Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
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 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...
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...
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new report from a joint task force recommends improved access to interventional radiologists in small and rural areas. The task force focused on strategies for recruitment and retention, including training opportunities, financial models, and community development.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Medicare eligibility at age 65 is associated with significant improvements in health care access and financial strain for low-income adults. The study also found modest effects on higher-income adults, suggesting that lowering the age of Medicare eligibility could advance health equity ...
The Leducq Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to UVA researchers, led by Mete Civelek, to investigate sex differences in atherosclerosis and $8 million to Coleen McNamara to advance immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. These projects aim to improve understanding of heart disease and develop new treatments.
A new study found that certain pre-existing conditions have a more significant impact on COVID-19 outcomes than previously thought. Researchers developed a novel prediction model, PDeathDx, which outperformed conventional models and identified degenerative neurological diseases, dementia, and severe disabilities as major risk factors.
The TTUHSC team will provide no-cost colorectal cancer screening and colonoscopies to underinsured and uninsured people living in South Plains region counties. The FIT-STOP program aims to find signs of early-stage colorectal cancer to prevent treatment needs, leveraging existing relationships with partners.
A new scoring tool prioritizes countries with higher vaccination rates and vulnerable populations, aiming to allocate Covid-19 vaccines more fairly. The tool considers a broader range of factors than current global COVAX facilities, which have been criticized for insufficient access.
A prospective study found that patient decision aids improve patients' self-perceived understanding of image-guided procedures and satisfaction with the consent conversation. Patients who received a PDA before their visit reported significantly greater understanding and felt more listened to by their clinician.
The contrast-enhanced in-phase Dixon sequence demonstrated higher sensitivity and reader confidence for detecting breast biopsy clips on MRI. The sequence also showed a higher contrast-to-noise ratio without affecting positive predictive value.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A US study found that health facilities in metropolitan areas with a high proportion of Black citizens were less likely to administer COVID-19 vaccines, indicating potential vaccine access barriers. The study suggests disparities in vaccine distribution across the country.
A Dartmouth-led research team will assess the effectiveness of visit information provided to older adult patients and caregivers in improving quality of life. The CHRONICLE Trial aims to determine whether audio recordings or written summaries are more effective in sharing healthcare visit information.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found a promising treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Patients treated with HBOT showed significant improvement in cognitive function, attention, and executive functions.
A University of Ottawa-led team has developed an AI-based deep learning model to identify cystic hygroma, a rare and life-threatening disorder, from first-trimester ultrasound scans with high sensitivity and specificity. The approach may be applied to other fetal anomalies identified by ultrasonography.
A study of 1,300 patients found most thyroid cancers are discovered in asymptomatic individuals, supporting the hypothesis of ongoing subclinical disease detection. The findings contradict the notion of a rising incidence of thyroid cancer.
A retrospective study found an AI algorithm for detecting incidental pulmonary embolus (iPE) on contrast-enhanced chest CT examinations had high NPV and moderate PPV, even identifying iPEs missed by radiologists. The tool's diagnostic performance did not show significant variation across study subgroups.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
Researchers found that despite a powerful brain response to sound during sleep, the level of alpha-beta waves associated with attention and expectation is significantly reduced. This means the brain can analyze auditory input but fails to focus on it, resulting in no conscious awareness.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
Using nearly two decades of research and ultrabright X-ray beams, scientists have created a detailed structural map of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a key regulator of cellular operations. The results provide significant implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
A cross-sectional study of 885 surgical residents revealed that trainees perceived as white received similar autonomy, while those perceived as African American, Black, Hispanic, or Latinx experienced disparities. Autonomy differences were negligible by the end of residency.
A third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine significantly lowers the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalizations, severe disease, and related deaths during the Delta variant surge. The study involved 18,000 residents of long-term care facilities in Israel.