Articles tagged with Medical Economics
The European Union's action plan aims to address antimicrobial resistance through strong national controls, further research, and global collaboration. The EU plan also prioritizes interoperability in healthcare, including e-prescriptions and personal health records.
The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.
A nationwide study of over 300,000 adults found strong associations between community attributes and well-being, including racial diversity, preventive health care, and public transportation. The researchers identified 12 key factors that contribute to a sense of well-being.
A Brazilian study suggests that austerity measures have led to an increase in childhood mortality rates, with the potential to reduce this trend by maintaining social protection programs. The research found that the maintenance of Bolsa Familia and Estrategia Saude da Familia could lead to a reduction in child mortality by 8.6% in 2030.
Researchers found that cutting social programme funding could increase avoidable childhood hospitalisations and deaths by up to 20,000 and 124,000 respectively. The poorest municipalities would be disproportionately affected, with potential child mortality rates 8.6% lower in 2030 if current funding is maintained.
Research by Imperial College London found that participating in Eurovision Song Contest may lead to a four percent increase in life satisfaction for every ten places improvement in final score. Conversely, doing poorly in the competition was associated with a greater increase in life satisfaction compared to not taking part at all.
A US study tracked antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii infections among children from 1999 to 2012, finding an overall increase in resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, but a decline after 2008 due to improved infection control measures.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is launching a landmark $1.5 billion National Institutes of Health-led program to develop precision medicine. The program aims to create a demographically, geographically and medically diverse participant community, especially those underrepresented in biomedical research.
A new state-by-state analysis reveals US government investment in global health research and development generates considerable economic benefits, creating jobs and injecting millions of dollars into local economies. The study also highlights the dangers of ignoring neglected diseases in an increasingly interconnected world.
A new study reveals that swapping cars for shared bicycles avoids up to 73 deaths and saves $226 million annually. The use of mechanical bicycles offers the most health benefits, with Paris and Barcelona experiencing notable reductions in fatalities and pollution exposure.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has been named the winner of the annual Olof Johnell Science Award, recognizing his internationally recognized contributions to the field of osteoporosis. He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis.
Australia is joining the Lancet Countdown, a global health and climate change initiative. The country will track its progress on 40 indicators across five categories, including adaptation planning, mitigation actions, and public engagement.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that an app-based self-care program using acupressure reduced menstrual pain in young women by up to 58% after six months. The app, Luna, was used by participants who received either standard care or a self-acupressure intervention.
A new study by NYU researchers found that craving can overshadow healthy choices and make people willing to pay more for unhealthy food items. The study revealed that craving boosts the economic value of tempting, high-calorie foods relative to healthier options.
A new study reveals that US drug-related mortality rates are not randomly distributed across the country, but rather are influenced by economic and social factors. The research found significant geographic differences in overdose rates, with some regions bearing heavier burdens than others.
A novel enzyme with GNA1 function has been identified as a key player in the survival and infectivity of Apicomplexan parasites. The discovery paves the way for the development of targeted therapies against malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A recent study links Beijing's persistent haze events to large-scale climatic warming and changes in the East Asian winter monsoon system. The research found a significant positive trend of haze events in Beijing from 1980 to 2016, correlating with weakened regional atmospheric circulation.
The UK's low priority on children and young people's health threatens the country's economic growth and prosperity. Investing in child health can bring impressive returns, but current neglect may lead to reduced workforce participation and productivity.
The Tobacco Atlas reveals the tobacco industry's deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations in Africa and other emerging markets. The report highlights the need for governments to implement proven tobacco control policies to reduce the human and economic toll of the tobacco epidemic.
Infants who look like their father at birth tend to spend more time with their dads, leading to improved health outcomes. This is because fathers perceive the resemblance as proof of paternity, motivating them to engage in positive parenting practices.
A new study reveals the 2008 Great Recession led to a significant increase in obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems, especially among women and those with lower education. The researchers found a decrease in smoking and drinking, but an increase in the use of medicines and mental health issues.
Researchers found that children from disadvantaged households are at greater risk of low muscle strength and poor health status as adults. Chronic stress in childhood may alter the body's ability to maintain good health over time.
Increased investments in vaccines administered to low- and middle-income countries could avert up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment. The poorest households would likely receive the most benefit from increased access to vaccines due to their higher risk and limited healthcare use.
A new study estimates that vaccines can prevent up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment in 41 low- and middle-income countries by 2030. The poorest populations are expected to benefit the most from vaccine programs, with a significant impact on health and economic outcomes.
A new study calculates pandemic-related deaths of 700,000 and annual economic losses of $500 billion, according to a theoretical model applied to rare pandemic scenarios. The estimated costs fall within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's estimates of global warming costs.
A new report suggests that improving health and economic activity among those aged over 50 is key to addressing the UK's pension crisis. The Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) recommends creating an 'active aging' environment, which would raise lifetime earnings and saving levels.
A recent study reveals substantial inequalities in cesarean births persisting across countries, with higher rates among the richest fifths indicating overuse. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted policies to ensure equitable access to caesarean sections and improve maternal and newborn health.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion in the US led to improved access to surgery and higher quality surgical care, with significant improvements seen within less than two years. The study analyzed data from nearly 300,000 patients and compared 27 states with expanded Medicaid coverage to 15 without expansion.
A study by University of Colorado researchers found that changes to the nursing home quality ratings system led consumers to choose better providers. The simplified five-star system used on Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to select higher-rated nursing homes, while low-rated facilities with limited options struggled.
A new study found that one in three low-income renters face housing instability, linked to poor health outcomes and material hardships. Housing instability was associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes, including poor caregiver health and food insecurity.
