Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A new study suggests taxing certain antibiotics could help manage the threat of antibiotic resistance in humans. By making narrow-spectrum drugs cheaper and broad-spectrum ones more expensive, GPs may be incentivized to prescribe narrower options.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that increased social media usage 18 months into the pandemic had a negative effect on college students' mental health. Students who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
A clinical trial evaluated the economic impact of adding a dedicated team to existing emergency department care for older patients. The study found that this approach can significantly improve patient quality of life and save up to €2.4 billion nationally.
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...
A new study, led by University of Notre Dame researcher Santosh Kumar, evaluates the relationship between anemia and school attendance in India's adolescents. Contrary to previous research, the study found no significant link between anemia and attendance after accounting for household factors.
The IOF position paper emphasizes the need for population-specific vitamin D approaches, considering factors like diet, skin pigmentation, and supplement use. The authors also highlight the importance of standardized measures of 25(OH)D in future studies.
Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.
A new study has found that older adults with sleep apnea are more likely to use health services in the future, including hospitalization. The study analyzed data from nearly 20,000 participants and found a 21% higher odds of hospitalization among those with sleep apnea.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
A study found a 50% increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care in Washington state since the Dobbs decision. The researchers documented an average one-week delay in care, affecting the health of pregnant individuals.
A Griffith University study reveals that informal carers of loved ones with arthritis incur a significant economic burden, losing around $1,000 per week in earnings. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to $576.9 million, highlighting the need for improved support systems and policies to alleviate this financial strain.
A Europe-wide study found that individuals living with overweight or obesity have a higher probability of being absent from work due to health issues, as well as taking longer sick days. This has significant implications for economies and productivity across the continent.
The American Journal of Health Economics has released a special issue on health equity, examining the intersections of race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability with healthcare access and outcomes. Key findings include a positive correlation between gender-affirming care and mental health among low-income tran...
A team of neuroscientists proposes a framework to address the complex challenges of brain health, environment, and sustainability. The 'brain economy' concept aims to create a stronger future by reversing brain capital loss, which affects cognitive abilities and socioemotional stability.
Neighborhoods of high need offer opportunities to improve health through social care integration, which requires infrastructure development and financial investment. Building and maintaining this infrastructure will cost $1-3 million per year for 5-10 years, according to a case study by Eskenazi Health.
Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and DNA methylation in brain tissue, which may be linked to immune response. The study identified one CpG site (cg26514961, PLXNC1 gene) significantly associated with neighborhood deprivation after controlling for covariates.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
A Brazilian study shows that primary health care, social pensions, and conditional cash transfers have prevented over 1.4 million deaths since 2004. Expanding these programs could avert up to 1.3 million more deaths by 2030.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
A new study from China found that higher GDP per capita and lower income inequality are associated with increased subjective well-being. However, when income inequality becomes too high, the link between economy and mental health disappears. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach to economic planning.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that nurses are leaving healthcare employment primarily due to poor working conditions. The study surveyed over 7,800 registered nurses in New York and Illinois between 2018 and 2021, revealing insufficient staffing, burnout, and poor work-life balance as top reasons...
Research highlights a significant association between unfavorable social determinants of health and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Asian American adults. The study found varying relationships among different subgroups, emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences.
A new study found that children with chronic medical conditions who also have a diagnosed sleep disorder are nearly two times more likely to have increased health care utilization. The most common sleep disorder diagnosis was sleep-disordered breathing, which was present in 1,796 children.
A national multicenter study found that 31% of individuals with complicated mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury had marginal or inadequate health literacy. Health literacy can impact the use of healthcare education and recommendations, emphasizing the need for clinicians to attend to patients' needs.
Researchers have developed new recommendations for optimizing TB screening programs in low-incidence countries. Screening high-risk groups, such as migrants and vulnerable populations, is a cost-effective approach that detects the disease early and prevents transmission.
A study of 1,156 individuals aged 50+ found that those with more musculoskeletal pain complaints tended to retire earlier than pain-free participants. Chronic pain was also linked to a higher risk of ceasing work sooner, even after controlling for other factors.
