Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A new Japanese ecological study found that prefecture-specific SHC participation rates significantly negatively affect treated ESKD incidence and CKD prevalence. Higher SHC participation rates are associated with lower ESKD incidence, suggesting the importance of regular health checkups at a population level.
People with dementia experience a rapid rise in unpaid and paid home care, and major erosion of net worth. Family members face significant demands, providing an average of 45 hours of care per month.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum shows that implementing a five-day limit on opioid prescriptions for surgery patients did not lead to increased pain levels or decreased satisfaction. However, the amount of opioid pills patients received dropped significantly after the limit went into effect.
A randomized controlled trial found that nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults, with the reduction persisting after 8 weeks. The study suggests that these beverages may replace alcoholic drinks in consumption.
A study by Osaka University found that belief in just deserts (BJD) was highest in Japan and lowest in the UK, while human rights restriction (HRR) was highest in China and lowest in Japan. The research suggests that BJD and HRR are positively correlated in some countries, leading to increased disease-related prejudice and discrimination.
A new study reveals that most healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries are unprepared to deliver services for treating cardiovascular disease risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension. However, investing in HIV care may provide a solution by improving readiness.
A study reviewing current research on ADHD in older adults highlights the need for better approaches to screening and diagnosis. The authors conclude that existing guidelines focus on children and young adults, leading to a lack of consideration for the condition in people aged 50-55.
A new study co-authored by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber found that a New York City program helped arrange medical appointments for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes, leading to a substantial drop in emergency room use. The program resulted in a 21 percent decline in ER visits and a 42 percent decrease for individuals with h...
A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.
Researchers advocate for accessible breast cancer screening services for individuals with disabilities, highlighting physical barriers such as equipment accessibility and fragrance-free policies. They stress the need for social and procedural barriers removal through comprehensive training and resources.
A survey of 1958 NHS health professionals found that work-related stress, workload intensity, and staffing levels were the primary factors driving decisions to leave. The results highlight the importance of addressing these fundamental factors to improve staff retention in the NHS.
A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...
A new study from the University of Michigan found significant language-based disparities in patients' access to cancer care. English-speaking callers were able to get information on next steps 94% of the time, while Spanish-speakers and Mandarin-speakers were only connected at 38% and 28% respectively.
A free online tool can help prostate cancer patients save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs by comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans. The Medicare Part D Plan Finder identifies significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.
Research finds that English hospitals meeting NHS 18-week waiting list target often only treat patients who are close to the threshold, rather than those in need. The study suggests that some trusts may prioritize compliance over clinical need.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
The Michigan Medicaid expansion has been effective in reducing uninsurance, promoting primary care, and supporting financial well-being for low-income individuals. However, some aspects of the program, such as income-based cost-sharing, were only partially effective in achieving their aims.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A study found that adults with higher health literacy are more likely to comprehend OTC drug package inserts and respond appropriately in case of adverse reactions. This suggests the importance of pharmacists and healthcare providers in promoting health literacy to ensure safe self-medication.
A recent study found that higher plant protein intake is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The UK Biobank study data revealed that participants consuming more plant-based protein had a reduced risk of developing CKD.
The Global Atlas of Literacies for Health (GALH) is an interactive map displaying levels of health literacy and digital health literacy from evidence-based studies. The atlas provides a critical tool for literacy reform, enabling targeted interventions for marginalized groups.
A new study found that federal government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans improved staffing levels at nursing homes during the pandemic. Loans reached understaffed facilities, increasing staff hours among certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses.
A University of Missouri study reveals that being asked to weigh during a doctor's visit negatively affects female patients' emotions and self-esteem. Researchers advocate for policy changes to educate patients about their rights and promote weight-inclusive healthcare.
A simulated study found that patients face challenges registering with primary care physicians, even when they have a nearby doctor. The research revealed that doctors are less likely to accept new patients requiring time-consuming procedures or working in areas with low PCP density.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
A new study by UC San Francisco found that California's emergency department capacity has not kept up with patient demand, leading to long wait times. The number of high-severity visits increased by nearly 68 percent, while low-severity visits declined by 63 percent.
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) has awarded six research teams with two-year funding to pursue innovative cancer treatments and technologies. The projects focus on personalized medicine, accessible genetic testing, and improving patient engagement.
Four state policies associated with increased telehealth access for mental health care in U.S. facilities, but disparities found in counties with higher Black resident populations and Medicaid acceptance. The expansion has improved mental health care accessibility during the pandemic.
The study found that taking home methadone doses increased deaths of black and hispanic men but had little effect on the other demographic groups. Relaxing methadone restrictions may help certain at-risk groups, addressing the heterogeneity in treatment.
A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...
A new USC Schaeffer Center study reveals that behavioral interventions aimed at improving performance can be designed to protect clinician job satisfaction and improve quality of care. The research team discovered it is essential for clinicians to have control over the behavior being evaluated or encouraged.
A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.
A new concept and assessment framework called 'human functioning' can revolutionize how we measure and achieve well-being, providing a more complete understanding of human health. By recognizing functioning as the third major health indicator, policymakers can inform and guide public policy to enhance societal welfare.
A new study published in JAMA estimates the total economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US to be over $450 billion in 2018. The study also details costs of racial and education-related health inequities for each state, highlighting disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new poll shows that three-quarters of people aged 50-80 have used at least one patient portal, with lower rates among those with lower incomes or physical/mental health concerns. Portal users prefer online access over phone calls for some tasks, but some still face barriers to using the platforms.
A study of primary care clinicians reveals benefits and challenges of telemedicine, including ease of adoption depending on prior experiences, unclear visit triage rules, and positive impacts on physicians and patients. The technology also presents challenges such as conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing.
A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.
The SLU Institute for Healing Justice and Equity has launched a new podcast called Critical Futures, which explores alternative futures and anti-racist health policies. The first episode features discussions on reimagining community partnerships and addressing disparities in Black maternal health.
A Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award to present her research on how community pharmacies can contribute to preventing suicide in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Nigeria. She aims to raise awareness of suicide and train pharmacists to recognize signs and risk factors.
A large-scale study of patient experiences with telemedicine and in-person visits found that telemedicine consistently outperformed in-person visits in terms of access to care and provider engagement. The study analyzed survey responses from over 39,000 patients across more than 50,000 visits.
A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 infection can lead to serious financial issues, including debts sent to collection agencies and lower credit scores. Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 had the highest rates of financial problems after their illness.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
The study reveals COVID-19 worsened existing inequities in food security and rental struggles based on race and ethnicity and maternal origins. Equity-focused policy changes are necessary to ensure all US children and families can afford basic needs for optimal health.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.
Experts review changing context for masking in healthcare settings, highlighting advancements in population immunity and medical countermeasures. They advocate for managing SARS-CoV-2 like other respiratory viruses, ensuring healthcare personnel use masks when necessary.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that offering medications for opioid addiction in jails leads to a significant decrease in overdose deaths. Treating opioid addiction during incarceration is also cost-effective and saves lives.
A Japanese study reveals significant birth cohort effects on ESKD requiring RRT, with increased risk for men born in the 1940-60s and women born in 1930–40s. Poor environmental conditions during World War II may contribute to this trend.