Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Leading UK funders launch initiative to support research using patient record databases, citing potential for improved public health measures. The effort aims to build confidence among the general public in the use of personal data for health research purposes.
Despite financial constraints, countries like Brazil have made progress by integrating mental health care into community settings and increasing access to medication. Lessons can be learned from these examples to improve mental health prioritization in low-resource settings
The American Society for Microbiology's MicrobeWorld Radio podcast and Small Things Considered blog have received a Communication Gold Circle Award for their innovative communication campaigns. The award recognizes the programs' ability to increase public understanding of microbiology and scientific careers.
Researchers Shepherd and Knutson discuss the ongoing debate over global warming's influence on hurricanes, citing a need for a balanced perspective. The authors argue that significantly more research is needed to determine if a global warming influence is detectable in observed hurricane records.
A multinational review of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found significant national differences in disease severity, directly related to national health expenditure. The study, QUEST-RA, analyzed data from 100 patients across 21 countries and revealed a negative correlation between disease severity and GDP/health expenditure.
A new study by Brandeis University and Harvard University finds that the US pays over $90 billion annually for the economic costs of hunger. The average American household pays around $800 per year for hunger-related expenses.
A Stanford University School of Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System study found that tiny newborns who died in California between 1991-2000 might have lived if born at highly experienced regional medical centers. Consolidating risky deliveries at these centers could improve survival rates for very-low-birth-weight infants.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) relies too heavily on expert opinion when developing policies, instead of systematic reviews and stakeholder input. WHO's guidelines recommend using systematic reviews, but in practice, expert committees dominate the process.
A University of Michigan study suggests that economic methods undervalue childhood interventions, despite evidence showing higher value placed on health gains for children and adolescents. The research recommends adjusting economic formulae to better reflect societal values, prioritizing early childhood intervention.
A new study found that consumers reject high-quality medical information in favor of websites with a human touch. Trustworthy sites with personal stories and like-minded contributors have more influence on consumer behavior, while untrustworthy features like advertising can have negative effects.
The lack of attention to women's health is a significant issue, with women putting their lives at risk during pregnancy. Improved access to contraception could prevent up to 90% of deaths from unsafe abortions and 20% of obstetric mortality.
A recent study by Yale University researchers highlights substantial global health inequalities influenced by economic, social, and health-sector variables. Countries with low income and high mortality rates have lower investment in human and physical resources, more health risks, and worse educational outcomes.
The study reveals substantial global health inequalities influenced by geography, with countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan facing higher child mortality rates. The authors found a four-fold difference in poverty levels and less investment in human resources between these countries and their low-mortality counterparts.
The University of Queensland has been awarded $40.2 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for various medical research projects. The university's researchers are working on spinal pain, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and health economics evaluation.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council finds that childless women, mothers of five or more children, teenage mothers, and those with short birth intervals have higher risks of death and poor health. Partnership and parenting experiences are crucial in influencing later life health.
A new study found that children from minority groups face higher rates of neighborhood poverty than their white and Asian counterparts. Between 1990-2000, African-American children benefited the most from declining poverty rates, while poor white children were more likely to live in non-poor neighborhoods.
A groundbreaking study finds that in utero health has a stronger impact on adult economic outcomes than inherited traits, with children of infected mothers facing lower graduation rates and earnings. The study's findings suggest targeting early-life health could help reduce racial disparities in socioeconomic status.
A 10-year study found that late career job loss significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals over 50 who lost their jobs were nearly twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events compared to those still employed.
Health researchers across Canada will investigate social determinants of health, ethnic influences on aging, and disparities among Aboriginal peoples, children, rural youth, seniors, and sexual minorities. The research aims to improve the lives of vulnerable Canadians and build stronger communities.
The study found a significant decrease in smokers' self-reported smoking habits when going out, from 57.8% to 28.6%, and increased public support for smokefree policies from 22% to 42%. Café and restaurant sales also grew by 9.3% in 2005.
This study examines the impact of welfare reform on single, low-income mothers and their children. The results show that the percentage of women without health coverage was higher in the never-married group, but the gap increased after TANF implementation, exacerbating the problem.
Kent State and NEOUCOM researchers developed liquid crystal biosensor technology to quickly detect harmful pathogens. This technology has the potential to diagnose infectious diseases within minutes, enhancing health, safety, and economic vitality in Ohio communities and the nation.
A comprehensive report examines the health status and political influence of Hispanics in America, finding rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young Hispanics. The report also projects increased Hispanic political influence, but warns that changes to voting rights laws could limit this growth.
A study found that households with higher incomes are more likely to seek specialist care than those with lower incomes, leading to a pro-rich bias in doctor utilization. Despite this, general practitioner care tends to be distributed fairly equally across income groups.
A study found that ethnic differences in beliefs about health and health management are associated with home remedy use among elderly adults. The researchers analyzed data from the ELDER study, which showed that black and Native American elders were more likely to use home remedies than white elders.
A UCSF study found that living in lower-income areas worsens health and quality of life due to poorer air quality. Neighborhoods with high traffic flow and industrial pollution also linked to reduced lung function, while larger backyards with allergenic plants may play a role.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of preparing health ministries for progressive liberalization of trade in health services. The WHO should continue to provide guidance on international standards and advice on trade rules from a public-health perspective.
A study of 2,160 people who had heart attacks found a high risk of stroke in the first month after the heart attacks. Hospital care at home was shown to be feasible and cost-effective, with patients receiving similar quality of care as those hospitalized.
A new national study found that 46% of working families have medical debt, which hinders access to housing and home ownership. The study also revealed that those with health insurance still face housing difficulties, with one-fifth reporting housing problems.
