Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
A new national poll finds that 60% of people aged 50-80 have visited urgent care clinics or retail clinics for medical care in the past two years. Many sought immediate attention, vaccinations, or tests, and 75% plan to use these sites again in the next two years.
Researchers found that cardiologists who received payments from LVAD manufacturers were more likely to use those devices during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. The study highlights the need to reevaluate industry gifts and their potential impact on clinical decision-making.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
A simple blood test every five years is sufficient to screen low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to new research. Researchers found that only 0.13% of men with low PSA levels developed cancer after a decade.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A new study found that biosimilar competition does not consistently lower out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients, emphasizing the importance of targeted policy actions. The findings suggest a need to improve affordability for patients in need of biologics.
A new nationwide study found that workplace policies prioritizing job flexibility and security can lead to healthier work environments, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Employed adults with greater job flexibility and higher job security were less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety.
State policies on insulin copayment caps showed no increase in insulin use but reduced OOP costs, particularly for high-deductible health plans with HSAs. Insulin users benefited from cost savings, but higher-income users experienced larger decreases in OOP costs.
Patients from socially vulnerable areas show increased treatment adherence when treated at 340B-participating hospitals compared to non-participating hospitals. The study found no difference in use between 340B and non-340B hospitals but noted improved adherence among patients from disadvantaged areas.
A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.
A new policy analysis from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute identifies the intensive care crisis in rural America and proposes comprehensive solutions. The study suggests policies like reducing uninsured populations through ACA Medicaid expansion and increasing healthcare workforce can strengthen rural intensive care capacity.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has improved pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities, but challenges remain. Research highlights the need for targeted technical assistance, support, and innovation to improve outcomes.
A new study shows that hospitals struggle to consistently collect accurate racial and ethnicity data from patients who visit their emergency department multiple times. The findings suggest that nearly a quarter of adult patients and up to 32% of children receive different race or ethnicity designations on subsequent visits, indicating ...
A study from Bentley University's Center for Integration of Science and Industry found that US drug approvals were aligned with the US, but not global, burden of disease. The increasing number of expedited approval programs may make this gap worse, as these programs tend to favor conditions with lower disease burden.
A new analysis found that nearly all involuntary care home closures in England since 2011 were run for-profit. This raises questions about the role of private providers in exacerbating the sector's crisis. The study suggests that systematic reasons may exist for why enforcement occurs mainly in private for-profit provision.
Continuous Medicaid eligibility during the pandemic significantly reduced loss of Medicaid after birth. Post-pandemic postpartum Medicaid extensions may also reduce uninsurance rates similarly.
Patients living in areas with severe primary care shortages have a higher risk of emergency surgery, complications after surgery, and readmission. The study highlights the need for efforts to increase training and geographic distribution of primary care providers.
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that reinsurance programs increased minimum cost coverage for middle-class enrollees in Georgia, leading to lower enrollment rates. The programs, intended to reduce premiums, ultimately made coverage less affordable for those with incomes between 251% and 400% of federal poverty level.
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.
A comprehensive study found pulse oximeters significantly overestimated oxygen saturation readings in individuals with darker skin tones. This could lead to missed treatments and incorrect diagnoses, as devices may not accurately reflect critical oxygen levels.
A new review of 13 studies found that hospitals privatised deliver worse quality care after conversion from public ownership. This challenges the theory that privatisation improves healthcare quality through increased market competition.
Canadian healthcare leaders call for re-establishment of a national hypertension control program to reduce deaths and disabilities. The program aims to provide population-scale prevention methods, proven to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Experts highlight the need for collaboration with governments and healthcare providers.
A large-scale study published in the BMJ found that children born in October are most likely to be vaccinated and least likely to be diagnosed with influenza, confirming public health guidance of getting flu vaccinations in October. The study analyzed over 800,000 children's health records from 2011-2018.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found a significant drop in satisfaction with postnatal care when partners were excluded due to COVID-19 restrictions. Partners of first-time mothers experienced the greatest decline in satisfaction, with a 43% drop compared to labor wards where partners were still allowed.
A new study suggests that including socioeconomic status in the calculation of Medicare readmission penalties would reduce penalty amounts for 38% of safety-net hospitals compared to 17% of non-safety net hospitals. This adjustment could help alleviate financial pressure on these hospitals, which often care for sicker patients with lim...
A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with vitiligo incur significantly higher healthcare costs than those without the condition. The research analyzed direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with vitiligo, revealing an unmet need for cost-effective treatments.
A new study found that nearly half of older adults who considered elective surgery were deterred by financial concerns and the need for paid time off. In contrast, those worried about post-operative pain were more likely to proceed with surgery.
