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.
A new tool, DECODR, scans for potential errors in CRISPR gene repair, revealing risks to patients. The affordable app uses open-source software and can detect a wide range of DNA mutations at a fraction of the cost.
A COVID-19 telemonitoring program, implemented by Kaiser Permanente's Virtual Home Care Program, successfully reduced hospital admissions and ER visits. The program utilized daily telemedicine check-ins to monitor patients' oxygen levels, ultimately keeping them out of the hospital or emergency room.
A study analyzing data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study found that satisfaction with end-of-life care was highest when individuals died at home. Individuals who received hospice care were more likely to die at home, regardless of their cognitive health.
A recent study by UCSF-led researchers highlights the devastating impact of the pandemic on 4.3 million older adults with cognitive impairment living alone. These individuals experience extreme isolation, misinformation, and barriers to accessing medical care, leading to increased distress and negative health outcomes.
A USF Health-Tampa General Hospital study found that obese women experience worse outcomes after postpartum hemorrhage, even with the same medical treatment. The researchers suggest that certain groups of high-risk obstetric patients, such as obese women, may need additional support or a different treatment protocol.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that remote monitoring using wearable step counters and conversational text messaging reduced hospital returns after joint surgery by 4x. The 'Hovering' program improved patient recovery and activity levels, with significant declines in hospital readmissions.
A national poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly one in four have visited an emergency department in the last two years due to cost, COVID-19 risk, or delays. Health providers can improve acute care by better supporting older adults during and after medical emergencies.
A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine found that 95.5% of individuals who died with a COVID-19 diagnosis in the Mass General Brigham health system between February and May 2020 did so in the hospital. The majority of these deaths occurred in the intensive care unit.
New research highlights the need for individualized treatment plans and instructions to prevent adverse events during transitions. Patients returning home face challenges managing medication, therapy, and care transitions due to COVID-19.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jo-Ana Chase found that family caregivers often struggle with medical and nursing tasks after a hospital-to-home transition. Resources like home health care nurses or aides can serve as a central point-of-contact to improve coordinated care.
A systematic review of palliative care services worldwide reveals significant variations in length of care provided to patients, with the average global duration being just 18.9 days. The study highlights a stark shortfall in palliative care provision, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that home health care significantly improved symptoms and functional outcomes for COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. The study involved over 1,400 patients who received skilled nursing and physical therapy at home, resulting in a 94% improvement rate.
Researchers describe the rapid deployment of a virtual hospital program during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding potential benefits in providing additional inpatient capacity. Meanwhile, a study on 60-day postdischarge outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 reveals ongoing morbidity and financial loss for most survivors.
A study identified seven pathways to kindergarten, including children cared for mainly at home, in a center-based program, or switching between different types of care. Despite this diversity, test scores did not show significant differences between children from each pathway.
A new study published in BMC Medicine reveals that informal carers provide more than half of total care costs in the UK, Ireland, and US during the last three months of life. The research emphasizes the need for improved integration and support for community palliative care services to enhance care quality and reduce burden on caregivers.
Researchers at VCUarts and Massey Cancer Center developed a digital life review therapy, 'VoicingHan,' which improved symptoms and spiritual well-being in patients. The project was recognized for its innovative approach to palliative care.
Researchers propose adding a new metric to examine how many days patients spend at home after hospitalization, balancing current readmission rates with post-discharge care needs. The proposed '30-day risk-adjusted home time' metric could provide a more comprehensive picture of patient outcomes.
A new medical records analysis found that Black patients in the US pursue more intensive treatments than white Americans in the last six months of life. White people are more likely to use hospice care, which reduces emergency department visits and invasive procedures.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity suggests that older adults living in care homes have a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality compared to those living in single houses or apartment buildings. The researchers found that living arrangements, such as the type of home and neighborhood characteristics, were important factor...
A new report argues that better access to home health services through Medicare could reduce exposure to COVID-19 and improve care for seniors. The report recommends expanding telehealth coverage, bolstering the home health workforce, and enhancing quality oversight.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medicine are launching a four-year trial to test two interventions for personalized diabetes care in older adults. The 'My Diabetes, My Community' trial incorporates personalized sugar control goals, telephonic care management, and community-based resource access.
A new study published in Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open confirms that most patients with COVID-19 symptoms can recover safely at home. The study found that none of the patients died and fewer than 1% required intensive care.
A new online programme will improve and personalize care for people with dementia in care homes, which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme aims to support care staff and residents through peer networking and solution sharing.
Researchers found that tuned LED lighting reduced nighttime sleep disturbances by half in a California nursing home. The study suggests that this innovative lighting solution can improve the sleep of even a few residents, having a positive effect on roommates and those nearby.
