Interventions with wearable activity trackers increased physical activity levels, reduced sedentary behavior, and improved physical functioning in hospitalized adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies and 1,900 participants supports the use of wearable technology to enhance patient outcomes.
A recent study found that germline genetic testing after cancer diagnosis is underutilized, with rates significantly lower among Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study, published in JAMA, suggests disparities in access to genetic testing by race.
A study of 8,269 pediatric patients reveals persistent disparities in central line–associated bloodstream infection rates for Black patients and those who speak a language other than English. Stratifying outcomes to assess for disparities may inform targeted interventions to improve equity.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those over 70, had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset mental disorders compared to the general population. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed increased mental disorder risk similar to non-COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Provision of over-the-counter hearing aids associated with greater uptake of hearing intervention and improved patient quality of life. The study found that OTC hearing aids are cost-effective when prices exceed $55 per device.
Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.
Patients using medical cannabis reported sustained improvements in health-related quality of life in the study. Adverse events were common but rarely serious, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing medical cannabis.
Hospitals affected by ransomware may see increased patient loads and resource strain, impacting time-sensitive care for acute stroke patients. Targeted cyberattacks can have regional disaster implications on healthcare delivery.
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.
A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection report cognitive deficits that are associated with post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) symptoms. Researchers suggest a potential affective component in some patients, highlighting the need for further exploration of underlying reasons.
A study comparing physician and AI chatbot responses found chatbots excelled in both quality and empathy, while physicians were preferred for their nuanced understanding. The findings suggest that integrating chatbots into clinical settings could improve response quality and reduce clinician burnout.
A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.
A University of Gothenburg study found that future doctors and nurses in Sweden consider their disaster medicine knowledge inadequate. Students who have been conscripts or have experience in rescue services scored higher on a self-assessment questionnaire, suggesting 40 hours of education is reasonably adequate.
A study of 55,000 Canadian patients with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly reduced severe outcomes and burden on healthcare systems. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination in reducing mortality rates associated with COVID-19.
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 national cohort study found that early dexamethasone administration reduced odds of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The treatment was not associated with improved outcomes for those without such needs.
A study of over 5 million hospitalizations found COVID-19 patients were more susceptible to HAIs, requiring additional prevention measures. Despite increased infection control pressures, HAI rates among inpatients without COVID-19 remained similar to those in 2019.
A national-level analysis found substantial adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection during the early pandemic period. The study highlights increased odds of severe respiratory complications among these patients at delivery.
A randomized clinical trial found that anakinra did not prevent mechanical ventilation or reduce mortality risk in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Future research is needed to assess anakinra in less severe cases.
A team of Lithuanian scientists created a VR-based rehabilitation system to help patients recover from stroke. The system uses sensors to track the patient's movements and provides real-time feedback to improve motor function, balance, and coordination.
Partners of colorectal cancer survivors experience long-term financial toxicity leading to worse health-related quality of life. Multilevel interventions are needed to address individual and systemic factors affecting both patients and their partners.
A study of 460,000 privately insured postpartum women found that those giving birth after March 2020 were more likely to fill potent opioid prescriptions. This increase was particularly notable among cesarean births, raising concerns about opioid misuse and overdose risk.
This study of 690 patients with early-stage breast cancer found racial disparities in pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, affecting survival outcomes. Racial disparities varied across different breast cancer subtypes and highlight the importance of understanding tumor biology.
A study of 1,678 participants found that low benefit expectations, negative experiences, and catastrophizing are associated with COVID-19 vaccination adverse effects. Clinician-patient interactions and public vaccine campaigns may be optimized by contextualizing information about vaccines.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and severe COVID-19 increase the risk of long COVID. Vaccination is protective against developing long COVID sequelae.
A new study published in The BMJ found that a decision tool for health professionals reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for frail older adults by 50%. The multifaceted training program, which included education and action planning, was effective in improving patient safety while reducing antibiotic use.
A study found that having opioids at home increases the risk of overdose for those living with them, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal and education. Household prescription opioids are associated with a higher likelihood of overdose for others in the household, even if they don't have their own prescription.
Patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias exhibit significantly higher readmission rates and overall episode costs compared to their non-dementia counterparts. Judicious preoperative assessment and care planning are strongly advised for this vulnerable patient population, particularly in the post-discharge period.
A study of 398,000 COVID-19 patients found the absolute risk of venous thromboembolism to be low overall. Patient-level factors associated with higher risk may help identify subsets of patients who could benefit from more intensive surveillance or preventive strategies.
