Articles tagged with Medical Economics
AMIA members receive workforce and SHARP grants to develop curriculum and train informatics specialists. The grants support the adoption of health IT and electronic health records, aiming to create a high-performing healthcare system.
A longitudinal study of over 1,300 children found that early child care quality predicts higher test scores in cognitive and academic achievement, fewer behavior problems, and less impulsivity. The study supports the idea that early childhood experiences can have long-lasting effects on teenagers' development.
The ESCEO-IOF-ABBH Young Investigator Award recognizes the work of young researchers who have made significant contributions to osteoporosis research. The award is presented to researchers under the age of 40 who have submitted high-quality abstracts to the IOF WCO-ECCEO10 congress.
Researchers found a relationship between time spent in vigorous physical activity and strength of the femoral neck, independent of diet and lifestyle. The study suggests increasing physical activity in childhood can improve skeletal bone development and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
A new study found that long-term use of DMPA injections increases the risk of bone fractures in women under 50, with a 50% higher risk for users of progestin-only contraceptives. The results suggest that combined estrogen-containing oral contraceptives do not increase fracture risk
Young people with inflammatory bowel diseases are at increased risk of fracture due to low bone mass and poor bone architecture. This is attributed to factors such as poor nutrient absorption, glucocorticoid medication use, and altered trabecular bone tissue microarchitecture.
Four ESCEO-AMGEN Osteoporosis Fellowships valued at $50,000 each were awarded to outstanding researchers in osteoporosis, with projects focusing on vitamin D status, osteoporosis treatment preferences, and ephrin B2 system. The Fellowship Programme aims to advance clinical care and prevention through training physicians and PhDs.
The study analyzed over 11,000 elderly men in Sweden, US, and Hong Kong, finding that age significantly impacts the risk of falling, while ethnicity and environment play a role. The proportion of frequent fallers varied across countries, with highest rates in the US, followed by Sweden, and lowest in Hong Kong.
Professor Pierre Jean Meunier received the prestigious Pierre Delmas Prize at the World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 for his major scientific contributions to the study of bone and mineral diseases. The award honors his influential work in osteoporosis research, mentorship, and education.
Research published in BioMed Central's Population Health Metrics journal found Canadians live longer and healthier lives compared to Americans. Canada's universal healthcare system and lower levels of poverty contribute to the disparity in life expectancy between the two countries.
A new study found that child care directors in metropolitan Milwaukee would unnecessarily exclude 57% of children with mild illnesses from care. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have established guidelines to address this issue, but their implementation remains inconsistent.
The eradication of smallpox achieved significant public good with lives saved and prevented. Similarly, completing polio eradication is justified by moral obligations to prevent harm and protect future generations. The authors argue that finishing the job is an ethical imperative due to the capacity and opportunity to do so.
A study published in Value in Health suggests that extending breast cancer screening to younger women could lead to better health programs and a more balanced approach to fighting the disease. The research found that screening only older women increases unfair disparities in life expectancy, quality of life, and disease incidence.
A new study led by the University of Edinburgh reveals that pneumonia is the leading cause of child death in China, accounting for 17% of deaths in under-5s. The number of children dying before age five has dropped by 70% since 1990 due to increased access to hospital treatment.
A new study in the journal Political Insight suggests that older adults can play a pivotal role in their communities through dedicated volunteering and participation. The researchers argue that promoting lifelong learning and community action among older people can help them feel less overwhelmed and isolated, and may even lead to bett...
A major report by an international team of scientists and policy experts explores the social, economic, health and environmental impacts of the livestock industry. Key findings include the high greenhouse gas emissions from animal feed production and transport, which account for 18% of global emissions.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the health gap between rich and poor people in China is getting narrower across generations, unlike the US where it widens. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 adults to track changes in health over 13 years.
Researchers found that late-stage melanoma treatment for people over 65 years old results in substantial economic burdens, with average monthly charges ranging from $902 to $3,933. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce these costs by up to 40-65%.
A Cornell economist's study finds that programs like Coordinated Approach to Child Health offer the biggest bang for the buck, while others like walking school buses are ineffective. The researcher argues that government spending should focus on cost-effective initiatives to combat childhood obesity.