A study by University of Chicago Medicine found that medical scribes can increase physician productivity by up to 20%, allowing for more time to focus on patients. The initial cost of employing a scribe can be recovered in less than a year, after which profits follow.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly reduced long-term home health care and nursing home use among newly eligible low-income adults and older adults. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better management of chronic conditions, resulting in lower rates of institutional care.
A Cochrane Review found that hospital-based specialist palliative care may offer small benefits for patient-centred outcomes like quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and satisfaction with care. The review also showed an increased likelihood of patients dying in their preferred place by 22%, measured by home death.
The researchers will investigate how long-term care residents transmit and cope with the disease, aiming to identify asymptomatic cases and develop new therapeutic strategies for vulnerable populations. They also seek to understand the epidemiology, transmission, and immunology of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
A study found that COVID-19 outbreaks in English care homes resulted from both external and internal sources, with a high mortality rate among residents. The research analyzed genomic data and identified multiple viral clusters, indicating both independent acquisitions and transmission between residents and healthcare workers.
High-performing VA primary care clinics have fully-staffed teams, clearly defined roles, and leadership responsible for implementing team-based care. These processes enhance patient engagement in care, leading to better adherence to treatment, intermediate health outcomes and mental health reports.
A study found that rural counties with obstetrical care have better infant birth outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer underweight babies. Telehealth can also support collaborative mental health care in rural clinics, enabling primary care physicians to work proficiently with patients.
Patients who receive in-home nursing care have lower emergency room utilization if they have access to after-hours primary care. Access to after-hours primary care can prevent some less-urgent ER visits by addressing health issues identified during home nursing visits.
The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to build upon existing home and community-based social supports to enable people with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias to remain independent in their communities. People with ADRD and their caregivers will receive coaching, training, and support services.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that only 54% of Medicare patients referred to home health care services following a hospitalization received home health care visits. Disparities were observed in Black and Hispanic beneficiaries, as well as those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The HOME-PE trial found that home management is safe and effective for selected patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Using the Hestia criteria or sPESI score, over 30% of patients can be treated at home with a low rate of complications.
A new palliative care model will be implemented in eight Indiana and eight Maryland nursing homes to enhance quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The UPLIFT-AD trial aims to build capacity for palliative care within facilities and provide external support.
Experiences of NY home health care workers caring for older adults and patients with chronic illnesses during the pandemic reveal high levels of stress and burnout. The analysis highlights the need for improved support systems to mitigate these effects.
Researchers are testing virtual care and remote monitoring technology to reduce unplanned hospitalizations and emergency department visits after surgery. Patients use tablet computers to record vital signs at home, which are sent instantly to nurses for review.
A house call model using interventional radiology treatments in patients' homes improved access to care, reducing emergency department use by 77% and hospital readmissions by 50%. The model provides specialized care to elderly homebound patients with chronic illnesses, preventing complications and delaying urgent visits.
Researchers found that patients in Huntsman at Home had reduced hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and cumulative charges compared to controls. The study demonstrated strong evidence for the care model, showing improved patient outcomes while improving value.
A report from Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends adding home visit codes to MIPS quality measures and fostering research on home-based primary care. Currently, only 12% of homebound patients receive their medical care at home, highlighting the need for improved quality measures.
Research presents evidence that home health care after a heart attack can lower hospital readmission rates, with patients receiving care being older and more likely to have underlying health conditions. The study found that home health care was associated with an 11% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
Researchers found that providing advanced practice registered nurses with multidisciplinary support teams can drastically reduce avoidable hospitalizations. The teams, consisting of clinical experts, mentored the advanced practice registered nurses in their role and supported nursing home leaders.
A mobile telehealth system in China has been successfully implemented to facilitate clinical communication among healthcare providers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system allows for secure sharing of patient information, overcoming a significant challenge faced by hospitals treating isolated patients.
Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.
A new study found that 47 US states and territories do not require child care operators to notify parents about firearms on-site. Nearly one-quarter have no regulations governing firearms in centers, while only a handful prohibit them in homes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges in caring for isolated older adults living at home. Despite the importance of direct contact with caregivers, physical distancing measures have limited face-to-face interactions.
A clinical trial found that smokers who received nicotine-containing e-cigarettes had a significantly higher quit rate compared to those who received only counseling. Participants using e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by 13 cigarettes per day, with overall quit rates of 21.9% at 12 weeks.
A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes
A recent survey of 2,025 cardiologists found that over a third report feeling burned out, with mid-career doctors and women being the most affected. Burnout is linked to long hours worked and lack of work-life balance.
Patients with multiple chronic conditions who completed a patient-centered medical home program had more positive experiences and better health outcomes. Nurse care coordinators played a crucial role in the program's success, helping develop individualized care plans that met patients' unique needs.