Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Urgent care centers (UCCs) tend to be open outside of office hours and offer a wider range of services than primary care offices. They have significantly expanded hours of operation and provide services like fracture care, suturing lacerations, and x-rays, more commonly associated with emergency departments.
A recent PLOS Medicine study examines the effects of electronic health records (EHRs) on medical education. Two groups of researchers present contrasting views: one arguing that EHRs may erode physician education due to potential risks, while another highlights opportunities for enhanced clinical skills and patient communication.
A new study found that job loss can lead to an increased risk of developing new health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, even after finding a new job. Job churning, or high rates of job loss with low unemployment, also has negative health consequences for workers.
Research reveals significant wealth-related disparities in health and life expectancy among older adults, highlighting the importance of socio-economic factors. Engaging in non-work activities like volunteering can improve mental health and well-being when individuals feel valued and rewarded.
The journal's new evidence-based approach prioritizes the impact of diseases and risk factors that cause significant years lost to healthy life worldwide. It also emphasizes the importance of considering social, environmental, and political determinants of health alongside biological causes.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, citing higher maternal and infant mortality rates in the Tamil-dominated northeast. The report attributes these inequalities to violence, economic embargo, and discrimination against Tamils.
A study published at the Royal Economic Society's conference found that job promotions lead to increased mental strain, resulting in a 10% decrease in mental health. Promoted individuals also reported a 20% drop in doctor visits, possibly due to reduced time availability.
Dr. Nick Harvey received the 2009 ESCEO-IOF Alliance for Better Bone Health Young Investigator Award for his study on indices of intrauterine growth predicting postnatal development of skeletal size and volumetric density. The award recognizes outstanding research based on fetal growth measurements made between 19 and 34 weeks gestation.
The use of electronic health records is expected to increase exponentially, but legal uncertainty about ownership presents a major obstacle. A commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that clear laws and regulations are needed to protect patients' interests and facilitate the best use of medical information.
The UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering has launched the Bernard and Sophia Gordon Engineering Leadership Center to cultivate effective engineering leaders. The center will offer leadership courses, forums with industry leaders, and challenges for students to design and build products that benefit society.
A new study by Queen's University finds that oil dispersants used to clean up spills increase toxicity to fish, making them more deadly. The study shows that dispersed oil can be 100-fold more toxic to rainbow trout, impairing fish populations and fisheries economic returns
The new edition of the Tobacco Atlas highlights that tobacco use is unlikely to decrease during a recession, as products providing comfort in stressful times tend to sell well. Global tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, with $500 billion spent annually on tobacco-related illnesses and death.
A national survey reveals that only one-in-five American adults can answer three basic science questions correctly. This lack of scientific literacy poses significant challenges to addressing pressing issues like climate change and resource management, emphasizing the importance of investment in science research and education.
A study analyzing nearly 290,000 individuals found that those without health insurance were less likely to regularly seek eye care. Eye disorders have a significant economic impact in the US, estimated at over $51 billion annually.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the importance of health for achieving peace and justice in the region. Key findings include improving maternal and child health, addressing trauma and non-communicable diseases, and advocating for sustainable peace settlement through international cooperation.
Canadian researchers and clinicians emphasize the need for increased investment in science and technology to remain competitive globally. The federal budget's reduction of $147.9 million to research councils and programs is seen as a threat to Canada's long-term economic survival.
Migraine affects millions worldwide, causing substantial decreases in functioning and productivity. Recent clinical studies suggest it may be a progressive disease with cardiovascular and neurologic effects, requiring major reconsideration of treatments.
A study from the University of Bath found that smokers who used a support group were more than twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those using a pharmacy-based service. The researchers also discovered that both types of services are cost-effective, with the pharmacy-based service being less costly to deliver.
The authors argue that global health governance weaknesses hinder effective representation of public health interests in WTO decisions. To address this, they suggest strengthening WHO's influence through training and policy coherence on trade agreements.
