A new study conducted by Medical University of South Carolina shows that long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for persons living with HIV can be administered safely and effectively at home. Patient satisfaction scores were high for both groups, and no serious safety issues were observed.
A recent study found that telehealth visits in pediatric primary care significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections. The research analyzed over 540,000 visits and showed that children treated with telehealth were less likely to receive antibiotics than those examined in person.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
A new study finds that a remote patient monitoring program reduced hospitalizations by 59% among high-risk patients, even after they mailed back their devices. The program uses digital health devices and clinician support to monitor vital signs and symptoms.
A recent study found that ischemic stroke mortality rates have increased in the US over the past two decades, particularly among racial minorities and rural residents. The majority of these deaths now occur at home, rather than in hospitals or medical facilities.
Rebecca Conant, MD, a pioneering leader in home-based geriatric care, has been honored by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) as Clinician of the Year for her transformative impact on geriatric medicine. Her leadership and innovations have expanded access to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults.
Home care cooperatives have achieved half the turnover rates of traditional agencies, thanks to factors like respect, control, job support, and compensation. These cooperative businesses are owned and operated by caregivers themselves, fostering a more collaborative experience.
A new Electronic Frailty Index 2 (eFI2) system will improve the accuracy of identifying older people's frailty by integrating data on 36 health problems. This will enable GPs to provide personalized treatments to prevent costly loss of independence and falls in older age.
People with heart failure who can travel outside their home without assistance are less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year. Life-space mobility, a measure of how far patients move in their communities, is a reliable marker of risk for adverse outcomes in chronic diseases.
Adult patients with congenital heart disease have poor exercise capacity due to increased sedentary behavior. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 10 minutes daily can boost peak oxygen uptake by up to 0.454 mL/min/kg, suggesting a positive impact on prognosis and mobility.
A wearable t-shirt with sensors monitors vital signs and detects complications, allowing patients to be discharged 24-36 hours earlier than control group. The device also improved patient satisfaction and quality of life.
A Northwestern University study found significant disparities in glaucoma monitoring, with rural and economically distressed communities facing barriers to care. The study identified strategies to improve access, including expanding tele-ophthalmology services, home monitoring technology, and financial support.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
Researchers found that older adults with traumatic brain injury face disparities in rehabilitation care due to contextual social determinants of health. Contextual SDoH factors have complex effects on use of community-based rehabilitation services after TBI, beyond those linked to individual-level SDoH.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 39 studies from 21 countries reveals that group arts interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The benefits were consistent across different types of art and diverse populations, suggesting a synergistic effect.
A new study found that one-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are nutritionally at risk, potentially leading to increased hospital stays and emergency visits. The SCREEN-8 tool was used to measure an individual's nutrition risk, and those with higher scores had significantly lower odds of reporting healthcare issues.
The project aims to improve the quality of life for patients with end-stage heart failure and their caregivers through a nurse-led intervention. The study will also track hospitalization rates, patient well-being, and gain a better understanding of end-of-life care.
A new home-based intervention has been shown to reduce unplanned hospital admissions among older adults with mild frailty by 35%. The service, which includes personalized visits and tailored support, also leads to small improvements in wellbeing and reduces hospital costs.
A new remotely-delivered support programme, NIDUS-Family, has been shown to improve the lives of people with dementia while reducing healthcare costs. The programme uses goal setting and personalized care to help individuals live well at home for longer, resulting in cost savings of £8934 per person over one year.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is expanding its services through a new federal contract, introducing a mobile medical vehicle that brings advanced cancer care to rural communities. The program aims to enhance patient access to specialized care and increase participation in clinical trials.
A recent study found that electric fans provide little cooling relief for older adults indoors during extreme heat due to their limited sweat production. Dr. Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University suggests using air conditioning at a higher temperature in conjunction with a fan to provide effective cooling and reduce operating costs.
A University of Michigan study finds that 85% of Mexican Americans with dementia are unaware of their diagnosis, surpassing the overall rate for US Hispanics and Latinos. The lack of awareness is attributed to physicians' reluctance to diagnose dementia due to cultural and communication barriers.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias are more likely to experience avoidable hospital transfers due to a mismatch between care provided and personal preferences. Increasing staff support, training, and resources can help improve outcomes for these residents.
The study highlights the need for targeted incentives to expand hospital-at-home programs to smaller, rural, and non-teaching hospitals. The research found that adoption of these programs remains concentrated among larger, urban, not-for-profit, and academic hospitals.
