Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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 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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study models rural poverty using ecological, economic, and epidemiological factors. The framework highlights disease transmission and recovery rates as key determinants of long-term health and wealth dynamics.
The report reveals that type 2 diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa has reached 22% in some countries, with only half of diagnosed cases receiving treatment. The Lancet commission calls for decisive action to address the growing burden, which could nearly triple to $59 billion by 2030.
A study by Rice University experts found that state revenue declines during economic downturns disproportionately affect children, leading to cuts in Medicaid benefits and education spending. The analysis indicates a $64 cut in Medicaid spending per child beneficiary and an $82 per capita cut in long-run state education spending.
A new study found that nearly 25% of socioeconomically marginalized women stopped breastfeeding after one month compared to about 7% of those in the privileged group. The reasons for early cessation differed between the two groups, with skin-to-skin contact and other factors identified as targets for interventions.
A new study found that H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to the growth of assurance business human capital in the US audit industry, with skilled foreign employees accounting for 28% of this growth. The authors warn of potential negative implications if further restrictions limit hiring of skilled employees from outside the US.
A recent study found that even moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of adverse brain outcomes and steeper decline in cognitive skills. Higher alcohol consumption over 30 years was linked to hippocampal atrophy, poorer white matter integrity, and faster decline in language fluency.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected researchers Dr. Emerson Wickwire, Dr. Jessica Levenson, Dr. Benjamin Pliska, and Dr. Allen Firestone to receive research awards for their projects aimed at improving sleep health and advancing the field of sleep medicine.
The study found that low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas experienced significant improvements in medical care and health after gaining insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. They reported reduced out-of-pocket spending, improved access to primary care and preventive services, and better self-reported health. Additio...
A retrospective household survey found that nearly 3,100 Yazidis were killed, mostly by execution, and 6,800 kidnapped during the ISIS siege on Mount Sinjar. Children accounted for nearly all those who died and were disproportionately affected in captivity.
A new study shows that investments in adolescent health and wellbeing can generate a 10-fold economic benefit by averting 12 million adolescent deaths and preventing more than 30 million unwanted pregnancies. Investing in secondary education can create 12 million formal jobs for people aged 20-24 years.
Vaccines have dramatically reduced global mortality rates, but maintaining community confidence in vaccination and ensuring widespread coverage are crucial. Research shows vaccines result in net economic benefits of almost $69 billion in the US alone.
A new research initiative aims to reduce HIV infection and transmission by providing job readiness and employment skills to young men who have sex with men and young transgender women. The project, funded by the NIH, will explore how economic stability can prevent adolescent homelessness, drug use, and migration to high-risk environments.
A new international study highlights how climate-driven changes in species distribution are affecting human health, culture, and economies worldwide. As species move towards the poles, they impact resources like fish and coffee, industries like tourism and fishing, conflict over land use, and even indigenous cultures.
A systematic review found that UK public health interventions return an average ROI of £14.30 on every £1 spent, with national policies producing even higher returns. The study warns that recent cuts to public health budgets will cost the NHS and economy 'billions'.
A new study projects a 50% increase in conducive weather conditions similar to those in January 2013, leading to more frequent severe haze events in Beijing. The researchers developed an effective Haze Weather Index (HWI) to represent such conditions, which are influenced by large-scale circulation changes and climate change.
A systematic analysis examined the global burden of oral conditions between 1990 and 2015, finding a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years due to oral diseases. The study suggests that oral health goals should be developed to advance global public health.
A £1m grant will explore the link between cultural pursuits and health wellbeing, gathering new data from 3 years. Researchers will study how joining a choir, attending art classes or going to museums affects society's health.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that the Affordable Care Act improved primary care access for Medicaid patients, increasing appointment availability from 57.9% to 63.2% between 2012 and 2016.
A global vaccine injury compensation system would improve vaccine participation in low-resource countries, addressing hesitancy and economic concerns. The proposed system would provide economic certainty to manufacturers and build trust for vaccines, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
A new £250,000 grant will support the development of a cross-cultural scale to assess household water insecurity globally. The researchers aim to create a reliable method to measure how many people are affected by not having enough water for daily activities, with potential impacts on mental and physical health, economic productivity, ...
