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Closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can sharply reduce emergency hospital visits

A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

AI-driven wearable blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring – published in nature reviews cardiology​

A new study proposes a theoretical framework for AI-based wearable blood pressure sensors, paving the way for non-invasive and continuous cardiovascular monitoring. The review highlights clinical aspects of implementation, real-time data transmission, and signal quality degradation, and presents strategies to address technical barriers.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Postoperative outcomes following preweekend surgery

Patients undergoing surgery immediately before a weekend experienced significantly higher risks of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and death compared to those treated after the weekend. The study emphasizes the need for improved care quality regardless of the day of the week.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 4, 2025

Robot faster than physicians at spotting side effects

A new study at the University of Gothenburg found that a software robot can detect side effects faster than physicians during amiodarone treatment for cardiac arrhythmia. The robot also recommends appropriate intervals between lab tests, aligning with standard practices and reducing unnecessary testing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2025

Researchers uncover surprising link to stroke risk

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Electronic reporting of symptoms by cancer patients can improve quality of life and reduce emergency visits

A multicenter study found that electronic symptom monitoring improved quality of life, clinical outcomes, and well-being in metastatic cancer patients. The PRO-TECT trial showed significant benefits for patients who reported their symptoms via a home-based electronic monitoring system.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2025

Fans ineffective in heat waves

A recent study found that electric fans provide little cooling relief for older adults indoors during extreme heat due to their limited sweat production. Dr. Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University suggests using air conditioning at a higher temperature in conjunction with a fan to provide effective cooling and reduce operating costs.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

A unified approach to health data exchange

The US Department of Health and Human Services has developed a unified approach to health data exchange, utilizing electronic health records to enhance patient care and public health. This initiative aims to standardize the sharing of health data across different entities, enabling better decision-making and improved healthcare outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2025

Early adoption of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in patients hospitalized with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction

Prescription rates of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors increased substantially within 2 years after publication of clinical trial evidence documenting benefit. The study highlights the need to understand strategies used by higher prescribing centers to increase SGLT2i adoption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 18, 2024

Hospital COVID-19 burden and adverse event rates

A cohort study found that hospital COVID-19 burden was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse effects among patients with and without COVID-19. The results highlight the importance of hospitals having greater resilience and surge capacity to prevent declines in patient safety during surges in demand.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 4, 2024

Change of ownership in home health agencies may lead to increased Medicare spending and reduced staffing levels, according to UTHealth Houston research

Research by UTHealth Houston found that ownership changes in home health agencies can result in increased Medicare spending and reduced staffing levels. The study also found that quarterly star ratings increased, but this may be due to upcoding of quality measures.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2024