Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
The authors created a data bridge between primary care and public health stakeholders in Alberta, Canada, to enhance the province's response to the pandemic. The data bridge enabled champions to emerge, trust to evolve, and integrative healthcare practices to take place, ultimately improving community-based responses.
Researchers found that primary care physicians using community health information exchanges (HIEs) reduced the likelihood of re-hospitalizations and follow-up emergency department visits. By accessing data about patient care transitions, doctors increased hospital admission lengths from 99 to 238 days.
A new study finds that online physician rating platforms can help disseminate important quality information to patients and direct them to higher-quality physicians. The research examines the impact of user-generated online ratings on healthcare choices and highlights their positive association with conventional measurements of physici...
A new policy brief has been launched by Staffordshire University to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training. The framework, developed in partnership with Allied Health Professions (AHPs), aims to improve the delivery of remote patient consultations across various healthcare professions.
A study by researchers from Okayama University found that Japanese university students' willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups is associated with their thoughts regarding the health-belief model and oral health behaviors. The study suggests that the perceived benefit of undergoing regular check-ups drives young students toward...
A recent study found that patients treated at centers that don't perform transplants have a 79% higher odds of being denied bridge-to-transplant designation. This change could exacerbate existing disparities in access to heart transplantation, according to the research team.
A new survey of 23 countries found a 5.2% increase in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance from 2021 to 2022, but also detected increased hesitancy in several countries, particularly among younger men and women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.
A large study of over 20,600 children found that living in higher-opportunity neighborhoods at birth was associated with a lower average body mass index trajectory and a lower risk of obesity from childhood to adolescence. Initiatives targeting neighborhood environments may help prevent excess weight in children.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
Researchers at Osaka University found that disasters and pandemics increase major non-communicable diseases and mental disorders, especially among certain age groups. The study highlights the need for improved post-disaster health policies and prevention strategies to mitigate these effects.
A study found that PPMC-owned practices focusing on clinical management lead to significantly lower C-section rates, while those focusing on financial management lead to higher rates. This suggests that the business strategies used by PPMCs can impact patient care.
Physicians in Brazil's states of São Paulo and Maranhão used telemedicine for various purposes, including staff meetings, training sessions, and patient consultations. However, the technology has limitations and requires regulation to ensure quality care.
A University of Gothenburg study found that eliminating copayments for primary care in Sweden's over-85s population has no significant impact on healthcare utilization. However, delayed visits to non-physician professionals were observed, which resulted in reduced healthcare costs.
A global study published in Nature finds that the unvaccinated face significant prejudice in most countries, with many vaccinated people harboring discriminatory attitudes towards them. The study suggests that this prejudice could lead to severe consequences for society, including hindered vaccination uptake and increased mistrust.
A new study published in JAMA found that choosing a Medicare Advantage plan does not significantly improve heart attack survival rates compared to traditional Medicare. Despite this, Medicare Advantage participants still had higher rates of certain care procedures and lower hospital readmission rates.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences found that hospital parking fees significantly correlate with cancer center address transit score and city cost of living across Western Canada. Cities with higher cost of living have less free parking, exacerbating economic burdens on patients.
A new study estimates that at least 2.5 million 'sandwich generation' caregivers are serving as primary caregivers for both older and younger family members. These women face higher rates of financial difficulty and emotional distress compared to their peers who only care for an older adult.
A Queen Mary University of London study found that only 75% of children receive the first MMR vaccine on time, with poorest neighborhoods most affected. The researchers call for increased investment in vaccination services to ensure all London children are protected from measles.
Inequalities in sex and gender, access to antiretroviral drugs, and inadequate funding hinder global efforts to combat AIDS and other pandemics. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and Deputy Director Matthew Kavanagh emphasize these disparities as critical obstacles to effective pandemic response
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
Research emphasizes the importance of ethnically diverse prostate cancer genomics data and accessible genetic testing. Variations in genomic landscape of prostate cancer were observed in Chinese men compared to Western cohorts, with lower mutation rates in driver genes such as TP53 and PTEN.
A new meta-analysis commissioned by WHO informs updated treatment guidelines for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study finds that artemether-lumefantrine is as safe and possibly more effective than non-artemisinin-based treatments, including quinine, with significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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 new study by researchers at the University of Michigan finds that patients with documented housing instability were more likely to receive diagnoses for mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental conditions, and had longer hospital stays. The study used data from 2017-2019 and found that caring for hospitalized people with housing is...
Research on interventions to mitigate housing insecurity found low-certainty evidence of positive health outcomes, primarily for emergency rent assistance and homeownership assistance. However, existing interventions may need to be paired with other efforts to address structural determinants of health.
A new study found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life have a lower risk of death from any cause, regardless of race or gender. The association was strongest among women, who may benefit more from the health-protective effects of purpose.
