Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Cuba successfully contained COVID-19 through door-to-door screening, utilizing a public health approach that emphasized community-level work. This 'shoe-leather' epidemiology method may have prevented the dramatic failures in the UK's response to the pandemic.
Researchers recommend community-based exit strategies for low and middle-income countries, considering local epidemic growth rates, social and economic costs, and existing health systems capabilities. These approaches can help revive the economy while preserving people's health.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a global consumption loss of $3.8 trillion, accompanied by job losses equivalent to 147 million full-time positions. However, decreases in production and air travel led to environmental benefits, including a 2.5 metric gigaton reduction in greenhouse gases.
A new study highlights the importance of access to nature in addressing community health needs, citing benefits to physical, mental, and social health. Researchers recommend incorporating assessments of nature access into patient encounters and refer patients to community groups increasing green areas.
A recent study from Singapore found that early access to pension wealth improves overall health status. The researchers analyzed monthly survey data from 2015 to 2019 and discovered that individuals who accessed their pension funds before age 55 had better self-reported health status afterward.
Patient and public involvement is crucial in COVID-19 policy-making, say experts. Decades of advocacy have shown that patient communities provide valuable information on the pandemic's effects, highlighting the need for a comprehensive public health response.
A large-scale database of ground reaction force data from over 2,000 patients has been made publicly available for research purposes. The GAITREC database includes information on patients with joint transplants, fractures, and ligament injuries, providing a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.
A University of Washington study reveals that 75% of US workers cannot work exclusively from home, putting them at increased risk of exposure to disease and other job disruptions. These workers are also more likely to be in lower-paid jobs, with some earning as little as $32,000 per year.
The Building Wealth and Health Network program at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities reduces food insecurity by promoting healing and financial control through group experiences. Participants are 55% less likely to experience household food insecurity after completing the 16-session program.
Researchers developed a new metric called Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) to measure the value of nature's contributions to economic activity. GEP accounts for benefits like clean water and climate security, informing investments in securing them and evaluating policy performance.
A new modelling study suggests that a cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions can be better for the global economy in the long run. The study found that shorter, stricter lockdowns minimize supply chain impacts, while gradually easing measures over 12 months may also be less disruptive.
A new NUI Galway study estimates the economic value of lost productivity from workplace bullying in Ireland, totaling 1.7 million workdays lost at a cost of €239 million annually. The research also finds that bullying has a larger effect on absences in private sector organizations.
Researchers are conducting three studies to investigate important COVID-19 questions, including a trial of annexin A5 as a potential therapy for critically ill patients. A novel blood test for COVID-19 is also being developed using epitopes.
Researchers found that 62% of participants had physical multimorbidity in 2015, with the condition increasing with age, female gender, and educational level. The study concludes that concerted efforts are needed to reduce health inequalities due to multimorbidity and its adverse economic impact.
A Nebraska researcher has developed a smartphone app that uses location and Bluetooth data to track users' physical proximity and notify those potentially exposed to COVID-19. The system provides personalized risk data and insights for individuals making decisions about balancing health and economic risks.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that labour reforms aimed at reducing unemployment had no effect on total employment. Instead, temporary employment increased significantly while permanent employment decreased.
Researchers propose an alternating cycle of strict lockdown (50 days) followed by eased social distancing (30 days) to reduce COVID-19-related deaths and ICU admissions. This strategy may allow populations and economies to 'breathe' at intervals, making it more sustainable in resource-poor regions.
A $260,000 award from the US Forest Service supports a two-year project led by NAU professor Han-Sup Han to develop wood products market, invest in rural economies, and increase forest restoration treatments. The goal is to create a center of expertise that can support sustainable forest land management and cluster development.
A fidget spinner-inspired device can diagnose urinary tract infections in 50 minutes, outperforming traditional laboratory methods. The portable technology uses a novel fluid-assisted separation mechanism to rapidly enrich pathogens from urine samples.
A Chapman University-led study suggests that voluntary collective isolation is the most effective response to COVID-19 for indigenous populations. The researchers collaborated with tribal leadership and government authorities to develop and implement a multi-phase prevention plan among the Tsimane people in Bolivia.