A new special journal issue examines the effects of cultural adversity on later life health, including the role of past economic hardships, education, race, and gender. The publication presents updated information on mortality rates among minority populations.
Researchers outline new approaches to help developing countries address neglected diseases by pooling resources through health innovation networks. The recommended approach emphasizes harmonized development in six sectors, including manufacturing, research and development, and intellectual property systems.
The American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) implemented a tiered-membership fee policy to lower fees for international members based on economic need. The organization offset costs by offering electronic access to publications, aiming to strengthen clinical pharmacologists' capacity worldwide.
A dramatic increase in research into neglected diseases such as malaria and leprosy could lead to the development of at least eight new drugs by 2010. The analysis found that Public-Private Partnerships have been a critical driver of this growth, bringing together the best skills of both public and private partners.
The National Safety Council has released new economic tools to measure the impact of health and safety initiatives in workplaces worldwide. These models, including Productivity Assessment Tool and ROHSEI, integrate risk assessments, cost-benefit ratios, and decision-making to motivate business leaders to improve safety performance.
A JAMA study investigates how social and political factors influence refugee mental health, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions. The research suggests that addressing these underlying factors can improve mental well-being among refugees.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that welfare reform led to increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and poor self-reported health among single mothers. The study's findings suggest that the impact of welfare reform on women's health was not fully considered in policy decisions.
Researchers found that Scots are more likely to have poorer economic situations, drink problems, and smoke more than English people. Despite controlling for these factors, the study revealed a 50% higher heart disease rate in Scotland compared to England.
PNNL's risk-based approach to cleanup standards reveals significant economic impacts overshadowing other effects, including recovery from radiological dispersion devices. The laboratory employs over 4,000 staff with a $650 million annual budget.
A new study assesses the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in different countries, highlighting the importance of considering location-specific factors. The findings emphasize that economic evaluations are not transferable across borders, requiring repeated studies to determine cost-effectiveness.
A two-year study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that tailored dietary interventions can improve fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income young adults. The participants who received personalized phone calls and materials showed significant progress in eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
The American Heart Association publishes a blueprint to improve stroke care in the US, aiming for seamless transitions and integrated team-based care. The initiative aims to overcome geographical boundaries and increase access to high-quality stroke care for all citizens, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Dr. Russell, a Yale cardiovascular researcher, is awarded the Bayer Fellowship for his work on heart function and metabolism in disease states. His research focuses on glucose transporter expression, AMP-activated protein kinase, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins to understand and treat heart failure.
A new UCLA study found that individuals with high socioeconomic status have higher cardiovascular risk factors than those with lower SES. The researchers also discovered that improving one's SES is associated with improved risk profiles.
The study identifies key factors that led to the success of seven developing countries' health biotech industries, including focusing on local health needs, private sector commercialization, widespread collaboration and long-term government support. Successful innovations, such as Cuba's vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type b infect...
A new method, called the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM), allows researchers to better measure individuals' and society's quality of life. The technique records daily activities and feelings, providing a more accurate picture of well-being than current methods.
A study published in Science found that humans have competing economic value systems, with the emotional brain prioritizing short-term gratification and the logical brain promoting long-term rewards. This discovery has significant implications for predicting economic and behavioral health patterns.
The UK's productivity gap with the US, France, and Germany is substantial, driven by factors such as capital investment, skills, and innovation. Research suggests that improving competition, investing in physical and human capital, and enhancing management skills can help bridge the gap.
A recent study published in Demography found that fathers are less likely to cohabitate with infants who have health issues. The research suggests that low-income children in poor health face significant challenges in maintaining a stable family structure.
A new handbook provides mayors, governors, and public health officials with research-based strategies for safeguarding the public's trust during a response. The guidebook presents common language and purpose for handling emergencies, limiting death and suffering through preventive care.
Research by University of Alberta professors reveals a correlation between extensive family control and economic struggles in developing nations. The study highlights the importance of understanding oligarchic capitalism in these countries to provide effective assistance.
A Michigan Medicine study found that female and black legislators are more likely to sponsor child health bills, with proposals making up 37% of all child health bills. Child health bills were a small percentage of overall health bills, but states with higher legislative passage rates had more success in enacting these bills.
Researchers found a shift in burden of disease as economic growth expands, with poorer women more affected. Obesity risk increases for those in lower-middle income countries above $2,995 per capita income.
A family-based self-management intervention aimed at low income adolescents with Type 1 diabetes led to better health and functioning in the short term. The program helped kids eat better and exercise more, resulting in improved physical functioning.
The report highlights upstate New York's slow economic recovery from deindustrialization, with average wages rising only 2% from 1980 to 2000. The authors call for state policy efforts and federal support to diversify jobs and stimulate growth.
Four new studies expose disparities in children's eye care based on race, income, and insurance status. Minorities and uninsured children are significantly less likely to receive eye exams or corrective lenses than their peers.
Maternal deaths worldwide can be addressed by investing in effective technologies and ensuring their availability. The Lancet series highlights key causes, including haemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its approach to prioritize reducing global health disparities and addressing emerging epidemics. The organization aims to strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable care to vulnerable populations by 2015. This shift in focus will depend on research priorities and funding to achieve...
A study suggests that women are more likely to turn to their GPs than the internet when seeking information about HRT. Despite increased access to health information online, many women lack 'information literacy' and struggle to navigate online resources.
The US is struggling with chronic poverty, slow economic growth, and insecure access to healthcare, ranking 27th globally. Africa is in dire straits, with many countries facing concentrated poverty, weak institutions, and repeated economic failure.