Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
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.
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.