Nuance Communications, a Microsoft company, announced that WellSpan Health in Pennsylvania is adding Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) to their patient experience solutions. DAX automates clinical documentation during visits for immediate entry into electronic health records to reduce provider burnout. WellSpan initially partnered with Nuance in 2020 for this purpose. Microsoft emphasizes innovation in AI solutions…
President Joe Biden is working on his health agenda, while Congress tackles overdue spending bills. Alabama lawmakers are fighting to reopen fertility clinics, and pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens are set to sell the abortion pill mifepristone. Julie Rovner hosts the KFF Health News podcast, discussing these topics with panelists Sarah Karlin-Smith, Alice Miranda Ollstein,…
Valisure tested 99 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide and found that when exposed to higher temperatures, they can develop high levels of benzene, a potentially cancer-causing chemical. This was not seen in products containing salicylic acid or adapalene. Valisure has submitted a citizen petition to the FDA to recall BPO-containing products and suspend sales, as…
Several pharmaceutical industry giants, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk, brought a team of lawyers to a courtroom in Trenton, New Jersey, to challenge Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program. The program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices starting in 2026. The lawyers argued…
Illness trajectories are a useful tool for understanding how individuals with progressive illnesses will likely experience decline over time. There are three established trajectories: rapid for cancers, intermittent for declining organ function, and gradual for frailty or neurological conditions. A new trajectory for multimorbidity is now proposed. The complexity and unpredictability of these trajectories make…
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that individuals are six times more likely to have obesity in middle age if both parents had obesity at the same age. Having one parent with obesity triples the odds. The study, based on the Tromsø Study, showed a strong association between parents’ BMI in middle…
Artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology is gaining popularity for assessing, diagnosing, and treating skin conditions. However, a recent analysis of studies in the International Journal of Dermatology found shortcomings when AI is applied to skin of color (SOC). Challenges include underrepresentation of SOC in datasets, image quality issues, and lack of standardization. Current AI programs…
The content discusses the importance of understanding vaginal health and the misconceptions surrounding it. Experts like Karen Adams and Heather Irobunda emphasize that vaginas are self-cleaning and do not need extra products to stay healthy. While vaginal health gummies are popular, experts have opposing views on their safety and effectiveness. The content also addresses the…
The US FDA approved biosimilar tocilizumab-aazg (Tyenne) by Fresenius Kabi, making it the second tocilizumab biosimilar approved. It is available in both IV and subcutaneous formulations, similar to the reference product Actemra. The approval was based on outcome and safety data from clinical studies. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and injection…
A new study suggests that chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and table sugar, may reduce facial attractiveness in both men and women. The Western diet rich in these carbs is associated with health issues like obesity and diabetes. Researchers from the University of Montpellier studied 104 French adults and found that…
A recent study has found that a metabolite derived from fish consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that this metabolite, TMAO, may have protective effects on kidney health. Researchers believe that incorporating fish into one’s diet may help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease….
The opioid crisis has claimed over 112,000 lives in 2023, surpassing deaths from car accidents and gun violence combined. The epidemic has cost $1.5 trillion and is contributing to a decline in national life expectancy. Disparities in OUD treatment exist based on race and location, with White patients receiving more medication than Black patients. Urban…
The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is a specialist hospital in Dublin. Candidates interested in applying for positions at the hospital should email their Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and three named referees (one of which must be current). They must also provide evidence of current registration with a regulatory body. Applications should be sent…
Surgery may improve overall survival in older women with invasive breast cancer aged 80 and above, according to a study published in Clinical Breast Cancer. The study found that patients who underwent surgery had a longer median overall survival compared to those who did not have surgery. The research also highlighted the importance of individualized…
Health system Mass General Brigham is partnering with AvoMD to help rapid response teams identify patients at risk of fatal respiratory or cardiac arrest outside of the ICU. AvoMD converts guidelines into digital tools for integration into the clinical workflow. Nurses can receive notifications on the best next steps based on hospital protocols when they…
Rural hospitals, including South Lincoln Medical Center in Wyoming, are facing worsening financial problems leading to closures and service cuts. A report by Chartis Center for Rural Health found that half of rural hospitals lost money in the past year, with 418 hospitals at risk of closure. States that expanded Medicaid eligibility, like Montana, have…
