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Financial insecurity common among frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19

A recent study led by UNC Greensboro researcher Mathieu Despard found that one-third of frontline healthcare workers experienced food insecurity, with even those earning over $75k facing housing hardship. The study highlights the importance of benefits in mitigating financial insecurity among healthcare workers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalCompensation & Benefits Review·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2023

Abortion rates among commercially insured patients declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not rebound to pre-pandemic rates

A study by Brigham researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in surgical abortions for commercially insured patients, with no concurrent increase in medical abortions. The rate of surgical abortions remained below pre-pandemic levels through June 2022.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How to keep people out of the emergency room

A new study co-authored by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber found that a New York City program helped arrange medical appointments for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes, leading to a substantial drop in emergency room use. The program resulted in a 21 percent decline in ER visits and a 42 percent decrease for individuals with h...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateSep 19, 2023

Cost of public health insurance for US-born and immigrant adults

A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 15, 2023

Socioeconomic status may be an uneven predictor of heart health

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 13, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Race and ethnicity and nonpharmacologic care for chronic low back pain

A study of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain and opioid use disorder found that physical therapy and chiropractic care were underutilized, particularly among minority groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing inequities in pain management to improve health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 12, 2023

Two new projects bring health care to vulnerable groups

Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.

SourceArnold School of Public Health·DateAug 25, 2023

Few children – especially those with safety-net insurance – get vision checked at checkups

A new study found that fewer than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year, with uninsured and public-insured kids having lower rates than privately insured peers. The disparity in screening rates is linked to disparities in primary care visits focused on prevention and early detection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

How do people really feel about electronic health records?

The study reveals that people have limited understanding of the digital infrastructure behind electronic health records, with many assuming that all doctors' offices can automatically view patient data. The researchers also argue that health insurance companies play a critical role in securing these records, and that users need educati...

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateAug 8, 2023

Black individuals have significantly more pre-term births than white individuals

A new study by Northwestern University found that non-Hispanic Black individuals have a significantly higher rate of pre-term births compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and social determinants of health explain racial differences in preterm birth rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study finds strong support for easing Medicaid enrollment procedures

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers found substantial public support for shifting administrative burdens away from individuals and improving communication on Medicaid enrollment procedures. The survey-based study showed that people with experience in Medicaid, political liberalism, and those who struggle with administrative...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJul 27, 2023

Exercise during dialysis has positive health impact

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2023

New UCF study examines insurance barriers to access opioid addiction medication

A new UCF study found that insurance coverage of extended-release buprenorphine injections is lacking, with only 46% of commercial plans and 19% of Medicare Advantage plans covering it. Prior-authorization requirements also pose a barrier to access, particularly for Medicaid plans.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Policy guidance offers strategies to shift to value-based health care and payment

The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJul 10, 2023

Expanding Medicaid improved care without crowding out other patients

A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2023

Study finds scant coverage for seniors’ mental health care

A new study finds nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists, leaving many seniors without access to mental health care. The research suggests that this limited coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and foregone treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2023

Children with Medicaid less likely to receive helmet therapy for a flattened head

Infants with Medicaid are less likely to receive helmet therapy for deformational plagiocephaly (DP) than those with private insurance, according to a new study. Delayed treatment is also more common among Medicaid patients, who are about three times more likely to experience delayed evaluation and treatment.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateJun 29, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Prevalence of lung cancer screening among eligible adults in 4 states

The study found that lung cancer screening rates among eligible adults in Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island increased in 2021 compared to 2019. Consistent with prior studies, the likelihood of lung cancer screening was higher among individuals with a primary health professional

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2023

Access to financial services linked to lower COVID mortality rates

A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateJun 14, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Enhancing patient care by improving electronic health records: Plan outlines 3 'essential' steps

The University of Virginia Health System has developed a plan to improve the use of electronic health records, reduce clinician workload, and enhance patient care. The plan outlines three 'essential' steps for improving electronic health reforms, including implementing unique personal safety identifiers to streamline operations.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJAMA·DateMay 25, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Growing number of states provide coverage for outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants

A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

Study finds equitable heart failure care, but challenges remain

A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 19, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study shows link between wealth, health differs across race in young adulthood

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals significant racial wealth gaps and disparities in health outcomes among young adults. The study found that white and Hispanic individuals with higher wealth had better health outcomes, but Black respondents showed a more nuanced relationship between wealth and health. Policymakers argue...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2023

Studies ask: what does “multimorbidity” mean and how much does it cost us?

Studies investigate multimorbidity, which is increasing due to improved survival from chronic diseases and population aging. The prevalence of multimorbidity varies greatly depending on the number and types of conditions considered, with some combinations spending more than the sum of individual diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2023

Medicaid reimbursement for mental health varies widely across states

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a significant variance in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services across US states. The study found that Nebraska, Alaska, and Arkansas reimburse at the highest rates, while Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maine reimburse the least for the same set of services.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Food insecurity and cognitive trajectories in older adults

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 24, 2023

A review by Community Care Behavioral Health Organization of UPMC in Psychiatric Services journal confirms Pennsylvania's Medicaid program offers a national model for behavioral-physical health integration

A county-based approach in Pennsylvania's Medicaid program integrates behavioral health and physical health services, resulting in improved access to care and better outcomes. This model has been recognized as a national best practice, with the state ranking among the top three for addressing mental health challenges.

SourceUPMC Health Plan·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 22, 2023

Study examines COVID-19 pandemic's effect on Black, Latina women's mental health

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that nearly one-third of Black and Latina women experienced depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Women who prayed reported different effects on depression rates among these two groups, highlighting the need for targeted coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The myths around consumer financial vulnerability -- and how it affects most consumers at different points in their lives

Consumer financial vulnerability (CFV) is a risk of experiencing future harm given current access to financial resources and future uncertainty. Most consumers across the socioeconomic spectrum experience varying degrees of CFV at different life stages, due to factors like age, economic cycles, and unforeseen crises.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 22, 2023

Dental service use falls, oral health worsens after people become eligible for Medicare

A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Sepsis increased risk of heart failure and rehospitalization after hospital discharge

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 1, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.