Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Research found that states with five or more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence compared to those with fewer restrictions. Abortion is a medically safe procedure, and restricting access to it has real consequences, according to the study.
A new Cochrane review found that nurse-led hospital care matches doctor-led care for safety and effectiveness, but may achieve better outcomes in some areas. Nurse substitution is not a one-size-fits-all approach, requiring the right training and support to work well.
A new study finds that the 2010 WHO Code initially reduced physician migration from World Health Organization-designated shortage countries, but did not improve their physician supply. The code showed promise in reducing physician emigration by approximately 2,600 fewer physicians each year, but its effects diminished over time.
The new guidelines outline standardized infrastructure planning, workforce development, technology integration, and emergency preparedness measures to standardize critical care across hospitals in China. The initiative aims to reduce disparities in care and ensure evidence-based treatment nationwide.
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
Recent research highlights thriving as a cornerstone of high-quality aged care, encompassing medical, social, and psychosocial competencies. Factors influencing thriving include resident attitude, care quality, activities, environment, and health.
The World Health Organization has published a practical guide to address the mental health impacts of neglected tropical diseases and stigma that prevents people from seeking care. The Essential Care Package provides clear guidance for governments and healthcare systems to integrate mental health support into existing programs.
The American College of Cardiology's Global Quality Solutions program now allows international hospitals to use approved internal data to meet accreditation requirements. This update enables hospitals to internally collect and submit aggregated data directly into ACC Accreditation tools, streamlining the accreditation process.
A recent poll found that 42% of people over 50 haven't gotten either flu or COVID-19 vaccines in the past six months. The leading reason for not getting vaccinated was a lack of perceived need, despite clear evidence showing vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death in older adults.
A new study found that providing financial vouchers to offset medication costs can significantly improve glycemic control among patients with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. After six months, participants receiving performance-based incentives saw a clinically substantial reduction in HbA1c levels.
A recent study highlights the dangers of a compartmentalized medical system and proposes three essential reforms to promote inclusive care. Patients with multiple conditions face difficulties in accessing care due to fragmented services, while interdisciplinary care ultimately leads to positive outcomes.
The report projects a significant increase in dementia cases across Europe by 2050, with estimated numbers rising to 14.3 million in the EU27 and 19.9 million in EU and non-EU countries combined. Alzheimer Europe urges decision-makers to prioritize dementia research, healthcare infrastructure, and support for families and carers.
The Japanese version of the rPATD questionnaire has been validated to assess attitudes towards medication reductions among older adults and their caregivers in Japan. The tool is reliable, valid, and easily understood, facilitating shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
A new study finds that hospitals treating more patients with Medicare Advantage plans face higher readmission penalties despite taking similar actions to prevent repeat hospitalizations. The analysis highlights the need to incorporate Medicare Advantage data into the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.
A new USC white paper reveals that PBMs' reported profit margins are influenced by accounting practices, making it challenging for policymakers to understand the true cost drivers. The researchers suggest requiring financial transparency from PBMs to develop a better picture of their operations and costs.
A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 1,269 elderly patients with advanced cancer to find that over 70% were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which declined closer to death. PIM discontinuation was more common among female patients, those with polypharmacy, and palliative care unit admissions.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
Research reveals disparities in access to PrEP among young cisgender females and males, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve HIV prevention. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 visits to a Boston-based clinic, finding that only 17% of visits received PrEP for under-age females.
A recent University of Michigan study analyzed over 60 million Medicare participants and found that total visits remained stable or declined slightly through June 2024. Despite widespread adoption of telehealth, overall healthcare visits stayed steady or decreased, contradicting predictions of increased utilization.
The US saw a decline in nursing home capacity between 2019 and 2024, with rural areas experiencing the greatest declines. The decline was linked to longer hospital stays and increased distance between patients' homes and available nursing facilities.
A machine learning model has identified the most important drivers of cancer survival in nearly all countries, highlighting factors such as national wealth, access to radiotherapy and universal health coverage. The model provides data-driven roadmaps for policymakers to prioritize resources and close survival gaps.
Researchers develop new framework to evaluate monetary value of QALY, adjusting for age and lifetime quality of life. Analysis yields key findings on cost-effectiveness of healthcare policies, highlighting benefits of promoting good health throughout life.
A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.
A new study from Brown University researchers reveals that private equity firms have acquired over 500 autism therapy centers across the US, with a focus on states with high rates of autism diagnoses. The findings raise concerns about the potential impact on access to treatment and the quality of care for families seeking services.
A new University of Oxford-led study found that exposure to non-optimal temperatures accounts for 3.0% of recorded healthcare costs in England, equivalent to £3 billion annually. Cold days drive cumulative demand surges, while very hot days cause sharp same-day spikes in services.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a significant majority of Americans will experience cost burdens due to healthcare expenses throughout their lives. The study suggests that policies aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs could potentially improve the well-being of individuals in the US.
A new study found that real estate investment trust (REIT)-acquired U.S. hospitals were more likely to close or go bankrupt compared to non-REIT-acquired hospitals. Despite no impact on quality of care, REIT acquisition led to significant financial strain.
A recent study found that accelerated cancer drug approvals provided limited survival benefits for patients, while costing Medicare billions of dollars. The research, published in BMJ Medicine, analyzed the costs and benefits of early access to new cancer drugs through the FDA's accelerated approval pathway.