Researchers found variability in screening tools for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with psoriasis, uveitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. No existing tools are generalizable to all at-risk patients. Screening could improve early diagnosis, as extra-articular manifestations may precede articular symptoms. A scoping review by Vartika Kesarwani and colleagues identified 13 tools for psoriatic arthritis, two for…
Boehringer Ingelheim is introducing a program to cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for their inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The initiative, starting on June 1, aims to assist Americans with commercial health insurance, as well as those without insurance who pay cash for their inhalers. This move is…
UK science secretary Michelle Donelan falsely accused a member of a diversity group, Kate Sang, of supporting Hamas in a letter last October. Donelan later apologized and agreed to pay libel damages and costs to Sang. An investigation by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) found no evidence of support for Hamas. Donelan also accused another…
Alabama’s governor signed a new law providing liability protections related to in vitro fertilization (IVF) after a court ruling caused fertility clinics in the state to halt procedures. The bill offers civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to an embryo during IVF services. The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that frozen embryos are considered…
A study in England examined harm perceptions of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes among smokers. Many adult smokers believe e-cigarettes are as harmful as cigarettes due to media exaggeration of risks. Risk messages and outbreaks like EVALI and COVID-19 have influenced perceptions. The study found that harm perceptions of e-cigarettes have worsened over the last decade,…
Experts are questioning the effectiveness of taking a low-dose aspirin every day for primary prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Recent guidelines suggest that aspirin should be used infrequently in routine primary prevention due to the risks of bleeding in the brain and digestive tract possibly outweighing the benefits. Age plays a significant factor, with…
An ongoing cyberattack by the BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware group has disrupted cancer practices and patients in the United States. Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, took its systems offline to prevent further issues. The American Hospital Association called it the most significant cyberattack on the US healthcare system. The group behind the attack has been identified…
An outbreak of psittacosis infection, also known as parrot fever, has resulted in five deaths across five European countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a sudden increase in cases over the past year, with the disease continuing to spread. Psittacosis is caused by a bacteria that commonly infects birds, but can also be transmitted…
Handheld ultrasonographic devices, used in conjunction with clinical examination, have shown promise in diagnosing pulmonary and cardiac diseases according to a study published in JAMA. These devices could provide a more accessible and cost-effective option for diagnosing these conditions. By continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising,…
The nursing shortage is not due to a lack of applicants, but rather a lack of capacity in nursing schools. Training resources and qualified educators are limited, preventing schools from producing enough competent graduates to meet the demand for healthcare. Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations are being integrated into nursing education to supplement traditional methods…
The Bon Secours Hospital Cork Practice Nurses and Managers Conference took place at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork on March 2, 2024. Photos from the event were captured by Gerard McCarthy and shared on Irish Medical Times. Practice nurses and managers gathered to discuss and share insights on healthcare practices and management strategies. The conference…
The phase 3 WSG-ADAPT HR+/HER2- trial presented first efficacy results in patients with luminal early breast cancer in 2020, showing that endocrine therapy (ET) alone produced excellent outcomes for those with intermediate genomic risk and decreased tumor cell proliferation. At the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting, results for high-risk patients were presented, showing that ET alone…
Researchers found that racialized children in the USA receive worse health care than White children across various specialties. Disparities in health care were not explained by factors like health insurance, preference, or geographic area. To address these inequalities, systemic changes are needed to make child health care more equitable. Issues like housing instability, poor housing…
BrainCheck, a digital health company specializing in cognitive assessments, received a $15 million investment led by Next Coast Ventures, S3 Ventures, and UPMC Enterprises. The funding will be used to expand their product portfolio and commercial reach. The three-minute cognitive assessment test provided by BrainCheck can be done remotely or with a provider, aiding in…
Americans pay significantly higher prices for prescription drugs compared to other high-income industrialized countries, sometimes two to four times as much. President Biden’s claim that prescriptions can be filled for 40% to 60% less in other countries is mostly accurate for comparable nations. Factors like country-specific pricing, rebates, and discounts can make price comparisons challenging….
