Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
A national study finds that the percentage of patients who wait four or more hours for a hospital bed has increased significantly, with even lower rates during non-peak months. The issue, known as 'boarding,' has become a major concern, putting patient safety at risk and straining emergency departments.
A technology expert predicts AI-based medicine will revolutionise care for Alzheimer’s and diabetes, but access must be made available to all patients. The author highlights key innovations such as diagnostic imaging and surgical robots that will aid in more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
A new analysis of over a million online reviews reveals that negative reviews often focus on communication and administrative issues, such as payment problems and poor treatment. Positive reviews, on the other hand, frequently mention reassuring interactions with clinicians and staff, emphasizing kindness, helpfulness, and patient anxi...
The MISSION Act implementation led to significant decreases in travel times for eligible veterans seeking non-VA care. However, this shift was linked to a rise in major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days of procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting.
A cohort study found that stroke center certification decreases racial disparities in treatment for white patients within the same hospital, but such disparities remain for Black patients. This suggests continued systemic inequalities in stroke care settings.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that high levels of social infrastructure are associated with healthier communities. Communities with higher levels of social, human, and cultural capital also had better health outcomes.
Despite improvements in childhood immunization coverage, many African countries are unlikely to meet global targets by 2030. The study found that socioeconomic inequalities persist in coverage, with significant gaps between wealth quintiles.
A recent study by JAMA Network Open reveals racial differences in care quality among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Black men had lower odds of overtreatment, suggesting better care, while having lower odds of confirmatory testing on active surveillance, indicating worse care.
A faulty cybersecurity software update led to a widespread technology outage at US hospitals, resulting in disruptions to patient-facing network services. Internet measurement techniques may be useful for surveillance and study of critical digital health care infrastructure.
A new study found that US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines identify nearly 89% of pregnancies at increased risk, but leave 70.3% in the moderate risk category with nonspecific recommendations for aspirin use. The study suggests that these guidelines may influence clinicians' decisions regarding daily aspirin recommendations.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found telehealth reduces hospital visits, improves mental health, and increases social engagement. However, Medicare's in-person requirement excludes many truly homebound individuals.
A new clinical trial found that a shorter treatment with fewer drugs may be beneficial for some patients with highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, but not all. The trial showed an 87% effective rate for the shorter regimen compared to 89% for the longer therapy.
Proposed Medicaid reforms would have far-reaching consequences beyond federal budget savings, including negative health outcomes and economic losses. Rural and underserved communities are disproportionately affected by these policy changes.
A new music therapy approach called MELODIC showed promising results in reducing distress symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores among dementia patients. The intervention, which costs £2,025 per month, could provide a low-cost and scalable alternative to current methods of managing severe distress.
A new study reveals that at least 160 million patients annually are unable to receive surgery, with LMICs bearing the brunt of the crisis. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment and highlights key recommendations to strengthen essential services for tomorrow's needs.
Researchers found that small group professional coaching reduced physician burnout rates by nearly 30%, with participants experiencing significant improvements in work-life balance, self-efficacy, and social support. In contrast, one-on-one coaching resulted in a 13.5% reduction in burnout rates.
A new Leicester study found that women with type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart damage, according to researchers. The study used advanced MRI scans and data from four studies conducted at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
The journal is seeking original research, viewpoints, and tutorials exploring the use of AI-driven documentation in clinical settings. Submissions should address practical applications, challenges, and future directions of AI-facilitated clinical documentation.
A new study from the University at Albany's Oral Health Workforce Research Center analyzed data on Federally Qualified Health Centers and found that capacity-building steps such as investing in skilled providers and improving infrastructure enable more people to access essential health services. The study identified three leading facto...
The American College of Chest Physicians launches a new initiative to aid in reducing time to diagnosis for complex lung conditions like NTM disease and bronchiectasis. The Bridging Specialties program aims to provide clinicians with essential tools for earlier detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management.
A cross-sectional study revealed racial disparities in COVID-19 treatment, with targeted interventions like expanding rapid test access and virtual care potentially improving equity. The findings suggest that encounter-level factors, such as differences in diagnostic test type and site of care, contribute to these inequities.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.
The Hospital Internacional de Colombia has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of vetted health organizations with access to Mayo Clinic's knowledge and expertise. The network aims to advance high-quality patient-centered care through innovation and collaboration.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
A new book written by an international team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Oxford argues that data-driven decision-making can improve healthcare outcomes. The authors explain how analytics can be used to optimize hospital operations, manage bed allocation, and improve treatment efficiency.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
A new analysis examines the effectiveness of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) add-on code targeting infectious disease (ID) physicians. The measure aims to combat the growing shortage of ID physicians and has the potential to reset national benchmarks for ID compensation.
A new study found that over 1.74 million patients in Ontario are attached to family physicians aged 65 or older, with many having complex medical needs. The study highlights a decline in the number of early career physicians and an aging workforce nearing retirement.
A new study found significant variation in COPD prevalence and burden across states and insurance types, with West Virginia topping the list at 143 cases per 1,000 insured individuals and Utah ranking last at 44. The study also revealed high mortality rates among people with COPD in several states.
