Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A new study published in The Lancet found that developing countries have made progress in reducing child malnutrition but still struggle to meet the UN's Millennium Development Goal target. The research analyzed data from over 7 million children worldwide and estimated that only 61 of 141 countries have a 50% chance of meeting the goal.
A new study estimates that replacing car journeys with walking for short trips could save 108 men's and 79 women's lives annually in Catalonia. This would also bring economic benefits of over €200 million, with annual savings of more than €200 million.
Researchers propose 'automated hovering' approaches combining technology, behavioral economics, and new payment strategies to motivate patients to improve their health. These approaches aim to reduce costly hospital admissions by targeting specific patient populations and promoting adherence to medication regimens.
The National Academy of Inventors congratulates 11 top universities for their 2011 patent success, including the University of South Florida. The list includes American universities and Chinese institutions, with the University of California System holding the most patents awarded.
Sandeep Kishore has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on malaria parasites and his efforts to integrate basic sciences and public health perspectives in global health. He developed an open-source curriculum on neglected diseases, which has evolved into a longitudinal four-year program with full administrative support.
International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
An international convention on global health R&D is recommended by the WHO expert group to secure a systemic solution. The proposed convention aims to create a formalized platform for R&D coordination, pooling financial investments and holding countries accountable for their actions.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that blood drive donations increased by 15 to 20 percent when incentives such as gift cards were offered. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 blood drives and a field experiment, suggesting that rewards can attract more donors.
Silicosis, a preventable lung disease caused by silica inhalation, remains a significant occupational health concern globally. Despite prevention efforts, cases continue to rise in developing countries, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety and regular medical assessments.
A new study from Southern Methodist University finds that the US government nutritional program WIC has no significant positive or negative impact on infant health. The study accounted for underreporting of WIC benefits and poor participation, which can skew analysis results.
A study by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that one-third of adults aged 45-63 are unmarried, with a more than 50% increase since 1980. Single baby boomers face economic and health vulnerabilities, including poverty, disability, and lack of health insurance.
Unmarried baby boomers are disproportionately affected by economic and social outcomes, including lower economic resources, poorer health, and a higher prevalence of disability. They also face significant barriers to accessing health insurance.
The Lancet report emphasizes the importance of transforming old attitudes towards aging and addressing non-communicable diseases in older adults. Effective interventions like hypertension management and promoting healthy lifestyles can improve health status with relatively cheap treatments.
The study's addition of genetic data provides a major new dimension for research, combining genetic background with data on older people's lives. Researchers will be able to describe behavioral and environmental risk factors for disease and disability.
A new U-M study finds that US employment downturns affect remittance payments to chronically ill patients in Central America, leading to reduced access to healthcare. Patients with lower education and multiple chronic health problems face significant financial strain.
Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
49 states and the District of Columbia have taken action supporting the Affordable Care Act's implementation, including passing legislation, issuing regulations, or reviewing insurer filings. States have adopted a range of pragmatic approaches to ensure residents receive consumer protections promised under the law.
A recent study estimates that up to two million lives could be saved globally with improvements in trauma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers suggest that reductions in fatality rates among seriously injured individuals could save nearly two million lives annually.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between economic conditions and suicide rates in NYC. The monthly suicide rate was 29% higher at the economic low point in 1992 than at the peak in 2000, with white men under 45 being the most affected.
The authors argue that HAART roll-out's cost-effectiveness has been significantly understated, as economic analyses fail to account for its role in preventing HIV transmission. This oversight highlights the need for expanded 'Seek, Test, Treat and Retain' programs to control HIV and AIDS-related morbidity, mortality, and transmission.
The Fogarty Institute for Innovation has launched an Advanced Endovascular Training Fellowship, providing year-long clinical training for postgraduate physicians. Fellows will engage with start-up companies and assist in developing technologies to improve patient care.
A new study published in Pain found that individuals retiring early due to back problems have significantly lower wealth accumulation and lower annuity values compared to those who retired for other health conditions. By age 65, only 75-85% of those out of the labor force due to back problems will have accumulated some wealth.
A new study suggests that targeted mass vaccination with RTS,S in low transmission settings may be more efficient than national-level introduction via EPI programs. In high transmission areas, distributing the vaccine to three-month old infants is the most efficient strategy.
The University of Louisville Health Sciences Center's Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) have a significant economic impact on the western half of Kentucky, with a value of over $5.7 million. The AHECs provide donated services and training to healthcare professionals in underserved areas, improving the lives of those in need.
A Concordia University study found that adults in Canada, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Quebecers, on the other hand, tend to eat more of nature's produce, making them a model for healthy eating habits.
A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.
New research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation finds that global health funding has slowed due to cutbacks in the US and shortfalls at the Global Fund, raising concerns about meeting the Millennium Development Goal deadline. Despite this, strong commitments to global health have been made by many countries.
American Indians with African ancestry outperformed 'full bloods' in reproductive success due to genetic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Their increased fertility helped mixed blood populations grow rapidly compared to full blood groups during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Increasing physician pay to attract more doctors may lead to a shortage of services. Non-wage compensation like bonuses and relocation support can reduce the number of hours worked by physicians.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
A new study finds weak evidence supporting exercise referral schemes as a means of increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals. Despite the importance of physical activity, the study highlights the need for targeted and effective schemes to address the growing public health issue.
