A study found that annual rates of hip fracture among Swiss female nursing home residents decreased by 1.3% per year during the 1990s. This decrease was linked to improved prescription of calcium and vitamin D, as well as enhanced preventative care regarding risk factors for falls.
A collaborative care approach involving primary care physicians and advanced practice nurses significantly reduced behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients. This resulted in lower caregiver stress and depressive symptoms without the use of anti-psychotics or sedative medications.
A study found that new mothers experience six common postpartum symptoms, including fatigue, breast discomfort, and decreased desire for sex. Women who had cesarean sections reported significantly worse physical health than those who gave birth vaginally. Breastfeeding was also linked to more symptoms.
A Canadian study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients and family members prioritized having confidence and trust in their doctors' care over dying at home. The results suggest that current efforts to support more patients dying at home may be misguided.
Home health care nurses using motivational enhancement counseling techniques significantly improved smoking cessation rates compared to standard care. Patients in the motivational enhancement group were more likely to quit and had lower cigarette consumption, highlighting the potential of this approach to promote public health.
A study of focus groups with 73 participants found diverse views on healthcare, spirituality, family, and dying among different racial and ethnic groups. Cultural values and Western medical system's limitations influence these differences.
A new study by the University at Buffalo, Yale University, and Oregon Health and Science University found that hospital-level care can be provided at home for less money and with fewer clinical complications. The program, called Hospital at Home, resulted in fewer important clinical complications, greater satisfaction, and lower total ...
A study found that 60% of healthcare providers, parents, and childcare workers knew the national guidelines for common childhood ailments only 60% of the time. Temporary exclusions are designed to prevent disease spread, but inconsistent application can lead to contentious issues between parents and caregivers.
The capacity for assisted living and in-home care nearly doubled between 1990 and 2002, while nursing home beds declined by 7.4% during the same period. The growth of these alternative care options is attributed to shifting long-term care policies and increasing demand for community-based services.
Recent study examines ELBW infants born in 1992-1995, revealing 64% with chronic conditions, including cerebral palsy, asthma, and low IQ. These children require specialized medical and educational services to manage their needs, highlighting the importance of proactive planning.
Researchers found a significant decrease in nursing injuries with increased staffing levels, particularly in for-profit homes. The study's findings have implications for Canadian healthcare, highlighting the need for policy changes to prioritize quality care over profits.
A study found that disease reinfection rates for TB were four times higher than new cases in South Africa. Additionally, researchers discovered that low-dose spiral computer-based tomography (CT) screening can lead to an early diagnosis of lung cancer in a high proportion of cases.
A study published in Home Healthcare Nurse found that home care nurses value professional autonomy, collaborative relationships with physicians, and access to resources to provide quality care. Implementing these traits can help reduce nurse turnover and improve patient outcomes in home health care agencies.
A two-year study found that home-care patients are at a high rate of pneumonia, complications, including mortality rates 11% higher than other patients. Frailty and decreased immunity are major contributing factors.
Researchers from U of T examined approximately 40 nursing home comparisons between 1990 and 2002, revealing that not-for-profit homes generally offer better patient care than their for-profit counterparts in the US. In contrast, the Canadian study found limited data on nursing home quality, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A recent survey of home care nurses in the US and New Zealand found that organizational traits such as professional autonomy, collaborative relationships, and access to resources were highly valued. These traits were also associated with positive nurse retention and patient outcomes, suggesting their importance in home care nursing.
A recent study found that hospitals are more willing to partner with quality improvement organizations (QIOs), with over 90% reporting QIO interventions had a positive impact. QIOs provide educational materials, benchmark data, and hospital performance data, leading to improved quality of care.
Three-quarters of neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life, with infections being the major cause. Low-cost and low-tech interventions can save nearly three-quarters of these deaths, including vaccinations and clean delivery practices.
A study combining data from 11 trials found that early supported discharge services reduced deaths, dependency, and hospital stays by 8 days. The service, which provides rehabilitation and support in a community setting, is especially beneficial for patients with mild to moderate disability.
