Articles tagged with Home Care
A six-year California study by University of the Pacific demonstrates that virtual dental homes are a safe and effective way to bring care to people who lack it. The approach uses telehealth technology to link specially trained dental hygienists in the community with dentists in clinics.
The University of Minnesota, Medica Research Institute, and HealthPartners Institute will study the impact of the Patient Centered Medical Home model on diabetes care in Minnesota. The research aims to identify specific changes in primary care offices that have improved health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
A study of 9,972 older surgical patients found that a decline in function or mobility after surgery was associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission and death. Postoperative complications were also a significant factor in readmission risk.
A new study found that 50% of disabled seniors had some form of in-home help in 2012, up from 30% in 1998. The sharpest rise was among those with milder disabilities, suggesting a trend towards 'aging in place'.
A UCLA-led study found that nearly half of California nursing home residents completed Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms in 2011. The study also identified areas where the use of these forms could be improved, including facilities with low completion rates and a lack of signatures on some forms.
A recent study found that physician payment reform resulted in a significant decrease in the use of home-based dialysis. Patients with traditional Medicare coverage experienced a 0.7 percent reduction in home dialysis use, while those living in areas with larger facilities saw a 0.9 percent decrease.
A new video has been found to help patients with advanced heart failure choose comfort care over more aggressive treatments. Patients who watched the video were more likely to opt for comfort care and had a better understanding of their treatment options.
A new German research project will examine migrant care workers' arrangements, comparing Germany's family-responsibility model with the Netherlands' state-framed system. The study aims to assess care quality in private households and its socio-political significance.
A state medical home initiative has been shown to slash healthcare costs for complex Medicaid patients by an average of $4,145.28 per patient per year. The integrated care model reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic illnesses and substance abuse or psychiatric conditions.
The Diabetes Collaborative Registry has released baseline data showing clinicians adhere to 4 out of 7 diabetes quality metrics. The registry's first presented results highlight areas for improvement in chronic disease management, with low rates of performance on some measures attributed to lack of documentation or true gaps in care.
Researchers found that becoming Medicare-eligible at age 65, compared to 64, was associated with a significant decline in uninsured rates and an increase in rehabilitation access. This suggests that Medicare coverage allows additional patients to receive rehabilitative care.
A University of Exeter researcher has led a four-year project to develop starch-based gels using enzymes, aiming to improve industrial applications and consumer well-being. The research could also reduce production costs and CO2 emissions associated with conventional gel manufacturing.
A comprehensive analysis of data from 1.6 million hospital stays found that patients undergoing common operations at critical access hospitals had lower risks of major complications and were healthier before surgery. These hospitals also cost the Medicare system nearly $1,400 less than larger hospitals.
A Canadian study reveals ICU caregivers are at high risk of developing clinical depression and emotional distress after patient discharge. The study highlights the need to consider mental health in post-ICU care, finding that caregiver characteristics and situation play a significant role in determining outcomes.
The specialty medical home approach aims to provide comprehensive, cost-effective care for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. This model focuses on patient-centered care, social support, and mental health, addressing high rates of emotional difficulties and poor social support experienced by these patients.
A nationwide study by Texas A&M University found that approximately 15% of people in residential care facilities suffer from injurious falls. The majority of these falls occurred among female residents who required assistance with daily activities and lived in larger facilities.
A new study from Indiana University reveals that nearly half of all long-stay nursing home residents are sent to the Emergency Department over a year, despite their cognitive status. The study's findings highlight the need for strategies to avoid unnecessary transfers and deliver patient-centered care in long-term care facilities.
The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.
A new study finds that person-centered dementia care can be effectively provided by an engaged low-cost workforce of care coordinator assistants. These assistants, with limited education, are trained to conduct home visits and support caregivers, extending primary care to older adults' homes.
A rare study of attitudes to death and dying amongst the very old reveals that this group is willing to discuss their end-of-life care, but rarely does so. The research found that most older people feel ready to die and would prefer a peaceful, pain-free passing.
