Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
A study of over 4.4 million residents at 15,000 skilled nursing facilities found that telemedicine use was higher than pre-2020 levels and associated with improved access to psychiatry visits. Higher adoption rates were linked to better outcomes for patients in these facilities.
Researchers found that hospitals treating a higher volume of patients with aggressive prostate cancer have better outcomes, indicating a possible association between expertise and resource availability. Further investigation is needed to understand the specific causes behind this relationship.
A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.
A study found that 41.8% of US women of reproductive age face long drives (30+ minutes) to reach an abortion facility, while 23.6% have no access within a 90-minute drive. Access is affected by state laws and geographical location.
A new study found that state restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth significantly increase drive times for seeking necessary treatment. With over 25% of gender clinics located in restricted states, existing clinics may struggle to meet the demand from out-of-state patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mortality rates among people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Notably, excess deaths in nursing home/long-term care settings declined in pandemic year 2.
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.
Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute have developed a beamline modification called momentum cooling to increase the transmission of proton beams, allowing for shorter treatment times. This breakthrough could enable faster treatments while maintaining accuracy and sparing healthy tissue, with potential benefits including reduced costs...
A 12-year study by Pennington Biomedical researchers found that metabolic surgery provides better results, less regression, compared to medical or lifestyle intervention for patients with class 1 obesity. The study showed significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss, with high rates of diabetes remission.
Medical evacuation by train in a war zone is possible and can transport more severely ill or injured individuals due to intensive care capacity on board. The target population should not be limited to trauma patients only.
An AI model called SCORE-AI achieved human expert level performance in fully automated electroencephalogram interpretation. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and patient care in underserved areas and increase efficiency in specialized epilepsy centers.
Only one in four US adolescent residential addiction treatment facilities offer buprenorphine and one in eight offer it for ongoing treatment. Nearly two-thirds of adult residential facilities provide this medication, highlighting a significant gap in care for adolescents.
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Care of the Athletic Heart conference found that only 50% of athletes surveyed reported knowing what sudden cardiac arrest is or being concerned about it during play. The researchers identified 46 cases of sports-related cardiac arrests between 1984 and 2022 involving CPR, with ...
A Cochrane review found that individual-level stress management interventions, such as cognitive behavioral training and exercise, can reduce stress in healthcare workers for up to a year. The long-term effects of these interventions remain unknown, highlighting the need for further research.
A large-scale study of patient experiences with telemedicine and in-person visits found that telemedicine consistently outperformed in-person visits in terms of access to care and provider engagement. The study analyzed survey responses from over 39,000 patients across more than 50,000 visits.
Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.
Researchers have created a novel bioadhesive material to facilitate stem cell transplantation into damaged cartilage. The adhesive, derived from mussel protein and hyaluronic acid, enables the secure encapsulation of stem cells, promoting cartilage regeneration.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology reveals that disparities in cancer care are linked to differences between clinicians' and patients' identities. Younger, lower-income minorities were disproportionately affected by delayed care due to these identity differences.
A study presented at the ARRS Annual Meeting reveals institutional variability in projection order and image acquisition timing for CEM protocol. Earlier-obtained recombined imaging is significantly preferred for cancer lesion characterization, with a trend towards prioritizing imaging the side of pathology.
A survey study of 19,000 patients found that self-managed abortion was prevalent before accessing in-clinic care, particularly among those with limited access. The findings suggest a need for increased access to telemedicine and decentralized abortion care models.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that older adults with improved cognitive performance during dual-task walking had flexible neural resource allocation. This discovery suggests a potential method for tracking brain health and identifying individuals at risk of aging-related cognitive decline.
A study found that two-thirds of staff and residents in long-term care facilities in England were infected with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022. The analysis, which included over 5,000 individuals, estimated that the true rate of infection was higher due to under-diagnosis during the pandemic.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
Researchers in Southern Nevada have detected Candida auris genetic material in untreated sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment facilities. The fungus was also found in nearly 80% of untreated sewage samples, indicating its spread in the region. Wastewater surveillance may provide an early warning system for public health actio...
A new AI-powered worklist reprioritization tool has been shown to significantly reduce both report turnaround time and wait time for pulmonary embolus-positive CT pulmonary angiography examinations. The study found a reduction of 47.6 minutes in report turnaround time and 21.4 minutes in wait time, with no significant difference in rea...
A systematic review of literature on physical activity found that the built environment and social factors have a significant influence on physical activity levels. The study identified gaps in research, particularly in understanding how social and built environments interact across communities and affect health disparities. Researcher...
Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.
A national survey by Brigham researchers identified high levels of burnout, intent to leave the profession, and work overload among healthcare workers. Burnout was most prevalent among nurses (56%) and other clinical staff (54.1%), with 41% of nurses reporting intent to leave.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A recent study has found a significant link between fibromyalgia and increased odds of exacerbation in pain-related opioid use disorder. Researchers surveyed 125 individuals living with both conditions, revealing that those with fibromyalgia were more likely to report worsening addiction symptoms due to chronic pain.
