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.
Despite accelerated progress in reducing child mortality, maternal mortality remains high. Brazil and China are highlighted as countries on track to meet the targets set out in MDG4 and MDG5. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in health systems, community-based interventions, and social determinants.
AMIA members receive workforce and SHARP grants to develop curriculum and train informatics specialists. The grants support the adoption of health IT and electronic health records, aiming to create a high-performing healthcare system.
Research from the University of Warwick and the University of West England calls for social care home workers to be trained in basic clinical nursing skills to provide high-quality care as residents' needs increase. The report also highlights cultural barriers, such as ageism, that hinder care delivery.
A flexible treatment intervention that combines cognitive behavior therapy, medication, and computer-assisted support significantly improved anxiety symptoms and functional disability in patients with common anxiety disorders. The study found a 63.66% response rate and 51.49% remission rate compared to usual care.
A new study from Indiana University School of Medicine offers a blueprint for hospital systems, physicians, and caregivers to implement evidence-based research in patient care. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to overcome end-zone hurdles and provides a framework for success.
The medical home prototype improved quality of care, patient experiences, and clinician well-being, with significant cost savings through reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings support the model's ability to address healthcare concerns and provide recommendations for implementation.
A study found that patients with mild to moderate acne who underwent remote online visits had a similar decrease in inflammatory acne lesions as those who visited their dermatologist's office. Both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with their care.
The March 2010 issue of Clinics in Perinatology focuses on Quality Improvement (QI) methodology and its application in neonatal and perinatal practice. QI leaders share their expertise on various topics, including QI methodologies, human factors, and quality-assurance procedures.
A leading hospitalist argues that hospital medicine can address fundamental problems in payment and delivery systems, improving access for millions of uninsured Americans. Hospitalists will be key in shaping the future of the American healthcare system, focusing on quality, safety, and efficiency.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that risky drinkers report poorer health-related practices, including stress relief with alcohol and cigarettes, unhealthy eating, and not regularly seeing doctors. Moderate drinking was associated with better health and more likely medical care seeking.
A study found significant disparities in palliative care services across US cancer centers, with NCI-designated centers offering more comprehensive programs. The researchers identified barriers such as poor reimbursement and limited institutional resources hindering the delivery of high-quality palliative care.
A panel of experts concludes that P4P programs can strengthen the relationship between physicians and patients when linked to evidence-based measures. The panel emphasizes the importance of protecting scientific standards and promoting equity in healthcare delivery.
Researchers found that wait time is the most important factor in patients' care-seeking decisions, while high-touch aspects of the patient-centered medical home are more highly correlated with preventive services delivery. Additionally, in-office C-reactive protein testing can help physicians more appropriately prescribe antibiotics fo...
Studies investigate various team configurations and dynamics in hospitals to improve patient care and safety. Researchers found that effective teamwork leads to reduced medical errors and improved patient satisfaction.
A basic three-day newborn care training regimen reduced the rate of stillbirths by 23% to 15.9 per 1,000 deliveries, with improved outcomes among births attended by midwives and traditional birth attendants. The study, funded by NIH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, tracked over 120,000 births in six developing countries.
Developing local human capacity is key to implementing e-health tools in low-income countries, but a chicken-and-egg problem exists. Dr. Tierney's East African Center of Excellence in Health Informatics has built upon decades-long collaborations to train individuals and implement health information technology tools.
A study found that over 50,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans received a new PTSD diagnosis, yet fewer than 30% completed the recommended 10-12 weekly sessions. Factors such as age, sex, and rural residence also affected treatment outcomes.
Researchers examine delivery of end-of-life care in Pennsylvania prisons, developing intervention toolkit and educational strategies to address racial/ethnic disparities and optimize patient care. The study aims to provide insights into delivering high-quality healthcare in complex organizations.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the need for better care for extremity war injuries, citing challenges in research, host nation care, and disaster preparedness. The symposium highlighted the importance of funding more research to improve treatment outcomes.
The new series aims to address the shortage of geriatric expertise in healthcare. The series will explore themes that develop with aging, such as frailty and loss of independence. By analyzing real stories of patients and interviews, it will provide clinicians with pragmatic tools for translating evidence into daily practice.
