Articles tagged with Home Care
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
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.
A study found an increase in older adults receiving help at home with daily activities from 2011 to 2017, potentially reflecting changes in post-discharge care. This shift may be related to the changing location and payment for care away from Medicare-reimbursed facilities.
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.
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.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that telehealth reduced stress for nursing home residents while increasing access to convenient care. However, it also removed socialization opportunities and created confusion for residents with cognitive difficulties.
A new study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that home care patients who prefer a language other than English are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. The study suggests that addressing language gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
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.
A study by TUM demonstrated the effectiveness of an ear sensor in monitoring COVID-19 risk patients remotely, providing timely hospitalization when necessary. The sensor enabled high-quality monitoring comparable to hospital care, with great patient satisfaction and improved safety outcomes.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
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.
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.
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.
The study evaluated the impact of the program on patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Patient engagement rates reached 78.9%, highlighting the efficacy of virtual care at home during the pandemic.
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.
A research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delivering acute care at home for non-COVID patients freed up substantial inpatient capacity during the COVID-19 surge. The Home Hospital program provided care for 65 acutely ill patients, amounting to 419 bed-days, over a 3-month period.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that managing medications at the end of life can be a significant 'work' task for families. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide tailored support and for simplifying Health and Social Care services to make them more navigable.
A new study found that fully vaccinated care home residents are still at risk of COVID-19, with the vaccine being less effective in older adults. The study showed that unvaccinated residents were three times more likely to develop the infection than those who had received two doses of the vaccine.
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.
A total of 548 studies were included in the map, with substantial evidence for interventions promoting basic needs and mobility in older adults at home. Few studies have looked at impacts on social participation, financial security, ability to maintain relationships, and communication.
Experts warn that mandatory vaccination for care home workers in England is unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided. The authors highlight that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% in only three London areas, but this can be attributed to very low numbers of staff employed by these homes.
A new online calculator, RESPECT, uses big data to predict death within 6 months in older adults, prioritizing quality of remaining life over curative care. The tool was developed based on data from over 491,000 community-dwelling older adults and aims to support families and healthcare professionals in planning end-of-life care.
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that continuity of nursing care improves patient outcomes for people with dementia. The research showed that increased continuity of care leads to a lower risk of rehospitalization, even after controlling for other clinical risk factors and the intensity of home health care.
A new special issue of The Gerontologist explores strategies to improve the long-term care workforce, including diverse approaches to care and flexible models. The collection aims to provide positive guidance for future research and policy, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A third of Americans employ unregulated caregivers for older adults and those with dementia, highlighting gaps in access to care. Gray market caregivers often lack training and screening, increasing potential for exploitation or abuse.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that seniors eligible for Medicaid have 60% more disabilities compared to those without Medicaid. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is associated with a 30% increase in post-ICU disabilities after adjusting for variables such as age and education.
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.
The program, called Practical Alternative to Hospitalization (PATH), uses advanced practice providers and personalized plans to support patients after visiting the emergency department. Nearly 9 out of 10 patients enrolled in PATH did not need to return to the hospital for care within a month.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 44% increase in insomnia disorder among health care workers, with the highest rates among those who spent less time in direct patient care. Surprisingly, about 10% of faculty physicians and nurses reported their insomnia improving after the onset of the pandemic.
A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.
A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
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.
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.
A new study found that family child care home providers with high diet self-efficacy can buffer the impact of stress on their diet quality. Those with low self-efficacy are negatively affected by stress and have a poorer diet quality.
Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.
The article suggests paying for elderly care homes in lower-income countries as a practical solution to the eldercare crisis. The proposed policy would enable older citizens to access affordable and decent care, while also benefiting local economies.
A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that nursing homes with larger proportions of non-White residents experience higher rates of COVID-19 deaths due to size and local community spread, not underlying health or quality of care. The study suggests that large facilities are more vulnerable to outbreaks.
A study found that alcohol withdrawal rates among hospitalized patients rose 34% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted at ChristianaCare, suggests that hospital systems need to screen for and treat alcohol use withdrawal and refer patients for ongoing treatment.
A genomics study found that SARS-CoV-2 spreads rapidly in care home settings, with clusters linked to healthcare workers and vulnerable residents. Care home residents were less likely to be admitted to ICU but more likely to die compared to non-care home hospital patients.
A $35 million program implementing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in 16 Missouri nursing homes reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits, resulting in better overall health and cost savings. The APRNs' advanced training enabled them to recognize early issues and implement evidence-based interventions.
A new report proposes a system of universal coverage to support the long-term care of all older Americans, aiming to protect against financial catastrophe and create a more stable funding stream. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for reform in the US system of long-term services and supports.
A MU study found that implementing the Re-Engineered Discharge program in mid-Missouri nursing homes improved care coordination and reduced patient rehospitalization rates. The program's gradual training approach led to better implementation of discharge plans, resulting in lower readmission rates.