Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A study found that even with health impact assessments, political agendas often override HiAP considerations in decision-making. Funding for HiAP initiatives can be split between government departments, creating challenges to its success.
OurNotes aims to enhance communication and engage patients in managing illness more effectively and efficiently, leading to improved patient safety and quality of care. The project will explore the potential for patients to contribute to their own medical records, building on BIDMC's well-established work in patient engagement.
The IMF's economic policies have been shown to reduce government spending on healthcare, leading to underfunded and understaffed health systems. The researchers argue that the IMF's campaigns for decentralised healthcare systems also hinder coordinated responses to outbreaks, such as Ebola.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that advanced life support ambulances, which use sophisticated gear and staffed with highly trained paramedics, do not save lives but rather increase the risk of death compared to basic life support ambulances. BLS patients were nearly 50% more likely to survive than ALS patients at 90 days.
Vietnam has made significant progress in controlling infectious diseases such as SARS and HIV/AIDS, with a goal of universal coverage. However, disparities in health care access remain, particularly for rural areas and minority groups. The country aims to improve its health care system through increased funding and training.
A new analysis of Michigan's Medicaid expansion found that the state enrolled over 327,000 people in its first 100 days, beating projections. The program has also shown promise for reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes among low-income adults.
A study by Stanford researchers found that medical practices in less competitive health-care markets charge more for services. The study analyzed U.S. health-care data from 2010 and found that areas with lower competition had higher prices for office visits, translating to tens of billions of dollars in extra spending.
A mandatory employee vaccination policy at Henry Ford Health System resulted in a significant increase in flu vaccination rates, reaching 99% among health care workers. The system's success can be attributed to effective communication, education, and sufficient vaccine availability.
Heart failure affects millions worldwide, yet awareness is low among politicians, healthcare professionals, and the public. Many cases are preventable and treatable, improving quality of life and survival.
Researchers tracked spending and utilization in three states and one insurance group, finding that price increases drove growth, not use. The study provides a mechanism for promoting provider accountability on prices through transparency.
A recent study found that states with higher Medicaid payments for office visits have more likely recipients to receive breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings. Eliminating asset tests can also increase the likelihood of receiving cancer screenings by helping low-income individuals remain enrolled in Medicaid.
Healthcare experts examine potential cost savings in maternal mortality reduction, adolescent cancer treatment, and biosimilar medication use. Studies reveal the importance of long-term financing plans and access to follow-up care for improved outcomes.
A policy of higher NHS spending in deprived areas is associated with a reduction in absolute health inequalities from causes amenable to healthcare. This trend continues even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that targeting resources at deprived areas may be an effective strategy.
Vaccination rates among healthcare workers are less than 50%, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with public health. Mandatory flu vaccinations can benefit patient health, but must comply with employment law, provincial human rights codes, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Heart Failure Association calls for global policy change to address the growing burden of heart failure, which affects millions worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of prevention, awareness among healthcare professionals, and equitable care for all patients.
A study published in Psychological Science found that increased diversity leads to a wider partisan divide among White Americans, with more support for conservative policies. The research suggests that this shift is driven by a perceived threat to their social status, rather than the actual changes in demographics.
A new study by IIASA researchers suggests that increasing labor force participation by as little as 1 or 2 percentage points could allow pension ages to be reduced by one year without increasing the burden on the working population. This approach is considered more palatable politically than raising retirement age, which has proven unp...
A new study in Health Affairs found that combining pay-for-performance with capitation in China's Ningxia Province significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions and total spending per visit. The intervention led to a near-15% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions and a small decline in total spending.
A recent study by Daphna Stroumsa calls for policy change and equal access to quality health care for transgender patients. The medical establishment should provide coverage of care, including sex reassignment surgery, while patients make the physical transition to their gender identity.
Research finds Thatcher's policies led to unnecessary unemployment, welfare cuts, and damaging housing policies resulting in excess deaths. The study also highlights the rise in income inequality and regional disparities in health standards during the Thatcher era.
Researchers found significant disparity in US emergency department (ED) adoption of contact precautions policies, with only specific organisms prompting measures, not symptoms. The study highlights the need for EDs to implement standardized policies to protect patients and staff.