A recent study found that companies with worker injury claims are more likely to survive than those without claims, particularly among larger and older organizations. This suggests that current regulations may not be enough to protect workers and that future regulations need to reward innovation in workplace safety.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona discovered a direct link between the rurality of an environment and improved mental well-being in older adults. The study found that individuals living in rural areas had significantly better levels of mental well-being compared to those residing in urban o...
A Queensland University of Technology study proposes a simple 'odds-and-evens' approach to safely relaxing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. By allowing people to leave their homes based on odd or even house numbers, governments can balance competing priorities and create valuable experimental data.
A global study is being conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing, involving a survey of 30 countries. The research aims to provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers to address population-based emergencies and foster growth after crises.
A study analyzing NYC birth data found stark differences in severe maternal morbidity risk across neighborhoods with extreme racial and economic polarization. Black and Latina women faced the largest magnitude of associations with severe maternal morbidity.
New research suggests that upward income mobility is associated with a trade-off between well-being and cardiometabolic health. Despite improved mental health, individuals who experience upward mobility may fare worse in terms of heart health compared to those with consistent disadvantage or advantage.
A recent study proposes that targeted interventions could minimize socio-economic damage while optimizing medical responses to COVID-19. Full lockdowns may have resulted in worse outcomes compared to partial lockdowns.
A new study finds deep flaws in EPA's benefit-cost analysis supporting a proposed rule to roll back Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The analysis ignores scientific evidence and economic best practice, failing to account for recent science and changes in electricity generation.
A new modelling paper from Ontario indicates that dynamic physical distancing measures can reduce COVID-19 transmission while providing periodic psychological and economic relief. The study shows that modulating response measures can prevent ICU overloads without overwhelming the healthcare system.
The number of people with clinically complex health and social needs is increasing. Effective solutions require micro- and macro-level innovations that prioritize public and private investments in addressing health inequities.
The essay offers guidance on how to ethically allocate scarce health goods and services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors recommend a 'World War II-style mobilization' to project urgently needed resources and ensure fair distribution of scarce resources, prioritizing marginalized populations.
A comprehensive review of US social policies found that early life and education interventions can reduce smoking by 8%, while income support and health insurance programs show the most promise in improving population health. However, some studies showed no health impact, highlighting the need for careful policymaking.
A new survey of 1,300 patients with chronic illnesses reveals a significant increase in concerns about COVID-19, with 36% discussing the virus with their healthcare providers. The ongoing series of surveys will track changes in their concerns over two weeks.
A new study by MIT economists finds that doctors who have immunity from liability lawsuits perform slightly more C-section operations compared to those who are legally liable, about 4% more over a 10-year period. This challenges the common perception that defensive medicine leads to less treatment of patients.
A new aflatoxin biocontrol product has been developed for use in Senegal, reducing contamination in groundnut and maize crops. The product, Aflasafe SN01, includes four atoxigenic isolates native to Senegal and is highly effective in hot, drought-prone areas.
Researchers stress that individual actions, such as self-isolation and social distancing, are key in controlling the pandemic. Governments can also take measures like banning large events and ensuring healthcare provision, but these must be balanced with economic considerations.
A study by MIT scholars finds economics citations in psychology journals have doubled since 2000, while public health papers cite economics work twice as often as 10 years ago. The proportion of empirical economics papers cited in top journals has risen by 20 percentage points since 1990.
A new study by New York University researchers found that the Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on reducing financial barriers to healthcare, with 19.3 million people gaining coverage since its implementation in 2010. The law's market reforms have also led to measurable gains in the financial well-being of poor Americans.
A study found that Chinese firms in provinces with lower GDP growth are more likely to engage in earnings management to prop up provincial GDP figures. This leads to a range of negative consequences for the firms, including high bad debt expenses, inventory write-offs, and asset impairment losses.
New research reveals that opioid-related deaths may be 28% higher than reported due to incomplete death records. The study found that almost 72% of unclassified drug overdoses involved prescription opioids, heroin, or fentanyl.
