Articles tagged with Home Care
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that personalized nutrition education in grocery stores significantly improved DASH diet adherence. Participants who received six one-on-one sessions with a dietitian showed an average increase of 4.7 points on their DASH scores.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experience significant mental decline in the days and months following their heart attack. Cognitive deficits can impact quality of life and treatment adherence, emphasizing the need for cardiologists to monitor patients regularly.
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
Home health aides have been serving as lifelines to older adults during COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential medical assistance. Integrating them into healthcare teams could yield significant benefits, improving older adults' health outcomes.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that community-based rehabilitation, supported by local health centers and medication, reduced symptoms and improved functioning for individuals with schizophrenia. Community-based rehabilitation workers also helped participants access healthcare services and support their families.
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that rehabilitation at home (RAH) can lead to lower costs ($8,404 vs. $9,215) and improved patient experiences, including increased activities of daily living. The study also showed signals towards greater functional status improvement.
A new study led by Kaiser Permanente investigators found that home blood pressure monitoring is a better option for making new diagnoses of hypertension than clinic settings. This method allows for multiple readings to be collected and averaged, providing a more accurate representation of an individual's average blood pressure.
A new study found that most children living in out-of-home care don't access health services within nationally required timeframes, highlighting a significant gap in the system. The research revealed that only one in 130 had attended all recommended health services within 12 months of entering out-of-home care.
Remote monitoring of patients with continuous pulse oximetry and heart rate devices was associated with reduced death rates. This technology advance improved patient safety, lowered mortality, and increased accuracy in care.
Research suggests stress plays a bidirectional role in AFib, both increasing episodes and contributing to mental health issues. Stress reduction strategies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and anxiolytic therapy, may improve AFib symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed key technologies to enhance acute hospital care at home. These include telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, clinical team coordination, and supply chain management, which have increased inpatient capacity by over 10,000 bed-days.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that over 97% of children under 12 had nicotine on their hands, regardless of smoking status at home. Parental protective measures like home and car bans significantly reduced nicotine levels.
A study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center analyzed years of life lost due to unintentional drug overdose among adolescents (13-19) and young adults (20-39) in the US. The findings suggest a significant burden of overdose-related mortality in this age group, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new AI-powered system tracks food intake to ensure residents meet their nutritional needs, providing accurate data and reducing errors. The system analyzes photos of plates after meals, estimating food consumption and calculating its nutritional value.
A study found that a redesigned patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach focusing on defined 'high-value elements' (HVEs) does not reduce healthcare costs for patients at primary care practices. The HVE approach was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits, but no change in total costs.
A Rutgers study reveals the professional and personal impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latinx healthcare workers in supportive roles. The findings highlight the critical need for health systems to improve work conditions, including wages, physical demands, and mental well-being, to retain this marginalized workforce.
A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.