A recent study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago suggests that paid family caregiving can be a viable answer to the healthcare worker shortage. The study, which compared children with medical complexity cared for by family-CNA caregivers versus traditional non-family CNAs, found no significant difference in hospi...
SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 21, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.
SourceLancaster University·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2023
Researchers developed an interactive training app called 'iTrain' to teach caregivers how to provide post-stroke care. The app uses real-life data and simulations to assess the user's knowledge and improve their skills in providing optimal care, leading to a significant positive effect on anxiety among carers and stroke victims.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalInformation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023
A £5.4 million project, backed by Innovate UK, aims to develop a new value chain to convert industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products. The consortium, including Unilever and BASF, will seek to demonstrate how the UK can cut 15-20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study finds that Mexican American stroke survivors are less likely to receive intensive rehabilitation services compared to non-Hispanic white peers. Nearly one-third of all stroke survivors in the study did not receive any rehabilitation within 90 days of their stroke.
The UVA Health, Southwest Virginia Coalition is partnering to improve COVID-19 outcomes and chronic health conditions through innovative telehealth models. The consortium will bring together healthcare groups to develop a long-term blueprint for providing care in rural communities.
The pandemic exacerbated workforce shortages, low wages, and increased consumer responsibility in self-directed care. Policies like the Appendix K guidelines showed potential to alleviate unmet care needs, but further flexibility is needed to support consumers and workers.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 25, 2023
The Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging has published the first-ever guidelines for offering telehealth services to older patients. The principles provide general rules for behavior, while the guidelines offer specificity for each principle, aiming to achieve individual goals for programs and providers.
SourceWest Health Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 24, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy found that about one-third of caregivers self-medicate. Carriers who reported unfavorable healthcare experiences were more likely to take personal care into their own hands. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals should interact with caregive...
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateJan 24, 2023
A study by UC Davis Health researchers found that telehealth visits saved patients around 53.7 million miles of travel, eliminated the need for 42.4 injuries and 0.7 fatalities, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21,466 metric tons over two years.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and E-Health·DateJan 10, 2023
A randomised controlled trial found that molnupiravir treatment did not decrease hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults with higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection. However, patients treated at home with molnupiravir recovered faster compared to the control group.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2022
A new study found that prioritizing part-time employees can significantly improve the consistency of care in long-term care facilities. By consistently assigning part-time workers and having flexible full-time workers, facilities can reduce the average number of different nursing assistants a resident interacts with by 20-30% each month.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·DateDec 20, 2022
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
SourceWest Health Institute·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that a tailored activity program (TAP) significantly improved behavioral symptoms in Black families compared to white families. The program, which provides activities tailored to interests and abilities, also reduced caregiver distress.
SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2022
Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental DNA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022
The DocMapper.ca platform provides an interactive map listing physicians' names, contact info, and language skills in the Ottawa and Renfrew County area. Available in English and French, it lists over 50 languages, addressing a significant language barrier for patients seeking family care.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Two new studies found that dialysis facilities owned by nephrologists may provide better care, with patients receiving home dialysis more often. Additionally, a shorter interval between dialysis and surgery was associated with improved post-surgery survival rates.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2022
Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022
A customized mindfulness program that incorporates skills like attention control and self-awareness has been shown to lead to lower systolic blood pressure measures in participants. The intervention, which also focuses on health behavior change, is promising as a novel way to improve blood pressure control.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeSurvey·DateNov 3, 2022
The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 31, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
The American Heart Association is launching a two-year initiative to expand and enhance post-acute stroke care across Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota. The project aims to maximize recovery of function lost during a stroke, reduce risk of secondary effects, and extend high-quality guideline-directed care for all patients.
A study published at the European Emergency Medicine Congress found that a digital technology platform called HealthCall can reduce emergency department attendances for residents in care homes. The system provides staff with easy access to clinical advice and has been shown to result in a 10% reduction in expected monthly attendances.
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC CardioOncology·DateOct 18, 2022
A new study found that using digital technology in care homes can reduce emergency department attendances by 10% each month. The HealthCall app provides staff with easy access to clinical advice, allowing for more targeted care and reduced hospital admissions.
SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers found significant regional differences in LTC spending, driven by factors such as population demographics and disability classification. Preventive measures may help reduce costs by reducing the need for long-term care.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 5, 2022
New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients in home-based cardiac rehabilitation had fewer hospitalizations than those in center-based rehab, with benefits seen across diverse patient populations. The home-based program improved accessibility and outcomes for high-risk patients.
SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 25, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2022
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
A new visualization tool combines clinical and home blood pressure readings to aid in blood pressure management. It enhances shared decision-making between doctors and patients by integrating at-home readings with electronic health records.
SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 26, 2022
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding awards totaling $258 million to support 26 new research studies. These studies aim to fill evidence gaps and improve healthcare decision making for a range of high-burden conditions, including mental health, heart conditions, asthma, bone fractures, and sinus...
SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateJul 26, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2022
A meta-analysis of 54 studies confirms that caregiver engagement across healthcare transitions is crucial in preventing rehospitalizations and enhancing patient outcomes. Caregivers play a critical role in facilitating care transitions when the healthcare team actively partners with them.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalMedical Care·DateJul 19, 2022
A study published in CMAJ found that patients who received care from physicians speaking their primary language had shorter hospital stays and fewer falls and infections. Francophones had a 24% lower risk of death, while allophones had a 54% lower risk.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 11, 2022
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.
SourceFlinders University·JournalQuality of Life Research·TypeCase study·DateJun 9, 2022
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that home oxygen therapy, care level need 4-5, and cancer are key predictors of frequent emergency house calls among elderly patients. This prediction can help allocate medical resources effectively.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Primary Care·DateJun 9, 2022
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that healthcare workers in home care settings experience varying levels of fear, anxiety, and depression related to contracting COVID-19. Non-physicians were more likely to be fearful and depressed than physicians, highlighting the need for tailored mental health support.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Primary Care·DateJun 7, 2022
Residents of Ontario retirement homes have high rates of hospital-based care compared to long-term care facilities and community-dwelling individuals. They have double the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions as LTC residents, but lower rates of primary care visits.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGeriatric Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022
The new American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guideline refines care for people with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages. The guideline recommends alternative treatments, such as intermittent pneumatic compression, and updates standard care practices.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateMay 17, 2022
A study found that nearly half of all nursing staff made medication-related errors within the last year when administering medications to patients. Nurses who had attended medication training within the last 2 years were less likely to make these errors.
SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateMay 4, 2022
A new report emphasizes the need to divert girls and women from custodial sentences into community alternatives, citing concerns about stigma, criminalization, and systemic failures. The research highlights the experiences of imprisoned women from care and those in care with youth justice system contact.
SourceLancaster University·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers found eight major steps in performing CLABSI surveillance, but identified inadequate IT support and lack of a standardized definition as major barriers. The study provides recommendations to improve surveillance, including providing staff with necessary resources and training, and engaging leadership and front-line staff.
SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2022
Researchers found that people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who live in the community experience similar symptom burdens to those in nursing homes. The study suggests that palliative care interventions could ease symptom burden and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateApr 27, 2022
A new poll by the National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that many older adults are not prepared for aging in place, despite wanting to live independently. The poll highlights the importance of planning for home modifications and social support, particularly for those without family members to care for them.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeSurvey·DateApr 13, 2022
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
A new study found the second-generation Chocolate Touch paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter to be superior for opening blocked leg arteries. The trial showed improved patency rates and lower mortality rates compared to the commercially available Lutonix device.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalCirculation·DateApr 4, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 4, 2022
The study found that TAVR resulted in significantly less structural valve deterioration after five years compared to SAVR. Patients with structural valve deterioration were at about twice the risk of death or rehospitalization as those without, highlighting the benefits of TAVR in reducing mortality and hospitalization risks.
A study found that implantable heart monitors do not reduce cardiovascular events overall, but patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks saw strong benefits. Monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms may help guide care for NSTEMI patients.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.
Researchers found significant and sustained improvements in left ventricular outflow tract gradients, health status, symptoms, and exercise capacity among patients taking mavacamten. The drug appears to be safe and well-tolerated long-term with no new adverse events reported.
A study found that omecamtiv mecarbil did not improve exercise capacity or daily physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The drug was well-tolerated, but its effectiveness in improving functional limitations was limited.