Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.
A recent study found that half of patients in East London regularly see the same GP, a crucial factor in better patient outcomes. The researchers highlight the need for policymakers to measure and incentivize continuity of care to improve health outcomes.
The American College of Radiology has issued risk mitigation guidance to help healthcare institutions conserve contrast media supplies amid a global shortage. Two healthcare systems, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, have implemented strategies that reduced their contrast use by at least 50%.
The article provides guidance on alternative imaging methods for interventional radiology procedures, including the use of intravascular ultrasound, alternative contrast agents such as gadolinium and carbon dioxide, and case prioritization strategies to optimize available supplies. The authors recommend creating a priority matrix and h...
A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.
A study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine suggests that clinician encouragement can empower patients and their families to engage in civic activities. By promoting voter engagement, healthcare providers can contribute to building an inclusive democracy and promoting health equity.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that transgender and gender-diverse college students are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. The study highlights the importance of colleges and universities in recognizing and addressing this issue, particularly among students with intersecting identities.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable but higher-dose opioid therapy who had their doses tapered by at least 15% had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis in the second year after tapering compared to their pre-tapering period. The risks were greatest in patients with the highest baseline doses.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.
Researchers estimated that hypothetical income support policies could avert approximately 1,200 to 2,800 potential deaths among working-age adults in the United States. The study used econometric modeling to analyze the impact of different policy scenarios on mortality rates.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that people in some states will be significantly affected by restrictions on interstate telehealth. Rural residents have taken advantage of this service, with 18% using it for in-person care or telehealth, compared to 13% of non-rural residents.
A Mayo Clinic study found that disparities in opioid treatment access persist among women, Black and Hispanic populations. Despite increased access, these groups continue to face systemic barriers, including racism, mistrust of healthcare professionals, and lack of clinicians able to prescribe buprenorphine.
Dr. Mona Fouad has been recognized for her leadership in health disparities research and commitment to equity in healthcare. Her work has led to the development of rigorous research and interventions to make healthcare more accessible to historically underserved populations.
A Michigan study reveals that hundreds of thousands of surgical and dental opioid prescriptions are filled long after writing, but a state law helped reduce this trend. The authors suggest tightening state laws to prevent or reduce misuse associated with delayed dispensing of opioids.
A cross-sectional survey of 23,000 adults in 23 countries found that 15% of healthcare providers reported vaccine hesitancy. Factors associated with hesitancy include lower income and younger age, but not efficacy concerns. Strategies to address hesitancy include training and clear information on vaccine safety and distribution.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that dementia diagnoses are often accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. The research found that the average Medicare spending jumped by 150% after a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
A new poll found that most Gen Z youth want their healthcare providers to screen for and provide support for social determinants of health. Nearly 81% of respondents believe providers should ask about factors such as housing, food, education, safety, and discrimination.
Researchers investigate how COVID-19 pandemic policies impacted access to life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder in minority groups. They aim to understand structural mechanisms of disparities and encourage the healthcare system to review and change social policies.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.
A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.
A study of over 4,000 US high school boys found a strong association between muscle-building exercise and physical fighting, as well as carrying weapons. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender equity and violence among adolescent boys.
Two studies found that approximately one in eight doctors experienced high levels of moral distress, which increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Healthcare organizations can reduce moral distress by providing opportunities for discussing ethical concerns and supporting staff well-being.
A new study found that states with less rigorous regulations have lower rates of residents dying at home or with hospice care. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is also linked to worse access to high-quality end-of-life care.
A new study by George Mason University Professor Priyanka Anand found that paid leave mandates reduce the likelihood of caregivers reducing their paid work hours to care for a spouse with a disability or health shock. However, without job protection, these policies may lead to increased employment departure among caregivers.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
Researchers analyzed changes in gender-affirming surgery across US regions between 2008-2017, finding that policy shifts and insurance coverage significantly influenced surgical rates. The study suggests a positive correlation between increased insurance coverage and higher rates of gender-affirming surgery.
A Canadian study found that Inuit patients in Nunavut experienced a 25% higher risk of serious complications after surgery compared to non-Inuit patients. The research also showed that Inuit patients had different baseline health characteristics, including lower age and chronic disease prevalence.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new Hastings Center special report calls on bioethics to take a lead in addressing racial injustice and health inequities in the US. The report highlights structural racism and anti-Black racism in healthcare settings and proposes transformations in bioethics scholarship, education, and research.