The study found that 42% of US hospitals use telehealth approaches, with hospitals in states with broad-based reimbursement laws being more likely to adopt these strategies. Telehealth uses such as teleradiology and electronic intensive care units also increase hospital adoption rates.
Research on a prospective payment system for ESRD improved patient access to care while reducing costs and mortality rates. The system created incentives to reduce high medication doses and higher-cost medications, saving taxpayers money.
A nationwide survey of 1,534 hospital ICUs found uneven compliance with infection prevention policies, with only 27-68% reporting policies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The use of checklists and ventilator bundles was reported by most hospitals, but clinician adherence rates were low, ranging from 6-71%.
A new study finds that Massachusetts' broader health insurance reform improved the state's health status and preventive care, especially among low-income residents. The study also showed increased access to personal doctors and reduced cost barriers to care.
A team of researchers from the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute emphasize the importance of translating biomedical research into real-world healthcare solutions. By likening the Affordable Care Act to traditional clinical trials, they highlight its potential to advance health care and wellness in the United States.
The Institute for Population Health Improvement at UC Davis has received grants to increase awareness of evidence-based policies addressing various health issues in California and nationwide. The programs aim to inform legislative staff and the public about key topics, including transparency in cancer care.
Researchers found no association between surgeon sleep deprivation and increased risk of complications, conversions to open operations, iatrogenic injuries, or patient death. The study suggests that surgeons can perform elective operations without compromising patient safety, even after operating the night before.
A team of researchers challenges widely-held assumptions about the growth of medical tourism, citing a lack of credible data and regional factors. They argue that historical flows between countries, cultural relations, and geo-political factors drive medical tourism, rather than global market opportunities.
A survey of 71 hospitals found that most had policies in place for device use, surgery, and hand hygiene, but fewer had policies on antimicrobial stewardship. Practices to reduce device risk varied between hospitals, with some using bladder scanners and others lacking proper training on urinary catheter placement.
The American Heart Association recommends treating unhealthy behaviors like smoking and poor diet as aggressively as high blood pressure. Healthcare providers should implement the five A's to connect patients with specialists and arrange follow-up care to promote significant behavior changes.
A new book by Harry P. Selker, M.D., M.S.P.H., offers a fresh perspective on the Affordable Care Act, highlighting its potential as an experiment in translational research. The book explores the history, impact, and future of healthcare reform.
A survey of US physicians found that they generally agree on quality initiatives to reduce costs but express less enthusiasm for payment model changes. Most believed trial lawyers and patients have a significant role in reducing costs, while practicing physicians reported having limited responsibility. Physicians were enthusiastic abou...
Two new studies describe health success stories outside the US, showcasing Avahan HIV prevention program transitioned to government management in India and Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program reducing infant mortality rates in Brazil.
Patients in Medicare HMOs were more likely to receive recommended preventive services and rated their primary care physicians favorably compared to traditional fee-for-service plans. The study found that older, larger not-for-profit HMOs performed better on these measures than smaller for-profit ones.
AcademyHealth recognized Donald M. Steinwachs, Ateev Mehrotra, and Zirui Song for their significant contributions to health services research. The awards honored their scholarship, teaching, and leadership in improving healthcare effectiveness and patient outcomes.
A study from University of Michigan Health System reveals black patients in segregated areas are up to 96% more likely to have surgery at low-quality hospitals, living nearly twice as close to high-quality facilities as white patients. The results suggest separate but unequal hospitalization patterns exist, with potential solutions inc...
Achieving widespread reductions in preventable hospital readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries may take longer than anticipated. Fostering collaborative relationships among providers across care settings is key to reducing preventable readmissions, according to researchers analyzing the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations i...
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that states with restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria have higher rates of patients delaying needed medical care. Regions with the highest rates of delayed medical care are primarily in the southeast, including Florida and Texas, where Hispanics are at a higher risk for delaying care.
The Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy has selected eight young Emerging Leaders for their outstanding policy and leadership achievements. The award highlights the future leaders of community health centers, recognizing commitment, motivation, professional achievement, and leadership qualities.
