Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
New research shows that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and patient-ventilator asynchronies for patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention that complements conventional treatments.
A new study from IU researchers found that simple screening questionnaires performed better than advanced machine learning methods in measuring social needs. However, each method had gaps, particularly with financial strain, which was harder to identify.
The University of Bergen's 'Fair Choices on the Path to Universal Health Coverage' project aims to strengthen low- and middle-income countries in handling cuts in development aid. The project will improve priority setting through evidence-informed, context-specific approaches, collaborating with academic institutions and governing bodi...
A new Canadian evidence-based framework has identified pathogens driving antimicrobial resistance risks in both healthcare and community settings. The framework highlights the growing threat of sexually transmitted infections as a significant risk factor.
Dr. Alan Sager presents a guide to thorough healthcare reform in the US, citing high costs and inadequate insurance coverage as major issues. He proposes solutions such as containing costs safely, insuring all Americans, and securing adequate pay for doctors and hospitals.
UC San Diego Health has been ranked as a top performer in the Vizient Quality Leadership Ranking, demonstrating excellence in patient-centeredness and quality of care. The recognition reflects the institution's dedication to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care.
As states prepare to implement work requirements for Medicaid expansion, a University of Michigan health care researcher emphasizes the need for key actions to protect enrollees with chronic conditions. Ayanian's guidance includes steps for healthcare providers and organizations to ensure individuals do not lose coverage if they qualify.
American Indian and Alaska Native residents in Oklahoma face significant cancer disparities due to barriers in accessing lifesaving cancer care. A new care coordination and communication program aims to address these challenges by facilitating virtual huddles between healthcare teams.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
Researchers found that stability of representation, not just organizations, is crucial for effective collaboration. Key mechanisms include interpersonal relationships and formal mechanisms to guide attention to others' independent goals.
A new study suggests that contingency management, which uses cash or gift certificate prizes as incentives, can reduce the risk of death among veterans with stimulant use disorder. The study found a 41% lower risk of death in veterans who received contingency management care compared to those who didn't.
A study led by Brown University researchers found that private equity acquisitions of opioid treatment programs concentrated ownership without increasing methadone supply or improving access. Despite this, the majority of acquired programs reported no change in county-level methadone shipments or opioid mortality rates.
A new study reveals persistent disparities in telehealth access among rural US populations, with older adults, Spanish speakers, and those on Medicaid or Medicare facing significant barriers. The research highlights the need for policy reform and digital health equity efforts to address these disparities and improve virtual care access.
The Center for Seniors Uniting Nationwide to Support Health will strengthen resilience in aging populations through interdisciplinary research and innovation. The center aims to improve care coordination, empower communities, and reimagine healthcare infrastructure.
A new study found that the end of COVID-era federal funding led to a significant increase in uninsured children visiting emergency departments in Texas, with 45.2% more visits than before. The share of commercially insured patients also rose 12.5%, while Medicaid-insured visits declined by 11.7%.
Duke-NUS Medical School is sharpening its focus on population health, driven by the need to address rising healthcare costs and chronic diseases in Singapore. The Health Services Research and Population Health (HSRPH) Programme aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve patient outcomes and inform national policies.
A customizable SMS system produced significant 12-month walking increases for aging Latino/a adults, similar to the human advisors group. The study supports mobile health platforms as a viable option for expanding program choices for broader segments of the population.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has completed a six-phase redesign of its Emergency Department, featuring innovative advancements and expanded clinical space. The new ED is equipped with cutting-edge technology and tools to enhance patient care and workflow.
A UMD-led research team is working to improve the sharing of patients' outside health records with clinicians, aiming to reduce healthcare costs and duplicative paperwork. The study will examine how doctors make clinical decisions with outside data and its impact on patient health.
A global study surveyed 14,000 patients across 43 countries, finding that those in poorer health were more likely to reject AI. Patients preferred explainable AI and wanted clinicians to make final decisions.
A new study shows that implementing a COPD care pathway can lead to shorter hospital stays, more referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, and improved standardization of care. The study found that patients treated with the pathway had better outcomes, including being discharged home rather than to a facility.
A new online calculator helps doctors determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient based on their blood pressure needs. By categorizing treatments as low, moderate, or high intensity, the tool enables personalized treatment plans and potentially improves patient outcomes.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A new University of Michigan study found that critically ill patients without health insurance are less likely to receive inter-hospital transfers for treatment, leading to higher mortality rates. Patients with commercial insurance have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid.
Researchers designed an ideal primary care visit scenario that emphasizes patient-centered communication, respect, and inclusivity. A survey of 250 adults with obesity found that most preferred this approach, citing doctors who listen attentively and treat weight issues sensitively.
A recent study published in CANCER reveals that many patients with advanced cancer report receiving treatment that focuses on longevity rather than comfort. Despite this mismatch, the treatment did not appear to extend life for those who did not want it. The research highlights the importance of open conversations between doctors and p...
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A new rehabilitation approach, FAST walk, combines spinal and hip stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity and support motor recovery in patients with post-stroke impairments. The study found that the FAST walk group showed a statistically significant improvement in gait speed compared to other treatment groups.
A new cross-national study finds that older adults with disabilities are less likely to receive preventive care, but higher government health spending closes the gap. Investing in public healthcare promotes equitable access to preventive services, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
A study led by Lancaster University found that social and environmental factors impact a patient's physical readiness for surgery. Patients from socioeconomically deprived areas tend to have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, which can lead to poorer surgical outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that common blood pressure readings are inaccurate, with as many as 30% of cases of high blood pressure being missed. The team developed an experimental model to explain the physics behind these inaccuracies and identified a previously unknown factor contributing to underestimation.
A cohort study found that hospitals with poor financial health were less likely to provide essential perinatal services. This disparity was more pronounced in Southern and rural regions.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A new web-based tool has been developed to provide tailored resources for states and local leaders to reduce lung cancer mortality rates. The tool addresses health equity and incorporates user feedback to offer recommendations based on regional needs.
The Lancet commission emphasizes the need for concrete goals to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma's growing disease burden. The authors propose a 2% annual reduction in age-standardized incidence rates and recommend evidence-based strategies to tackle viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, environmental risk factors, and disparities in he...
Younger adults with prediabetes are at increased risk of mortality, highlighting the importance of age-specific interventions and targeted prevention programs. Lifestyle behaviors and limited health care access contribute to this risk, underscoring the need for flexible and accessible diabetes prevention options.
A national study calls for increased vaccine screening in emergency departments to address health inequities. The study found that nearly a third of the US population lacks primary care access and rarely receives vaccination screenings.
The study found that only 16% of newly diagnosed patients with MDS on Medicare received HMAs during the period analyzed, with women and non-white patients being less likely to start treatment. The analysis suggests that making changes with existing therapies and administration can have a huge impact on improving outcomes in high-risk MDS.
Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan's innovative solutions to tackle oral health disparities in underserved communities have earned her the IHME's 2025 Roux Prize. Her work, using local data and community feedback, has expanded access to dental care for over 100,000 people.
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.