The new federal legislation aims to reduce rehospitalization rates by penalizing both hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for rehospitalizations within 30 days. However, clinicians warn of potential problems with the mandate, including inadequate communication between healthcare providers, SNF staff, and patients/caregivers.
OPTIMISTIC, a four-year project, aims to improve the health and healthcare of long-term nursing home residents by enhancing clinical care and introducing new Medicare payments. The program has shown promising results in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and improving symptoms in patients with chronic illnesses.
A recent survey by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in adult cardiology, comprising less than 20% of cardiologists who see adult patients. Women also face challenges related to child care and family leave policies, with more likely to report needing additional child care during nights and on-call...
Researchers found that a parent-orientated discharge planning process, known as the Train-to Home intervention, can increase parental confidence in caring for their baby. The project resulted in fewer visits to emergency departments after going home and reduced healthcare costs after discharge from hospital.
Children discharged from hospital infrequently receive home health care (HHC) and facility-based post-acute care (PAC), according to a national study. HHC is most commonly used for neonatal care, while PAC facilities treat non-neonatal respiratory, musculoskeletal, and trauma-related problems.
A study found that hospice patients experience multiple care transitions near the end of life, with more than half going to hospitals. These transitions are often associated with younger or non-white patients, those with multiple chronic conditions, or in-patient hospice care. The number of transitions varies widely by state.
Researchers found that uninsured children have the lowest and most unstable medical home experiences, despite being in greatest need of constant, quality care. The study emphasizes the need for extra efforts to ensure all children have access to quality healthcare, even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
A recent study found that 64% of Chinese caregivers accept their role in caring for a stroke survivor as a natural part of life. The study also revealed that providing support during adversity is viewed as an expression of love among family members.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that immigrant children with special health needs are more likely to lack a true 'medical home', despite growing popularity of the model. The disparity affects even American-born children whose parents are foreign-born, highlighting the need for family-centered care coordination.
A new UCLA study found that hospitals with shorter lengths of stay and higher readmission rates tend to use more post-acute care services. This can lead to patients being discharged prematurely, resulting in higher readmission rates.
A study comparing end-of-life care practices among US, European, and Canadian countries found that the US has lower hospital deaths and days spent in hospitals in the last six months of life. However, it also performs poorly in other aspects of end-of-life care, such as high-tech interventions.
Transforming primary care practices into 'medical homes' requires substantial investments, with median one-time costs ranging from $7,694 to $117,810 per practice. Ongoing costs include adding staff and investing in information technology, constituting a significant financial burden for small medical practices.
Research by University of Huddersfield experts highlights the need for nationwide improvements in staff knowledge and skills to prevent pressure ulcers. The team's findings suggest that a national education programme is necessary to promote patient health-related quality of life and reduce healthcare costs associated with pressure damage.
A new study suggests that patient-administered antimicrobial infusions at home can achieve similar or better outcomes compared to traditional healthcare-delivered options. The research found lower rates of hospital readmission and similar mortality rates among uninsured patients who self-administered antibiotics at home.
A new RAND Corporation study found that home health visits can lead to a 14% reduction in hospital admissions and a lower risk of nursing home admissions among Medicare beneficiaries. The program, called HouseCalls, involves comprehensive geriatric assessments and referrals to community providers.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends that the new Minister of Health enact a national pharmacare program, letting science guide health policy decisions. The editors also emphasize the importance of defending the Canada Health Act and focusing on social determinants of health.
NYU Langone will launch the NYU Caregiver Integrated Support and Services Access Program (CISSAP) to offer counseling, support, and services to New York City caregivers. The program aims to improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
A new study from NYU Langone found that reducing post-surgery care referrals to facilities did not increase readmission rates, while improving patient recovery and reducing costs. The hospital implemented a program to discharge more patients home for recovery, with significant drops in facility referrals.
A new study found that children from chaotic homes who attended more hours of child care experienced better cognitive, emotional and social development. Higher degrees of household chaos were associated with less optimal executive functioning, weaker vocabularies and worse social behavior.