A new study reveals music therapy can deliver an immediate reduction in agitation and anxiety, as well as improvements in attention, engagement, and mood. Music helps individuals feel safer and more orientated, lowering levels of distress and improving wellbeing.
A study found that user participation and perspective are crucial in developing home-care technology. Common factors across countries include familiarity with robots and a positive impression of them. Japan values convenience, Ireland prioritizes notifying family members, and Finland emphasizes design. These findings highlight the impo...
This study reveals regional disparities in home healthcare use for older adults, with higher rates in areas with high population densities. Urban areas tend to have more enhanced clinics, leading to increased home visit rates, while less populated areas rely on conventional clinics and lower home visit rates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma found that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are as effective as inpatient treatment for PTSD patients, with better completion rates and lower drop-out levels. The study compared IOPs to traditional inpatient treatment programs and residential care.
Research by UTHealth Houston found that ownership changes in home health agencies can result in increased Medicare spending and reduced staffing levels. The study also found that quarterly star ratings increased, but this may be due to upcoding of quality measures.
Researchers develop transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive therapy for brain-related issues, with potential for personalized treatments. A 'search and rescue tool' for the brain, TUS enables precise targeting of specific areas before treatment.
A KAIST team created a face-conforming LED mask with improved efficacy in skin rejuvenation. The FSLED mask demonstrated a 340% improvement in deep skin elasticity compared to conventional masks, showing significant benefits for anti-aging treatment.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.
A new study found significant disparities in at-home test use among older adults, with those having a college degree or higher and higher incomes being more likely to use them. However, Black older adults were less likely to use these tests compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
A randomized clinical trial found home-based phototherapy to be as effective as office-based treatment for plaque and guttate psoriasis, while reducing patient burden. The study suggests that this approach could become a viable option for everyday clinical practice.
The study found that home discharge rates increased more for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white patients, highlighting the importance of considering differential outcomes in Medicare payment policies. These findings suggest the need for tailored approaches to address racial and ethnic disparities in joint replacement care.
New research reveals Scotland's care system is taking years to find permanent homes for over 1,800 vulnerable children, with 91% experiencing maltreatment before being taken into care. Many children have no contact with their siblings, and crucial information is often missing from administrative data.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
A study published in The Lancet found that starting medical abortion at home is as safe as in a hospital, with 71% of participants able to be treated as day patients. The procedure also promotes patient autonomy and can reduce healthcare costs.
A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
Researchers found that patients with sickle cell disease experience significant distress from anticipating and attending emergency departments to manage acute pain flares. The study also revealed stigma and racism in care settings, leading to a lack of control over pain management plans.
A recent study found that most survey respondents preferred receiving hospital-level care at home due to its convenience, comfort, and effectiveness. The study also revealed that patients felt safe being treated at home and were willing to manage their medications and provide in-depth care.
A survey of hospital-at-home care acceptability found substantial agreement among respondents, regardless of sociodemographics or health status. Most participants indicated they could handle many caregiver responsibilities, suggesting a manageable burden.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
A new study found that long-term care residents who receive primary care from family physicians speaking their language have lower rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, outcomes for Francophones were not impacted by language concordance.
Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.
A new study suggests that care homes built next to busy roads without adequate tree planting can significantly increase exposure to deadly fine particle pollution. Building care homes near trees can mitigate this impact, with a significant decrease in indoor air quality found the further away from the road.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A recent study found that 87.8% of families with medically-complex children reported having to make significant employment changes due to lack of in-home nursing. The study also revealed that 37.9% of families reported extended hospital stays solely due to lack of access to available in-home nursing.
A new study using wearable Bluetooth devices found that staff members dominated social interactions in four UK care homes, with residents having limited social contact. The findings suggest that wearable technology can be used to improve quality of care by reducing isolation and increasing interaction between staff and residents.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that home blood pressure self-monitoring plus medication self-titration reduces BP in the longer term without increasing healthcare use or adverse events. This simple, inexpensive intervention has potential to improve long-term hypertension control in routine clinical practice.
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
A new set of clinical practice standards and recommendations offers tailored and effective care for individuals with advanced and metastatic cancer. The initiative, backed by MASCC and ASCO, provides a critical resource to healthcare stakeholders.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
A nationwide study in Japan found that the proportion of home deaths increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas with high population density and numerous enhanced home care clinics. The study suggests that these factors played a crucial role in meeting the increased demand for home care services.
A new study reveals that home-based palliative care pharmacists can improve medication management and enhance communication between patients and their treating teams. This model of care has been proven successful in rural areas, providing relief and comfort to patients, carers, and family members.
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.