A national survey of radiologists reveals moral distress is widespread, often stemming from high case volumes and lack of administrative support. The study highlights the need for education of leadership regarding causes of distress among frontline workers to address this issue.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A recent study found that US zip codes in extreme socioeconomic disadvantage have limited access to accredited medical imaging facilities and centers of excellence. This lack of access can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Researchers found that clinicians ordered more frequent newborn drug tests for Black newborns after recreational cannabis legalization, highlighting concerns about structural racism and disproportionate testing. The study calls for further exploration of how institutional racism affects healthcare outcomes for Black families.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Arizona State University $90.8 million to advance x-ray science, including the construction of the world's first Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser. This technology will enable researchers to explore complex matter at atomic length and ultrafast time, paving the way for breakthroughs in human ...
Despite exceptional challenges during the pandemic, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provided post-acute rehabilitation with only a modest decline in intensity. SNFs were largely able to adapt and provide quality care to older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment and higher risk overall.
A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that a single trained observer serving as a checklist prompter can accurately assess whether multidisciplinary rounds addressed key elements of the ABCDEF bundle. This approach enables customized, shorter checklists to streamline workflows and improve patient care.
A recent study found that metformin users had distinct DNA methylation profiles compared to non-users, potentially revealing its role in longevity. The research identified several pathways related to delirium and aging, highlighting the need for further investigation into metformin's mechanism of action.
Researchers found no significant evidence of harm in lowering blood pressure targets after endovascular treatment, but trends suggested marginal benefit and potential worsening of long-term disability. Clinicians should consider auto-regulation of blood pressure unless above 180 mm Hg.
A UC Davis study analyzed more than two dozen residency programs across the country, identifying data-driven approaches to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The study provides a comprehensive list of strategies for GME programs to diversify their physician workforce.
Researchers from UTSA and UT Health San Antonio are developing compounds that target the estrogen receptor-beta, which suppresses cancer growth. The goal is to identify a novel ER-beta agonist with potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating GBM in patients.
A study found that primary care clinics increased care management processes for chronic disease care from 2019 to 2021, with scores improving in organized and urban settings. However, performance and patient management areas saw a decline in 2021, with rural areas performing lower than urban ones.
A study by Kennesaw State University researcher Weiwei Chen found that COVID surges led to poorer outcomes for non-COVID patients in hospitals overwhelmed with COVID cases. The odds of an in-hospital death were 1.2 times higher among non-COVID patients than before the pandemic.
A new paper by a University of Illinois legal scholar suggests that California's CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative could lower insulin prices, saving uninsured patients up to $4,000 per year. The proposal faces regulatory and logistical challenges, including FDA approval and state budgeting issues.
A recent study found that patients who met with surgeons for first-time surgery consultations via telemedicine were satisfied with the quality of communication, comparable to in-person visits. The study suggests that either method is appropriate, depending on what the surgeon and patient prefer.
A large cohort study found that long-term low-dose hydroxychloroquine use is associated with a low risk of developing retinopathy, while higher doses increase the risk. Regular screening can identify the issue at an early stage.
A University of Basel study analyzed over 1.1 million inpatient cases to investigate the relationship between bed occupancy and 14-day mortality rates. The study found that the threshold for increased mortality varies by hospital size, with smaller facilities reaching their capacity limit more quickly.
A third of orthotists in the UK want to leave their profession due to inadequate working conditions and lack of time with patients. This poses a significant threat to the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for urgent action to address staff satisfaction and retention.
Researchers from prominent institutions discuss hepatocellular carcinoma's pathogenesis, genomic heterogeneity, and targeted therapy options. The review aims to characterize HCC's complexities and develop clinically relevant biomarkers for better management.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded the 2023 ARRS Gold Medal to Dr. Bernard F. King, Jr., MD, FACR, FSAR, in recognition of his distinguished service to radiology. Dr. King has made significant contributions to the field, including the development of contrast media recognition and treatment protocols.
A new model created by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that pregnant individuals had a 50% lower exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the general population in the earliest months of the pandemic. This protection was likely due to shielding measures, including masking and social distancing.
An online reporting system facilitated identification of unprofessional behaviors toward trainees and increased awareness of the medical center's commitment to creating a safe learning environment. The study highlights the importance of proactive measures in preventing mistreatment and promoting a culture of respect and professionalism.
Researchers developed a spreadsheet tool to analyze large comment samples and identify themes within patient comments. The HCP Review Comment Analysis Tool allows providers to easily analyze patient comments and identify actionable measures of patient satisfaction, providing insights into specific actions by healthcare practitioners.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that young people treated for sleep disorders with benzodiazepines like Xanax may be at a higher risk of overdose. The study examined over 90,000 newly prescribed benzodiazepine patients and found an increased risk of overdose compared to other prescription sleep medications.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.
A retrospective study found that tumor hyaluronan levels are associated with improved time to progression in non-small cell lung cancer patients. HA-high tumors showed a trend towards improved clinical benefit, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
The University of Missouri has earned an $8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its National Swine Resource and Research Center. The center will support research using genetically modified pigs to study human diseases, with a focus on therapies that can be translated from pig models to humans.
Only half of European hospitals have a policy in place to identify children who are being neglected or abused. Hospitals with such policies use effective strategies like screening tools and staff training. However, many staff lack the necessary tools and knowledge to spot maltreated children.