A new study reveals six 'closed loop' barriers that prevent doctors from using point-of-care ultrasound, leading to missed opportunities for life-saving interventions. The researchers propose practical steps to address these cultural and practical challenges, aiming to increase POCUS uptake and benefit patients.
Cassie, a digital-human assistant developed by Texas A&M University, is transforming the way patients interact with healthcare providers. With facial recognition and emotional intelligence, Cassie offers a two-way interaction that feels like a conversation.
JMIR Publications' portfolio of journals now includes 21 titles with a Journal Impact Factor. Several journals saw significant increases in impact factor, including JMIR Medical Education, which debuted with a score of 12.5, securing the top-ranked journal spot in its category.
A new online toolkit developed by the University of Ottawa and Health Canada aims to educate healthcare providers on managing opioid-related issues. The toolkit's co-creation model involves patient input, leading to a deeper understanding of chronic pain and opioid use, and a more compassionate approach to care.
A new study reveals that Rapamycin has a comparable life-extending effect to dietary restriction in eight species of vertebrates. The compound, originally developed as an immunosuppressant, offers similar benefits without the need for caloric restriction.
A recent survey by Ateneo de Manila University researchers highlights the challenges faced by young Filipino nursing and medicine graduates in finding stable employment and meaningful roles. Many new graduates feel lost and unsupported, with restricted hiring rules and budget ceilings forcing them to take on multiple roles without addi...
A new study analyzing over 3,200 US hospitals reveals stark regional differences in patient satisfaction. The Midwest emerged as the clear leader, with South Dakota ranking on top and New York performing poorly. Communication about medications and discharge instructions were consistently among the lowest-rated aspects of care.
The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first in Texas to approve use of suzetrigine, a new non-opioid medication for post-surgical pain. This medication targets the peripheral nervous system, avoiding opioid-related side effects.
A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...
JMIR Publications' 26 journals have achieved CiteScore recognition, with 12 ranked in the top quartile. The organization attributes its success to high-quality research and a commitment to open science.
The journal JMIR Human Factors is inviting submissions for a new theme issue focusing on human factors in health care education, management, and knowledge translation. The issue aims to explore current and emergent educational and training aspects of human factors, including digital competencies for healthcare professionals.
A study found that knowledge-based messages are more well-received than those focusing on avoiding pain during a pap test. Demonstrating medical instruments like the speculum can cause unintentional fear, especially when combined with messaging about potential discomfort.
The health care workforce experienced decreased employment growth during the pandemic but fully recovered by 2024. This unique recovery is attributed to health care financing via insurance coverage that shielded health care employment from macroeconomic fluctuations.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses real-time data to diagnose nystagmus, a condition linked to vestibular or neurological disorders. The system allows patients to record their eye movements using a smartphone and receive remote diagnostic analysis.
A University of Maine study evaluated over 7,000 anonymized medical queries and found that AI models performed well on factual and procedural queries but struggled with 'why' and 'how' questions. Human clinicians consistently outperformed AI in terms of emotional engagement and empathetic nuance.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
A global study by UniSA researchers found that 94% of people who use wearable activity trackers are open to sharing their health information with healthcare providers. This could lead to more personalized and responsive care. The demand for personalized healthcare is on the rise, and wearable activity tracker market is increasing.
The new residency program will train 16 psychiatry residents to strengthen mental health resources in Imperial County, addressing a significant shortage of mental health professionals. The program is designed to provide high-quality behavioral health treatment, innovation, and research, with medical leadership from UC San Diego Health.
The Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute will focus on improving value-based care and reducing costs in hospitals. Dr. Peter J. Pronovost, UH Chief Quality and Clinical Transformation Officer, will lead the institute's efforts to revolutionize healthcare and produce more of what matters to patients.
The Ochsner Health system implements pharmacogenomics to fine-tune treatments based on individual genetic profiles, transforming patient care through personalized medicine. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in spearheading these innovations, overcoming barriers and maximizing impact.
A new review calls on endocrinologists to adopt environmentally responsible measures in their practice, reducing waste and emissions. Implementing strategies such as reusable medical devices, consolidating clinic visits, and improving medication adherence could cut emissions by up to 56%.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
New University of Michigan studies find that women primary care physicians are more likely to experience burnout from patient portal messages, but also spend more time managing these messages. Innovative solutions like Patient Asynchronous Care Effort (PACE) slots can help reduce workload and improve physician experiences.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health suggests that parental intuition may outperform traditional early warning systems in identifying children at risk of deterioration. Caregiver concern for a worsening condition was strongly associated with critical illness, even after accounting for abnormal vital signs.
A new study reveals that the Bolsa Família Programme has prevented more than 8.2 million hospitalisations and 713,083 deaths in Brazil between 2004 and 2019. The programme provides cash transfers to low-income families with conditions such as school attendance and vaccinations.
A new algorithm standardizes care for children with sickle cell disease who present to the ED with a fever, reducing hospitalizations by 10% without increasing readmissions. The algorithm uses predefined risk factors to determine treatment, making it safer and more efficient.
This novel treatment approach yields better weight loss maintenance and cardiovascular risk outcomes compared to standard-of-care treatment. Patient-delivered lifestyle intervention combined with peer support significantly improves weight loss and reduces cardiovascular risk.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.