A study published in PLoS Medicine examines the impact of HIV and noncommunicable diseases on poor countries' progress towards the UN Millennium Development Goals. The research found that these factors are strongly associated with the difficulty countries have meeting health targets, accounting for over half of the inequality in progress.
Researchers found that 18% of people with an initial stroke had a recurrent stroke within four years, and the risk of recurrence rose steadily after one year. The study highlights the need for better secondary stroke prevention strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.
A new study analyzing performance reports from medical groups found that pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives had limited impact on overall care quality. Despite incentivizing providers to focus on preventative medicine, researchers discovered a lack of positive spillovers to other areas of care.
A special issue of Health Affairs features articles by AMIA members on e-health in developing countries, focusing on mobile health, global partnerships, and local solutions. The articles highlight the critical role of informatics in achieving overall health improvements globally.
A study published in Chest found that caregivers of ICU patients experience profound emotional and economic burdens, with predictors including male patient gender and tracheostomy. The research highlights the need for interventions to support families coping with critical illness beyond hospitalization.
Global health agencies urge stronger collection, analysis, and use of health data to evaluate the impact of health programs and policies. The eight agencies propose four actions to strengthen health data collection, including increasing investments in health information and developing a common data architecture.
A new newsletter highlights health care utilization patterns among older Asian minorities and perceived job discrimination among older workers. The Gerontological Society of America emphasizes the need for research to resolve barriers in seeking health care for minority elders.
A novel scleral lens has been shown to improve vision and quality of life for patients with severe cornea or ocular surface disease. The Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis (BOS-P) was found to be clinically beneficial in a study conducted by Brandeis University researchers, who assessed 69 patients before and after fitting them with the ...
A new study by Queen's and Yale researchers finds that poor mental health in children and teenagers is linked to shorter schooling duration. The findings suggest targeting inattentive symptoms like ADHD and depression for policy design and potentially large benefits from childhood and adolescent health interventions.
Researchers at UIC will study the relationship between tax rates on food and beverages with high sugar or fat content and individual survey data to determine if differential tax rates equate to differences in consumption and body mass index among various groups, including low-income recipients.
According to poverty expert Mark R. Rank, nearly half of all US children will use food stamps during their childhood due to poverty and food insecurity, affecting their health and well-being.
A recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami and Florida International University found that universal helmet laws are the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. The study also revealed that mandatory rider education programs can reduce non-fatal motorcycle injuries, whil...
A new study published in Economic Inquiry explores how potential losers can use small concessions to successfully appease expected winners, but only under specific conditions. The researchers found that appeasement can be a good plan when choice is possible, and trade should be chosen over conflict.
Sue Goldie and Ichiro Kawachi, two Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health faculty members, have been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Their work focuses on developing models that link disease biology to population outcomes, with a focus on women's health and social determinants of health.
The decline in Zimbabwe's health indicators over the past three decades is attributed to high HIV/AIDS prevalence, poor governance, and economic policies. To address this, the authors propose a new healthcare recovery plan prioritizing essential services like emergency obstetric care and training specialist mid-level workers.
Eric Boerwinkle has received a $26 million federal stimulus grant to identify genetic factors affecting heart, lung and blood diseases. The project will analyze the DNA of approximately 40,000 individuals to pinpoint genetic variants affecting disease risk, aiding in disease detection and treatment selection.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced the 2009 recipients of its Community Health Leaders Award, honoring individuals who improved healthcare access for disadvantaged communities. The awardees worked on projects such as expanding dental care services and providing primary care to low-income individuals.
A nationwide survey found that less than half of graduating medical students in the US feel adequately prepared for healthcare systems and economics. Medical educators argue that stronger curricula can improve this situation and lead to better patient outcomes.
A University of Michigan study found that life expectancy rose by 6.2 years during the Great Depression, surprising experts. Researchers discovered this increase occurred for both men and women across racial groups, likely due to reduced stress, sleep, and substance abuse in recessions.
A new study found that high-quality early child care improves reading and math scores, particularly for low-income children. The research used data from over 1,300 children and suggests a link between early childhood care quality and later achievement in middle childhood.
