Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
A $4.8 million federal grant will help UC Davis discover ways to maintain healthy weights among Mexican-heritage children in California. The 'Ninos Sanos, Familia Sana' study aims to provide practical tools and education for families to adopt healthy eating habits.
Stanford researchers found a link between the collapse of the Soviet Union's anti-alcohol campaign and Russia's four-year mortality crisis. The study suggests that the campaign's closure led to a resurgence in deaths from alcohol poisoning, drunken violence, and slower killers like heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study found that Delhi's radical changes in air quality regulations had a substantial positive effect on the health of city residents. The research used remote sensing imagery to measure the effects of air quality on health, and found that poorer men exhibited significant negative relationships between ambient air and respirat...
Research found that frequent shopping among the elderly increases survival rates, with daily shoppers 27% less likely to die compared to those who shopped less frequently. The study suggests that shopping may improve health by ensuring a good supply of food and promoting social connections.
A new study found that teenage fatherhood significantly impacts young adult outcomes, including a 15-point reduction in high school graduation rates and an 11-point increase in receiving a GED. The experience of teenage fatherhood also increases the likelihood of full-time employment and military service.
Obese postmenopausal women are almost as likely to fracture as non-obese women, with specific sites like the upper arm, ankle, and lower leg being more prone to fractures in obese individuals. Poor mobility and a history of early menopause also play significant roles.
Researchers found that including falls history with clinical risk factors and bone mineral density values significantly enhances the accuracy of fracture prediction models. The study showed a 6% improvement in accuracy for men, with positive predictive values of 21.5% and 29.8% for women.
New research reveals no link between economic growth and child undernutrition rates in India, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Experts emphasize that poor health is linked to inequality, requiring inclusive growth strategies to address social determinants of health.
A UK study found that people with higher levels of education and married individuals report better sleep quality. Additionally, job satisfaction plays a significant role in determining the quality of sleep, with those who are least satisfied reporting shorter sleep periods. The study also highlights the impact of work-related pressures...
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that there is little historical evidence to justify cutting global health aid during economic downturns. In fact, some countries have increased their aid commitments during crises, contrary to fears of fiscal austerity.
Researchers predict a significant increase in stroke cases among Mexican-Americans, rising from 26,000 in 2010 to over 120,000 by 2050. This represents a 350% rise, compared to a 75% increase expected for non-Hispanic whites.
A new life cycle assessment report from the Energy Biosciences Institute identifies seven grand challenges for biofuels, including understanding farmers, feedstock options, and land use, as well as characterizing tailpipe emissions and their health consequences. The report aims to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the en...
The unemployment rate for SEH doctorate recipients was 1.7 percent in October 2008, compared to 6.6 percent for the total US labor force. The report found no significant difference in employment rates between recent and pre-2006 recipients.
Research finds that menthol cigarettes are more challenging to quit for certain groups, including teenagers and African-American smokers. Economic pressures may contribute to this difficulty as less affluent smokers are forced to consume fewer cigarettes, leading to increased nicotine intake from each cigarette.
Studies detail the successes of African entrepreneurs creating affordable technologies to address local diseases. Despite challenges, some organizations have cleared major hurdles to finance and commercialize their products, offering hope for improved health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found that anti-retroviral therapy improves household investments, education, and nutrition, while a prevention strategy focusing on girls reduces HIV prevalence and genital herpes. The 'Lazarus effect' suggests long-term treatment yields significant economic dividends and positive behavioral changes.
Despite economic uncertainty, global health donors have continued to increase funding, with the US and private donors driving major increases. However, growth rates slowed between 2008 and 2010, and some countries with high disease burdens receive less funding than those with stronger economies.