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New ‘promising medicines’ fund may incentivise commercialisation of high price drugs with weak evidence on clinical benefits

A new fund to fast-track patient access to potentially valuable new medicines may incentivise the pharmaceutical industry to develop high-priced drugs for rare diseases with weak clinical evidence. The NHS England Innovative Medicines Fund risks disincentivising the generation of essential evidence if not implemented appropriately.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

Financial strain and material deprivation linked to increased child behavioural difficulties More nuanced measures of economic hardship required to help address cost-of-living crisis and its effects on children

A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeCase study·DateJan 13, 2023

nTIDE December 2022 Jobs Report: Hot job market continues for people with disabilities despite efforts to cool the economy

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in November to 37.0% in December, up 1.4%, while it remained unchanged at 74.4% for those without disabilities. This surge continues the gains of the last four months and highlights the ongoing strength of people with disabilities in the job market.

Swedes with high incomes have more children

Researchers found that Swedes with higher incomes have more children, particularly men who accumulate higher incomes over time. For women, the pattern changes significantly over time, with those born in the 1940s and 1950s having lower incomes and more children.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPopulation Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Rising housing cost to income ratio strongly linked to poor health, death, suicide

An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Financial capability predicts more positive health outcomes, study shows

Research from the University of Kansas found that financial capability can predict positive health outcomes, with higher levels associated with better health measurements. The study highlights the importance of considering both individual financial skills and access to resources in improving population health.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Targeted reimbursement: A just price for CO2

The study identifies households with high energy expenditures as the most affected groups, which should receive direct transfers for compensation. Cash payments to all households combined with moderate support for renewable energies can achieve a socially just solution, lowering energy prices and reducing hardship cases.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2022

How social media posts could affect credit scores

Alternative credit scoring systems present challenges not covered by existing regulations, leaving many Americans unable to access the credit system. These systems can be opaque and ripe for abusive lending practices, making it difficult for consumers to contest erroneous information.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Business Law Journal·DateMay 17, 2022

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Research reveals new evidence that sugary beverage tax impacts are sustainable, effective

Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Study on fiscal policy advocates for making hay while the sun shines

A study published in Economic Inquiry examined data from 133 countries from 1950-2014, finding that reduced fiscal space in high-income countries after the 2007-2009 global financial crisis led to procyclical policy actions. This resulted in prolonged economic downturns and aggravated business cycle fluctuations.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJun 23, 2021

Tinkering with public debt we doom innovation and growth

Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 18, 2019

Vital directions for health and health care

The US health system faces significant challenges, with high costs, persistent disparities, and the financial burden of chronic illness. Eight policy directions were identified as vital to improve health outcomes and increase efficiency, including four action priorities and four essential infrastructure needs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 21, 2017

UCSF analysis suggests strengthening conflict of interest policies governing clinical trials at nation's major medical research centers

A UCSF study analyzed conflict of interest policies at top US medical schools, finding 'loopholes' in disclosure and conflict management. The researchers suggest prohibiting investigators from holding stock or decision-making positions in companies that may be affected by the trial.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2000

Less-coercive policies boost child support

A new study by Cornell University and the University of Colorado found that state child-support guidelines increase the probability of unwed mothers receiving awards, often increasing their size. In contrast, guidelines for divorced or separated women with children have little impact on award levels.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateJun 12, 2000

Primary care highly valued, but difficulty accessing specialists undermines patient trust, UCSF study finds

A new UCSF study found that nearly all patients value primary care physicians for coordinating their care and serving as a first point of contact. However, nearly a quarter of patients feel their primary care physician or medical group limits access to specialists, leading to lower trust and satisfaction levels.

Immigration Policy Under Spotlight

The new welfare and immigration reform acts are likely to produce unintended consequences, including reduced legal immigration and increased incentives for illegal immigrants. Farm employment in rural California is also linked to poverty and a vicious cycle of rural poverty, with immigrants becoming trapped in low-paid labor.

SourcePopulation Council·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateJan 22, 1998