Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Pharmacists play a key role in providing medication abortion services when mifepristone is regulated as a routine prescription. This study's findings inform policy initiatives to enhance pharmacist referral networks and improve access to medication abortion.
The Family Heart Foundation has launched the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative to educate primary care clinicians, healthcare insurance providers, and policymakers about high lipoprotein(a). The program aims to increase awareness, screening, and diagnosis of this genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.
Two new studies found that 75% of adults prefer non-colonoscopy screening options like stool tests, while physicians prefer colonoscopy. Additionally, follow-up colonoscopies rose 41% after a policy change eliminated patient cost sharing for abnormal home-based stool tests.
Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
Mayo Clinic's new platform provides access to its data-driven expertise, clinical knowledge, and AI insights to healthcare organizations worldwide. The program helps navigate the complex AI landscape in healthcare and implement solutions to improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Alana Rojewski and Katherine Sterba aims to improve access to tobacco cessation treatments for people living with HIV who smoke. The ENHANCE-TTS program will train pharmacists as tobacco treatment specialists and tailor-design programs for each clinic, taking into consideration the unique needs of the local population.
The journal is launching a new section to popularize evidence-based strategic planning in digital health and provide comprehensive guidelines for its application. Papers can explore topics such as strategic planning frameworks, case studies of successful implementations, and stakeholder engagement.
A Griffith University study published in Nature Mental Health found that integrating nature-based therapies into clinical healthcare could address global declines in mental health. Nature experiences designed to improve mental health are not yet incorporated in regulated clinical healthcare, but embedding nature therapy into clinical h...
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed two fast tests for early markers of Alzheimer's disease using CRISPR technology. The tests recognize microRNA molecules associated with Alzheimer's, allowing for quick identification in doctor's offices.
A research team provides a framework to support doctors in their patient care while ensuring AI doesn't undermine their expertise. The framework addresses key issues like timing, trust, and over-reliance on AI.
Researchers developed a drone-aided mobile blood collection system to transport donated blood in cities. The model uses drones to shuttle between bloodmobiles and a central blood centre, eliminating traffic delays and ensuring fresh blood reaches the lab quickly.
A University of East Anglia study found that treating patients at home with IV antibiotics can save the NHS over £3,500 per patient and potentially free-up vital hospital beds. The treatment involves having antibiotics prepared at home and continuously delivered into the bloodstream by an elastomeric pump.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that specially qualified nurses with extended roles can measurably improve the care of people with dementia living at home. The approach reduced unmet needs more effectively than standard care and improved the quality of life for affected individuals.
The study analyzed linked health data for over 57 million people in England, finding drops in cardiovascular disease incidence during the pandemic. However, diagnoses rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with increased cases of heart failure and inflammation of heart tissue observed after the pandemic.
Inpatient care offers a range of supports, from reducing drug use to abstinence, but access is challenging due to long wait-lists. The RE-AIM framework helps evaluate the effectiveness of bed-based care and its capacity to meet population needs.
JMIR Publications invites submissions on navigating AI-enabled uncertainty in healthcare management, with a focus on practical guidance for senior management and administrators. The theme issue explores topics such as AI-enabled reimbursement, cloud migration, and vendor dynamics.
A new poll reveals that 19% of people age 50 and over identify as a person with a disability, while half may be entitled to protections and accommodations due to physical or mental conditions. Despite this, only 18% receive accommodations for healthcare visits.
A new study published in PLOS One found that nearly one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes in India achieved remission through a comprehensive mobile-based program combining diet, exercise, stress management, and medical support. The program showed significant improvements in weight, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels, fasti...
A new national study suggests that strengthening screening programs at community-based federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates and ultimately save thousands of lives. Currently, only about 55% of women seen at FQHCs are up to date on cervical cancer screening, far below th...
A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology reveals that commercial fitness apps can have negative themes such as quantifying diet and physical activity challenges, oversimplified algorithms, and aversive emotional responses. The findings suggest a need for user-centered design prioritizing wellbeing over rigid goals.
