Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
State Medicaid programs offering coverage for birth doulas may capture cost savings associated with reduced cesarean rates, benefiting diverse, low-income women. Doula support improves birth outcomes and enhances the mother's birth experience.
Researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in adverse obstetric outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, peripartum infection, and severe perineal laceration. The study also revealed differences in types of intrapartum care, with certain groups receiving more intensive or less invasive treatments.
Researchers found a reduction in elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks, from 29.9% to 25.4%, and a decrease in early-term cesareans. However, there was no significant change in neonatal or maternal morbidity, but a non-statistically significant increase in stillbirths after 37 weeks was observed.
The study found that using the laborist model resulted in significant reductions in labor inductions (15% fewer), maternal length of stay (0.09 days less), and preterm delivery (17%). This improvement in pregnancy outcomes is attributed to continuous coverage without competing duties.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis found significant variation in vitamin D potency among supplements, with some products containing up to 146% more or less than listed values. The study suggests that consumers may not be getting the expected amount of vitamin D from their supplements.
The European Science Foundation proposes a new model of integrated care support for citizens' health through linked social and health care. Key priorities include personalized care delivery, effective use of ICT applications based on user acceptability, and ensuring respect for formal and informal carers.
A University of Oregon study finds that patients with higher levels of motivation, knowledge, and confidence in managing their health have substantially lower healthcare costs. The researchers recommend assessing patient activation scores to support more engaged patients and improve outcomes.
The majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves, feeling medico-legally obligated by recommendations within reports. This preference is influenced by the wording and location of recommendations, highlighting the need for improvements in radiology reporting practices.
A new study by UAlberta researcher Trish Reay suggests that Primary Care Networks can thrive with strong leadership, redefined workspaces, and creative discord. The PCN model allows physicians to practice medicine in a team-based approach, improving patient care and doctor satisfaction.
The adoption of electronic health records by family physicians has doubled since 2005, reaching 68% nationally in 2011. Researchers found that family physicians are adopting EHRs at a higher rate than other office-based physicians and are likely to exceed 80% penetration by 2013 if the current trend continues. Meanwhile, patients' expe...
The hospital will conduct a study on transitional care models, enrolling 1,800 patients, to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital-PCMH collaborations within an Accountable Care Organization structure. The goal is to create seamless and patient-centered care.
An analysis of nationally representative survey data found significant improvement in the delivery of underused care, including better use of antithrombotic therapy and aspirin for atrial fibrillation. However, the study also found limited changes in reducing inappropriate care, such as overuse of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations.
A Kaiser Permanente study found a significant link between prenatal oxygen deprivation and an increased risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood. The study examined electronic health records of nearly 82,000 children ages 5 and found that exposure to birth asphyxia, neonatal respiratory distress s...
Two diabetes lifestyle interventions led to significant weight loss and improvements in waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose levels for overweight or obese adults. The adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle interventions resulted in a 2.2-2.9 BMI reduction over usual care at month 15.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that integrated care provided by managed care plans reduces resource use, potentially leading to overall savings. Risk-adjustment reforms have mitigated favorable selection, reducing the tendency of health plans to attract healthier patients.
The largest community-based study of long-term diabetes outcomes after bariatric surgery found that most people don't experience long-lasting remission of their diabetes. However, those with less severe and earlier stage type 2 diabetes at the time of surgery tend to have better outcomes.
A study found that patients with online access to their medical records and secure email communication with clinicians had significantly increased use of clinical services, including office visits and telephone encounters. This contradicts the assumption that online access would substitute for traditional health care services.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with online access to their medical records had a significant increase in office visits and telephone calls compared to those without online access. This association was seen across different age groups, including those with asthma or diabetes.
Only three percent of patients receive stress management counselling, highlighting the need for restructuring primary care delivery to include this crucial service as prevention. Stress management counseling is associated with longer office visits, underscoring the importance of providing this support earlier in the disease process.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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...