronary angioplasty procedures to ensure high-quality care for cardiac patients. The registry aims to establish best practices in addressing cardiovascular disease in Victoria, with plans to expand its activities beyond coronary angioplasty.
Researchers found that patients who received more accessible primary care had better health-related quality of life and improvements comparable to eliminating early complications of diabetes. Women particularly benefited from doctors being more available, leading to stronger health improvements.
A study of 237 converting hospitals found that for-profit status improved financial margins, but no association was found with changes in care quality or patient outcomes. The findings suggest that regulators and policymakers should consider the potential benefits of for-profit conversions primarily on financial health.