Adults with low fruit and vegetable consumption have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Body fat levels are also significantly linked, with total body fat increasing by 70% or more elevating the risk.
A multi-site study found that intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) combined with liraglutide 3.0 mg produced clinically-meaningful weight loss in patients with obesity, resulting in improvements in quality of life and cardiometabolic risk factors. The treatment approach appears to have complementary mechanisms of action.
The US healthcare system is facing significant mistrust issues, with experts calling for action to improve patient trust and care. Experts recommend five actions: exploring patients' mistrust, developing individual and institutional efforts to mend and prevent mistrust, being culturally humble, making empathy part of relationships, and...
Analysis estimates health consequences of indoor tanning bans, including reduced skin cancer risk and economic benefits. The study found that implementing such regulations could save billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists suggests that aerosol pollution can delay climate change effects, benefiting tropical countries but harming high-latitude developed nations. The cooling effect outweighs its limited economic benefits, with public health concerns taking precedence.
A new study from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University found that pregnant urban African American and immigrant Afro-Caribbean women can improve access to prenatal health information through the use of mhealth apps like Text4baby. The study showed a 14% increase in intent to use the app and a 28% increase in intent to speak with pr...
A recent study found that diabetes prevalence is higher among First Nations people and women, particularly those of reproductive age. The gap has narrowed over time, but the risk factors persist. Understanding these determinants is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
New research shows that US states with medical marijuana laws have seen a decline in workers' compensation claims due to improved symptom management. The modest reductions suggest expanded access to medical marijuana may also boost work capacity and reduce reliance on social insurance programs.
Researchers have re-engineered a plant-derived compound to reduce morphine-seeking behaviors in mice, preventing relapse to opioid addiction. The new molecule inhibits a protein receptor involved in heroin dependence and prevents stress-induced relapse.
The Helsinki Declaration emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to protect human health and the environment. Key findings include the importance of social justice, long-term goals, and scientific knowledge in addressing planetary health threats.
A cross-national study found that higher income inequality is associated with more social problems, but economic prosperity has a mitigating effect. The research analyzed data from 40 high-income countries and suggests that social bonds are weaker in countries with greater income gaps.
A RAND Corporation study estimates that 3,300 people in the Los Angeles County jail mental health population are suitable candidates for diversion into community-based clinical services. The study found that 61% of inmates were appropriate candidates for diversion, with men making up 85% of the jail's mental health population.
Women who worked consistently during their prime midlife years had better physical health than non-working women later in life, according to a new study published in Demography. The research also found that working women were less depressed and lived longer, with a lower risk of death by 2012.
A new study published in the Cambridge Journal of Economics finds that countries taking the 'low road' to growth, like the US, experience adverse effects on wellbeing and future prosperity. In contrast, Scandinavian countries that take the 'high road' by investing in social reproduction see positive effects on human welfare.
Patient portals provide access to health information and communication with clinicians, but many hospitals fail to offer clear guidance on using them. The study found that over half of secure messaging portals lacked detailed instructions on appropriate message content, leading to confusion among patients.
Researchers found that women in Ethiopia often delay seeking care due to social taboos surrounding genital and breast diseases, while men may be deterred by economic dependence on their partners. The study suggests integrating NTD treatment into primary healthcare can address these gender-related challenges.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that federal disability benefits encourage more family caregiving, with recipients increasing in-kind assistance from adult children and enabling them to reallocate time to care for their parents. The study also shows a significant increase in the likelihood of children receiving payment for their help.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that counties with worse economies had higher cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly among middle-aged adults. The research suggests that economic disparities contribute directly to health disparities and highlights the need for interventions such as policies like a health insurance expansion.
No-till with cover crop systems have produced higher net returns than conventional till in Texas cotton systems. The practice also improves soil health, water storage, and long-term yield potential.
A new study by Yale researchers found that physicians rate EHR systems poorly, with an average score of 45, leading to increased frustration and burnout. The study suggests that the steep learning curve and lack of intuitive design contribute to this outcome, affecting specialties such as dermatology and general surgery.