Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A study in rural India shows that informal healthcare providers can improve their skills with modest levels of medical training, leading to better case management and reduced errors. The training program, which consisted of 150 hours over nine months, increased the providers' ability to develop checklists and make accurate diagnoses.
A leading doctor argues that the junior doctors' contract should be discarded and replaced due to a breakdown of trust between government and healthcare staff. The current contract has been criticized for being inefficient and damaging to morale among young doctors.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly 25% of low-income adults in three US states switched their health coverage within the previous 12 months, resulting in significant negative effects on healthcare, including frequent gaps in insurance, skipped medications, and low-quality care.
A new analysis reveals a substantial increase in US liver-related hospitalizations for cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), resulting in significant economic burdens. Hospitalization rates nearly doubled, with inpatient costs rising twofold for cirrhosis and fivefold for ACLF.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found a strong association between economic opportunity and measures of physical and mental health in young adults. Individuals living in areas with higher economic opportunity reported fewer days of poor health and adopted healthier behaviors.
A new study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that most elderly individuals who suffer a hip fracture will not regain their pre-injury level of physical activity or independence. The likelihood of recovery was particularly low for those over 85, with dementia, or multiple comorbid conditions.
A new study estimates that human hookworm infection results in over 4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with China facing up to $6.7 billion in productivity losses annually. The infection is estimated to cost between $7.5 billion and $138.9 billion in productivity losses worldwide.
A group of experts suggests reframing global efforts against antimicrobial resistance to focus on building societal resilience and maintaining diversity in the global microbiome. This approach aims to address the root causes of resistance, rather than just treating its symptoms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high utility bills lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression among low-income families. Inefficient infrastructure and limited options for assistance also contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for comprehensive policy measures.
A study in rural Nepal found that poverty and lack of support are key barriers to institutional births, despite the known safety benefits. Only 30% of women had their babies in a hospital or health post, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic and structural barriers.
Researchers have successfully grown norovirus in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells, paving the way for further studies on prevention, treatment, and control of norovirus infections. This achievement represents a significant step forward in understanding human gastroenteritis viruses.
Researchers suggest that standardizing health insurance plans could alleviate the psychological and financial stress of choosing a plan, making it easier for consumers to understand their options. The proposal aims to create simple products that are easy to comprehend, reducing costly mistakes.
The study found that patients with diabetes and solid-organ malignancies had significantly more frequent hospitalizations and multiple hospitalizations compared to those without diabetes. Hospital stay was also longer on average for diabetic patients.
The study aims to determine the health needs of children within HISD through a three-year analysis of physical, social, and mental health. The researchers will use online questionnaires, focus groups, and community-based participatory research to gather data on 250 schools.
The study reveals significant productivity losses due to heat stress, with potential GDP losses of up to $2 trillion by 2030. Climate change exacerbates health risks from disasters like floods, cyclones, and landslides, affecting millions in the Asia Pacific region.
A NYU Meyers study found that changes in the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and global economic crisis led to a significant drop in internationally educated nurses (IENs) in the US. IEN pass rates on the exam have steadily declined from an average of 58% in 2004 to 32% in 2015.
A new study maps zones most prone to sea level rise impacts in South Florida, identifying socially and economically vulnerable communities at risk. The research provides a foundation for adaptation and mitigation planning, informing regional resilience efforts.
An expert argues that economic inequality and austerity, not immigration, are the root causes of worsening health and declining living standards in Britain. The UK's public spending cuts have led to a decrease in education and training funding, increasing student loans and debt.
A recent study by LSU Economics and Policy Research Group Director Stephen Barnes explores the determination of state Medicaid provision in the US, finding that federal subsidization leads to a decline in Medicaid coverage. The study also reveals a positive relationship between progressivity of tax structure and Medicaid coverage.
Health Equity is a new peer-reviewed open access journal launching in Fall 2016, focusing on translational research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease to achieve optimal outcomes and health equity. The journal will serve as a primary resource for organizations and individuals working with vulnerable populations.