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are growing issues in glaucoma, leading to unnecessary tests, treatment, and anxiety for patients. Ophthalmologists must be cautious about diagnosing glaucoma and refrain from rushing into a diagnosis. Factors such as cost, side effects, and access to disability insurance contribute to the problem. In addition, anxiety and depression, especially in younger patients,…
The Senate panel passed a bill aimed at preventing certain Chinese companies from doing business in the United States, with the sole no vote cast by Sen. Rand Paul. Concerns have been raised about Chinese companies gathering Americans’ genetic information for potentially harmful purposes, leading to the introduction of the Biosecure Act by Senator Gary…
The World Health Organization has issued a warning about growing resistance to the HIV antiretroviral drug dolutegravir. Surveys conducted in Malawi, Uganda, and Ukraine have shown that resistance levels among those receiving this medication are higher than expected. This resistance is particularly concerning as it is surpassing levels seen in clinical trials. The findings suggest…
Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a rare congenital enteropathy in infants causing severe diarrhea and inability to absorb food. Previously fatal, advances in parenteral nutrition have made it manageable but require daily treatments. Investigating the root cause, researchers created organoids from patient cells, revealing dysfunctional electrolyte transport as the cause of fluid loss. A chloride…
A study found that increasing daily steps up to 10,000 reduced the risk of death and cardiovascular disease, regardless of sedentary time. Data from 72,174 individuals showed that 9,000 to 10,000 steps per day lowered mortality risk by 39% and CVD risk by 21%. Benefits were seen with as few as 4,000 to 4,500 steps…
Protein is essential for weight loss, but it’s important to consume the right amount and type of protein for long-term results. Ten great sources of lean protein include fish, seafood, skinless white-meat poultry, lean beef, skim or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean pork, and beans. These sources can help you shed unwanted pounds and…
Researchers have developed a model to assess the risk of outdoor falls in snowy and icy winter conditions, called the Slip and Fall Index (SFI). The study found that ice and snow on the ground significantly predicted falls leading to increased ER presentations. Women presented more often for slip and falls compared to men, with…
Consuming artificially sweetened beverages increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition with serious consequences. A study found that drinking two or more liters of these drinks a week raises the risk by 20%. The study also found that consuming pure fruit juice is associated with a lower risk of AFib, while those who…
Apollo Hospital, a surgeon, and an anaesthetist have been held liable for the death of a patient following spinal surgery. The court has ordered them to pay Rs 30 lakh in compensation to the family of the deceased. The patient passed away due to negligence during the surgery. Cookie policy was also mentioned in the…
The healthcare industry has been inundated with data but clinicians struggle to make sense of it due to inefficient technology. Up to 97% of patient data goes unused, leading to burnout and fatigue among healthcare professionals. AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry by synthesizing data and presenting it in a useful manner to…
More than 1,900 Irish consultant doctors, representing 45% of the consultant workforce, have signed a new public-only Sláintecare contract. This includes 380 new consultants and 1,543 who switched from previous contracts. The top specialties adopting the contract are general medicine, anaesthetics, and surgery. The contract prohibits private practice in public hospitals, aiming to improve access…
A study published in Blood Advances found that the F8 genotype and higher factor dose are risk factors for developing inhibitors in patients with severe hemophilia A. The PUPs A-LONG study evaluated the safety and efficacy of efmoroctocog alfa in previously untreated patients with severe hemophilia A, showing an incidence of inhibitor development of approximately…
Australia-based not-for-profit organization Crohn’s Colitis Cure (CCCure) has launched a subscription-based access to its registry of data on patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The organization’s clinical management system, CCCare, offers IBD-specific EMR for real-time care documentation, with approximately 300 clinical users and 14,500 patient records. CCCure is working on…
A whistleblower lawsuit alleges that Maryland firm Aledade Inc. cheated Medicare using billing software to inflate patient diagnoses, boosting revenues. A former employee filed the suit, claiming Aledade fired him for objecting to fraudulent practices. Aledade denies the allegations. The lawsuit targets the company’s use of coding software to increase payments by adding exaggerated medical…
Short sleep durations of 5 hours or less increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, even with healthy eating habits, according to research led by Diana Aline Nôga, PhD. The study, using data from 247,867 U.K. Biobank participants, found that individuals with shorter sleep durations had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While…
The U.S. has seen improvements in reducing the public health consequences of air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. However, these improvements have not been distributed equally among different racial and ethnic groups. While overall deaths and disease linked to air pollution have decreased, racial disparities have increased, particularly in pediatric asthma cases….
Sebastian Kraemer, an honorary consultant at Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in London, UK, emphasizes the alarming decline in children’s health under the current government. This decline is documented in the Academy of Medical Sciences report and includes high levels of destitution and inequality. The increase in infant mortality is particularly concerning. The situation is…
A study found that sports coaches who display authentic leadership qualities could improve athletes’ mental health and protect them from mental illness. When athletes perceive their coach as open, understanding, ethical, and supportive, they experience greater happiness and problem-solving abilities. This leadership style also leads to more positive interactions among teammates, especially in athletes competing…
A new publication in Acta Materia Medica journal discusses the potential of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as drug targets for metabolic disorders like obesity. GPCRs interact with various transducers and biased agonism can activate specific therapeutic pathways. The structural techniques like X-ray crystallography have helped understand how biased agonism affects downstream responses. The article emphasizes…