A study of 824 N95 masks used by 412 emergency department workers found that trifold N95s had a higher incidence of fit failure compared to dome N95s. The results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate N95 masks for reuse and extended use in pandemic preparedness
A study of 123 adults found that providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly lowers alcohol consumption, with no significant gender differences in the rate of decline. Men reduced the quantity consumed per session, while women decreased their drinking frequency.
A study by Tufts University found that employer-sponsored health insurance costs are holding back wage growth, with premiums eating up a growing proportion of workers' compensation. This has contributed to income inequality, particularly among Black and Hispanic families, as well as lower-wage workers.
A new poll found that only 7.5% of people between 50-80 have used at least one direct-to-consumer health care service, with most receiving prescriptions for a one-time treatment. Many users didn't inform their regular providers about the prescriptions.
Researchers develop revised scoring system for National Health Service Clinical Impact Awards to address accessibility concerns and improve distinction between levels of excellence. The new system offers a wider range of scores from 0-10, with clear descriptions, and retains pro rating of award values for part-time consultants.
Despite declining overall US cancer mortality rates, substantial racial disparities persisted for many common cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Structural racism, medical mistrust, and health care access inequities contribute to these disparities.
A recent study found that only 18% of US hospitals reported consistent COVID-19 reporting directives across government agencies. The research highlights the need for standardized protocols and automation to improve data submission efficiency and enhance public trust in healthcare.
Scooter-related injuries in the US nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, resulting in more severe injuries and higher healthcare costs. The study found that scooter riders were more likely to experience long bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders.
A new study highlights the importance of leadership in addressing the NHS retention crisis, citing poor working conditions, burnout, and lack of support as major issues. The research suggests that better leadership training and ongoing support for leaders are crucial to improving wellbeing at work.
A Brazilian study found that incomplete notification of snakebites and underreporting hinder public health actions. Researchers advocate for training health workers to recognize ophidic accidents and complete notification forms correctly.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that hospitals acquired by private equity firms experience a decline in clinical quality of care. Patient falls and new infections were among the measures of safety that worsened after buyouts. The findings suggest that financial pressures from private equity may overshadow pat...
Researchers found that nurse practitioner placement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, resulted in reduced emergency visits and optimized care for residents with higher care needs. The study suggests a paradigm shift in elder care, highlighting the pivotal role of NPs in delivering quality healthcare.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends removing barriers to participating in the electoral process to advance health equity. ACP supports policies ensuring safe and equitable access to voting, opposes partisan gerrymandering, and encourages civic participation among healthcare professionals.
A new tool from University of Waterloo researchers measures citizens' trust in government and can inform the design and communication of public health initiatives. The tool was validated by surveying participants from diverse communities, finding that low trust in government is linked to conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.
A new study found that senior physicians in cognitive and procedural specialties see fewer Medicaid patients and those from racial/ethnic minorities compared to junior physicians. This raises concerns about a two-tiered healthcare system and disparities in patient access.
A new poll found that 83% of older adults believe health insurers should cover medications to help people with obesity manage their weight. Nearly as many, 76%, also believe Medicare should cover these drugs, which are currently not covered under law.
Researchers from Osaka University developed an online space for conversation and collaboration among patients with rare diseases, family members, researchers, and former policymakers. The project identified key themes and research priorities, including financial burden, daily life impacts, anxiety, and hospital visits, providing a uniq...
Studies published in Nature Medicine show that implementing updated WHO screening guidelines could reduce cervical cancer death rates by over 63% in low-to-middle-income countries. Women with HIV have a sixfold risk of developing cervical cancer, and primary HPV testing can save up to 38 women's lives for every 71 screened.
Researchers found that a person-centered approach, trusting relationship, and proper training are crucial for effective peer support. Trained peer support can help plug gaps in medication advice and improve patient adherence to treatment.
A federal policy during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in uninsured rates among adult Medicaid enrollees due to continuous enrollment. However, churning among children remained unchanged. The study suggests that over 300,000 people monthly avoided becoming uninsured as a result of the policy.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
A study of 12,526 corporate employees found that insufficient sleep was strongly associated with poor work performance for both genders. Lifestyle habits such as exercise, diet, and smoking were also linked to lower work performance in men, while fast eating speed was a key factor for women.
A cross-sectional study of 12,526 Japanese corporate employees found that nine health problems, including depressive symptoms and indefinite complaints, were strongly associated with poor work performance. The relationship was stronger for men than women, suggesting a focus on improving psychosocial environment in the workplace.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
A nationwide Medicare program aimed at promoting better healthcare and reducing costs by tying payments to quality and cost outcomes has shown no improvement in mental health care. The study found that patients with depression or anxiety received inadequate treatment, with those in accountable care organizations getting even less care.