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.
A recent study found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause early delivery, with potential health consequences including low birth weight and increased risk of death or long-term illness. Researchers believe a critical period for drinking may exist, and prevention is key to reducing premature births.
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study suggests that consumerism, e-commerce, and genetic mapping will transform the US healthcare system. The report highlights potential disruptions, including increased competition for capital investments and a shift towards preventive care through genomics.
A UCSF report identifies three contributing factors to the problems facing allied and auxiliary workforce: market survival, flexible team members, and educators' skills preparation. The report recommends partnerships among health delivery organizations, workers, and educators to forge new approaches.
A study by Boston University researchers found that delivering bad news via email is more accurate and less painful for the messenger than personal or phone delivery. The research suggests that electronic communication can increase honesty and accuracy in delivering negative information, challenging current norms.
Four Harvard physicians recommend a moratorium on reducing the national cesarean section delivery rate due to concerns about maternal and infant safety. They argue that economic forces are driving the goal, rather than patient well-being.
A CDC pilot study developed an integer programming model to optimize vaccine selection and procurement, potentially saving millions of dollars in health care costs. The study examined the economic value of combining vaccines and identified opportunities for reducing medical staff time and storage costs.
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) announces 24 contract awards totaling $2.3 million to develop innovative medical projects leveraging the capabilities of the Next Generation Internet (NGI). These projects aim to improve data transfer, security, and usability in healthcare settings.
The Pan American Health Organization emphasizes the importance of addressing health inequities in its new report, citing evidence that poorest populations face the worst health outcomes. Strategies aimed at promoting health and preventing disease are necessary to improve regional health.
Two studies found a direct relationship between RN staff mix and lower rates of medication errors, patient falls, and other adverse occurrences. However, the optimal RN staffing level remains unclear, with medication errors increasing above 87.5% RN care hours.
Following guidelines improves patient safety and reduces liability costs by 96% compared to no guideline compliance. MMI's report highlights the financial impact of adhering to core risk modification programs, with average cost per claim reduced by $70,000.
The article recommends adopting nurse-midwifery as the standard of care for normal deliveries in the US, citing its cost-effectiveness and ability to mitigate low birth weight and infant mortality. Nurse-midwives' non-interventionist approach can provide high-quality care with equivalent outcomes to physicians.
Researchers have designed a mini drug pump that can sense blood glucose levels and deliver the right amount of insulin, potentially simplifying the lives of diabetics. The device uses a novel alloy to create a closed-loop system, which could also be adapted for other medications.
State legislators introduced legislation to ensure insurance coverage for post-partum hospital stays, but were influenced by financial decisions, lobbying, and personal experiences. The law requires a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for normal vaginal deliveries and 96-hour stay for cesarean deliveries.
A University of Washington study found that patients of certified nurse-midwives used 12% fewer resources than those of physicians, with lower rates of continuous fetal monitoring and epidural anesthesia. Midwives also delivered babies with a lower Caesarean-section rate compared to obstetricians.
Researchers have developed a prototype drug pump that can monitor its own flow rate, ensuring steady stream of medicine and enabling diabetics to manage their condition more effectively. The device is made on a single silicon wafer and uses a titanium-nickel alloy to flex and regulate fluid flow.
Engineering Animation, Inc. develops software to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) using 3D visualization technology, reducing morbidity rates and improving patient outcomes.
The 41st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society will feature a diverse range of topics, including cognitive task analysis, human factors in healthcare, and automation research. The technical program includes over 80 sessions, workshops, and poster presentations, as well as site tours and job placement services.
Researchers have developed a prototype electronic house call system that enables patients with chronic diseases to receive regular care from nurses at home. The system, tested in 25 patient homes and a nursing facility, uses videoconferencing and medical devices to monitor vital signs and perform exams.
A comprehensive analysis of California hospital records reveals a historic transformation in the role of hospitals. Hospital inpatient care has declined significantly, with outpatient surgeries more than doubling during the same period.
Researchers show that taking an inhaled beta-agonist at regularly scheduled times is safe but provides no greater benefit than taking the medication only when symptoms occur. The study also demonstrates that asthma patients continue to have a good response to inhaled beta-agonists even after months of daily use.