A new assessment tool provides comprehensive data on home care quality, identifying areas for improvement. The 22 measures cover processes and outcomes, revealing that no single provider excels in all aspects.
Experts recommend improving government reimbursement rates, increasing staffing levels, and providing better training for nursing home staff. Family members share stories of inadequate care, including unneeded tests and treatments, but also praise compassionate gestures from attentive aides.
A study of 754 older adults found that illnesses and injuries leading to hospitalization accounted for 50-80% of disability outcomes. Participants who developed disability were more likely to have been hospitalized or experienced restricted activity.
A recent VA study found that rural veterans have lower physical and mental health scores compared to urban veterans. The disparity persists even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, suggesting access to care may be a key factor. The study's findings support the need for expanded healthcare delivery systems in rural areas.
A recent OHSU study found that Parkinson's caregivers experience dramatic declines in physical and mental health over 10 years, with increased strain and depression. The study identified predictors of caregiver risk, highlighting the importance of supporting family caregivers to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a medical home improvement tool kit to help practices adopt the community-based model, which coordinates care through clinicians, educators, and caregivers. The program improved access to care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for children with complex conditions.
A study of 819 early adolescents found that unsupervised out-of-home care and lack of parental monitoring predict increased problem behaviors. In contrast, consistent adult supervision and community engagement appear protective against these issues.
A study led by Professor Mary Naylor demonstrates a model of care that has important implications for the nation's healthcare system. Advanced practice nurses coordinated care provided by various healthcare team members to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are working on a new program to improve employment in long-term care facilities, focusing on recruitment and retention strategies, including better pay, recognition, and training. The project aims to address staffing shortages and improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.
A study of 2,800 Medicare patients found that hospitals implementing the ACC's Guidelines Applied in Practice (GAP) Project reduced mortality rates by 25% at 30 days and one year. The project improved care through standardized tests, drugs, and lifestyle advice.
Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients living at home reduced the odds of deteriorating in personal activities of daily living (eg. walking, dressing) by 28% and increased the ability of patients to undertake activities of daily living by 14%. These findings suggest that a therapy-based rehabilitation service could b...
Physicians can help family caregivers by promoting good communication, facilitating advance care planning, and providing emotional support. They can also attend to family grief and bereavement, improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
A large US multistate study found that end-of-life care is often woefully inadequate, with many patients receiving insufficient pain medication, emotional support, and respectful treatment. The study recommends expanding access to hospice care, growing palliative medicine training, and improving nursing home end-of-life care.
A study found that family members reported high rates of unmet needs for symptom management, emotional support, and physician communication. Patients receiving home hospice services had better quality care outcomes compared to those in institutional settings.
Summa Health System's ACE model of care enhances stroke care by focusing on comprehensive assessment, function-oriented patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary team management. The system's dedicated 34-bed stroke unit discharges nearly 1,000 patients annually, making it the largest provider of stroke care in Northeast Ohio.
A study of 32 nursing homes in New York and Connecticut aims to determine the effectiveness of specially trained retention specialists in reducing CNA turnover rates. The researchers will assess the impact on job satisfaction, intention to quit, and commitment to the institution.
A recent study found that CACFP monitors play a crucial role in ensuring program quality and child nutrition. The researchers recommend focusing on top five training needs, including program regulation and record keeping, to improve monitor training.
After passage of the Balanced Budget Act, length of stay in Medicare home care decreased among patients, particularly those in for-profit agencies. This decrease may have been a result of fraud and abuse control measures.
A new evidence-based protocol has been shown to significantly improve healing rates and reduce costs for people with venous leg ulcers. The study found that by standardizing assessment and follow-up care, nursing teams can deliver more effective and less expensive care.
The quality of care in nursing homes remains a significant challenge, with many experts arguing that public reporting may hasten the demise of low-performing facilities and create a void without clear solutions. A balanced long-term care system is needed to address issues such as staffing, financing, and care delivery.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that walk-in patients with minor illnesses have a minimal impact on emergency department overcrowding. The study's authors suggest increasing hospital capacity to quickly assess and admit acutely ill patients is key to solving the issue.
