Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Research by the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds, York, and Liverpool found that New Labour's policies narrowed the gap in infant mortality rates between English local authorities between 1999-2010. However, the trend was reversed since 2011 due to austerity measures.
Caregiving in Canada is becoming increasingly demanding and stressful, with many untrained individuals providing medical and nursing care. The need for caregiving will increase as the ageing population grows, posing a risk to caregivers' mental and physical health.
The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA) aims to address persistent health inequities in the region by fostering intersectoral partnerships. HENA's approach focuses on increasing knowledge of effective practices, promoting adoption of policies and programs, and ensuring successful implementation.
A recent study found that over 30% of healthcare reviews fail to fully report potential side effects of medical interventions, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting and proactive approaches to prompt reviewers to include these critical details.
A study analyzing hospital survey data from nine Latin American countries found that telemedicine use varies greatly among hospitals. Selected health organization characteristics, national policy, and culture are driving forces behind telemedicine expansion.
A new national poll suggests that many people in their 50s and early 60s harbor serious worries about their health insurance status, now and in the future. The poll found that 45% of those age 50-64 concerned they won't be able to afford insurance in retirement.
The Lancet report debunks myths about migration and health, highlighting the economic benefits of migration and the need to integrate migrant populations into healthcare systems. The Commission on Migration and Health calls for improved public health responses and counteracting racism.
Retailers have unique advantages in accessing consumer data, while current policies struggle to guide the industry on telehealth and AI capabilities. Experts warn of potential convergence of personal and non-personal health information.
A survey of 800 adults undergoing bariatric surgery found that patients prioritize expected out-of-pocket costs and weight loss potential. This approach may differ from the procedure's related risks or recovery time. The study suggests healthcare providers should discuss cost with patients to ensure informed decision-making.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that healthcare professionals in accountable care organizations have a positive sentiment towards patient engagement and activation, but struggle with understanding and implementing these approaches. The researchers highlight the need for improved training and support to overcome barriers and ach...
A study found that individuals recently released from prison were less likely to receive a doctor's appointment compared to control group members. The likelihood of obtaining an appointment was significantly lower for those with a recent prison history, despite a universal healthcare system.
Experts are advocating for a new approach to caring for patients with multiple long-term conditions. The report recommends patient-centered care, better integration between general practice and hospitals, and more emphasis on self-care to manage health conditions effectively.
A replication of the 1997 Woodhull Study on Nursing and the Media found nurses continue to be underrepresented as sources in health news stories. The study also revealed biases among newsrooms and journalists that hinder the use of nurses as sources, despite their unique perspectives.
A study analyzed TV ads for ACA health insurance plans, finding a shift towards targeting younger, healthier individuals and emphasizing financial assistance, as well as a decline in mentions of 'ObamaCare' or 'Affordable Care Act'. The researchers suggest this trend may be related to low public understanding of the law.
A first-of-kind study by The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice assesses clinician and patient attitudes towards recording clinical visits. The study found that 28% of clinicians reported recording a visit, with oncologists and physical rehabilitation specialists more likely to have done so.
A recent UTHealth-led survey revealed that only 19.3% of healthcare organizations in the US and Australia have fully implemented voluntary guidelines for safe e-health record management. The study found significant variation in adherence rates across different domains, suggesting factors such as budget constraints, personnel skill mix,...
A USC study found that when clinicians are given information about a patient's fatal overdose, they prescribe fewer powerful painkillers. Clinicians who received a letter from the county medical examiner were 9.7% less likely to prescribe opioids in the following three months.
A single-payer health care plan in New York could expand coverage for all residents without increasing overall spending, according to a RAND Corporation analysis. The plan would require substantial new tax revenue and shift financing among households and businesses, with the highest-income households paying substantially more.
A new study found that VA healthcare utilization is influenced by external factors like unemployment, Medicaid eligibility, and housing costs. The study used VA data to analyze the impact of these factors on healthcare use among over 8 million Veterans between 2008-2014.
