Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Research finds that English hospitals meeting NHS 18-week waiting list target often only treat patients who are close to the threshold, rather than those in need. The study suggests that some trusts may prioritize compliance over clinical need.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A free online tool can help prostate cancer patients save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs by comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans. The Medicare Part D Plan Finder identifies significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
The Michigan Medicaid expansion has been effective in reducing uninsurance, promoting primary care, and supporting financial well-being for low-income individuals. However, some aspects of the program, such as income-based cost-sharing, were only partially effective in achieving their aims.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A study found that adults with higher health literacy are more likely to comprehend OTC drug package inserts and respond appropriately in case of adverse reactions. This suggests the importance of pharmacists and healthcare providers in promoting health literacy to ensure safe self-medication.
A recent study found that higher plant protein intake is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The UK Biobank study data revealed that participants consuming more plant-based protein had a reduced risk of developing CKD.
The Global Atlas of Literacies for Health (GALH) is an interactive map displaying levels of health literacy and digital health literacy from evidence-based studies. The atlas provides a critical tool for literacy reform, enabling targeted interventions for marginalized groups.
A new study found that federal government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans improved staffing levels at nursing homes during the pandemic. Loans reached understaffed facilities, increasing staff hours among certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses.
A simulated study found that patients face challenges registering with primary care physicians, even when they have a nearby doctor. The research revealed that doctors are less likely to accept new patients requiring time-consuming procedures or working in areas with low PCP density.
A University of Missouri study reveals that being asked to weigh during a doctor's visit negatively affects female patients' emotions and self-esteem. Researchers advocate for policy changes to educate patients about their rights and promote weight-inclusive healthcare.
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.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
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.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
A new study by UC San Francisco found that California's emergency department capacity has not kept up with patient demand, leading to long wait times. The number of high-severity visits increased by nearly 68 percent, while low-severity visits declined by 63 percent.
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) has awarded six research teams with two-year funding to pursue innovative cancer treatments and technologies. The projects focus on personalized medicine, accessible genetic testing, and improving patient engagement.
Four state policies associated with increased telehealth access for mental health care in U.S. facilities, but disparities found in counties with higher Black resident populations and Medicaid acceptance. The expansion has improved mental health care accessibility during the pandemic.
The study found that taking home methadone doses increased deaths of black and hispanic men but had little effect on the other demographic groups. Relaxing methadone restrictions may help certain at-risk groups, addressing the heterogeneity in treatment.
A new USC Schaeffer Center study reveals that behavioral interventions aimed at improving performance can be designed to protect clinician job satisfaction and improve quality of care. The research team discovered it is essential for clinicians to have control over the behavior being evaluated or encouraged.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.
A new concept and assessment framework called 'human functioning' can revolutionize how we measure and achieve well-being, providing a more complete understanding of human health. By recognizing functioning as the third major health indicator, policymakers can inform and guide public policy to enhance societal welfare.
A new study published in JAMA estimates the total economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US to be over $450 billion in 2018. The study also details costs of racial and education-related health inequities for each state, highlighting disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new poll shows that three-quarters of people aged 50-80 have used at least one patient portal, with lower rates among those with lower incomes or physical/mental health concerns. Portal users prefer online access over phone calls for some tasks, but some still face barriers to using the platforms.
A study of primary care clinicians reveals benefits and challenges of telemedicine, including ease of adoption depending on prior experiences, unclear visit triage rules, and positive impacts on physicians and patients. The technology also presents challenges such as conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing.
The SLU Institute for Healing Justice and Equity has launched a new podcast called Critical Futures, which explores alternative futures and anti-racist health policies. The first episode features discussions on reimagining community partnerships and addressing disparities in Black maternal health.
A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.
A Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award to present her research on how community pharmacies can contribute to preventing suicide in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Nigeria. She aims to raise awareness of suicide and train pharmacists to recognize signs and risk factors.
A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
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.
The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 infection can lead to serious financial issues, including debts sent to collection agencies and lower credit scores. Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had the highest rates of financial problems after their illness.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
The study reveals COVID-19 worsened existing inequities in food security and rental struggles based on race and ethnicity and maternal origins. Equity-focused policy changes are necessary to ensure all US children and families can afford basic needs for optimal health.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.
Experts review changing context for masking in healthcare settings, highlighting advancements in population immunity and medical countermeasures. They advocate for managing SARS-CoV-2 like other respiratory viruses, ensuring healthcare personnel use masks when necessary.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that offering medications for opioid addiction in jails leads to a significant decrease in overdose deaths. Treating opioid addiction during incarceration is also cost-effective and saves lives.
A Japanese study reveals significant birth cohort effects on ESKD requiring RRT, with increased risk for men born in the 1940-60s and women born in 1930–40s. Poor environmental conditions during World War II may contribute to this trend.
This systematic review found associations between evictions and adverse birth outcomes, with childhood exposure linked to neurodevelopment harms. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing rental housing affordability crises and ongoing racial disparities in evictions.
A new study found that the Medicaid 'cliff' - an abrupt end to supplemental insurance above federal poverty threshold - disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic older adults. This results in reduced healthcare use, including fewer doctor visits and prescribed medications, exacerbating existing health disparities.
A study by Catherine Maclean investigates the effect of state and local paid sick leave mandates on individuals with mental health disorders. The research aims to estimate causal relationships between PSL mandates and access to mental healthcare, as well as indicators of quality care received.
A national survey by Brigham researchers identified high levels of burnout, intent to leave the profession, and work overload among healthcare workers. Burnout was most prevalent among nurses (56%) and other clinical staff (54.1%), with 41% of nurses reporting intent to leave.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A new initiative has shown that holistic, team-based care that bridges clinic treatment to community resources can improve diabetes care and management. Healthcare organizations partnering with community groups to address social factors such as food insecurity also shows promise in empowering patients to better manage their own symptoms.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.
Receiving buprenorphine after a nonfatal opioid overdose significantly lowers the risk of subsequent overdose death. The medication was associated with a 62% reduction in risk, highlighting the need for lifesaving treatment following these events. Current evidence shows low uptake of buprenorphine and other medication-assisted treatments.
A new series in The Lancet calls for governments to legislate higher standards for marketing harmful products and businesses to commit to ending lobbying against pro-health policies. The authors also congratulate commercial actors adopting alternative financing models that create social value and promote positive health outcomes.
A real-world analysis found that high-risk Americans who fail to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C levels experience a 44% higher rate of cardiovascular events. The study, presented at the AMCP Conference, used data from over 300 million Americans and compared those who met and maintained recommended targets with those who did not.
A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers found that state policies improving data protection led to increased adoption of health information exchanges (HIEs) and health IT usage. States with favorable legal environments for HIEs saw a rise in HIE adoption, while those with restrictive laws experienced limited growth.
The partnership aims to develop sustainable solutions through research and innovation, leveraging comparative European studies and benchmarking best practices. The initiative is expected to improve the mapping of research measures and disseminate effective solutions among countries.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
A new study suggests CANDOR programs can improve staff's well-being and increase retention rates, addressing the growing concern of burnout among healthcare workers. The program aims to promote honesty in medical error situations, supporting both patients and healthcare professionals.