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Certification as a medical home: Does it make a difference in diabetes care?

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Nurse home visits after hospitalization for heart failure improve patient outcomes at a reasonable cost

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 27, 2020

Home hospital care proves an effective and cost-effective alternative to hospital care for selected

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 16, 2019

Too many older adults readmitted to hospitals with same infections they took home

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 23, 2019

ACC issues principles for overcoming compensation, opportunity inequity

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...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2019

Academics call for structured drug monitoring in care homes

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2019

Most seniors with dementia live at home, despite pain, anxiety, poor health

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 6, 2019

Nursing home care cost significantly outpaces general inflation and medical care prices

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).

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateJun 20, 2019

Unequal pain relief at home for dying patients

A study of 43,000 people who died in England found that only 10% of non-cancer patients received palliative care at home, compared to 66% of cancer patients. Patients who accessed palliative care at home experienced better pain relief, with 66% experiencing good pain relief, similar to those receiving care in a hospice.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 21, 2019

Over half of home health care clinicians say they lack adequate information from hospitals

A survey of Colorado home health care clinicians found that 60% lacked adequate information from hospitals to guide patient treatment. The study highlights major gaps in communication between hospital and home health staff, which can result in medication errors and other serious consequences.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateFeb 25, 2019

Frail seniors going without desperately needed in-home healthcare, study finds

A new study reveals a massive shortage of home-based medical care for frail seniors, particularly in rural areas. The researchers found that only 2-4% of rural Medicare recipients received home-based medical care, highlighting the need for increased access to telemedicine and improved payments for in-home care providers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 12, 2018

CU researchers: Home care for knee replacement patients aids in recovery

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that home care with physical therapy significantly improves recovery rates for knee replacement surgery patients. The study analyzed Medicare claims data and found that patients receiving six to nine home-care visits by a physical therapist had better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 23, 2018

September/October 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that patients with higher continuity with their prescribing physician received fewer risky opioid prescriptions and were less likely to be hospitalized for opioid-related causes. However, long-term opioid use was associated with lower continuity scores than other medications, highlighting the need for improved prescribing...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 11, 2018

Diagnosis is not best predictor of avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home residents

A recent study from Regenstrief Institute found that a patient's diagnosis is not the primary factor in determining whether a nursing home resident needs to be hospitalized. Instead, coordinated care systems and quality improvement opportunities are crucial in preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. The study highlighted gaps in commu...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInnovation in Aging·DateAug 28, 2018