Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study led by Salomeh Keyhani found no evidence to support the notion that higher regional healthcare costs indicate inappropriate care. The researchers reviewed 114,830 peer-reviewed articles and concluded that there is a lack of scientific evidence to design policies that reduce unnecessary care.
Aaron E. Carroll, a renowned health policy expert, will provide insight into the political aspects of health care via The JAMA Forum, analyzing presidential campaign proposals and Supreme Court decisions.
A recent study suggests that US radiation residents' curricula for business practice and health care policy are in need of improvement, with most programs offering variable topics and educational time. The study's findings indicate that current curricula may be suboptimal, highlighting the need for further commitment and innovation.
The rapid urbanization of China has led to a significant increase in disease rates and healthcare disparities, particularly among rural-to-urban migrants. These individuals face unique health risks due to gaps in healthcare coverage and exposure to pathogens associated with both rural poverty and crowded urban environments.
A new study by RAND Corporation concludes that eliminating the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act would sharply decrease health coverage, but not dramatically hike insurance prices. The number of Americans predicted to get coverage in 2016 would drop from 27 million to 15 million if the individual mandate were eliminated.
Research studies evaluated the impact of Massachusetts health reform on insurance coverage, access to care, and affordability, providing insights into system-wide changes. Another study identified the benefits and risks of relationships between physicians/scientists and industry, influencing policies and practices nationwide.
Increasing physician pay to attract more doctors may lead to a shortage of services. Non-wage compensation like bonuses and relocation support can reduce the number of hours worked by physicians.
Hospital parking fees should be abolished as they create barriers to health care and distract patients from their concerns. Abolishing parking fees would validate patients' experience and support patient-centred health care.
A new study found that middle-income earners prefer fast-food dining due to its affordability and convenience. The research suggests that policymakers should look beyond restaurant type when addressing the obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that patients and staff continue to smoke on hospital grounds, citing safety issues and lack of support. Hospitals should reframe smoking as an addiction requiring treatment, not just a personal choice.
Researchers analyzed policies in low-income countries that removed user fees from healthcare, finding that well-designed and implemented free healthcare can improve access to services. However, insufficient funding and hasty decisions without stakeholder consultation can lead to system shocks and challenges.
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) has awarded four individuals with Signature Awards for their groundbreaking work in biomedical and health informatics. The recipients include Dr. Kai Zheng, Rita D. Zielstorff, Julie McGowan, and R. Scott Evans, who have made significant contributions to sociotechnical integration, cl...
A new project by The Hastings Center explores the medical safety net for undocumented immigrants in the US, highlighting the challenges of providing care to those without insurance. The project aims to clarify policy choices and identify consequences for patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations.
A new report highlights significant disparities in health care access and outcomes among vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a three-pronged policy framework to ensure adequate access, financial protection, and improved coordination of care. This will help reduce rates of preventable hospital admissions ...
Researchers found that racially integrated neighborhoods with similar socioeconomic and environmental conditions showed reduced health disparities among black and white Americans. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood resources and underlying health conditions can help close racial gaps in health outcomes.
A new study found that patients with consumer-directed health plans have more control over healthcare costs, with two-thirds of the reduction in total healthcare costs coming from reduced utilization of medical services. This is due to lower use of name-brand medications, less in-patient care, and lower use of specialists.
A new study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found that discussing end-of-life care with physicians does not affect survival rates. Patients who have advance directives in their medical records also have similar survival rates as those without these discussions and documents.
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows a significant increase in mammogram screenings for immigrant women between 2000 and 2008. Despite this growth, mammography rates remain lower among foreign-born women compared to U.S.-born women.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physician practices using electronic health records (EHRs) had significantly better healthcare and outcomes than those relying on paper records. The findings remained consistent across different insurance types, including Medicaid and uninsured patients.
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
A Rutgers survey finds that one-third of NJ immigrant children and over 70% of foreign-born adults lack health coverage, facing significant access-to-care barriers. Immigrants often have lower family incomes than US-born families and report fewer chronic conditions despite higher stress levels.
The Distinguished Investigator Award recognizes Dr. Vince Mor for his significant contributions to health services research, while the Alice S. Hersh New Investigator Award is given to Dr. Scott Halpern for exceptional promise in early career. The Article-of-the-Year Award honors researchers Jeffrey Silber and Robert Kaestner for their...
Key findings from the Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey include widespread support for states to implement key health reform law provisions early with full federal support. The survey also highlights concerns about barriers to implementation, such as capacity of state agencies and budget pressures.