Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
The Lancet commission emphasizes the need for concrete goals to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma's growing disease burden. The authors propose a 2% annual reduction in age-standardized incidence rates and recommend evidence-based strategies to tackle viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, environmental risk factors, and disparities in he...
Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan's innovative solutions to tackle oral health disparities in underserved communities have earned her the IHME's 2025 Roux Prize. Her work, using local data and community feedback, has expanded access to dental care for over 100,000 people.
A recent survey by Emory University found that Americans across party lines do not support cutting child-focused programs, such as infant safety and monitoring programs. The survey also revealed decreased trust in vaccine policy among nearly half of respondents, with concerns about lead and heavy metal contamination being the second bi...
A new study from University of California San Diego found that frequent standing breaks can lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Women who increased daily sit-to-stand movements saw measurable improvements in blood pressure, with an average decrease of 2.24 mmHg within three months.
A national study finds that the percentage of patients who wait four or more hours for a hospital bed has increased significantly, with even lower rates during non-peak months. The issue, known as 'boarding,' has become a major concern, putting patient safety at risk and straining emergency departments.
New research shows a small reduction in quad bike deaths at work in Australia since the introduction of new safety standards, but public health experts emphasize the need for continued action to keep Australians safe.
A large study found that Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sclerosis who received broader coverage of MS treatments had significantly lower risk of developing new or worsening symptoms. Researchers warn that formulary exclusions for specialty drugs could lead to worse health outcomes.
A coordinated approach is needed to address the scientific value of trial representation of the intended use population. The study aims to provide a strategic framework to ensure scientific validity by operationalizing broad representation at all levels.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that high levels of social infrastructure are associated with healthier communities. Communities with higher levels of social, human, and cultural capital also had better health outcomes.
New research highlights the transformative power of digital technology in shaping the e-patient era, enabling active participation and co-production in healthcare. Key technological innovations have built upon each other, providing patients with unprecedented tools for self-care and interaction with the healthcare system.
A study by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers found that pandemic-period relative excess mortality was twice as high among potentially undocumented immigrants as among those who appeared to be documented immigrants. The study also revealed a staggering 91% increase in deaths among Latino essential workers who were potenti...
A new analysis finds that delinking PBM compensation from list prices could lower US annual drug spending by nearly $100 billion. Shifting to a transparent payment model would reduce costs without undermining pharmaceutical innovation, according to USC Schaeffer Center Director Geoffrey Joyce.
Colorectal cancer claims more lives in Black communities than any other racial group, with incidence and mortality rates about 20% and 30% higher respectively. A new review by UCLA researchers highlights the need for equal access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment to eliminate these disparities.
A meta-analysis published in BMC Medicine found that patients prescribed anti-obesity medications may experience a significant weight gain after stopping their prescription. The study analyzed data from 11 randomised trials and suggests that six approved anti-obesity medications are associated with weight regain after treatment cessation.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum projects severe health and economic consequences of 2025 Medicaid policy changes. The research reveals that H.R. 1 could result in devastating consequences for vulnerable populations, rural communities, and local economies nationwide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found telehealth reduces hospital visits, improves mental health, and increases social engagement. However, Medicare's in-person requirement excludes many truly homebound individuals.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a sharp surge in nicotine pouch ingestions among young children, with a 763% increase in rate of reported cases between 2020 and 2023. The ingestion rates for other nicotine products declined during the same period.
A new study reveals that at least 160 million patients annually are unable to receive surgery, with LMICs bearing the brunt of the crisis. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment and highlights key recommendations to strengthen essential services for tomorrow's needs.
A study by University of Miami professors establishes a strong correlation between distressed births and experiencing mental and physical problems later in life. The research found that individuals born with distress were more susceptible to chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Studies reveal that people in western and northeastern states, as well as Democrats, are more likely to use the 988 lifeline. Over 10% of calls came from veterans, highlighting a key demographic for targeted communication campaigns.
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that nearly half of Americans believe women should begin regular mammograms at age 40, while younger women are less certain. Women aged 18-29 were most likely to choose an incorrect age, with 27% selecting 30 years old as the start age.
A landmark national study in China identifies the most effective treatment strategies for unruptured brain aneurysms, analyzing over 874,000 clinical entries and 42,000 radiological scans. The trial aims to guide patient-specific treatment strategies and inform healthcare planning in China's aging population.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.
A new book written by an international team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Oxford argues that data-driven decision-making can improve healthcare outcomes. The authors explain how analytics can be used to optimize hospital operations, manage bed allocation, and improve treatment efficiency.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
A new study by the University of Birmingham highlights critical gaps in safeguarding and support for children placed under Special Guardianship Orders or adoption, particularly those with traumatic early life experiences. The report outlines 15 key recommendations to improve long-term outcomes for these families.
A new analysis examines the effectiveness of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) add-on code targeting infectious disease (ID) physicians. The measure aims to combat the growing shortage of ID physicians and has the potential to reset national benchmarks for ID compensation.
A new study reveals six 'closed loop' barriers that prevent doctors from using point-of-care ultrasound, leading to missed opportunities for life-saving interventions. The researchers propose practical steps to address these cultural and practical challenges, aiming to increase POCUS uptake and benefit patients.
