Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Prohibition laws on drugs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing addiction and violence, with a quarter of a billion adults worldwide taking illegal drugs. Doctors are calling for health and human rights to be prioritized over punitive responses.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analysis found that Republican and Democratic voters have vastly different views on future health policy issues, influencing potential policy changes. The study suggests that party control will heavily impact future policies, including the Affordable Care Act.
Researchers will investigate the use and effectiveness of alternative methods of electronically sharing health information in primary care settings. The study aims to determine which approach, 'push' or 'pull', is more effective for providers and quantify its impact on potentially avoidable healthcare utilization.
A recent study by Jacob Neiheisel found that liberal branding can affect election outcomes, with stronger influence on down-ballot races. The researcher analyzed campaign ads and survey data from the 2004 US presidential election, revealing that name-calling has a role in shaping voters' attitudes towards candidates.
Copay assistance programs are a Band-Aid on the problem of high drug prices. Experts argue that these programs actually drive up healthcare costs and limit access to essential medications. To mitigate this impact, policymakers should redirect their focus towards innovation incentives, not just cost containment.
The Affordable Care Act has significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals through expanded Medicaid and health insurance exchanges. Early evidence also suggests improvements in access to and affordability of healthcare, despite ongoing disparities by geography, race/ethnicity, and income.
In Kansas, healthcare consumer advocates pushed for moderation in Medicaid reform, securing modest wins despite facing limits. Their strategies reshaped the discourse on accountability and responsibility, informing mechanisms like public oversight committees.
A recent study in Health Affairs highlights critical primary care shortcomings in Latin American countries, including high rates of skipping needed care and emergency department usage. The findings emphasize the urgent need for attention to address these gaps as populations continue to age.
A study published in July Health Affairs found increased out-of-pocket expenditures among people aged fifty and older in eleven European countries between 2006-07 and 2013. The study revealed that those in lower income quintiles incurred less out-of-pocket expenditure compared to higher-income populations.
A large-scale survey found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking, and smoking compared to heterosexuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners to address the unique health needs of this vulnerable population.
Out-of-pocket spending per hospitalization rose by 37%, driven by deductible and coinsurance increases, affecting treatment choices and access to care. Adults in individual-market plans faced the highest cost sharing.
Fred Trotter, a healthcare journalist and author, has been awarded the Health Data Liberator award for his work in liberating health data. His efforts have led to the release of multiple datasets to help researchers, journalists, and companies provide data-backed healthcare solutions.
A study by Sebastian Salas-Vega and Elias Mossialos found a wide variation in the value of cancer drugs across 9 countries, with the US spending more than others but witnessing one of the smallest improvements in cancer-related mortality. The authors calculated a $32.6 billion net positive return from cancer drug care in the US in 2014.
A value-based insurance plan in Connecticut boosted employee use of targeted preventive services by 13.5 percentage points and reduced emergency room visits, leading to potential cost savings over time.
Nearly all states have taken a more-active role in immigration policy, but many lack comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits. A new report from RAND Corporation suggests that state policymakers need better tools to assess the full impact of their policies.
The report emphasizes that patient harm is preventable with a systems-based approach, empowering patients and staff to take ownership of safety. The reports also suggest the need for standardized incident reporting methods and effective training to improve patient safety.
The fellowship program will provide LSU Health New Orleans M.D./M.P.H. students with working knowledge of health policy, enabling them to better understand the policy context in which healthcare is practiced. The program aims to bridge gaps between healthcare and public health disciplines.
A new study found that implementing LGBT training for healthcare staff in New York City correctional facilities led to a significant decrease in patient complaints. Within six months, all patient complaints were resolved, marking a major improvement in transgender healthcare.
Healthism, a peremptory idea of self-preserving behavior, criticizes everything that fails to fit into glamorous health standards. Angelina Jolie syndrome is an extreme manifestation of this obsession, leading to mass neurosis and social discrimination against those who don't conform to beauty norms.