A study across eight European countries found that conventional vaccination campaign messages are ineffective due to factors like low health literacy and conspiracy theories. The research suggests a need for targeted messaging strategies tailored to specific groups and communication channels.
For 18 out of 21 analyzed conditions, patients with telehealth consults did not require more unplanned hospitalizations or emergency department visits within 14 days compared to those making an initial in-person visit. However, patients with upper respiratory infections and bronchitis were more likely to need follow-up visits.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
ACOs with higher percentages of minority patients have lower quality performance and poorer preventive care outcomes. In contrast, ACOs with lower out-of-network primary care rates show no differences in quality performance among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with improved survival rates and decreased mortality rates among patients diagnosed with de novo stage 4 breast cancer. The study also reveals a significant decrease in racial disparities, with mortality rates decreasing by 5.5% among minority groups.
The study analyzed over 125,000 US health care workers, finding that frontline workers were at highest risk of leaving the workforce due to burnout and stress. The researchers also identified specific factors contributing to turnover, such as inadequate staffing and lack of support from employers.
A recent analysis found that more than half (59%) of cancer survivors and patients experience at least a moderate level of fear of cancer recurrence. Younger people and women are disproportionately affected. Researchers emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address this common concern.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
A new study reveals that nearly half of all older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis listed on their medical record, a 36% increase from two decades ago. This rise may be attributed to better public awareness, more detailed medical records, and Medicare billing practices, rather than an actual increase in the condition.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a setback in global efforts to meet SDG targets for tackling tuberculosis. TB mortality plateaued in Europe between 2019 and 2020, likely due to disruptions in essential TB services. Researchers highlight the need for continued commitment and investments to prevent further progress being reversed.
Investments in primary care research can enhance community-centeredness, reducing inequities in access, quality, and outcomes of care. Strategic research prioritizes whole person care and innovative payment models to support primary care's future success.
A national study found a stark paucity of racialized leaders in Canada's high-level healthcare leadership, despite gender parity. Increasing racial diversity can promote culturally sensitive care, address discriminatory policies, and provide a broader perspective on health inequities.
Dialysis facilities referred more incident patients, transplant centers evaluated more, but fewer were placed on the waitlist following KAS implementation. This led to a decline in overall waitlisting nationwide.
Health policy experts review existing coverage systems and propose rigorous research to inform the US debate on universal healthcare coverage. They identify areas where additional research and stakeholder input are needed to achieve high-performing universal health insurance.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.
Economists Ed Timmons and Conor Norris suggest reforms such as shorter medical school pathways, expanded physician assistant and nurse practitioner independence, and federal regulation of telemedicine to alleviate the healthcare industry's stress in light of COVID-19. These proposals aim to address staffing shortages, improve access to...
A study examining subnational policy responses to COVID-19 in Latin America found high variation in adopted measures among countries. The authors conclude that governments should focus on evidence-based national policies while coordinating with subnational governments for tailored local responses.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
Prices paid to anesthesia practitioners increased by 16.5% in facilities that contracted with a PMC versus non-PMC facilities, and by 19% when facilities contracted with a PMC without PE investment. PE-backed PMCs commanded higher prices, possibly due to market share and negotiating expertise.
Oral health disparities persist despite improved overall health trends, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Research and policy initiatives are needed to make oral health care more affordable, accessible, and responsive to communities.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that adherence promotion programs like MAPS reduce costs and improve outcomes for adolescent kidney transplant recipients. Strategies with similar costs to MAPS can still be cost-effective if they decrease rejection episodes by a small amount.
Young adults are disproportionately excluded from kidney transplantation, with only 1.8% of Black and 4.4% of Hispanic patients receiving the treatment compared to 10.9% of White patients within this age group. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A new study shows that ZIP code social vulnerability index is linked to COVID-19 severity, with more disadvantaged areas experiencing higher symptom rates. However, differences disappear when patients are discharged from hospitals, suggesting equal access to care plays a crucial role in reducing initial disparities.
Researchers find that communicating hope rather than fear is key to motivating fatigued citizens to take protective measures. The study's results suggest that health authorities should focus on providing long-term advice and solutions to build public support.
A growing number of US states have passed laws requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, with 27.6% of jobs covered as of 2019. However, some states block local governments from creating their own regulations, exacerbating health disparities and leaving low-wage workers without access to benefits.
A survey of over 1,100 people in the US found that lack of COVID-19 testing availability increases intentions for risky behavior, potentially leading to increased transmission. Participants with negative tests showed greater intention to engage in behaviors facilitating viral transmission.