A new study finds that working-age people who survive serious traumatic injuries face a lasting financial burden, with higher rates of medical debt in collections and bankruptcy. The study suggests that restructuring health insurance plans to reduce or cap cost-sharing for highly necessary trauma care could help alleviate this issue.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
Researchers mapped out variations in vaccine distribution policies among 29 countries, highlighting differing priorities such as age, comorbidities, and occupation. The study suggests that vaccination schedules differ from resource allocation strategies in healthcare, reflecting diverse moral judgments underlying each approach.
A study led by J. Tom Mueller examines the impact of Medicaid expansion across rural and urban communities and ethnic or racial groups. The research aims to determine whether reduced mortality rates are observed in all populations.
A team of experts recommends adopting the Choosing Wisely campaign's principles to optimize administrative management practices, improving workforce satisfaction and retention. By applying these same principles, healthcare professionals can enhance their well-being and improve the value of clinical care.
A global study provides actionable recommendations to combat COVID-19 without exacerbating socio-economic burdens. The report identifies six major areas for action, including whole-of-society strategies and vaccine-plus approaches.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
Dr. Volpp's research on behavioral economics and health incentives has significantly advanced understanding of cardiovascular outcomes, leading to changes in benefit design and program offerings. He is also the founder of Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.
A recent study found that immigrant pregnant people faced persistent inequities in obtaining timely prenatal care compared to native-born individuals, exacerbating longstanding health disadvantages. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address disparities in Medicaid coverage based on immigration status and education level.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that patients who participate in multiple outpatient visits early in treatment are more likely to continue care. Nearly half of these patients remained in treatment for six months or more, compared to just 2.9% of those with less frequent visits.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
A McMaster University research team found that a map-based recommendations website is more accessible and effective than traditional websites in distributing public health guidelines during crises.
Expanding medically tailored meal programs nationwide could help prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations annually, saving $13.6 billion in healthcare costs. These programs provide nutritionally customized meals for patients with serious illnesses, supporting improved health outcomes and reduced stress levels.
A cross-sectional survey found extensive inequities in postpartum care content, particularly for patients with multiple disadvantaged identities. The study highlights the need for further research on postpartum care visits to better address these disparities.
A survey of over 1,000 physicians found that 67% of respondents favored making telehealth a permanent option for treating opioid-use disorder. The study suggests that continued flexibility in telehealth regulations could help increase access to life-saving treatment, particularly during the ongoing opioid crisis.
A recent poll reveals that 48% of people aged 50-80 have purchased at least one home health test, including COVID-19 and DNA tests. Notably, 82% of older adults express interest in future medical tests at home, while 90% agree to share results with their healthcare provider.
A new study suggests that phone calls and video chats can help patients access care, especially for those with barriers to traditional in-person visits. The study found that veterans who received virtual visits were more likely to stay on buprenorphine treatment, but there were disparities by race, housing status, and age.
A study of over 4 million claims found that Black women had less access to new mammography technology, even when receiving mammograms at the same institution. The disparities in digital breast tomosynthesis use among Black and white women began to subside after 2016.
Two studies reveal rising emergency department wait times and patient abandonment due to overcrowding, with 5% of hospitals experiencing over 10% patient abandonment and median boarding times reaching 3.4 hours nationally.
A new study found that caregivers, particularly women, experience higher odds of health-related vulnerabilities such as food insecurity and financial strain. Caregivers must balance their own lives with those of their dependents, finding ways to care for themselves while dedicating time to caring for loved ones.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that increasing mental health providers at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities likely reduced suicide-related events among veterans who recently returned from active service. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 veterans and found a significant reduction in su...
Researchers found significant regional differences in LTC spending, driven by factors such as population demographics and disability classification. Preventive measures may help reduce costs by reducing the need for long-term care.
New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.
The Endocrine Society advocates for a personalized approach to telehealth visits in endocrine care. This policy perspective highlights the benefits of incorporating telehealth into care plans, including increased convenience and reduced disparities in healthcare access.
A new study analyzes the benefits and harms of prior authorization policies in Medicare Advantage, highlighting their impact on patients and clinicians. The researchers propose several measures to improve the use of PA in Medicare, including electronic-based processes and enhanced transparency.
A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...
Researchers from NAIST found that searches related to vaccine side effects positively correlated with vaccination rates in Japan. The 'vaccine concern index' captured searches of terms indicating vaccine hesitancy, revealing lower concerns among older people and female users.
Two new studies published in NEJM Catalyst demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of telemedicine in addressing access barriers and improving health outcomes. The research highlights the benefits of telemedicine for patients with transportation challenges, mental health services, and overall quality of care.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
People with diabetes face higher risk of hospitalization during extreme heat events due to dehydration and blood glucose imbalance. Research reveals a link between extreme heat and emergency hospitalizations for hypo- and hyperglycemia-related conditions.