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Home care can help with the recovery of people with schizophrenia in low- income countries

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2022

Most children living in out of home care don’t access health services

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.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2022

Is blood pressure reading more accurate at home or clinic?

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2022

Study examines years of life lost to adolescents, young adults to unintentional drug overdose

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.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2022

Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Sharrief awarded $3.1 million NIH grant to test whether telehealth improves racial disparities in outcomes for stroke survivors

A $3.1 million NIH grant will fund a trial testing multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to reduce racial disparities in blood pressure control and stroke recurrence among adult stroke survivors. The study aims to identify social determinants of health that impact outcomes and explore ways to address them.

De-cluttering may not help people with dementia

Researchers found that participants with moderate dementia performed better in cluttered environments, while those with mild and severe dementia showed no significant difference. The study suggests that adapting physical environments to suit individual needs may be more effective than de-cluttering in supporting people with dementia.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

Automated texting system saved lives weekly during first COVID surge

Researchers found that patients enrolled in COVID Watch, an automated texting system, were 68% less likely to die than those not using it. The system used algorithmically guided text message conversations with patients and was credited with saving 1.8 lives per 1,000 patients at 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

JNCCN: More people with cancer undergoing radiotherapy prefer telemedicine to in-person visits

A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2021

Pandemic took a toll on older adults serving as unpaid caregivers for chronically ill or disabled loved ones

A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInnovation in Aging·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

Surgical patients find virtual follow-up care more convenient without loss of satisfaction

A mixed-methods analysis found that most surgical patients prefer virtual follow-up care for its convenience, which does not compromise patient satisfaction. The study highlights the potential benefits of virtual visits in improving access to care and reducing barriers for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 9, 2021

As dementia’s toll rises, new study shows major gaps in who gets care that could help them remain at home

A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Short hospitalizations hit hard for COVID patients

A US nationwide cohort study found that nearly 85% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were not back to their pre-COVID lives one month later. The study also revealed significant factors driving people's inability to recover, including a lack of follow-up healthcare services and new disabilities preventing daily activities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

Passing the ball: Shifting responsibility for care coordination from patient to provider

A new study from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Regenstrief Institute, IUPUI, and Mount Sinai researchers reports that primary care physicians recognize the need for improved care coordination. They welcome electronic health information exchange (HIE) event notifications as a means to enhance patient care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJul 9, 2021

Study of Utah cancer care-at-home model demonstrates lower costs, better outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports findings on Huntsman at Home, a cancer hospital-at-home model that demonstrates lower costs and better outcomes for patients. The study found that participants had 55% fewer hospitalizations and 47% lower healthcare costs compared to those who did not participate.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2021

Adherence to CMS SEP-1 measures found to have variable effects on patient outcomes

A longitudinal study found that adherence to the Medicare Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) had variable effects on sepsis treatment and patient outcomes. Researchers suggest that clinicians may have discretion in applying SEP-1 components to focus on aspects of care driving improvements in patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2021

Comfort care beneficial for hospitalized stroke patients, yet disparities in use persist

Hospitalized ischemic stroke patients who received palliative or hospice care experienced improved quality of life. However, disparities persist in comfort care utilization, particularly among non-white patients. Factors associated with higher comfort care utilization included older age, female sex, and private health insurance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 7, 2021