A new Canadian Government-funded study found that 80.8 million preschool-aged children worldwide lack basic skills, impacting future development, mental and physical health, and education. The study estimates 17% of children are physically stunted, highlighting the importance of investing in early childhood development.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that black male physicians earn significantly lower median incomes ($188,230) compared to white male physicians ($253,042), with a 35% pay gap. Additionally, female physicians of both races earn less than their male peers, highlighting income disparities in medicine.
Researchers found a strong association between increasing unemployment rates and weight gain among public school students in California from 2008-2012. The study suggests that economic troubles can have long-term health consequences for children, with an increased risk of becoming overweight by up to 21%.
Research found increasing alcohol affordability in the 1990s contributed to rising mortality rates, while decreasing affordability led to declines. The study also identified a generation affected by economic change in the 1980s as being at high risk.
A group of health academics warn that a UK exit from the EU would lead to cuts in health and social care spending, increasing pressures on hospitals. The authors also express concern about the impact on the NHS workforce and loss of access to free healthcare for UK citizens abroad.
Research by Plymouth University indicates that people's political ideology significantly influences their attitude towards hydraulic fracking. Politically conservative participants were more likely to favor fracking and perceive economic benefits, while liberals expressed greater concerns over health risks.
A web-based guided self-help intervention has been shown to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorder in adults with subthreshold depression. The study found that 55 participants in the intervention group experienced MDD compared to 84 in the control group, resulting in a significant reduction in risk.
Researchers found that curing hepatitis C virus (HCV) could spare approximately 10,500 livers from being transplanted into HCV-infected patients over a twenty-year period. This would also lead to an estimated 7,300 livers being transplanted into liver disease patients without HCV.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that children in households with less than three months of savings are at a higher risk of obesity and chronic illnesses. Having enough savings to cover basic expenses for three months is crucial in avoiding debt and maintaining good health, according to the study.
A new study found that households with less than three months of savings have children at higher risk of obesity, chronic illnesses, and worse overall health. Children in families living in asset poverty are more likely to be obese and have a chronic illness.
A study by Rice University researchers found that the relationship between hospital volume and patient outcomes may be overstated. Advanced statistical modeling showed that only four of six complex cancer operations have a significant volume-outcome effect.
A new study reveals substantial disparities in healthcare quality experienced by Hispanic Puerto Rican residents in Medicare Advantage plans. Despite making up nearly a quarter of enrolled residents, Puerto Ricans received significantly worse care on 15 of 17 quality indicators, with gaps exceeding 5 percentage points.
A new study found that the risk of a second major osteoporotic fracture increases by 4% for each year of age and is 41% higher in women than men. The risk of subsequent fractures decreases over time, but remains elevated throughout follow-up.
Professor Eugene McCloskey was recognized for his significant advancements in vertebral fracture definition, osteoporosis epidemiology, and non-invasive assessments of bone strength. He has contributed to the development of the FRAX tool and published over 250 peer-reviewed publications.
The IOF-ESCEO 2016 Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Awards were presented to Professors Elaine Dennison and Olivier Bruyère for their exceptional research on musculoskeletal ageing, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. The awards recognize their potential to become key opinion leaders in the field.
Professor Serge Ferrari has been recognized with the International Osteoporosis Foundation's 2016 Olof Johnell Science Award for his significant work in bone health, genetics of osteoporosis, and bone remodeling. He is a leading thought leader in the field, known for translating new research findings into improved patient care.
Dr. Elias Hanna Saba, Chief Executive Director of the Palestinian Osteoporosis Prevention Society, was awarded the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Committee of National Societies Medal for his over 26 years of experience in bone and muscle health and patient education. The medal recognizes his dedication to expanding IOF's mess...
A recent study reveals that sarcopenia is expected to significantly increase in Europe, affecting up to 19 million seniors. The prevalence of sarcopenia will rise from 11.1% in 2016 to 12.9% by 2045, with women accounting for a majority of cases.
A study by UK and Swedish researchers found that male Swedish farmers have a significantly lower risk of hip fracture, possibly due to their high levels of physical activity. The researchers analyzed data from Sweden's national registry and found that farming was associated with a 39% lower risk of hip fracture.