The ProtecT trial found that active monitoring of prostate cancer has the same high survival rates after 15 years as radiotherapy or surgery. Men on active monitoring were more likely to see their cancer progress, but this didn't reduce their likelihood of survival.
A one-year case-control study found increased rates of adverse outcomes among adults with long COVID compared to those without COVID-19, highlighting the need for continued monitoring, particularly in cardiovascular and pulmonary management. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing at-risk individuals.
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 study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a
A study of over 1.2 million patients found women remain at higher risk for adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. No significant improvement in outcomes has been observed over the past decade.
Researchers found that breath analysis may be a valuable tool for COVID-19 diagnosis, but emerging variants pose challenges to overcome. The study's results warrant further evaluation to improve the use of breath analysis in patient care.
A review of 25 years of AI health tech research found that only 24% of studies include patient-reported outcomes, but there has been an increase in recent years. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating patient voices into AI models to support personalized care and prevent digitalization of healthcare.
A University of Utah study shows that certain wearable gadgets with bioimpedance technology can interfere with implantable cardiac electronic devices, potentially leading to incorrect functioning or electric shocks. The research highlights a need for further clinical studies to assess the risks and ensure patient health.
A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.
Researchers found that an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention significantly improved pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing a blood draw. The IVR group showed better outcomes compared to the control group.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing new-onset diabetes following an infection. The research suggests a notable benefit of vaccination in protecting against this complication.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies found individuals with autism have a higher associated risk of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Clinicians should monitor individuals with autism for early signs of cardiometabolic disease and its complications.
Researchers identified 7 key symptoms of long COVID, including heart issues and joint pain, in a study of 52,461 patients. The findings could help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
A deep learning model distinguishes colon carcinoma from acute diverticulitis in CT images, improving diagnostic performance and reducing false-negative and false-positive findings. The model's sensitivity and specificity were significantly improved, supporting radiologists in patient care.
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.
Researchers at Tufts University develop biopolymer-based sensors that can detect bacteria, toxins, and chemicals in the environment. The sensors glow when dangers are present and can be printed on a wide range of materials, including wearable items and food jars.
A significant risk of suicide is observed among cancer surgery patients, especially those who are male, white, and divorced. These demographic factors are associated with the highest risk, highlighting the need for suicide screening in high-risk patient groups
The meta-analysis of 47 studies and 1 million patients suggests a vital role for social determinants of health variables in developing strategies to achieve equity. Incorporating these variables can significantly impact prostate cancer–specific mortality and overall survival among men with prostate cancer.
A quality improvement program assisted patients in overcoming video visit access barriers, leading to improved adherence rates. The study found a significant association with both increased video visit attendance and financial savings.
A web-based multicomponent intervention has been shown to improve blood pressure control and lower blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. The study included 4,100 patients and found that such an intervention can provide a new, effective way to treat hypertension in the community.
The study of 12,600 adults in Hong Kong found that viral rebound was not associated with increased risk of mortality. Novel oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be effective treatments for more patients with COVID-19 in the early phase of the infection.
Primary care clinicians are more likely to prescribe CGM when closer to specialized endocrinologists and serving more Medicare patients. Expanded insurance coverage and consultation on CGM issues can support increased use of the technology.
Researchers developed and validated two risk measurement tools to estimate hospitalised COVID-19 patient mortality rates. The COVID-NoLab and COVID-SimpleLab models can predict mortality with reasonable accuracy, helping clinicians identify low-risk patients for outpatient management.
Outreach messages via electronic health record patient portals increased well child care visit scheduling and COVID-19 vaccine receipt in a randomized clinical trial of 945 patients. This tool may help restore delayed well child care in populations affected by the pandemic.
A cross-sectional study found that at least one post-COVID-19 symptom occurred in 59.7% of hospitalized patients and 67.5% of non-hospitalized patients two years after infection. The study suggests that small differences in symptoms at the onset of COVID-19 existed between hospitalization status.
This cross-sectional study investigated emergency department clinicians' concerns about medical errors resulting in either patient harm or malpractice litigation. The findings highlight the emotional toll of these errors on clinicians, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, and burnout.
Researchers found a strong association between outpatient electrolyte abnormalities and subsequent eating disorder diagnoses, suggesting these abnormalities may serve as a screening tool. The median time from the earliest abnormality to diagnosis exceeded one year.
The University of Tsukuba researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict undertriage in phone-based triage systems. The model identified risk factors such as age, sex, and comorbid conditions, which can be used to update protocols and improve patient outcomes.