A European study found that increasing cycling networks in cities can lead to significant health and economic benefits. The study estimates that if all assessed cities achieved a 24.7% bicycle mode share, over 10,000 premature deaths could be avoided annually.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
A recent study found that opioid prescribing for disabled adults is higher outside of large central metro counties, even after accounting for local economic factors. County-level factors such as household income, unemployment rate, and income inequality also play a significant role in determining opioid prescribing rates.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cell salvage did not significantly reduce the need for donor blood transfusions during caesarean sections. However, it showed promise in reducing transfusions in emergency caesareans. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
A study published in Science Advances found that infants born within a half mile of a hydraulic fracturing site were 25% more likely to be born at low birth weights, increasing their risk of infant mortality and long-term health problems. The research also found significant impacts on cognitive development.
A Pennsylvania study found that infants born to mothers near active fracking sites are 25% more likely to have low birthweight, a risk factor for infant mortality and other health issues. Exposure to fracking pollutants may contribute to this increased risk.
A report by the American College of Cardiology recommends prioritizing US resources toward detecting and treating cardiovascular disease, while maintaining efforts to eradicate infectious diseases. The report aims to save lives and contribute to worldwide economic prosperity through a strong global health strategy.
A review paper compares health determinants of people and healthcare systems in Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The study highlights the need for policies impacting population health and country development to guide policymakers and healthcare providers.
The University of Copenhagen's new Collaborative Research Programme in Biomedical Innovation Law (CeBIL) aims to translate groundbreaking biomedical research into affordable therapies. CeBIL will study novel legal frameworks for drug development incentives and regulations, taking into account patient needs and market complexities.
A University of Stirling study found that single men are significantly less likely to take part in bowel screening tests compared to those living with a partner. The participation rate for men living alone was 57.6%, lower than the 77.8% of women living alone who took the test.
A new tool to support organisations and practitioners achieve person-centred care has been developed. The Person Centred Coordinated Care Organisational Tool (P3C-OCT) helps guide implementation and assess effectiveness of the approach.
A new study reports that a care model for older adults with dementia can benefit ICU survivors of all ages, addressing persistent cognitive impairment and depression. The Critical Care Recovery Center (CCRC) model provides interdisciplinary care to help ICU survivors recover from their hospitalization.
A recent study found that foreign-born adults are significantly less likely to report health-related impediments to working and apply for disability benefits. This is due to various factors such as greater longevity, lower rates of chronic disease, and strong social supports.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.
Researchers from Lancaster University found that teenagers who do not access healthcare when needed are at greater risk of dropping out of high school. More than one in five young people globally experience this issue, leading to increased unemployment, poor health, and crime.
A study in rural China found that healthcare providers fail to correctly manage tuberculosis cases, with a high proportion of antibiotics prescribed unrelated to TB treatment. The researchers highlight the need for reforms and improved training to address these gaps in care.
A new curriculum has been developed to provide standardized training for healthcare providers in teleneurology. The curriculum covers key areas such as technology, licensure, and patient relationships, aiming to improve the quality of remote neurology care.
Researchers at Penn will launch the ALACRITY Center with three projects to enhance treatment for people served through publicly-funded mental health systems. The center aims to identify effective ways to encourage patients to take antidepressant medication and improve use of evidence-based practices among one-to-one aides assigned to w...
A new study reveals that older workers born in 1960 will face more challenges as they continue to work, seek work, or try to retire due to worsening health issues. The research found that younger cohorts have higher rates of poor cognition and limitations in daily living tasks compared to earlier birth cohorts.
Despite electronic health record adoption, many US hospitals face challenges in integrating external data from other providers, leading to clinician barriers and limited accessibility. The study highlights the need for improved systems to ensure seamless data sharing.
A recent study found that women in relationships are more likely to lack interest in sex compared to men, with open communication and emotional closeness being key factors. The research suggests that assessing and treating sexual interest problems should be done holistically and relationship-specific.
Two brief psychological therapies targeting depression and harmful drinking delivered by lay counsellors were effective and sustained over 12 months. The interventions, Healthy Activity Programme (HAP) and Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP), showed significant symptom reduction and remission rates.
Researchers found that programs aimed at reducing elective early-term births led to healthier deliveries for mothers and their babies, with higher birth weights and lower rates of complications. The campaigns effectively reduced the number of early-term elective inductions and C-sections in the US.
Researchers found that racially segregated areas had higher mortality rates in both urban and rural areas, but blacks sometimes lived longer in segregated areas. This may be due to less exposure to deadly infectious diseases before antibiotics were widely available.
Research reveals a stark North-South divide in middle-aged adult mortality rates, with 49% more deaths among 35-44 year olds in the North in 2015. The study attributes this to economic and social factors, highlighting the need for rebalanced investment and devolved powers to tackle health inequalities.
Health insurance coverage in China rebounded from 32.3% in 1991 to nearly universal coverage of 94.7% in 2011. The study found that increasing health insurance rates led to higher treatment-seeking for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Research finds steady rise in premature mortality among 25- to 44-year-olds in the North of England since mid-1990s, compounding the country's long-established 'North-South' divide. Excess deaths among young and middle-aged people increased sharply between 1995 and 2015.
The new Index measures five social and economic indicators reflecting the status and wellbeing of older persons, tracking national sources for 30 countries. The top-ranked countries for healthy aging are Norway, Sweden, US, Netherlands, and Japan.
Child mortality rates in Iraq were not unusually high between 1991 and 2003, contrary to claims made by Saddam Hussein's government. A major national household survey conducted in 1999 was found to be 'a remarkable fiction' cooked up to stir international condemnation and get sanctions lifted.
A retrospective economic analysis found that certified outreach athletic trainers generated $2,283,733 in revenue from referring patients to orthopedic provider and hospital systems. The ATC program provided comprehensive care during practices and games, potentially lowering chronic medical conditions in adulthood.