Experts warn that a proposed Trump gag rule will limit federal funding for abortion counselling and provision, posing a threat to women's basic rights. The rule would prohibit clinics or programs receiving federal family planning funds from providing abortions, referring women to places that do, or counselling them on the option.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a position paper calling for policies that better support women's health, including paid family and medical leave, reduced domestic violence, and access to reproductive services. A new prediction tool may also help tailor lung cancer screening to patient benefit and preferences.
The study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a decline in ICU admission rates among patients with ambulatory-care sensitive conditions. Rates of uninsurance and Medicaid coverage increased significantly in expansion states, suggesting improved access to care.
Two commentaries in JACM question whether colonial models devalue traditional and complementary practices. Researchers Heather Boon and Nadine Ijaz argue that biomedical dominance subordinates indigenous knowledge systems, while Editor-in-Chief John Weeks emphasizes the need for re-examining harmful limits of biomedicine's approach.
Researchers found that 7.4% of NYC legislation between 1998 and 2017 could impact cardiovascular health, with enacted bills reducing air pollution, promoting physical activity, healthy diets, and tobacco cessation. These policies led to a 35% decline in adult smoking prevalence.
The VA health care system performs similarly to or better than non-VA systems on most measures of inpatient and outpatient care quality, according to a new study. The findings suggest that the VA needs targeted quality improvement efforts to ensure uniform high-quality care at all facilities.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has updated its consensus guidelines to allow for flexibility in length of stay after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), prioritizing patient-centered care. The new guidelines assess readiness for discharge along three lines: procedural, patient, and programmatic factors.
Two studies found no reductions in hospital use or spending linked to the global budget program, despite expected improvements in care. The program may still have saved money due to changes in hospital prices.
The US spends significantly more on healthcare than European countries due to high-price-high-volume surgical procedures, administrative bloat, and excessive medical imaging. Policymakers should target these drivers of excess spending to reduce the gap.
A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers increase participation by up to 30% and reduce absenteeism during critical patient surges. Vaccinated health care workers had a 30% reduction in absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated workers.
Researchers with UAHS and ASU are studying the effect of two Medicaid enrollment freezes and subsequent expansions on healthcare utilization and expenditures among adults and children in Arizona. The study aims to inform policymakers about Medicaid funding and administration.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association calls for improved care for sepsis survivors, focusing on strategies to minimize physical disability and cognitive impairment. The recommended approach includes high-quality early sepsis care, post-discharge assessment and treatment, and screening for pre-exist...
A new study analyzing heart attack care and spending in America since the turn of the century shows increased survival rates and growing costs, with variation between hospitals on both scores. Early stenting treatment has been found to be cost-effective, particularly for high-volume hospitals.
A new study by New York University researchers reveals that people tend to overstate their negative feelings and symptoms in surveys, leading to potentially inaccurate assessments of health and well-being. The findings suggest that initial reports of distress may be overstated, causing biases in subsequent measurements.
A Harvard Medical School study found that a pay-for-performance program inadvertently shifted funds away from physicians treating sicker patients, exacerbating disparities in healthcare delivery. The program's design did not account for differences across patient populations, leading to no improvements in performance or care quality.
A new study suggests that despite the rise in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), most Americans who have them aren't pursuing consumer-like behaviors such as saving, shopping around, or discussing costs with healthcare providers. Key findings include low savings rates and limited engagement with providers.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ambulatory surgery centers performed 73% of cataract surgeries in 2014, up from 43.6% in 2001. The shift is driven by convenience, lower out-of-pocket costs, and decreased cost-per-case for insurers.
A Canadian alliance led by Dr. Andrea Tricco aims to strengthen the health-care system by providing patients with access to relevant scientific evidence. The alliance will answer at least 100 questions over a five-year period using knowledge synthesis and collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers.
The Method for Introducing a New Competency in Genomics (MINC) website offers more than 100 resources to support nursing professionals in integrating genomics into patient care. The toolkit addresses the need for healthcare professionals to stay updated with changing healthcare environments.