Renowned psychopharmacology expert Stephen M. Stahl, MD, PhD, highlights low confidence in army mental health care, excessive opiate prescribing, and understaffing of services at Ft. Hood. He proposes redeploying primary-care providers and nurse case managers to centralize mental health care delivery.
A study published in JAMA found that publicly released hospital performance data did not result in significant systemwide improvement in hospitals' performance on most quality of care indicators. However, some local changes were observed in delivery of care at early feedback hospitals.
Primary care visits in the US increased in quality and duration between 1997 and 2005, with average visit times rising from 18 to 20.8 minutes. Researchers attribute this increase to the growing complexity of patient populations, rather than increased efficiency.
The new center will support partnerships with community-based organizations to conduct innovative research and develop effective programs to eliminate health disparities. It will also expand training and technical assistance services, including multilingual materials and distance learning programs.
Researchers found that focused hospitals deliver lower quality care to randomly assigned patients, measured by higher mortality rates. They also experience longer average lengths of stay for these patients. This suggests patient selectivity is a key driver of the superior outcomes seen at specialty hospitals.
A study by RAND Corporation researchers found that multifunctional electronic health records improve the quality of care in community-based primary care practices. Practices using these records showed better care for diabetes and provided certain health screenings compared to those without.
A new series explores how to treat six major MNS disorders in settings where specialists are scarce. The series recommends 'packages of care' combining medication and psychosocial treatments for best outcomes, with non-specialist health workers playing a key role.
A Kaiser Permanente program bundled two generic, low-cost drugs and gave daily doses to 68,560 people with diabetes or heart disease for two years, preventing 1,271 heart attacks and strokes. The study found a 60% reduction in hospitalization rates for heart attack or stroke among those taking the bundled drugs.
The University of California's ATHENA Breast Health Network is a groundbreaking statewide collaboration aimed at improving breast cancer care. The project will involve 150,000 women across California and generate rich data on breast cancer treatment, potentially leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that resident duty-hour reform has led to an increase in perioperative complications for hip fracture patients, especially in teaching hospitals. The study also noted longer hospital stays and increased costs.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...
A randomised controlled trial found online CBT to be more effective than usual care in treating depression. After 8 months, 42% of patients had recovered, compared to 26% in the control group.
A major statistical review of 82 studies found that nonprofit nursing homes deliver higher quality care than for-profit homes, with benefits including more staff, lower rates of bedsores and restraints. The findings have significant patient-care implications and raise concerns about the role of for-profit firms in U.S. health reform.
A randomized study found that a program combining electronic health records and proactive patient outreach kept lipid and blood pressure levels at controlled, healthy levels for two years after discharge. The study's results suggest that using technology can help support patients in maintaining treatment goals and medication adherence.
The North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project finds differences in physician trust, access to care, and continuity of care between African American and Caucasian men, leading to advanced prostate cancer at diagnosis. An established relationship with a healthcare provider can mitigate these disparities.
A Kaiser Permanente project demonstrated that specialists can improve the health of high-risk patients with chronic illness by using electronic health records to coordinate care. The project found that proactive e-consults reduced late nephrology referrals by two-thirds.
The HealthGrades study identifies hospitals with significantly better maternity care outcomes, including a 76% lower C-section complication rate. The best-performing hospitals also showed a 33% improvement in mortality and morbidity for women's health procedures.
AcademyHealth has recognized several notable researchers in the field of health services research, including Willard G. Manning Jr., Hongmai Pham, Rachel Werner, Amal Trivedi, and Andrew Ryan, who have made lasting contributions to policy and practice through their scholarship, teaching, and leadership.
A new study found that intensive in-hospital smoking cessation support significantly increases long-term abstinence rates among heart patients compared to minimal support. Absence of previous heart attack, postsecondary education, and at-home smoking restrictions also contributed to successful cessation.
Group Health Cooperative's Patient-Centered Medical Home pilot showed significant success, reducing emergency room visits by 29% and inpatient hospital stays for patients with chronic conditions. The model also improved care team satisfaction and patient experience, leading to long-term cost savings.