The TCT 2009 symposium will feature a discussion on Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Personal Health Records (PHR), considering selection, implementation, and economics of these solutions. National experts will also address the implications of ARRA and healthcare reform on EHR.
The global financial crisis has severe consequences on children's health, nutrition, and education in East Asia and the Pacific. Investments can be made to safeguard countries' future economic growth and human development.
Researchers found that poverty alone does not define an individual's overall well-being and that many qualities and attributes need to be considered when designing social programs. Only 24% of people classified as 'poor' reported low life satisfaction, while 18% of those not considered 'poor' also experienced low life satisfaction.
Despite high GDP per capita, developed countries experience lower life expectancy and poor health outcomes. In contrast, countries with strong social safety nets and labor protection show smaller health impacts during recessions.
A survey of 374 radiologists found that increased use of radiological imaging is driven by new technology, patient informedness, and lower physician tolerances for uncertainty. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs.
The NIH panel found that the routine collection of family history may motivate positive lifestyle changes and enhance individual empowerment, but its effectiveness in improving health outcomes is unclear. The panel recommends additional research to understand how to effectively gather and use family history information in primary care.
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the US struggles with health coverage, with an estimated 47 million citizens lacking any coverage. In contrast, poorer countries like Costa Rica and Cuba have achieved impressive prepaid coverage. The authors argue that universal health financing schemes can improve social sectors like educa...
Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.
Researchers developed a new method to predict economic variables using Bridge estimator models, outperforming traditional unit root tests. The tool can identify predictable economic variables, including currency exchange rates and GDP, revolutionizing forecasting models.
A new study suggests that financial crises can lead to rises in suicides and homicides, but government investments in labour market protections could mitigate these effects. The research estimates that soaring stress brought on by job losses could prompt a rise in suicide rates, particularly in European Union countries.
A new study by CAMH researchers found that 1 in 25 deaths worldwide are directly linked to alcohol consumption. The burden of alcohol-attributable disorders is highest among men and younger people.
The authors emphasize the need for an effective international response to address alcohol-related harm, citing inadequate policies and industry influence as major obstacles. Cost-effective interventions exist but require scaling up; governments, NGOs, and academia must work together to develop and implement policies.
A new study from Duke researchers demonstrates the positive impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on physical functioning and motor skills in older patients with osteoarthritis. TKA recipients experienced significant improvements in mobility, motor skills, and limitations in activities of daily living.
Research shows that global health funding has quadrupled from $5.6 billion in 1990 to $21.8 billion in 2007, with private donors displacing governments as the major channels of funding. However, many poorest countries still receive less aid than wealthier nations.
A new IUPUI study finds that living near a fast food outlet has little impact on childhood weight, contrary to traditional assumptions. Residing near recreational facilities, however, is associated with lower body mass indexes.
A new survey found that 17.5% of Chinese adults have a current mental disorder, with mood and anxiety disorders more common in women and individuals over 40. Despite this high burden, only 8% of those with mental illness have received professional help.
A recent study by Dr Edward J Mills and colleagues found that ratifying human rights treaties does not affect health indicators such as HIV prevalence and child mortality. High-income countries have made greater health gains despite treaty ratification, highlighting the need for adequate monitoring and tracking of interventions.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that retail clinics tend to be located in areas with higher median incomes and home ownership rates. In contrast, counties without these clinics have higher uninsured rates and lower socioeconomic status.
A new study from Minnesota found that partial bans on smoking in public places have no significant impact on employment in restaurants and bars. Communities with total bans had slightly fewer employees per 10,000 residents compared to those without any ban.
A study examining employment trends in Minnesota cities with different types of clean indoor air policies found no significant economic effect on bar and restaurant jobs. Despite this, the researchers conclude that comprehensive public health policies are still beneficial for protecting employees from secondhand smoke exposure.
Researchers suggest 'age-responsive' actions should be integrated into risk assessments and disaster response plans to minimize harm to frail elderly people. The team proposes strategies to address the unique needs of this vulnerable group, including evacuation plans and shelter locations.