A recent analysis found that nearly half of hospitals have shared ownership with providers in post-acute care or hospice sectors, up from 25 percent in 2005. This trend has significant implications for antitrust, payment, and regulatory policies, as well as the quality and cost of care.
A report suggests that behavioral science can be used to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of American healthcare by encouraging healthier lifestyles and insurance plan enrollment. The study proposes policy recommendations for employers, insurers, and policymakers to reduce costs and promote evidence-based treatments.
The American Geriatrics Society calls for bipartisan collaboration to improve the nation's healthcare system, focusing on expanded in-home care options and adequate resources for caregivers. Experts also emphasize the need for geriatricians' training and research on healthy aging and age-related health problems.
Two studies led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that few people actually use price shopping tools to choose lower-cost healthcare options, despite growing interest in the idea. The research suggests that consumerism may not be as effective as believed in driving down healthcare costs.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped close gaps in healthcare access between poor and higher-income households. In states that expanded Medicaid, the gap fell by 46%, while in non-expansion states, it declined by 23%. Despite gains, many low- and middle-income residents still lack coverage or avoid care due to cost.
A new USC-led study reveals that Medicare Advantage plans pay physicians similar prices to traditional Medicare, with most procedures seeing reimbursement rates near parity. The researchers also found that commercial insurance pays higher prices for many services.
A new national poll on healthy aging will release its first results on June 29, tracking key health issues for people between 50 and 80 years old. The poll aims to provide timely insight into current issues affecting older Americans, informing healthcare policy and clinical practice.
The chartbook highlights the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions among older adults and women, emphasizing treatment challenges for patients with co-occurring health issues. The data also underscores the significant burden of chronic illness on the healthcare system.
A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 65% of parents supported age-based restrictions on indoor tanning for adolescents. Parents who perceived the harms of indoor tanning were more likely to support bans, highlighting the importance of public health efforts to reduce adolescents' use.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 'visual abstract' graphics on Twitter can nearly triple the number of people who click the link in a tweet to read a full research paper. The study showed that tweets with visual abstracts were retweeted more than eight times as often and seen by nearly eight times as many people.
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.
The Trump administration's policy changes put women's access to effective contraception and abortion care at risk. Professor Daniel Grossman warns that the re-imposition of the Mexico City Policy and proposed legislation could severely limit access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.
The BMJ warns that Trump's administration may damage health by suppressing research and limiting communication on scientific topics deemed politically inconvenient. This could harm public health efforts globally.
Most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study analyzed over 1,800 reviews and found that patients tend to have either strongly positive or strongly negative opinions about their radiologists.
A new study finds that Spanish-speaking and non-citizen Latino parents are half as likely to feel their doctor listens to them compared to English-speaking and U.S. citizen parents. The study highlights significant disparities in communication, particularly for children whose parents only speak Spanish or a mix of English and Spanish.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing study finds that retail-based clinic growth is linked to scope-of-practice reform for nurse practitioners in states like Pennsylvania. The reform led to increased accessibility and convenience for patients, as nurse practitioners were able to provide a wider range of services
A new study led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that an alternative payment model improved the quality of care for low-income patients, with significant gains observed in lower socioeconomic status areas. The program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Alternative Quality Contract, pays providers a lump sum to cover a...
The American Geriatrics Society has emphasized the importance of strengthening clinical care and workforce development to support older Americans. The society outlines its vision for person-centered care, focusing on expanding healthcare options, ensuring quality in healthcare, and addressing geriatrician shortages.
A government-backed policy to reduce salt intake by 10% over 10 years is projected to avert approximately 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years per year globally. The estimated average cost effectiveness ratio of the 10-year intervention is around $204 per DALY saved, comparable to many drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study in Health Affairs explores Brazil's Estratégia de Saúde da Família program and its impact on mortality rates. The findings indicate that expanding primary healthcare can reduce mortality rates, but effective implementation depends on strong local governance.
Cardiologists must adapt to emerging payment models to improve value, according to a review by George Washington University researcher Steven Farmer. The review explores existing and emerging payment and delivery reforms that will affect cardiologists and their practices.