A new study by the University of Georgia found that ICU patients are 20% more likely to die when pharmacists are not available for at least one day of their stay. The study also found that pharmacist workload is linked to patient mortality, with a 1% increase in mortality for every additional patient a pharmacist cares for.
Researchers developed AI tools to simplify medical reports and improve doctor-patient communication, addressing a widespread issue affecting patient health management. The study evaluates four language model families and finds that Llama-3.2-3B and RigoChat-v2-7B excel in efficiency and readability, respectively.
Jennifer Frederick, an oncology clinical trial organizer at Wash U Medicine, received the 2026 Alliance Clinical Research Professionals Research Integrity Service Award for her dedication to helping cancer patients access clinical trials. Her work ensures that trials run smoothly and safely, with a focus on patient advocacy and compass...
The NHS hospital crisis is exacerbated by 'corridor care', where patients are left waiting in hospital corridors or waiting areas, highlighting the need for improved capacity and social care support. The crisis has resulted in 15,860 excess deaths and 570,957 patients waiting over 12 hours for admission.
Researchers at the University of Johannesburg found that airborne ESKAPE bacteria can survive exposure to first-line and last-resort antibiotics, making them highly resistant to treatment. The study's findings highlight the need for improved infection control measures in high-risk areas, where HIV and TB infection rates are high.
Admissions for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attack rose faster in Western US states with legal cannabis sales, with faster rates for atrial fibrillation (2%), heart failure (4%), and heart attack (3%)
A new study found that states in New England, the Midwest, and West have a higher prevalence of alcohol use disorder among women, but fewer services that address women's unique concerns and common barriers to alcohol treatment. The study highlights the need for treatment programs tailored to women's needs, as research shows that these ...
Artificial intelligence can match human doctors in certain tasks, but human doctors are essential for making complex decisions about patient care. AI may identify a patient's medical condition, but human doctors must consider individual circumstances and make choices that work in the patient's best interest.
University Hospitals has been recognized as one of America's Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals, ranking No. 1 in Northeast Ohio and No. 3 in Ohio. The health system's outstanding workplace culture, employee support programs, and commitment to healthcare professionals have earned this prestigious recognition.
A new Cochrane review finds that pharmaceutical company marketing, including payments, gifts, and free meals, leads to less appropriate prescribing habits and higher medicine costs. The review analyzed millions of prescribers and found a clear dose-response relationship between paid-for meals and inappropriate prescriptions.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 8, 2026
A major new report from the European Society of Cardiology outlines how health services can protect people with heart disease in heatwaves. The report provides practical guidance on preparing patients for extreme heat, managing medication, advising on hydration and cooling, and monitoring patients during hot weather.
A new study shows that hospitals still have far to go in implementing strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), despite 20 years of effort. The study found that only 49% of general hospitals and 32% of VA hospitals have a system in place to remind doctors of a patient's catheter status, and that highe...
A new study models C. diff transmission in oncology units, revealing that asymptomatic colonized patients are the primary source of new infections. The model provides a clearer picture of C. diff transmission events and could help inform protocols to prevent future disease transmission.
The Momentum conference brings together European cancer research leaders to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of new cancer research advances and strengthen cross-border collaboration. The event aims to shorten the path from scientific discovery to clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients sooner.
Researchers found that viewing natural landscapes with VR and listening to classical music reduced patients' blood pressure and anxiety. The study showed significant reductions in blood pressure and anxiety levels after 15 minutes, with no further significant difference after 60 minutes.
A new study found that drones can significantly reduce the time between cardiac arrest reporting and defibrillation, particularly in rural and congested areas. By combining fixed AEDs with drones, access times can be reduced by up to 3.76 minutes, with over 95% of cases covered within five minutes.
Research found that emergency department overcrowding increases patient mortality by one percent for every ten percent increase in occupancy. The study also linked corridor care to increased risk of deaths, highlighting the need for policy makers and hospital managers to prioritize emergency care.
A new blood test and scoring system could reduce hospital visits for patients with chest pain by up to 34% by triaging them at home or to their general practitioner. The study found that 165 patients out of 483 assessed by ambulance crews using the test and scoring system were left at home, compared to 19 out of 539 without the test.
A survey of 1,300 health professionals worldwide reveals that 75.5% have witnessed violence, with patients and relatives being the main perpetrators. The study highlights overcrowding as a significant contributor to violence, with many respondents reporting psychological harm and diminished quality of care.
Medical assistants spent 30% of their time idle, with indirect care tasks accounting for 40% of their time. A new task arrangement improved workflow, with physicians and assistants showing increased satisfaction.
The new guidelines, developed by leading experts, focus on improving sepsis care by strengthening systems for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality improvement. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics and artificial intelligence, are also being explored to enhance sepsis care.
A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 17, 2026
A five-year project led by UC Riverside researcher Erica Heinrich seeks to improve respiratory care for patients with conditions like COPD and those on mechanical ventilation. The study aims to develop a machine-learning algorithm that can predict respiratory comfort more accurately than physicians' estimates.
The American College of Cardiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions released a joint statement on TAVR national coverage determination. The statement aims to preserve the quality framework that contributed to TAVR's success, emphasizing the importance of collaborations, registrie...