A free, weekly home delivery program of fresh fruits and vegetables improved participants' nutrition levels, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The 16-week program resulted in significant improvements in food insecurity, diet quality, and indicators of cardiovascular health.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health assesses the risks of global population growth on ecosystems and human societies. The experts argue that empowering women to make choices about their fertility is crucial but not enough, highlighting the need for policies addressing child health, food security, and climate change.
A study from Florida Atlantic University identifies key social factors contributing to low breast cancer screening rates in the US. Socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and insurance status are among the top influencers of breast cancer screening behavior.
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.
High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.
A new review of 13 studies found that hospitals privatised deliver worse quality care after conversion from public ownership. This challenges the theory that privatisation improves healthcare quality through increased market competition.
A study found that Medicaid expansion primarily benefits higher-earning healthcare workers, with no notable effects on lower-wage staff. The findings suggest a potential widening of economic inequality within the healthcare sector.
A recent study found that quality-based incentives increase the quality of medical treatment, particularly for severe illnesses. However, financial incentives do not necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that doctors' altruistic motivations play a crucial role in providing high-quality care.
A recent study found that recreational marijuana laws are associated with a 10% rise in workplace injuries among individuals aged 20-34, likely due to impaired cognitive function and care. The study suggests that these laws may have unintended consequences for worker safety.
A study of 2,180 participants found that early childhood neighborhood poverty is significantly associated with death from unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide in early adulthood. Economic policies are needed to address health equity and premature mortality.
A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.
A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
The study found that prices for unbranded generic drugs are about 67% of the average cost in comparison nations, while name-brand drug prices are 4.22 times higher. The US accounted for 62% of sales but just 24% of volume in 2022, with total drug spending reaching $989 billion.
A new RAND report finds that US insulin prices are more than nine times higher than in 33 high-income countries. After accounting for rebates and discounts, US net prices remained 2.3 times higher. The study updates earlier findings on US insulin prices and highlights the need for policy changes to address these disparities.
A recent study found that socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and housing quality, significantly impact stroke recovery outcomes. Researchers used data from the U.S. Census blocks to compare outcomes among stroke survivors by socioeconomic disadvantage factors.
Researchers found that the life expectancy of AIAN individuals is seven years less than that of White populations, with rapid increases in suicide mortality rates between 1999 and 2020. The study suggests historical trauma and ongoing inequality contribute to high suicide rates among AIAN people.
Gaps in vision screening pathways disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups, leading to poor outcomes and inadequate care. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to address these disparities.
Almost a quarter of Australians with disabilities smoke, compared to 12.6% of the wider population. Targeted strategies are needed to address socioeconomic challenges, physical restrictions, and lack of trained professionals.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that removing the largest individual serving size of wine from menus in 21 English licensed premises decreased total wine sales by 7.6%. Despite this, daily revenue remained unchanged, suggesting an increase in profit margins for smaller glasses of wine.
A new study reveals that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities are more efficient than private sector hospitals and clinics, with significantly lower administrative staff. By adopting the VHA's lean approach to care, nearly 900,000 fewer paperwork-filled jobs could be eliminated.
A new analysis of health data found that prenatal and infant nurse home visits significantly reduced the likelihood of daughters being obese by 55% and mothers experiencing hypertension by 39%. The study also showed a decrease in severe obesity and Stage 1-2 hypertension in adolescence. Early intervention through public programs like n...
A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that hospitals acquired by private equity firms experience a decline in clinical quality of care. Patient falls and new infections were among the measures of safety that worsened after buyouts. The findings suggest that financial pressures from private equity may overshadow pat...
A new supplement in JCEHP examines conceptual shifts in continuing professional development, proposing a person-focused, practice-informed approach that considers context, subjectification, and socio-material dimensions. This approach aims to generate meaningful advancements and transform the health professional-as-a-person.
Researchers found that less than two percent of patients in Medicaid and commercially insured plans received Z-codes to document Social Determinants of Health. The study highlights the need for improved tracking and documentation of SDOH in healthcare settings, with recommendations for policy changes and provider education.
A study of 3 million US adults found anxiety and depression were significantly higher among younger adults, possibly due to economic conditions and social upheaval. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health care and economic policies for younger adults during the pandemic.