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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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
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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 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.
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A study by Binghamton University researchers found that hospitals can reduce readmission rates by collaborating with certified home healthcare agencies and implementing house-call programs. Facilities with interdisciplinary case-management teams also showed lower readmission rates when an advanced-practice registered nurse was included.
Research estimates that online shopping for fast-moving consumer goods produces varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional and 'Bricks & Clicks' models. Shoppers can reduce their footprint by walking or biking to stores, while retailers can cut emissions by switching to electric cargo bikes.
Research found certified medical home practices had better performance outcomes on diabetes care quality measures and more systems compared to non-certified practices. Certified practices also showed slightly better performance on diabetes care quality measures despite having similar patient populations as non-certified practices.
The 'Birth Settings' report highlights medical disparities in childbirth, with Oregon emerging as a leader in integrated care and access to midwives. Midwife-led births are associated with lower complication rates and improved patient experiences, but US regulations limit access to care.
Children separated from their parents for extended periods may experience long-term genetic changes due to elevated cortisol levels. The study highlights the importance of parental care on a child's genes and behavior.
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A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that individuals who requested medical assistance in dying (MAiD) were younger, wealthier, and more likely to be married than the general population. MAiD requests were not associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities or access to palliative care.
A UMass Lowell researcher is developing advances in safety for home care aides and clients as the field faces an aging population, technology changes, and safety challenges. The goal of the project is to produce guidelines, develop safety tools, and evaluate their effectiveness.
A microsimulation study found that nurse home visits improved health outcomes and reduced readmissions for patients with heart failure, while also being more effective than standard care. The intervention increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs, resulting in an ICER of $19,570 per QALY gained.
A new model of community-based wellness called Person-centered Wellness Home (PCWH) helps patients manage chronic diseases and maintain wellness. The study found improvements in self-reported physical functioning and empowerment through personalized health records.
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Patients and caregivers consistently identified insufficient publicly funded home care services as the biggest challenge to overcome after hospital release. The research highlights the need for improved home care supports, including timely intervention and discharge planning.
The home hospital model, where patients receive hospital-level care at home, has been shown to lower costs and improve care. The randomized controlled trial found that home hospital patients had 38% lower total direct costs, fewer lab orders, and lower readmission rates.
A randomized controlled trial found that substitutive home hospital care reduced costs, decreased health care use, and 30-day readmissions compared to traditional hospital care. The study also showed improved physical activity among patients receiving home hospital care. This model could transform how acute care is delivered in the US.
Analysis shows a decline in primary care physician visits and hospitalizations between 2002-2016. Home health visits saw an increase in the ACA era.
A new study found that the community's socioeconomic status affects hip replacement surgery discharge destinations. Patients from low-income communities are more likely to be discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility rather than home care. The level of community deprivation has no effect on readmission rates.
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A study found that home health care significantly lowers the risk of hospital re-admission within 30 days among older adults with heart failure. The researchers analyzed records of over 67,000 Medicare patients and discovered that those receiving home health care had lower readmission rates than those without
UVA Children's Hospital is expanding a home monitoring program to enhance follow-up care and communication between families and their care team. The Building HOPE app, developed in collaboration with Locus Health, enables real-time monitoring of children's vital signs and health information.
A University of Michigan study found that 15% of older adults readmitted to hospitals within a month after discharge, with many returning for preexisting infections. Patients discharged home or to home care were more likely to return with linked infections than those discharged to skilled nursing homes, contradicting conventional wisdom.
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The American College of Cardiology has published its first health policy statement on cardiologist compensation and opportunity equity, aiming to advance fairness and improve patient care. The document outlines 17 principles for achieving equity in compensation and opportunity, including minimizing disparities and promoting equal acces...
A new study from Swansea University shows that a structured approach to medicine monitoring, using the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRe) Profile, can lead to positive impacts on patients in care homes. The study found that nurses using ADRe picked up issues that resulted in changes to nursing care and medication reviews for many residents.
A new study reveals traditional Medicare spends significantly more on post-hospital care for people in their 60s than private insurance, despite similar clinical outcomes. The additional spending could be reduced by changing the payment structure to bring it closer to that used by private insurance.
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A study found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have worse health and more symptoms than those in residential care or nursing facilities. The research highlights the need for better understanding and addressing geriatric palliative care needs of people with dementia wherever they live.
Researchers found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have more chronic conditions, pain, and anxiety than those in nursing homes. However, they also reported higher rates of falls, depression, and poor health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving home-based medical care for these patients.
A national study found that combining early home health nursing with at least one outpatient physician visit after hospital discharge reduces the risk of 30-day hospital readmission for sepsis patients. The intervention facilitates coordinated care planning and early surveillance, resulting in improved outcomes.
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An expert in The BMJ argues that the expansion of the digital GP service, GP at Hand, may worsen primary care for vulnerable patients. Despite its popularity, the service primarily caters to a healthy and affluent population, leaving GPs with complex cases to manage.
A recent study found that nursing home care costs are high and rising faster than other medical care and consumer prices. The study revealed significant price variation across states, with Texas having the least expensive out-of-pocket cost ($131 daily) and New York State having the most expensive ($334 daily).
A University of Waterloo study found that home-care patients in Alberta and British Columbia are more likely to be sent to hospital, while long-term care residents in these provinces were half as likely as those in Ontario. The researchers attributed regional differences to healthcare policies and infrastructure.
Verbal abuse is a significant occupational hazard for home care health workers, with one in four experiencing at least one incident in the preceding year. Cramped living conditions and dementia are major risk factors, while predictable working hours reduce the risk.
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A new Dartmouth-led study reveals how ACOs are using home visits to improve care management and identify patient needs while reducing hospital use. The majority of ACOs reported using home visits within 72 hours of post-discharge, often conducted by a care management team member.