Community land ownership in Scotland has been found to stimulate businesses, affordable housing, and infrastructure projects, bringing new people and increasing employment. Local decision-making is crucial for building resilience, with communities able to overcome challenges through their own resources or external connections.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that poorer countries with lower healthcare spending have a higher incidence of stroke and death. The study linked lower gross domestic product to increased risk of stroke and post-stroke deaths, as well as younger-age-onset stroke.
The UK and Norway are among European countries taking a leading role in improving social determinants of health. The WHO European Region has set up a review to address the growing health divide, which shows vast differences in life expectancy within and between countries.
The study identified key success factors for achieving good health at low cost, including leadership, capacity, continuity, and taking context into account. Key findings include improved maternal mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and universal healthcare coverage in several study countries.
A review of studies published in The Lancet reveals that investing in mental health interventions can improve economic status. The research highlights the need for integrated mental health services as a key strategy for addressing poverty and promoting human development.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that binge drinking increases with rising state-level unemployment rates, affecting all population subgroups. Additionally, employed individuals are more likely to experience problematic drinking due to psychological factors like job insecurity.
A new project by The Hastings Center explores the medical safety net for undocumented immigrants in the US, highlighting the challenges of providing care to those without insurance. The project aims to clarify policy choices and identify consequences for patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations.
Four Washington-based teams will receive grants to develop and test prototype health products, including a device for atrial fibrillation detection and a technology to monitor older adults. The Life Sciences Discovery Fund aims to promote the translation of promising technologies into marketable products.
Japan has seen a recent decline in mortality rates for adult men and women, falling behind countries like Sweden, Italy, and Australia. The main explanations for this trend include high tobacco consumption, rising body mass index, and increasing suicide rates.
A new study suggests that increases in public health spending result in healthier people, particularly in communities with limited resources. Communities investing more in local public health activities saw significant reductions in mortality from preventable causes of death.
The world's population is expected to surpass 7 billion in 2011, with a projected increase of 2.3 billion people by 2050. Most of this growth will occur in less developed regions, including Africa, posing significant challenges for food, water, housing, and energy supply.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that people tend to eat healthier at home due to emotional associations with the meal. The study, based on data from 160 women, found that positive emotions triggered at home lead to better food choices.
Research reveals high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in psoriatic arthritis patients, but lacks correlation between vitamin D levels and disease activity. Vitamin D insufficiency was more common in northern regions during winter months.
A new study by Brown University finds that minorities are gaining access to nursing home care, but often due to lack of alternative options. The research suggests a racial disparity in elder care, with whites more likely to use desirable alternatives.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh examined GHIs' operations in Uganda using agency theory. They found strong conflict of interest between GHIs' priorities and the Ugandan government's needs, with the latter preferring flexible resource allocation for long-term benefits.
The University of Maryland and Maryland Municipal League team up to help communities plan and implement green practices, earning a 'certificate of sustainability' and potential state grants. Communities can navigate the process at their own pace, with no upfront costs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Labor Economics found that informal daycare can significantly reduce a child's test scores by up to 2.6 percent per year compared to staying with their mother. In contrast, formal preschool programs or licensed daycare centers have little to no negative effect on cognitive development.
A Penn study reveals that specialty physicians turn away two-thirds of children with public insurance, exacerbating existing healthcare disparities. Children with identical conditions and private insurance face significantly shorter wait times for appointments.
A study published in JAMA Network found that the number of paid malpractice claims for events resulting in paid malpractice claims in outpatient and inpatient settings were similar in 2009. The study also found that the rate of decline in malpractice claims was greater for inpatient settings compared to outpatient settings.
A recent study found that women veterans of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced similar levels of combat-related stress and post-deployment mental health impacts as their male counterparts. The research, based on survey responses from 595 service members, suggests that women's exposure to combat stress may be only slightly lowe...
A nationwide study found that unwed mothers face poorer health at midlife than women who have children after marriage. The study suggests that single motherhood has long-term negative health consequences, and government efforts to promote marriage may not address these issues.
Rebeca Wong has been awarded a $3.03 million NIH grant to continue her longitudinal aging study in Mexico, collecting data on thousands of participants across various topics. The Mexican Health and Aging Study aims to compare health outcomes with other national surveys globally.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Seth Giertz found that male disability applicants rejected for federal benefits tend to have lower earnings and labor force participation rates. Rejected applicants also work less despite being in better health than accepted applicants.
The University of Colorado has received a $1.88 million grant to establish an 8-year curriculum track for primary care physicians, aiming to address healthcare gaps in rural and under-resourced communities. The program will recruit 10 high school students annually from diverse Colorado communities to pursue the BA/BS-MD program.
A Durham University-led study reveals that some less deprived coalfield areas are faring relatively well in terms of health, suggesting that regeneration efforts and resilience of local communities may be helpful. The research emphasizes the need for increased government assistance, particularly in poorer, predominantly rural coalfield...
The NIST sensor detects many different trace gases at fast rates with high sensitivity, built from off-the-shelf technology for portability and commercial potential. The key is using radiation at terahertz frequencies to rotate gas molecules uniquely for identification and measurement.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a significant inverse association between public spending on health and pandemic influenza mortality. The greater the state financial generosity to the health sector, the lower the mortality rate. Increased public expenditures on health led to a 2.8% reduction in mortality rates.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has received a $500,000 grant from the California Community Foundation to fund primary healthcare and case management services for vulnerable children. The grant will support COACH for Kids and Their Families program, providing no-cost health services to over 10,500 individuals in underserved communities.