Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
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.
A new study reveals that nearly one in five older adults experience emergency department visits within a month of common surgeries, with significant variation between hospitals. Hospitals can use this measure to assess their quality of care and focus on preventing post-surgery emergencies.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women with low adiponectin levels prior to pregnancy are nearly seven times more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Low adiponectin levels were also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.
A study found that Massachusetts' commercial ACO contract was linked to reduced spending for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. The initiative resulted in significant savings, particularly in outpatient care and testing, without compromising quality of care.
A large-scale hypertension program implemented in Northern California saw a near-doubling of blood pressure control rates between 2001 and 2009. The program's success was attributed to evidence-based guidelines and performance metrics, resulting in a higher rate of controlled blood pressure compared to national averages.
A growing population of older male prisoners requires better health and social care in prisons. The study found that many prisons lack policies for caring for older prisoners and fail to integrate health and social services.
The article highlights the need for a systematic framework of case identification, triage, and mental health interventions in post-disaster settings. Researchers found that standard treatments like pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are effective, but psychosocial interventions have not been sufficiently evaluated.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 16% higher vaccination rate in boys whose mothers received a flu shot, and 13% higher rate among those with a Pap screening. Boys from low-income neighborhoods, Hispanic, and enrolled in Medicaid programs also showed increased vaccine uptake.
Research by Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Jeffrey Goldberger combines evidence-based guidelines with tailored treatment for patients, reducing over-treatment and under-treatment. By analyzing clinical data and individual characteristics, physicians can make more precise decisions, leading to better patient care.
A systematic review of studies on long-term-stay patients' care found that interdisciplinary teams involving the patient's own physician and a pharmacist had better odds of improving nursing home care quality. The review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, highlights the importance of team-based car...
The development of mobile-presence medical devices can help fill the void of limited healthcare infrastructure and access to medical professionals in remote locations. Pilot tests have successfully connected obstetricians with pregnant women in Bolivia, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnostic imaging.
A study by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that Californians with chronic conditions who have a regular doctor coordinating their care are more likely to get flu shots and receive preventive treatment. This 'medical home' model can help prevent chronic health conditions and reduce healthcare spending.
A regional system of organized stroke care delivery has improved outcomes for patients with stroke in Ontario, Canada. The study found a decrease in hospital admissions to long-term care facilities and death rates after stroke.
New research suggests healthcare professionals are not utilizing patient self-management support effectively, despite its potential to improve sustainability and reduce costs. The study found that while some patients benefited from the approach, it did not lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes or service usage.
A survey of nearly 1,000 primary care clinicians reveals significant disagreements between physicians and nurse practitioners on the scope of nurse practitioner responsibilities, including leadership roles, reimbursement levels, and service provision. The study highlights the need for further analysis of the economic implications and c...
New guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommend against routine screening for depression in adults without apparent symptoms. The recommendations are based on a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of depression in patients wi...