A study examined factors supporting or hindering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing primary healthcare services. Young participants preferred to use Aboriginal providers where they could be themselves, valuing a cultural connection and feeling safer and welcomed.
A study measuring the impact of a data-driven health strengthening project in Madagascar demonstrates success with a 30% reduction in child deaths. The project provides universal access to basic healthcare, improving outcomes despite challenging conditions.
Physician Organization of Michigan ACO (POM ACO) has achieved significant savings for Medicare by reducing unnecessary spending and focusing on preventive care. The organization's efforts saved Medicare nearly $35 million in 2024, with members sharing in the $17 million incentive.
Stroke survivors' lived experiences reveal key factors that shape their physical and emotional wellbeing during recovery. The study highlights the importance of integrating lived experiences in stroke research to improve care models.
A recent study by the University of Michigan highlights the issue of limited language accessibility in patient portals, which can prevent vulnerable patients from accessing vital healthcare services. The study found that 29% of hospitals only offer access to their patient portal in English, and fewer than 5% offer it in the most common...
University of Oklahoma researchers suggest creating a trust fund to increase and sustain funding for the Indian Health Service, addressing chronic underfunding that has led to health disparities among Indigenous populations. The proposed trust fund model is similar to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund and aims to generate ongo...
A new study suggests that psychological cessation fatigue is a key factor in smoking relapse among ex-smokers. The study found that exhaustion from constantly trying to remain a non-smoker can overwhelm coping skills and motivation, leading to increased risk of relapse.
The collaboration aims to deliver high-quality, timely care by leveraging the latest imaging systems and AI tools. This will enable more precise diagnoses with shorter wait times, driving effective treatment across all service lines.
A new RNA-based therapy targeting Marfan syndrome shows promise in treating the genetic disorder, which can lead to aortic aneurysms and be fatal. The therapy, developed by Mizzou researcher Dunpeng Cai, aims to correct mutated RNA for those with Marfan syndrome.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
A new study warns that dental shame can lead to lower self-worth and unfavourable oral health care behaviours, exacerbating existing oral health inequalities. Researchers emphasize the need for non-judgmental environments where patients feel empowered to prioritize their oral health.
A study published in Blood Advances found that individuals with sickle cell disease who were triaged appropriately received their first dose of pain medication within 60 minutes, while those triaged at lesser severity levels waited nearly three times as long. The researchers analyzed the impact of emergency severity index (ESI) assignm...
Researchers found that Medicaid accountable care organizations (ACOs) can improve some maternal health outcomes if designed thoughtfully. The study highlights the importance of value-based care delivery design within Medicaid programs to support low-income women before, during, and after pregnancy.
A cross-sectional study found that high nurse workload and shift-level staffing ratios exert direct effects on reliable care delivery in neonatal intensive care units. High staffing ratios above 2 infants per nurse are recommended targets for workload reduction.
A new study shows that a multi-step effort to reduce unneeded pre-operative testing, using a tailored program for each hospital, can lead to significant reductions in wasteful tests. The findings have already spurred an expansion of the program to 16 more Michigan hospitals.
A nationwide study finds increased physician attrition rates in psychiatry, primary care, and obstetrics and gynecology specialties. Female physicians, rural practitioners, and those outside the Northeast region are at higher risk of clinical attrition.
The Centre of Excellence for robotic-assisted surgery will serve as a primary training destination for surgeons across Southeast Asia, hosting comprehensive training programmes and regional preceptorship sessions. The collaboration aims to improve surgical standards in the region by sharing knowledge and best practices.
A new analysis found that virtual reality effectively reduced anxiety during coronary angiography and had more stable vital signs than standard care. VR was superior to standard care in reducing anxiety and associated with significantly lower changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Research shows that painful childhood experiences like bullying and violence can cause dental fear in young people, leading to anxiety and avoidance of dental treatment. The study found a stronger association between painful childhood experiences and dental fear in girls than boys.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente found that mailing human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits to patients increases cervical cancer screening completion rates. The study also shows that this approach is cost-effective, especially for health systems with a wide range of patient populations.
