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Hospital discharge program improves patient experience leaving the hospital

A standardized discharge planning program called Project ReEngineered Discharge (RED) improves patient experience by providing a clear plan for self-care at home. The study found patients who received the RED intervention were more likely to feel comfortable caring for themselves, with higher satisfaction rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·DateJul 6, 2017

Safety-net providers can adopt medical home models and improve primary care

A RAND Corporation study found that safety-net providers adopting a medical home model improved primary care access but did not decrease specialty care use or Medicare expenditures. The model aims to provide comprehensive, personalized care, which can improve outcomes for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 23, 2017

Frailer patients at much greater risk of institutional care and death after discharge from hospital

A recent study found that frail patients are almost twice as likely to die in the year following critical care admission, with nearly 40% dying within one year. Additionally, frail patients were more than twice as likely to need institutional care and become increasingly dependent after discharge from hospital.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 2, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

World first study reveals increase in premature deaths in Australian nursing homes

A recent study reveals a 400% surge in premature and potentially preventable deaths of Australian nursing home residents over the past decade. Falls and choking were responsible for most unintentional deaths, with a smaller number attributed to clinical care complications or intentional acts such as suicide and assault.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateMay 28, 2017

Aggressive care at end of life for advanced lung cancer patients linked to poorer outcomes

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing suggests that aggressive end-of-life care for advanced lung cancer patients is not associated with better patient outcomes. The research found that high rates of chemotherapy and mechanical ventilation in the final days of life were linked to lower overall ratings of care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalCancer·DateMay 25, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The influence of zero-hours contracts on care workers' lives

A study found that UK care workers' understanding of their role and job control are significant workplace hazards. Despite this, zero-hours contracts did not significantly influence employee wellbeing, but employees with these contracts had greater levels of engagement in their jobs.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOccupational Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

May/June 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Copays don't reduce use of Medicare home health care, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

In home healthcare, not speaking patients' native language negatively affect care outcomes

A recent study by NYU and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York found that only 18.1% of RN visits and 26.7% of PT visits with LEP patients were language concordant, pointing to a lack of understanding of the language capacity of the US healthcare workforce. This highlights the need for more research on this subject and the implementa...

SourceNew York University·JournalHome Health Care Management & Practice·DateMay 4, 2017

Care management program reduced health care costs in Partners Pioneer ACO

A study published in Health Affairs found that Partners Pioneer ACO's care management program reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with elevated but modifiable risks. The program achieved a $101 per participant monthly reduction in Medicare spending, a 6% decline.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 1, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

LifeCourse meets Triple Aim for late life care

The LifeCourse model fulfills the Triple Aim by addressing patients' medical and non-medical needs during late-stage care. Analysis of 900 intervention and usual care patients shows significant improvements in cost reduction and quality of life.

SourceAllina Health·DateApr 17, 2017

Money can't buy confidence in birth services, research shows

A study found that less than 50% of eligible women in India take up the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme due to obstacles such as poor care quality and transport challenges. Community health workers, known as ASHAs, were identified as major enabling factors in accessing delivery care.

SourceLancaster University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 7, 2017

Integrating caregivers at discharge significantly cuts patient readmissions

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning reduces hospital readmissions by 25% for elderly patients. Proper training and support enable caregivers to manage complex care responsibilities, preventing readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 3, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

During late life, what's important changes

A study by Allina Health researchers reveals that both patients and healthcare providers tend to delay conversations about serious illness. The study's findings emphasize the need for clinicians to discuss patients' social, emotional, and spiritual priorities to provide better end-of-life care.

SourceAllina Health·DateMar 27, 2017

Care received at end of life varies drastically by state

Oregon's end-of-life care approach is characterized by higher rates of home hospice use and fewer hospitalizations, while Washington lags behind in implementing similar initiatives. The state's POLST Program has been instrumental in honoring patients' wishes and improving symptom management.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

No evidence that 2014 insurance expansions strained access to primary care

Researchers found no decline in primary care availability despite the millions of newly insured individuals. Appointment rates and wait times remained stable or increased slightly in some states, supporting the possibility that primary care capacity was sufficient to absorb the new patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

Chronic comorbidities raise hospitalization risk in dementia

A retrospective analysis of 30,112 home-care clients with dementia found that chronic comorbidities significantly increase the risk of hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The study suggests that targeting high-risk individuals may help prioritize healthcare resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Dying patients who received palliative care visited the ER less

A study of nearly 12,000 records found that community-based palliative care reduced emergency department visits for dying patients by an average of two times per year. Patients receiving palliative care were more likely to live in urban areas and have a partner, leading to significant reductions in ER visits.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nurse practitioners step in to fill growing need for house calls

Nurse practitioners have surpassed doctors in providing house calls, with over 1.13 million visits in 2013, according to a new study. However, regulations in many states are limiting the profession's growth and increasing demand for in-home care.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 23, 2017

Americans more in control of their long-term care

The US has shifted from institutional to community-based long-term care, allowing individuals to choose services at home and in the community. Self-directed care programs improve participant well-being and cost containment, according to The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateJan 10, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