JMIR Publications' portfolio of journals now includes 21 titles with a Journal Impact Factor. Several journals saw significant increases in impact factor, including JMIR Medical Education, which debuted with a score of 12.5, securing the top-ranked journal spot in its category.
Most Medicare beneficiaries will likely see their drug costs go up due to Part D plans' shifting cost-sharing burden. The new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit won't reach most beneficiaries, leading to higher deductibles and coinsurance for many.
The INSIGHT Clinical Research Network has received $13.5 million in funding to expand its patient data network, increasing capacity for observational studies and retrospective studies. The network will support research on conditions including depression, diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Supreme Court's decision increases the likelihood of states limiting or eliminating family access to medical care. Medical professionals emphasize the need for individualized assessments and patient-centered care.
A survey of 261 new fathers found that 64% took less than two weeks of leave, while 36% took more than two weeks. The main barrier was fear of losing their job. Paid leave would reduce barriers and increase take-up. Involving dads in childcare from the start is crucial for healthy outcomes.
A recent survey by Ateneo de Manila University researchers highlights the challenges faced by young Filipino nursing and medicine graduates in finding stable employment and meaningful roles. Many new graduates feel lost and unsupported, with restricted hiring rules and budget ceilings forcing them to take on multiple roles without addi...
A new study analyzing over 3,200 US hospitals reveals stark regional differences in patient satisfaction. The Midwest emerged as the clear leader, with South Dakota ranking on top and New York performing poorly. Communication about medications and discharge instructions were consistently among the lowest-rated aspects of care.
JMIR Publications' 26 journals have achieved CiteScore recognition, with 12 ranked in the top quartile. The organization attributes its success to high-quality research and a commitment to open science.
The use of medical AI systems is compromised by inconsistent and inaccurate race and ethnicity data in electronic health records. Experts call for standardization of methods for collecting this data and warrantying its quality in AI systems.
Through the Archer Fellowship Program, UTA students spend time in Washington, D.C., completing internships and taking courses taught by UT System faculty and policy experts. The program offers unique opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn from peers, and gain insight into federal policy-making.
A cross-sectional study found substantial cost shifting in veterans' surgical care from Medicare Advantage to Veterans Health Administration among high-veteran Medicare Advantage plans. This shift underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to improve the efficiency of veterans' care, as suggested by the findings.
A cohort study reveals high support for care economy policies among all political affiliations, suggesting a policy window to address the needs of aging populations and those with disabilities. The results also highlight the importance of considering caregiving responsibilities when evaluating support for care economy policies.
A new study finds pregnant women in abortion-ban states have worse access to routine medical care and pregnancy coverage due to skimpy Medicaid programs. The researchers identified three Medicaid policies driving this disparity, highlighting the need for Congress to expand coverage and ensure all women can get needed care.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
Researchers found that e-cigarette warnings are effective in discouraging vaping, with health harm warnings being more effective than addiction warnings. The analysis included 22,549 participants and showed no negative unintended consequences, such as encouraging people to smoke cigarettes instead of vaping.
A study explores how technology can be used to support home care workers, rather than just surveil them. The WeClock app collected data on workers' experiences, identifying wage discrepancies and helping advocates build stronger cases for policy change.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that global refractive correction rates are at 65.8%, six percentage points lower than in 2010, and urge urgent action to meet the WHO's target of a 40% increase by 2030.
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher from Simon Fraser University is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. The review paper examined the causes behind the causes of CVD, using data from the ongoing collaborative Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.
The Mongolian healthcare system is shaped by its geographical and cultural context, with strengths in traditional medicine and universal coverage. However, remote areas struggle with inadequate healthcare providers, limited workforce capacity, and inadequate disease prevention strategies., Despite these challenges, the researchers outl...
A new study by researchers from Cambridge Judge Business School found that CivicaScript's HCU model can reliably supply essential generic medicines at a price that saves patients over 64% and public and private insurers over 92%. The model aims to make generic drugs accessible and affordable for all.
New research reveals that recreational cannabis legalization leads to significant reductions in prescription drug claims per enrollee, with annual savings of $34-$42 in small group insurance markets. However, the study found no similar effect in large group insurance markets.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that over 2.9 million Medicare beneficiaries lost their Part D insurer between 2024 and 2025, marking a sharp increase compared to the previous six years. The exits may lead to decreased competition, higher out-of-pocket costs, and disruptions in coverage and medication adherence.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is joining forces with global organizations to address gaps in cancer control plans, promoting data-driven decision-making and comprehensive implementation. The Cancer Planners Forum aims to optimize care for people touched by cancer globally.
The University of Texas at Arlington offers pre-health students valuable hands-on experience through an innovative collaboration. Students in SCIE 4304 participate in immersive clinical simulation lab at the UTA Smart Hospital, developing rudimentary clinical skills and overcoming imposter syndrome.
A national survey found that 11.0% of adults reported using illicit opioids within the past year, with even higher rates of fentanyl use, indicating a pressing need for improved data collection efforts to inform policy and intervention strategies.
The NCCN Policy Summit brought together experts to discuss ways to strengthen collaborative cancer care, from early detection to survivorship. Key findings include the need for better communication and coordination between primary care and oncology providers.