The study suggests that trade liberalization can exacerbate poverty, income inequality, and economic insecurity, leading to poorer health outcomes. The authors highlight the importance of social protection policies to mitigate these negative effects on public health.
A study analyzing death rates among men of working age in post-communist countries found that mass privatization was associated with a 12.8% increase in deaths. However, countries that implemented slower reforms experienced lower mortality rates and fewer social costs. The authors conclude that caution is needed when macroeconomic poli...
A new study published in Value in Health estimates that Americans with diabetes had nearly 22% of hospital charges in 2005, totaling $171 billion. The study also found that individuals with type 1 diabetes were more likely to be hospitalized than those with type 2 diabetes.
A policy promoting cross-border health programs could contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality by leveraging existing resources and addressing interplay of elements within different health systems. Reducing maternal and child mortality requires focus on political, economic, social, and cultural factors.
Research shows males are more physically active than females across all ages. Studies focusing on primary schools and the over-70s reveal girls play differently, engaging less in vigorous activities. This may contribute to higher rates of obesity among girls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The Lancet report identifies key right-to-health features and indicators, highlighting gaps in data and progress towards universal access to healthcare. The study emphasizes the importance of non-discrimination, mental health allocation, and health information availability.
A new study by the Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program (C-SNAP) found that 38% of families with children under three were experiencing frequent moves or overcrowded living conditions, leading to increased hunger and poor health. The 'hidden homeless' families are at a higher risk of poor health compared to those in stable ...
A 15-year follow-up of a childhood social development intervention found improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic achievement among participants. The Seattle Social Development Project showed positive effects on behavior management, refusal, social skills training, and academic development in elementary schoo...
Spanish-speaking Hispanics take longer to respond to medication for depression and are less likely to go into remission than English-speaking counterparts. Socioeconomic factors such as education level and income play a significant role in treatment outcomes.
Men who never smoke live longer and have better quality of life than heavy smokers, with an average of 10 years longer lifespan. Physical health deteriorates as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases.
A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the effects of livestock facility pollution on infant health. The research found a strong positive relationship between livestock production and infant mortality, with an estimated 7.4% increase in infant deaths for every 100% increase in livestock production.
A new study in the RAND Journal of Economics examined how hospital admission and discharge behavior is affected by fluctuations in demand. The results show that patients are discharged earlier when hospitals face high demand, a finding that suggests hospitals may be influenced by capacity constraints to make admission decisions.
A study by Indiana University found that rural HIV care providers face significant stigma and discrimination, hindering their ability to provide quality care. This has important health and economic implications, highlighting inefficiencies in the public health system.
A comprehensive strategy on technological innovations is crucial to prevent the impending economic crisis in health care. Advanced technologies such as biomeasurement, bioinformatics, and health information technologies will be required to improve disease prevention and efficient care.
The study suggests that universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, initial catch-up efforts for women under 21, and revised screening policies can significantly reduce cervical cancer rates. Vaccination is predicted to be economically attractive if achieved in 12-year-old girls with long-lasting protection.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded $5 million in grants to six Washington State-based organizations for innovative health research projects. These projects focus on prostate cancer imaging, safer in-home environments, recovery from brain damage, and more.
A large group of American children showed a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 15, with most failing to reach the daily recommended level of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The researchers estimated that physical activity declined by about 40 minutes per day each year until age 15.
Research published in BMC Health Services Research found that only a small minority of eligible elderly patients receive recommended treatments for obstructive respiratory diseases. The study revealed significant disparities in care, including low rates of bronchodilator inhaler use and lung function exams.
The four award winners – David Blumenthal, Ashish Jha, Ming Tai-Seale, and J. Michael McWilliams – have made groundbreaking research in areas such as health information technology, quality management, and access to healthcare services. AcademyHealth's awards promote the sharing of perspectives and strengthening of working relationships...
A new study highlights the critical need for veterinarians in New England, where the region's economy relies on veterinary medicine worth $3.3 billion. The study reveals a shortage of up to 658 veterinarians by 2014 and notes that food animal veterinians will retire at nearly twice the rate of their companion animal colleagues.