New research from the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients who face lack of social support and practical barriers such as transportation are less likely to benefit from supervised aerobic physical activity. In contrast, those with higher perceived social support and fewer barriers exercised more, on average.
A comprehensive care program involving a team of specialists from multiple medical disciplines has reduced hospital readmissions for seniors due to falls by 10%. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes early intervention and patient-centered care, leading to improved safety outcomes and reduced risk of future complications.
A systematic review of 61 studies found that when missing preferences are included, the majority of those questioned preferred to die at home. However, the large amount of missing data makes it unclear whether home is where most participants with cancer or other conditions preferred to die.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) released a position paper exploring the factors driving growth of 'concierge' and other direct patient contracting practices. The paper offers nine recommendations to mitigate potential adverse impacts on access for lower-income patients.
A new UCLA study found that having a routine place for well and sick care is the most reliable predictor of whether a child will be readmitted to hospital. The study also revealed that parents' confidence in their children's continued good health is closely correlated with fewer unplanned readmissions.
A national effort helped Connecticut rebalance long-term care services, transitioning over 2,200 residents to community settings. This increased overall quality of life and life satisfaction among participants.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that dying at home is associated with a similar amount of pain compared to hospital deaths, and reduced grief for relatives. The study highlights the importance of access to comprehensive home care packages and facilitation of family caregiving.
An expert argues that home is not always the best or preferred place to die, and that hospitals should be given more attention and resources for providing excellent end-of-life care. Dr. Kristian Pollock highlights the need for improved pain control and support services in both home and hospital settings.
Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...
A new Brown University study found that patients who require high-cost services like hospital, at-home, or nursing home care are more likely to switch from private Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare. This shift occurs despite federal policy aimed at preventing it, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regul...
Katie Maslow, MSW, of the Institute of Medicine, has been chosen as the 2015 recipient of the Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging. She will receive the award for her innovative programs that demonstrate excellence in translating research into practical application or policy.
A recent study suggests that experienced skilled nursing facilities are more likely to successfully discharge patients back to the community within 30 days of breaking a hip. Facilities with over 24 cases in the prior year had a discharge rate of 43.7%, compared to 18.8% for those with fewer cases.
The Lancet Oncology Commission highlights the vital role of primary care doctors in preventing, detecting, survivorship, and palliative care. Effective integration between primary and specialist care is crucial to meet the growing demand for cancer care.
A recent study found that cardiologists failed to identify over half of basic and nearly 35% of advanced pre-recorded murmurs. However, a 90-minute training session significantly improved their ability to recognize indications of heart conditions.
The NYU College of Nursing's 'Community/Clinical Primary Care of Older Adults Program' aims to integrate geriatrics with primary care and community resources. The program will provide education and support for older adults, families, and caregivers, promoting healthy aging and managing chronic diseases.
A new study finds that waiving the 3-day rule in Medicare Advantage plans results in shorter hospital stays, with a net difference of 0.7 fewer days on average, and may lead to cost savings for these plans without compromising patient outcomes.
A recent study found that dementia patients and caregivers prefer increased funding for caregiving support and resources over research for an Alzheimer's cure. The majority of respondents ranked financial resources for respite care, long-term care support, and advocacy as top priorities.
A Dartmouth study found that NICU admission rates are rising among normal birth weight and term infants, raising concerns about the necessity of such care. The study's findings suggest that increased admissions may be due to overuse of NICU services, potentially leading to increased costs, stress, and exposure to invasive medical tests.
A 15-year trend analysis found decreased rates of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and expenditures among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older. Average inflation-adjusted inpatient expenditures per beneficiary declined from $3,290 to $2,801, indicating improved healthcare outcomes.
A Harvard Medical School study found that symptom checkers are roughly equivalent to telephone triage lines and better than general Internet-search self-diagnosis in suggesting whether users should seek medical care. However, the tools often encourage overly cautious advice, which can lead to unnecessary medical visits.
A new study found that nursing homes with higher concentrations of racial and ethnic minority residents have improved care, with increases in Medicaid payments associated with reduced clinical care deficiencies. Despite disparities remaining, the progress suggests a narrowing gap in quality of care over time.