A global study in Health Affairs found no significant differences in the health, nutrition, and educational outcomes of left-behind children and rural children living with their parents. The research suggests that programs specifically targeting left-behind children may be misdirected and should focus on all rural children instead.
A new study from Oregon State University found that young Latinos in rural areas experience discrimination when obtaining health care services. Nearly 40% of participants reported being prevented from accessing services or being hassled due to perceived discrimination. The researchers emphasize the need for cultural competency among he...
A study of Medicare patients found that those transported by basic life support ambulances had better survival rates than those transported by advanced life support ambulances. This is despite ALS ambulances being dispatched preferentially for life-threatening conditions.
The October issue of Health Affairs explores global health experiences to inform US policy, particularly on addressing risk selection and premium rates. Studies examine strategies used by European countries to reduce high costs, such as quality skimping and flexible premium rates.
Smiling Brazil launched in 2004 and incorporated oral health into the public healthcare system, adopting an integral care approach. The policy has shown positive results in oral health epidemiological indicators, financial investment, and professional development.
Healthcare is a major responsibility of Canada's federal government, which must be addressed in the upcoming election. The system has struggled with quality rankings and access to primary care, mental health services, and new treatments.
A new RAND analysis reveals that enrolling in a health insurance plan is only the first step for consumers to be actively engaged in their healthcare. The study found that low health literacy and limited access to primary care physicians are significant barriers to consumer engagement. To overcome these challenges, a collaborative and ...
The Medicare and Medicaid programs are critical components of the US healthcare system, serving over 111 million people. They face significant challenges in adapting to a changing healthcare landscape while navigating conflicting priorities from beneficiaries, practitioners, and policymakers.
A new study compares Nixon's health plans with Obamacare, revealing that while both aimed to provide coverage for the uninsured, Nixon's proposals were more 'liberal' and preserved the insurance industry's role. The ACA faced intense opposition, with some Democrats initially rejecting it as too moderate.
As Medicaid approaches middle age, it will increasingly exercise its buying power to shape healthcare trends, including care management and population health. Despite low rates and stigma, Medicaid is a critical player in the US healthcare system, with potential for growth over the next 50 years.
Experts criticize the UN SDG target to reduce premature mortality among younger people, arguing it unfairly discriminates against older adults. The proposed target could lead to institutionalized discrimination and a lack of resources for conditions affecting older individuals.
A study published in Value in Health suggests that focusing solely on financial sustainability can jeopardize the long-term viability of healthcare systems. The researchers argue that considering social and political aspects is crucial for building universal healthcare systems.
The American College of Physicians recommends comprehensive transgender health care services in health benefits plans and civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. The organization also opposes 'conversion' therapy and aims to eliminate disparities in healthcare access for LGBT individuals.
Elective tubal sterilization is readily available to women with private payment, but Medicaid beneficiaries face a 30-day wait. Experts argue that this violates healthcare justice and access to permanent contraception for low-income women. The policy restricts nearly half of annual deliveries paid by Medicaid.
A recent UCLA study found that only 9% of US academic medical practices have procedures for connecting patients to LGBT-competent physicians. This suggests a need for increased training and policies to support LGBT patient care. The study's findings highlight the importance of healthcare providers being aware of and sensitive to factor...
A comprehensive analysis of 66,101 health-care facilities in 54 low- and middle-income countries found that 38% lack an improved water source, 19% lack improved sanitation, and 35% lack soap for hand washing. This compromise basic health-care services like child delivery, posing infection risks to patients and staff.
Research from VA's Women's Health Research Network highlights key barriers and unmet needs for women veterans in accessing care, with a focus on primary care, reproductive health, mental health, and military service-related issues. The studies inform policy recommendations to guide quality improvement efforts.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that religious women's opinions on reproductive health policies, such as contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act, are mixed. While some Protestant and Catholic women support employer-provided contraception coverage, others, including Baptists and other Christians, disagree.
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.