National study documents value of family-provided medical care for children

A national study led by Boston Children's Hospital found that families provide an estimated $36 billion worth of unpaid medical care to 5.6 million children with special health care needs. The study also estimates a loss of $18 billion in household income due to parents taking time off work to care for their children.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 27, 2016

The high cost of home care for special-needs children

A new study by USC researchers finds that US families provide nearly $36 billion in uncompensated medical care to children with special health care needs each year. These caregivers spend an estimated 5.1 hours per week providing care, which can be time-intensive and emotionally stressful.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 27, 2016

Diabetes, heart disease, and back pain dominate US health care spending

A new analysis of US health spending reveals that just 20 conditions account for half of all spending, with diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and low back and neck pain being the top three. Total personal health care spending reached $2.4 trillion in 2013, with women aged 85 and older spending the most per person on healthcare.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateDec 27, 2016

Costs of treating patients with psychosis change significantly as they age

A new study finds that middle-aged patients with psychosis are incurring significant costs in long-term care facilities and with hospitalization, highlighting the need to address both mental and physical health in younger patients. Chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with high health care costs due to you...

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics·DateDec 12, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Home-based rehabilitation improves daily life of people with low vision

A Cardiff University study found that home-based rehabilitation significantly improves visual function and daily life for people with low vision. Home visits by visual rehabilitation officers led to a greater improvement in visual function compared to standard hospital appointments.

SourceCardiff University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateDec 9, 2016

Most nursing home patients refuse dental care during stay, UB study concludes

A recent study by University at Buffalo researchers found that nearly 90% of nursing home patients do not take advantage of dental services, even when they are free. The longer a patient stayed at the facility, the more likely they were to use dental services, but only 55% of patients used them during their stay.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSpecial Care in Dentistry·DateNov 22, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Physiotherapy treatment does not benefit ankle sprains

A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 16, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Hospital readmission history a valid measure of skilled nursing quality

A study by Brown University researchers found that hospital readmission history is a strong predictor of future readmissions after controlling for key confounding factors. The analysis showed that patients are going to skilled nursing facilities based on logistics-related preferences rather than the severity of their illness.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 1, 2016

OPTIMISTIC study: Advance care planning in nursing homes challenging but critical

A new study highlights the importance of advance care planning in nursing homes, where most residents prefer less aggressive treatment and comfort care over life-extending measures. The study found that formal conversations facilitated by specially trained nurses resulted in changes to care plans about two-thirds of the time.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 1, 2016

Study shows significant cost savings with a home-based palliative care program

A home-based palliative care (HBPC) program for individuals with advanced illnesses was associated with significant cost savings and improved quality of care. The study found a mean total cost of care per person reduced by $12,000, fewer hospital admissions, and greater use of hospice during the final three months of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

30-day hospital readmission is a poor measure of quality

Researchers recommend using shorter post-discharge timeframes to accurately measure factors within a hospital's control. A five- to seven-day period is ideal, isolating the impact of hospital care from other drivers of readmissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 6, 2016

Study finds exercise treadmills significant cause of hand burns in children

A study published by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that treadmill hand burns are the second most common hand injury after stovetop burns, requiring greater and longer care. Children under 5 years old are most prone to these injuries due to curiosity and lack of understanding about potential dangers.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateOct 3, 2016

Patient care can improve with technology in nursing homes

A University of Missouri study finds that increased IT sophistication in nursing homes leads to improved health care quality measures. The research assessed national trends in IT adoption every year over a three-year period and found a positive impact on quality measures as technology improves resident care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateSep 1, 2016

Major changes needed to improve palliative care in Canada

A recent analysis calls for broader support for patients with serious chronic illnesses, moving away from end-of-life focus and expanding medical education. Canada ranks 18th worldwide in palliative care availability and must develop more strategies to promote care to patients with non-cancerous illnesses.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 22, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Breastfeeding twice as likely after home births than hospital births

A study by Trinity College Dublin found that home births are associated with higher breastfeeding rates due to midwife-led care, skin-to-skin contact, and reduced stress. In contrast, hospital births have been linked to lower breastfeeding rates due to interventions, pain-relieving medications, and formula supplementation.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 10, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Three Minnesota organizations receive funding to improve diabetes care

The University of Minnesota, Medica Research Institute, and HealthPartners Institute will study the impact of the Patient Centered Medical Home model on diabetes care in Minnesota. The research aims to identify specific changes in primary care offices that have improved health outcomes for patients with diabetes.

SourceMedica Research Institute·DateJul 25, 2016

Nearly half of California nursing home residents complete end-of-life care orders

A UCLA-led study found that nearly half of California nursing home residents completed Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms in 2011. The study also identified areas where the use of these forms could be improved, including facilities with low completion rates and a lack of signatures on some forms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Physician payment reform has led to decrease in home-based dialysis

A recent study found that physician payment reform resulted in a significant decrease in the use of home-based dialysis. Patients with traditional Medicare coverage experienced a 0.7 percent reduction in home dialysis use, while those living in areas with larger facilities saw a 0.9 percent decrease.

SourceRice University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 11, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.