Research shows that patients with total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis have a low risk of hip and vertebral fractures before and after surgery. However, the risk increases by 19% for vertebral fracture and 4% for hip fracture in the years following surgery.
The IOF President's Award was presented to eight leading regional osteoporosis experts and advocates for their contributions to global osteoporosis awareness and education. The recipients were recognized for their outstanding work in the field, including Dr Ambrish Mithal, Prof Patricia Clark, and Prof Jorge Cannata Andia.
A UK study found no link between calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D, and hospital admissions or mortality due to cardiovascular events. The analysis of the UK Biobank dataset showed that calcium supplementation did not increase the risk of future cardiac events.
Professor René Rizzoli, a leading Swiss investigator, has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Medal for his groundbreaking work in basic bone science. The medal recognizes his contributions to understanding bone and mineral metabolism, with over 800 publications to his name.
Professor John A. Kanis has made significant contributions to advances in the field of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders. He is the author of over 1200 papers, chapters, and books on bone disease and metabolism.
The Pincus Family Foundation Urban Health Fellowship will provide junior healthcare professionals with tools to implement community-driven health programs. Fellows will earn a Master's degree in Urban Bioethics and be offered Temple Faculty positions.
Research found unmarried cancer patients had higher death rates than married patients, with whites benefiting the most from marriage. Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander cancer patients who were born in the US experienced a greater benefit than those born outside the country.
The number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, with significant increases in low and middle income countries. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for effective action to reduce the health and economic impact of diabetes.
Researchers adapted the IMPaCT model to an outpatient setting, introducing a new manual, staff hiring, and training. The approach reduced readmission rates and improved health outcomes for chronically ill patients.
Researchers found that a person's preconceived ideas, shaped by socialization and politics, influence their views on climate protection. Economic justifications and personal aspects like health do not sway skeptics, highlighting the need for comprehensive communication strategies.
A study replicated 18 experimental studies in economics, reproducing results in 11 cases and showing promise for improving replication methods. The findings suggest that clear methodological documentation is crucial for successful replications.
A mix of poor public health systems, high infectious disease rates, and inexpensive antibiotics contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance in India. Experts suggest regulating over-the-counter access to antibiotics, promoting behavior change, and improving the healthcare system to mitigate this growing threat.
Stunting affects 160 million children under 5 globally, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa most affected. Addressing determinants like maternal health, education, and economic empowerment can help reduce stunting rates. The Aga Khan University is working to monitor nutrition and develop low-cost solutions to address stunting in the...
Research by the University of Warwick found a link between reduced one-to-one nursing care for premature new-borns and a higher death rate. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood (Fetal & Neonatal Edition), showed a third decrease in this type of care between 2008 and 2012.
Research found that a common gene variant affects girls' fat intake depending on their early socio-economic environment. Girls with the same gene variant had higher or lower fat intake depending on whether they were raised in poor or wealthy families.
Development assistance for vaccines in low- and middle-income countries increased from $822m in 2000 to $3.6bn in 2014, driven by the creation of Gavi and US/UK contributions.
A Tulane University study found cities hosting Super Bowl teams experience a 18% increase in flu deaths among those over 65, due to increased transmission at social gatherings.
The Global Farm Platform conference presents research findings on sustainable livestock systems, showing that traditional measures of dairy cow performance are oversimplified. Knowledge exchange between farmers and researchers reveals that robust cows can be more economically viable due to their good health, fertility, and ability to t...
Researchers assessed the impact of evidence-based principles on medicine procurement in a healthcare facility, achieving significant decreases in expenditures. The ABC/VEN-analysis method helped prioritize medicines and inform training workshops for medical professionals.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led study found that economic opportunity is significantly associated with community health outcomes. Regions with lower economic opportunity had higher mortality rates, prevalence of smoking and obesity, and greater risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.
Heloise Anne Pereira, a University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center professor, has been recognized as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow. Her research on the naturally occurring protein CAP37 and its derived antimicrobial peptides has led to significant advancements in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.