Articles tagged with Medical Economics
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
New research found a 16% increase in economic burden of US firearm injuries and deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. Non-fatal costs are largely attributed to hospitalization, while fatal costs are mainly due to value of lives lost.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine used an AI-based approach to uncover patterns among social determinants of health and their impact on children's health outcomes. The analysis found statistical associations between four broad patterns in social determinants and outcomes relating to child developmental health.
Research published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that lockdowns and voluntary behaviour change lead to similar economic damage, with lockdowns saving more lives. The study's model simulates the balance between health and economic impact, predicting health-economic outcomes of political and health measures during a pandemic.
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
A new economic-pandemic model predicts that lockdowns and spontaneous risk reduction lead to similar trade-offs between health and the economy. The model, developed by an international team of researchers, accurately predicted death rates and economic impact in New York City during the first wave of the pandemic.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
The study found that CACFP participation rates vary significantly across states, with lower-income areas having higher rates. Contributing factors for the program's underutilization include differences in state-level policies and outreach efforts.
Research found that Black adults spent $79 less on health expenditures per year in highly integrated communities compared to whites, while in non-integrated communities they spent $2,145 less. Despite these disparities, physical health was similar across racial groups in integrated areas.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that older adults from distressed communities are less likely to attend cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization. The study found that only 26% of patients from these areas used cardiac rehab, compared to 46% from prosperous areas.
A new study reveals that many hospitals fail to accurately post their standard charges online, with significant discrepancies found when comparing phone prices. The research compared prices for vaginal childbirth and brain MRI at 60 US hospitals and found missing data for over half of the hospitals.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A recent study found that Oregon middle school students received office discipline referrals for substance use offenses 30% more often after recreational marijuana legalization. Schools with nearby marijuana outlets showed the most significant increase in ODRs.
A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.
A recent study has found that rural US counties have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, with declines in health measures accelerating over time. The researchers developed a publicly available dashboard to visualize health disparities and identify areas for policy interventions.
A community-led research program aims to study the impact of improved transportation on health outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions and women with high-risk pregnancies. The project provides individuals with a mobility wallet, allowing them to access medical services without relying on traditional transportation options.
People with fewer financial resources have lower life expectancies due to factors like healthcare costs and economic inequality. Longer-term financial planning is associated with a lower risk of death, even after accounting for other factors.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
The American Heart Association is providing funding to social impact entrepreneurs in Houston to address health inequities in under-resourced communities. The funds will support sustainable, entrepreneurial solutions that improve access to quality healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities.
A study of 80 online marijuana dispensaries found that most lacked adequate age verification features and accepted nontraceable payment methods. This enabled youth to hide their transactions, with almost 1 in 5 dispensaries requiring no formal age verification at any stage.
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging found that low- and middle-income countries reported persistent declines in cardiothoracic imaging procedure volumes after the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, high-income countries, including the US, recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021.
Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a significant difference in vaccination rates among people with varying cognitive abilities. Among those with the highest cognitive ability, 80% were vaccinated within 50 days, while it took 180 days for those with the lowest cognitive ability to reach the same rate.
Researchers at CARe argue that taxing pharmaceutical companies is not a feasible solution due to potential economic consequences. Instead, they propose a hybrid framework combining the 'polluter pays' principle with a 'capacity principle,' focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.
A new health system program successfully allocated a life-saving medication to disadvantaged neighborhoods, increasing equitable receipt rates. However, disparities persisted, particularly for Black patients, who received significantly lower rates of the medication compared to white patients.
A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.
A new study finds SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly associated with development of high blood pressure in hospitalized adults. Persistent high blood pressure was more common in people with COVID-19 than influenza, highlighting potential long-term cardiovascular risk.
A study of 34,000 adolescents in Northern California found that those from disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and suicidality. The findings highlight the impact of structural racism on adolescent mental health.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.