Half of England's health boards impose minimum waits of up to 16 weeks for hip, knee, and cataract surgery, breaching the NHS Constitution's 18-week referral-to-treatment standard. This delay can lead to prolonged pain and reduced mobility for patients, according to the Royal College of Surgeons.
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 1, 2026
A Swedish study found that short-term exposure to cold spells and higher ambient temperatures increased the risk of heart failure hospitalization within days. The study highlights the need for time-sensitive management and more urgent response strategies during heatwaves.
A new technology developed by TAU's Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine is approaching its first implantation in a person with paralysis following spinal cord injury. The implant, produced from the patient's own cells and tissues, aims to restore ability to stand, walk, and regain independence.
A new trial will assess whether Semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder, obesity, and liver disease. The four-year CURB project aims to explore the potential benefits of the weight loss drug in treating alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
This retrospective study examines patterns and trends of focal therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in US cancer centers. Focal therapy procedures remained uncommon, occurring mostly in low-, high-, or very-high-risk disease settings.
The UH Health initiative expands training, accelerates research and innovation, and improves access to care in Texas. It brings together medicine, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, psychology, social work, population health, and others under one interprofessional vision.
Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study found a relative risk reduction of about one-third, corresponding to a 36% reduced risk of infection-related hospitalization.
A cross-sectional study found that US physicians with a rural background and training experience in rural settings are more likely to practice in rural locations. The study assessed the interdependence of these factors on rural practice among US physicians.
A CU Anschutz-led clinical trial found an automated oxygen delivery system helped hospitalized patients spend significantly more time in their target oxygen range compared to standard care. The system reduced exposure to both low and high oxygen levels, with no increase in serious adverse events.
Researchers found that an AI-enabled early warning system identified patients at risk of rapid clinical decline sooner, contributing to fewer deaths. The study evaluated over 23,000 high-risk patients and showed a 18% reduction in the risk-adjusted odds of in-hospital death
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a fictional hospital to demonstrate the business case for investing in better design. The model shows that by incorporating evidence-based design strategies, hospitals can recover their additional construction costs within two years and achieve over $100 million in net financial gains over t...
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.
The new health system combines the strengths of a community-based and academic health system, offering advanced specialty care and increased access to UC San Diego Health specialists. The JPA oversees joint operations of hospitals and clinics, improving care for nearly one million people in North San Diego County.
A study at Baystate Medical Center identified factors such as emergency surgeries, chest and heart procedures, and taxing operations affecting surgeons' schedules. These insights aim to optimize surgical scheduling, reduce waste, and improve patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that improving one element of a healthcare system can lead to worse patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries due to systemic interconnectedness. Enhancing trust in the healthcare system had the greatest impact on clinical outcomes, but increased demand from more patients can quickly overwhelm services.
Semmelweis University's new Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research has hosted two NATO battlefield surgery courses, providing realistic environments for learning and practicing new procedures. The center aims to improve patient safety and quality of care through advanced technologies and hands-on training.
Avishek Choudhury, a WVU researcher, has won the NSF CAREER award to study how healthcare providers' trust in artificial intelligence changes over time. His goal is to humanize algorithms behind AI and improve decision-making quality and patient safety.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that female patients with traumatic brain injuries are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers than males. This disparity persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, severity of injury, and other health conditions.
UC San Diego Health has received multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, including the Greenhealth Leader Award and Circle of Excellence Award. The institution's commitment to operations supporting healthier patients, staff, and communities is recognized nationally.
A new tool developed by Concordia researchers uses artificial intelligence to plan surgical schedules, reducing wait times and minimizing disruptions. The system can adapt to emergency surgeries while keeping non-emergency cases on schedule.
A humanitarian medical delegation of Israeli medical students is operating in Kenya as part of the
Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.
Researchers found that smoking substantially stiffens human lung parenchyma, making breathing progressively difficult. The study provides detailed mechanical data for human lungs, which may improve ventilator design and surgical planning tools.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that hospital restructuring improved local capacity for elderly hospital admissions and enabled more efficient bed management. The study suggests that reorganization can alleviate regional healthcare disparities in the elderly population.
Researchers explore how next-gen AI and sensor-rich operating rooms can enable more precise, data-driven, personalized surgery. Advances in multimodal data integration, machine learning, and robotic systems could enhance situational awareness and intraoperative decision-making.
Experts warn that AI-enhanced surgical robotics could enable true personalized surgery and enhance surgical team performance. However, regulatory reforms are needed to address risks from adaptive systems and ensure patient benefits.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.
The report highlights the operational wins of health systems utilizing digital twin technology, including reduced ER wait times, increased patient throughput, and optimized surgical blocks. Successful deployment depends on data integrity and a shared definition of reality across the organization.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
The center offers state-of-the-art facilities for practical skills acquisition, digital technologies integration, and innovation in medical procedures. Future physicians will benefit from cadaver training, real-time imaging, and collaborative research opportunities.
A team-based program in community health clinics helped low-income patients reduce their blood pressure more than standard care alone. After 18 months, patients in the team-based program saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure and showed better adherence to hypertension treatment.