COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Far Lower in Patients With SCD Compared With General Population
February 4th 2024A state-wide analysis draws attention to the fact individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) completed a vaccination against COVID-19 at nearly half the rate of individuals without SCD.
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Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: February 3, 2024
February 3rd 2024The Center on Health Equity and Access provides real-time updates, shares cutting-edge research, and supports continuous efforts dedicated to tackling health care disparities and enhancing widespread access to high-quality health services.
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Contributor: Navigating Health Equity in 2024: The Evolution of Accountability, Part 2
February 2nd 2024The article emphasizes the significance of accreditations in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, highlighting programs for achieving accreditation and advocating for the integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) and health equity practices within pharmacy and health care.
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CD137+ Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Correlate With OS in Ovarian Cancer, Study Finds
February 2nd 2024In patients with high-grade ovarian cancer, an increased proportion of CD3+ CD137+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlated with favorable overall survival outcomes. However, proportions of CD3+ or CD3+ CD8+ TILs did not show significant associations with OS.
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Uncertainty, Coping Strategies Common Among Patients With AML, High-Risk MDS
February 2nd 2024Patients with comorbid acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) expressed a desire to discuss treatment options and maintain normalcy; they were not willing to have conversations involving their prognosis and future.
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Hospitalization, ER, and Medication Discontinuation Rates Still High in PNH
February 2nd 2024A retrospective analysis surveys the treatment landscape and patterns of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), illuminating high hospitalization rates and emergency department use despite the availability of multiple treatment options.
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Evidence Linking Sleep to Improved Lower Back Pain Outcomes Is Weak, More Studies Needed
February 2nd 2024A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies concludes that sleep could be a prognostic component of lower back pain, but better evidence is needed.
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Pandemic-era policies that made it easier for patients to receive opioid addiction treatment will continue permanently; the Biden administration is facing pressure from Democrats and reproductive health groups to make sure the first OTC birth control pill is affordable; a FDA expert panel on Friday is set to resume the debate over how to make pulse oximeters more accurate for people with darker skin.
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Depression in Heart Failure: Data Support Psychotherapy or Medication Intervention
February 1st 2024The findings not only underscore the efficacy of 2 major interventions—Behavioral Activation Psychotherapy (BA) and Antidepressant Medication Management (MEDS)—but also support patient autonomy in choosing their preferred path to mental well-being.
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Bevey Miner: Unpacking the 21st Century Cures Act, the Role of Open Comment Periods
February 1st 2024Bevey Miner, executive vice president of health care strategy and policy, Consensus Cloud Solutions, discusses the complex landscape of proposed health care rules, and the potential impact of CMS' Advancing Interoperability and Prior Authorizations Rule.
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Further Studies Required as MS DMT Exposure During Pregnancy Increases
February 1st 2024A large-scale, population-based study examined patterns of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) exposure in pregnant patients with MS since 2010, revealing increased occurrences and the need for future studies to examine the impact of newer-developed DMTs.
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Telehealth, e-Health Psychological Interventions Potentially Promote Sexual Health in CRC
February 1st 2024Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) could participate in telehealth and e-health interventions to promote their sexual health, although efficacy of these interventions needs to be further studied.
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Review: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes
February 1st 2024This systematic review found COVID-19 disruptions on clinical outcomes in those with diabetes to be more pronounced for females, younger people, and those a part of racial and ethnic minority groups.
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Older Adults in Traditional Medicare Spend Weeks Per Year on Health Care Contact Days
February 1st 2024Days spent obtaining health care outside the home may show access to needed care, but also add up to substantial time, effort, and cost burdens to patients and those who care for them, according to the study authors.
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CMS released the proposed 2025 Advance Notice for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs; there have been 561 deaths related to the use of Philips’ recalled ventilators and machines for treating obstructive sleep apnea since 2021; the FDA warned the public against copycat eye drops due to infection risk.
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40-GEP Test Utilization Can Mitigate Financial Burden of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
February 1st 2024Medicare-eligible patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) could save on health care costs by utilizing the 40-gene expression profile (40-GEP) to guide treatment decisions.
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