Researchers propose coverage with evidence development (CED) and parallel review policies to accelerate access to molecular diagnostics, which aid in disease prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. These policies aim to streamline regulatory processes and provide benefits for developers.
A recent study suggests that new national policies designed to reduce hospital readmissions will have uncertain success. The study identifies three critical challenges that stand in the way of policy success, including the need for collaborative relationships within the medical community and more evidence-based policy decisions.
The Oregon Health Insurance Experiment made a significant impact on health policy by providing critical evidence for policymakers considering Medicaid expansions. The study found that enrollment in Medicaid substantially increased health care use, reduced financial strain, and improved self-reported health and well-being.
A new study shows that fewer than one-in-five healthcare providers meet Medicare PQRS requirements. Radiologists are nearly twice as likely to qualify for bonuses, but face penalties if they don't improve their documentation and reporting. The study found that radiologists collectively may face penalties totaling over $100M in 2016.
Consumers with individual insurance policies received $394 million in rebates, while insurers reduced overhead by $560 million. The Affordable Care Act's medical loss ratio provision led to improvements in administrative costs and medical loss ratios in the individual market.
A new analysis by Professor Sara Rosenbaum finds that severe Medicaid cuts would cripple the US healthcare system, halting state expansions for low-income adults. The block grant proposal is the most far-reaching plan under consideration, but other approaches also miss the mark.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that integrated care provided by managed care plans reduces resource use, potentially leading to overall savings. Risk-adjustment reforms have mitigated favorable selection, reducing the tendency of health plans to attract healthier patients.
A new analysis from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found substantial local variation in health care spending within large geographic regions. The study reveals that many low-spending hospitals are located within high-spending areas, and vice versa.
A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute suggests that declining medical imaging use may be driving up hospital stays and medical costs in the US. This trend could have negative consequences on patient safety and access to care if not addressed through policy changes.
The UK and US healthcare systems have much to learn from each other, particularly in areas like financing, organisation, and information technology. The authors highlight key differences between the two countries' reforms and suggest that country-specific expertise could be valuable.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that patients entering hospitals with heart attacks in states with mandatory public reporting are less likely to receive angioplasties. High-risk patients were particularly affected, with a 27% lower odds of receiving the procedure.
Leading doctors challenge the assumption that more is better in US healthcare, citing $800bn annual cost due to unnecessary care. They identify factors such as malpractice fears, biased research, and financial conflicts of guideline writers contributing to overtreatment.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology explores radiology's role in health care reform, including utilization management, value-based payment systems, and patient-centered outcomes. The issue highlights the importance of radiologists being involved in directing overall health policy and budget discussions.
The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy will lead a project to replicate innovative care management programs in four US cities, including Camden, NJ, and other safety-net health provider organizations. The project aims to deliver better care at lower cost to high-need patients from low-income communities.
A recent study found that higher taxes on cigarettes and implementation of smoke-free policies are effective in reducing smoking during pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also showed that these policies can help prevent relapse after delivery, with a $1.00 increase in tax resulting in a 4.8 ...
A case study from Afghanistan reports a substantial increase in mental health consultations, from 659 to 20,000, after integrating psychosocial problems into basic health services. The authors argue that concurrent community-based approaches and capacity building are crucial for fostering structural changes within the healthcare system.
A study of nearly 11,000 total knee replacements across five top health systems revealed significant variations in length of stay, operating room time, and in-hospital complications. The data showed that surgeons with higher volumes tend to have shorter procedures, while older and sicker patients had longer hospital stays.
A new study suggests that consumer-directed health plans could reduce healthcare spending in the US by $57 billion annually, equivalent to a 4% decrease in healthcare costs. The plans, which have high deductibles and personal health accounts, may encourage patients to make more informed decisions about their care.
A new study found that information technology is a fundamental component of 176 health programs in low- and middle-income countries. Technology is being used to extend geographical access, facilitate communications between health workers and patients, and improve data management.
A US study has found that physicians are less likely to prescribe antidepressants to African-American and Hispanic patients with major depressive disorder. The study also reveals significant variations in prescription patterns based on patient age, payment source, and physician ownership status.