Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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.
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.