A study of 676 patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest found that neurological outcomes were similar regardless of socioeconomic background. However, lower-income areas had lower bystander CPR rates, suggesting disparities in pre-hospital care.
Research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress finds that doctors and nurses are more accurate than AI in triaging patients in emergency departments. While AI showed some promise in flagging critical cases, its overall accuracy was lower than clinicians' across most metrics.
A recent study found that primary care providers in Ohio perceive and treat opioid use disorder (OUD) differently from other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Despite recognizing OUD as a chronic brain disease, providers were less likely to offer treatment themselves.
A major study from the University of Sydney has found that Iyengar yoga-based exercise programs increased falls among older people by 33% compared to seated relaxation yoga. The research suggests that yoga may not be an effective fall prevention strategy, particularly if taught online.
A new study found that over 40% of specialty clinics in the US turn away patients weighing 465 pounds or more due to lack of accessibility features. The study highlights a need for staff training on inclusive care and accommodations for patients with severe obesity.
The 340B program has grown into the nation's second-largest drug purchasing program, with significant revenue generated from spread pricing, which disproportionately benefits providers with more commercially insured patients. Eliminating this distorted incentive is essential to ensuring safety-net providers receive benefits.
A study suggests that nasal sprays are as effective as injection devices like EpiPens in delivering adrenaline to counter anaphylactic shock. The sprays can reach the bloodstream faster, with similar levels of adrenaline seen in blood plasma, and have a longer shelf life.
The latest version of LOINC Ontology 2.0 enhances clinical observation content and introduces new 'Orderable Grouper' concepts for streamlined laboratory orders and results exchange. This update supports the development of standardized laboratory orders and results for global health data systems.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
Researchers have quantified the costs of e-scooter injuries for the first time in Ireland, revealing an average cost of €1,726 per patient. The study found that e-scooter injuries mainly resulted in musculoskeletal injuries requiring major surgery, resulting in significant financial burdens on healthcare services.
The survey found that while job satisfaction was generally positive, with an average score of 25.37 out of 36, career development opportunities, work organisation, and workload received relatively low scores. Nurses and paramedics reported higher satisfaction levels than physicians, particularly in workload and organisational aspects.
Cincinnati Children's researchers tracked out-of-hospital births and found that numbers doubled in the region from April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023, compared to births from January 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020. Young, highly educated mothers were more likely to have higher body mass index and fewer prenatal visits.
Dr. Langlois and his team will support large-scale scientific research, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen Canada's ability to face future health emergencies. The High-Throughput Facility infrastructure will rapidly detect and track new infectious disease threats while protecting people and communities.
A new poll finds that 38% of people over 50 have had a spouse or other adult at their health care appointment, and 34% have accompanied another person. The vast majority said having someone was helpful, with 92% reporting it made them feel comfortable sharing information and helped them follow through on instructions.
A recent study at UC San Diego Health found that virtual transition of care clinics lower hospital readmissions for high-risk patients by 14.9%. The clinic provides immediate post-hospital care, reducing no-show rates and improving patient outcomes.
Research at UCLA Health Sciences found that high-markup hospitals charge up to 17 times the true cost of care, resulting in poorer patient outcomes, including higher complication and readmission rates. Patients treated at these hospitals often experience financial toxicity or medical bankruptcy.
A Swansea University study found ambulance staff faced intense emotional and operational strain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, staff showed strong resilience and adaptability in handling high-stakes environments.
A nationwide study found patient death rates increased in emergency departments of U.S. hospitals acquired by private equity firms, with staffing cuts and salary reductions proposed as likely explanations. The researchers also found transfers of patients to other hospitals and shortened stays in intensive care units.
A portable device using machine learning can detect signs of concussions in real-time, providing a more objective way to assess injuries. The Mizzou Point-of-Care Assessment System combines a force plate, depth camera and interface board to track movement, balance and reaction times.