A study found that hospitals sold to REITs were more than five times as likely to close or file for bankruptcy compared to similar hospitals. The researchers analyzed nearly 20 years of data and found no immediate improvements in finances or quality, but long-term harms, including increased risk of closure or bankruptcy.
The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.
Researchers have launched a new multimodal medical dataset, Observer, capturing anonymized, real-time interactions between patients and clinicians. The dataset links video, audio, transcripts, and electronic health records to study subtleties like body language and environmental factors affecting care.
A three-year study by the University of Plymouth is investigating why fewer overseas-trained doctors become GPs and consultants in the NHS. The project seeks solutions at individual, trust, and national levels to support international medical graduates' career progression.
A multicenter study found that higher-intensity rehabilitation in the ICU is linked to faster recovery and lower risk of delayed recovery for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Purposeful mobilization preserves muscle strength and function, supporting faster return to independence.
The Asia Pacific Regional Audit highlights key trends, gaps, and opportunities in 22 countries and regions. The audit reveals a steep rise in fracture rates due to poor bone health and an ageing population, with China, Malaysia, and Australia experiencing significant increases.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
A new study by Pius Ewoh argues that healthcare cybersecurity requires socio-technical solutions, not just technical fixes. The framework combines human behaviour monitoring, organisational learning, and intelligent incident-response capabilities to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.
A new series of case studies by The Lancet highlights the social and cultural forces contributing to global health inequities. Medical anthropologist Carlos Martinez's study focuses on asylum seekers' access to healthcare, citing the need for clinicians to partner with community-based organizations to overcome challenges.
Renuka Iyer, a leading oncologist with extensive experience in cancer care and research, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. She will oversee the development of evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and treatment.
The study found that children with at least one complex chronic condition now account for more than two-fifths of pediatric bed days and nearly three-fifths of hospital charges. The concentration of these children in urban teaching hospitals has real implications for where care happens, who delivers it, and how it is paid for.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology highlights the transformation of lung cancer from a feared and stigmatized disease to one that is increasingly understood as chronic and treatable. Advances in screening, therapeutics, and survivorship have improved outcomes for patients.
The study found that federal loan restrictions will place substantial financial barriers on aspiring physicians, potentially reducing workforce diversity and worsening existing physician shortages. The researchers urge policymakers and medical schools to consider targeted solutions like loan forgiveness or tuition reduction programs.
A new study reveals that social determinants of health have a significant impact on rural–urban differences in colorectal cancer mortality rates. The research found that low socioeconomic status, household characteristics, and racial/ethnic minority status were key drivers of these disparities.
A US study of over a million Medicaid enrollees reveals major gaps in access to medication-based addiction treatments, particularly for Black patients. Methadone and buprenorphine show significant overdose risk reductions, highlighting the need for policy reforms to ensure timely access.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A UCSF study found that a combination of outreach methods, including texts and live phone calls, significantly improves follow-up care for hard-to-reach patients. The integrated approach increased engagement among African American patients to 76.4% and improved overall reach rate by 3.5%, supporting their recovery and treatment outcomes.
Research published in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals that US cities' indoor vaccine mandates did not significantly increase vaccination rates or reduce COVID-19-related outcomes. The findings challenge assumptions about the effectiveness of local public health interventions.
Research suggests that health apps, wearables, and interactive programs can improve physical activity, diet, and weight outcomes for children and teens. Mobile apps had the greatest impact on diet and weight outcomes, while wearables were most effective for reducing sedentary time.
Despite national policy, palliative care is often not equally accessible to all, with most people dying in hospitals or nursing homes rather than at home. The researchers emphasize the need for systematic implementation and integration of person-centred palliative care across different care settings.
A new study ranks 38 OECD countries on their progress toward global health goals, finding that some of the world's wealthiest nations lag behind smaller economies. Nations with well-integrated public health systems and preventative care achieve better outcomes for every pound spent.
A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute calls for a fundamental rethink of NHS clinical placement provision. The paper proposes practical interventions to make placements more effective and sustainable, including greater use of simulation and digital learning, new supervision frameworks, and community-based models.
Research published in ERJ Open Research suggests that assessing hospital patients' reported shortness of breath could help doctors prioritize care for those at high risk of death. Patients who developed shortness of breath were six times more likely to die than those who did not, with a higher rating indicating greater risk.
A new study found that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision led to a significant increase in tubal ligations, a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy, with 51% more procedures performed across four medical centers between 2021 and 2023.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) endorses a federal policy that sets a maximum nicotine product standard, limiting nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes and related tobacco products to 0.7 mg/g. This reduction aims to make cigarettes minimally or non-addictive, striking at the chemical that keeps people hooked. E...
A global survey of nearly 4,000 young women with advanced breast cancer found that nearly half have children under 18 and face significant hardship. The study also revealed delays in seeking care, unmet psychosocial needs, and limited access to precision diagnostics.
The Family Heart Foundation has launched the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative to educate primary care clinicians, healthcare insurance providers, and policymakers about high lipoprotein(a). The program aims to increase awareness, screening, and diagnosis of this genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.
Two new studies found that 75% of adults prefer non-colonoscopy screening options like stool tests, while physicians prefer colonoscopy. Additionally, follow-up colonoscopies rose 41% after a policy change eliminated patient cost sharing for abnormal home-based stool tests.
Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...
A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid coverage is linked to employment gains among low-income adults with serious health problems. Employment nearly doubled among enrollees who experienced improved health, from 26% to 47%. This suggests that Medicaid expansion may actually help individuals participate in the workforce.
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.