Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 Cochrane review found that eliminating hazards around the home, such as clutter and poor lighting, can reduce the risk of falls for older people by around a quarter. Decluttering and reducing hazards had the most benefit for those at high risk of falls.
Dr. Natasha Kekre, a University of Ottawa associate professor and hematologist, has secured millions in funding and published numerous peer-reviewed papers on CAR-T cellular therapies for cancer treatment. Her work has advanced the immunotherapy field in Canada and made her an expert in cancer immunotherapies.
A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
A recent study found that promoting physical activity and behavioral support can help smokers reduce their smoking in the short-term, but delivering lasting benefits is challenging. The research, which recruited over 900 smokers, discovered that engaging with motivational support had some initial benefits, but only a small percentage o...
A Tulane University study found that areas with paid sick leave mandates experienced significant increases in breast cancer (4%) and colorectal cancer (6-8%) screenings among private sector employees. The findings suggest that non-monetary barriers to healthcare access can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes.
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
Research found significant room for improvement in accuracy of California's provider directories and timely access to mental health care. Despite stringent regulations, inaccurate directories and inadequate networks hindered access to essential services.
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.
A novel study found a direct relationship between belief in race as a cultural phenomenon driving health disparities and the use of race in care among family physicians. The study suggests that using race without recognizing social, political, and economic factors can stigmatize racially minoritized people and worsen health disparities.
A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A scoping review found evidence-based practices improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The study also identified areas for improvement in EBP adoption and implementation.
A UK government program aimed at tackling childhood obesity may be having negative effects on children's mental health and relationships with food. The study found that some families expressed concerns about the potential for weight-related teasing and stigma, which can lead to poorer self-perceptions and unhealthy dieting behaviors.
Researchers found inconsistencies in labor and delivery policies, causing vicarious trauma among nurses. Policy changes are proposed to improve emotional and mental health support for healthcare workers.
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.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that mandatory cognitive testing during driver's license renewals in over-75-year-olds leads to decreased motor vehicle crashes. However, this policy change is associated with an increase in bike and pedestrian injuries among the same population.
A study of commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data from 2003 to 2017 found no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescribed antipsychotics between states with medical or recreational cannabis policies and those without. The findings suggest continued evaluation of psychosis as a potential conse...
The pandemic exacerbated workforce shortages, low wages, and increased consumer responsibility in self-directed care. Policies like the Appendix K guidelines showed potential to alleviate unmet care needs, but further flexibility is needed to support consumers and workers.
A recent study found that UK healthcare professionals' lifestyles worsened during the pandemic, with 43% reporting reduced physical activity and 28% struggling to eat a healthy diet. However, improving lifestyle habits was associated with a 40% reduction in depression, anxiety, and low mental wellbeing.
A nationwide study led by Harvard researchers found that patients in health systems receive marginally better care but report slightly better experiences, while care comes at a much higher price. The analysis suggests that health systems have not realized their potential for better care at equal or lower cost.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.