The new issue of Reproductive Health Matters highlights the need for comprehensive efforts to strengthen public health systems and create a well-trained workforce. Mid-level providers are willing to take on increased workloads, raising questions about quality of care and financial remuneration.
A new review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals widespread inequalities in medical care for individuals with mental health conditions. Despite similar or more frequent medical contacts, those with pre-existing mental health problems often receive poorer quality care.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that primary care physicians who adopted a new capitation model for payment had fewer sick patients and less after-hours billing. However, they also had more patients visiting emergency departments and fewer new patients compared to those who opted for an enhanced fee-...
Physicians can play a leading role in achieving comprehensive health care reform by working towards payment and delivery system reforms that achieve 1.5% annual savings, covering all Americans. Reforms include integrated systems of care, innovative payment models and performance measures to promote care coordination.
A national survey of physician practices found that physicians spend an average of three work weeks per year on administrative tasks required by health plans. This translates to a cost of $31 billion annually and 6.9% of all U.S. expenditures for physician and clinical services.
A $6 million initiative supports 68 community health centers in Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to become patient-centered medical homes. The goal is to improve coordinated care, access, and quality improvements for over 500,000 patients.
The Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health at Children's National Medical Center has been recognized as a national leader in improving immunization compliance rates and preventive care visits. The center achieved a significant increase in targeted immunizations from 75% to 88% among 19-35 month-old patients.
A £2.8m grant will support a three-year programme to increase skilled birth attendance and quality obstetric care in 5 target countries, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. The programme will evaluate the impact of training and supportive supervision on healthcare provider capacity and care delivery.
A review of 8,900 patients and 4,550 healthcare providers from 28 countries identifies psychosocial, socioeconomic, physical, environmental, and cultural factors as major barriers to effective diabetes care. Patients face financial, social support, and lifestyle challenges that hinder self-care.
A team of experts at WPI has launched a three-year study to examine the impact of implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) on primary care providers, patients, and healthcare operations. The study focuses on four diverse sites in the US, Canada, and Israel, analyzing how organizations adapt to new systems and tools.
The new journal, Osteopathic Family Physician, will cover topics such as preventive medicine, managed care, and pain management. It aims to deliver resources that contribute to enhanced patient care and support successful practice management for osteopathic family physicians.
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care has submitted recommendations to the Obama administration, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to strengthen US HIV/AIDS programs and global health initiatives. The organization advocates for scaling up HIV prevention activities in developing countries and promoting evi...
Cuba's comprehensive model emphasizes healthy development before conception, continued support through preschool education programs. Dr. Wilbert Keon suggests integrating polyclinics, collaborative programs, and research to optimize health and well-being in Canada.
A study published in Health Affairs explores four payment reform options to address the issue of value in healthcare. The authors suggest that episode payments may be a promising near-term opportunity for payment reform in Medicare, which could lead to improved quality and access.
A new study found that breast cancer survivors are unsatisfied with the post-cancer care they receive from their primary care physicians, highlighting the need for more coordinated care. Patients advocate for educational interventions and specialized clinics to address late effects of treatments and prevent disease recurrences.
Despite increased emphasis on patient safety, little progress has been made, with physicians' autonomy and lack of standardization identified as key culprits. An average hospitalized adult receives recommended therapy only 53% of the time, leading to nearly 100,000 annual deaths due to hospital error.
In eastern Burma, over 88% of women had home deliveries, with displaced women facing up to 5 times less antenatal care. Human rights violations, including displacement and forced labor, exacerbate poor health outcomes. The study highlights the need for increased access to maternal healthcare services in conflict-affected regions.
A USC team applied engineering principles to reduce operating room turnover time at three California hospitals, resulting in a 21% average reduction. The implemented changes improved patient flow, reduced queuing, and enhanced communication between staff members.
The TV character Jack Bauer's glamourization is linked to increased public acceptance of torture, according to Dr. Homer Venters. He proposes steps for physicians to take, including educating themselves and strengthening ties with human-rights organizations.
States can play a critical role in health care reform by creating insurance exchanges, regulating health insurance plans, and innovating through novel programs. The federal government must also take initiative to achieve sustainable and successful reform, as states alone cannot overcome the substantial barriers to change.