The National Census found that only 3,407 adult day centers are operating in the US, serving primarily individuals with dementia and frail elderly. However, a staggering 5,415 new centers are needed nationwide to address the growing demand for long-term care services.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that osteoporosis has significant economic costs for Californians, with Medicare paying for most hospital care and nursing home care being the largest expense. Early detection and prevention are critical to reducing these costs, which include indirect losses due to premature death.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that an at-home exercise program significantly reduced depression and stress among caregivers of demented relatives. The program provided regular counseling sessions to help participants work up to a home exercise routine.
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 by the University of Toronto found that patients' knowledge and behavior improve with baccalaureate-educated home care nurses. The research analyzed factors influencing the cost and quality of home care services, revealing a correlation between nurse education and client progress.
A 13-year study found that higher-quality child care benefits children's development, with more education and training among staff also contributing to better outcomes. Poor quality care can have negative effects on children's social and intellectual development.
A new geriatric assessment protocol has been developed by Yale researchers to identify often-overlooked problems in elderly patients, including depression and driving safety issues. The protocol resulted in more recommendations for patients and did not significantly increase clinic visit time.
A UK study found that a new model of community postnatal care, tailored to individual needs and led by midwives, resulted in a 40% reduction in the risk of probable depression at 4 months after childbirth. Physical health scores did not differ between groups.
120 million Americans suffer from chronic conditions, driving 75% of medical care spending. The current system is disorganized, with patients navigating multiple doctors and caregivers without help or coordination.
A study found that nontechnical aspects of hospital care, such as emotional support and coordination of care, are crucial for heart attack patients' long-term health. Patients with worse hospital experiences reported poorer health at 12 months, but those with good follow-up care from outpatient providers showed similar health outcomes.
A recent study by the San Francisco VA Medical Center found that two-thirds of elderly people who are eligible for nursing home care receive it at home, often from family members. This type of in-home care is estimated to save the government billions of dollars annually.
A study found that interactive video visits can reduce costs by $300 per patient by substituting seven in-home visits, while advanced communication technology can save $700 per patient. Patients and nurses responded favorably to the technology, which improved positive outcomes of treatment and reduced hospital re-hospitalizations.
UCSF researchers identified eight essential dimensions for evaluating nursing home quality. These categories include care, safety, and resident rights. The streamlined system aims to simplify inspections and provide more accurate information for consumers.
The long-term care staff crisis is caused by low pay, restricted immigration policies, and a shrinking labor pool, resulting in patient deaths and injuries. Upgrading the training and professional development of nursing assistants and offering higher pay could solve the crisis.
A study found that disabled elderly women receive approximately 15.7 hours of informal home care per week, compared to 21.2 hours for men, and are more likely to rely on children for support. Married disabled women also tend to receive fewer hours of informal care from their spouses.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that elderly women with disabilities receive significantly fewer hours of informal home care than their male counterparts. Despite being the traditional family caregivers, these women often go unmet due to sociocultural factors.
The study found that the VA home care model significantly improved health-related quality of life and caregiver satisfaction compared to private-sector home care. Terminally ill patients scored higher on several quality-of-life measures, while non-terminally ill patients showed significant increases in satisfaction with care.
A home-based primary care intervention program by the Department of Veterans Affairs significantly improved health-related quality of life and satisfaction for patients and their caregivers. The study found that Team-Managed Home-Based Primary Care (TM/HBPC) improved HR-QoL scales, caregiver outcomes, and reduced hospital readmissions.
A study found that earlier recognition of a child's prognosis by both parents and physicians can lead to stronger emphasis on treatment aimed at lessening suffering. The study also revealed that high-quality palliative care is more likely when both parties recognize the child's prognosis.
A Yale study found that older persons with acute illnesses prefer hospital care over home care, even if the outcomes are equally good. Home care is a viable option only if it provides the same level of care as the hospital.