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
A new study found that doctors are dissatisfied with treating non-native patients due to cultural differences and language barriers. Over 2400 doctor questionnaires revealed that Turkish patients received lower-quality care, highlighting the need for improved communication and intercultural training.
A study by the University of Washington found that community health center-trained family physicians were more likely to work in underserved settings than their non-community health center-trained counterparts. This is significant given the projected increase in the need for family physicians, expected to reach nearly 140,000 by 2020.
A new report by the University of Alberta links urban surroundings to obesity rates, highlighting economic and built environments as key factors. Lower-income neighborhoods tend to have greater access to high-calorie foods and lower access to healthy options.
A study of Australian men's attitudes towards health reveals that they are not the disinterested pub-goers often stereotyped. Instead, they proactively monitor their health and seek medical attention only when necessary. The researchers identified four key factors influencing men's help-seeking decisions.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the need for richer countries to stop exploiting health resources from poorer nations. The crisis in sub-Saharan Africa requires a top-down and bottom-up approach, with local solutions such as task shifting and public-private partnerships being tested.
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to optimize their health worker mix by addressing financial constraints, irregular payments, and varying length of service benefits. Non-financial incentives, such as improved job satisfaction and career progression, are also crucial for retention and motivation.
The Journal of Human Capital is a new publication that explores the role of education, training, and knowledge in economic life. Key findings include the impact of household vs. marketplace rewards on education, as well as the effect of student loans on lower-income families' college options.
A US study found that despite historic advances in public health, the gap in health rates between socioeconomic classes has persisted. The relative advantage in child mortality rates and health associated with social and economic status remained stable over the past century.
The AMPATH program, a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care, has made an ongoing difference in large numbers of individuals and communities. By addressing medical care, nutritional sufficiency, and economic security, AMPATH has improved the lives of over 52,000 HIV-positive people in western Kenya.
Researchers have created a global consensus on the 20 foremost measures needed to curb humanity's most fatal diseases. The list of Grand Challenges includes prioritizing resource allocation within health systems and mitigating the impact of poverty and urbanization.
A new European study reveals that older people living alone are more likely to experience depression, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction compared to those living with a spouse or others. However, the findings suggest that women in Nordic countries tend to be happier when living alone.
A $50,000 USDA grant will help Kansas State University's Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Initiative connect independent grocers and provide strategies for keeping small-town stores viable. The goal is to improve customer health by promoting healthier food options in rural areas.
Synagis, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard of care for preventing severe RSV infections in high-risk infants. The new analysis found that preventing RSV early in life makes economic sense by reducing potential costs of future complications and improving quality of life.
A study by David E. Bloom and David Canning found that most countries are clustered in high or low mortality groupings with little continuum of change between them. The authors suggest a 'big push' theory to help countries near the threshold break into the low-mortality cluster.
A recent study found that workers with diabetic neuropathic symptoms lose an average of 1.4 hours per week due to health-related lost productive time, resulting in $3.65 billion annual costs. Those with diabetes without symptoms still experience a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.
The UK is considering vaccinating schoolgirls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer. A pilot study led by the University of Manchester aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a three-dose vaccine, Cervarix.
A systematic review of 200+ interventions aims to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and breast cancer. The study identifies promising strategies for promoting equitable health outcomes among communities of color.
Indigenous Australians face a greater burden of ill health, lower access to health services, more disability, and lower life expectancy. The Howard Government's pledge to improve indigenous health remains unmet, and the Editorial argues that the latest approach will not fulfil its promise.
Dr. Hung Ton-That has been recognized for his research excellence in microbiology and infectious disease, with a focus on cell wall sorting structure and gram-positive bacteria surface structures. He is being honored for his contributions to the study of bacterial pathogenesis.
The study concludes that improved access to electricity and a shift towards renewable energy will substantially benefit population health. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and wave power appear to create the smallest health burden, while nuclear power remains controversial due to waste storage concerns.