Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A new journal series aims to educate physicians about individual and systems factors contributing to medical errors. The series analyzes real-life cases, including a study of 17 errors that allowed one patient to receive an invasive procedure intended for another.
A study published in JAMA found that restorative home care significantly improves the likelihood of remaining at home, reduces emergency visits, and enhances self-care and mobility among older patients. The model is based on principles adapted from geriatric medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, and goal attainment.
A study published by Massachusetts General Hospital found that moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of developing hypertension in young women. The research, based on data from over 70,000 women aged 25 to 42, shows a J-shaped curve where light drinkers have a decreased risk compared to nondrinkers and heavier drinkers are at...
A study found that women are more likely to get regular cancer screenings if they have a well-organized primary care system. Women in private HMOs were also more likely to receive regular screenings compared to uninsured or underinsured women.
A national survey of 787 physicians found that 40% encourage sicker patients to avoid capitated managed care plans and 23% encourage healthier patients to join them. This practice, known as risk selection, raises legal, ethical, and policy issues.
A comprehensive UK study highlights the risk factor of high staff workload on infant mortality in intensive care units. After adjusting for initial clinical risk and illness severity, patient volume and staffing provision did not influence mortality or cerebral-damage outcomes.
Researchers found a significant decline in meningitis deaths among children, attributed to improvements in intensive care and treatment. The study revealed a 59% reduction in fatality rates over five years, with most cases resulting from septicaemia.
A new bacteria test has shown promise in detecting contaminated platelets before they are used for transfusion, reducing the risk of severe illness and death. The Pall BDS system measures oxygen levels in a sample obtained from a platelet unit, indicating bacterial contamination and allowing for safe disposal.
Parents of children with chronic conditions are less likely to enroll in gatekeeping HMO plans, which are designed to improve care coordination. The study found that after switching to an HMO, kids with chronic illness had fewer visits to specialists and primary care physicians.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that managed care plans' use of performance measures can lead to improved quality of care, but significant variations in effectiveness remain. The study found that tightly integrated relationships between healthcare providers and the plan are key factors in delivering high-quality care.
The UCSF program will support senior-level nurses in executive roles with $45,000 over three years to develop key leadership competencies. The focus is on addressing complex issues in healthcare through a comprehensive leadership project and mentorship.
A study by Ashish K. Jha and colleagues found that black patients in VA hospitals had lower mortality rates than white patients for six common medical diagnoses, including pneumonia, angina, and diabetes. The survival advantage was consistent across disease, age, financial status, and hospital-level subgroups.
A new healthcare team model, called Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP), aims to improve the management of chronic diseases in geriatric patients. The study uses team principles from the business world and will link patients and doctors with a team of health professionals using technology such as cellular phones and the Internet.
The NYC Council has awarded $750,000 to the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers and The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing to train healthcare professionals in caring for older adults. The three-year program will provide geriatric training to all five boroughs and focus on nurse-led care.
A recent study analyzing the data behind an Institute of Medicine report suggests that medical errors had no estimable effect on death rates. The authors argue that the patients studied were already quite ill before entering the hospital, making it difficult to isolate a critical determinant of death.
A new Harvard Medical School study found that only 14% of patients treated for three common mental illnesses received adequate care. African-Americans and those without insurance coverage are less likely to receive satisfactory mental health care.
The symposium will focus on practical information to implement change, improve health care delivery, and reduce errors. Key topics include cultural obstacles, innovations in technology, and strategies for moving beyond blame-based safety policies.
A University of Washington study reveals that women who have Caesarean or assisted vaginal deliveries are at a higher risk of rehospitalization compared to those who have unassisted vaginal deliveries. The study found significant risks for complications such as uterine infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and cardio-pulmonary conditions.
A new study by Yale researchers reveals a significant difference in patient satisfaction between those with chronic illnesses and healthier individuals under managed care. The study, which analyzed data from over 16,000 employees, found that chronically ill patients are twice as likely to report dissatisfaction with their care.
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.