A recent study found that caregivers of black stroke survivors provided an average of 11 additional hours of care compared to white stroke survivors. Despite this greater time commitment, caregivers of black stroke survivors reported more positive aspects of caregiving, including increased confidence and satisfaction with their role.
A qualitative study by Marie Plaisime found that healthcare providers perceive black male patients with bias, fear, and discomfort. This bias influences treatment decisions, leading to unequal care for black men compared to white male patients with identical symptoms.
Hispanic immigrant and African American men face the highest average workplace injury rate, with Hispanic immigrant men having a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 workers. The study highlights disparities in economic opportunities for minorities leading to hazardous job assignments that increase their risk of injury and disability.
A decline in automobile travel from 2003-2014 showed a significant reduction in car crash deaths, particularly among young men. Physical activity levels remained unchanged during this period.
The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.
Death clocks, which calculate an individual's life expectancy, are shown to be inconsistent and should come with a health warning. By adjusting for personal characteristics and circumstances, John Appleby found that life expectancy predictions varied widely, from 67-89 years.
A Drexel-led team will study hundreds of cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to understand how governance, design, and environment affect population health. The project aims to identify synergies between improving health and environmental sustainability.
A team of experts reviewed post-Ebola reports to identify key problems and recommendations for reform. They found significant gaps between proposed changes and actual action, particularly in strengthening compliance with International Health Regulations.
The LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise will receive a $499,640 NSF grant to upgrade its networking infrastructure and create a Science DMZ. The project aims to facilitate large data exchange, remote collaboration, and leadership in multiple science disciplines.
A study integrating field and laboratory experiments with computer simulations found that perception plays a key role in the evolution of counterintuitive traits. Proportional perception limits the evolution of traits by making it difficult to perceive changes in large stimuli.
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.
Research from Aarhus University and University of Copenhagen finds that workplace bullying leads to men leaving labor market and affecting their salaries. Men are more likely to leave the job than women who take sick leaves after being bullied.
The VENEX project offers an alternative solution to road humps by reducing vehicle speed through energy extraction, ensuring safety and minimizing impact on drivers. The award-winning innovation aims to reduce traffic-related victims and costs, promoting a safer transportation system globally.
A University of Manchester study of 2,000 UK doctors found no link between performance-related pay and GP job satisfaction. Despite concerns over its impact on morale, the study suggests that dropping performance-related pay may not increase satisfaction.
The Zika virus poses a threat beyond summer months, as Aedes species mosquitoes can survive winter and transmit the virus through their eggs. Experts emphasize the importance of year-round protection measures, including physical barriers and insect repellents.
New research published in the Journal of Economic Theory highlights a fundamental contradiction in the policy of making land owners paid more than it costs them to conserve forests. This market inefficiency leads to stalemate and makes forest protection unfeasible through logging with some chance or gradual logging to secure funding.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are partnering with the Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) program to test and improve its effectiveness in addressing health disparities among low-income African-American men. The study aims to develop a national model for improving health outcomes among this population.
The Lancet Countdown is an international research initiative that tracks the impacts of climate change on public health and informs decision-making. It aims to accelerate policy responses to address the growing health risks associated with climate change.
A new study shows that implementing the WHO Trauma Care Checklist Programme at hospitals worldwide led to substantial improvements in injury care, with increased consistency of care and reduced mortality among severely injured patients. The checklist is a simple tool emphasizing key life-saving elements of initial injury care.
A new study translates wearable sensor data into empirically-verified measures of health risks and longevity, offering significant financial value to third parties. The researchers developed the Better Life and Income Scoring System (BLISS score), which combines physical activity data with personal financial information.
A report from Merck KGaA and the American Cancer Society highlights that four top cancer causes in women are mostly preventable or can be detected early, leading to more successful treatment. The number of women who will lose their lives to cancer is expected to increase by 57% from 3.5 million in 2012 to 5.5 million by 2030.
The university has received a $6 million grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation to support its new dental school. The school will focus on service education, providing hands-on experiences for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings while serving underserved communities.
The UK's approach to health requires a fundamental shift towards community-based services and partnerships with businesses and organizations. A new strategy is needed to recognize the significant contribution of health sciences to the economy while acknowledging that every part of society has a role in improving health.