In Japan, the medical community is trying to figure out who is providing unnecessary care. This is a big deal because it affects how well patients are treated and how much healthcare costs. Most of the research on this topic has been done in the US. So, Japan is a bit of a mystery. First, let's talk about what low-value care is. It's medical treatment that doesn...
Some people are left out of society's main benefits. These folks, often called socially excluded people, struggle to meet basic needs. They face big hurdles in getting regular healthcare. This leads to small health issues becoming big problems. These problems often end up costing a lot more to fix later on. A study in Ireland looked at a special clinic. This clinic ...
Nurse practitioners are making a big splash in healthcare. They are taking on leadership roles in places where medical help is hard to find. This piece looks at four clinics run by nurse practitioners across the United States. It shows how these nurses are making a real difference in their communities. The healthcare system in the United States is facing some seriou...
The medical field is undergoing a major shift. Digital tools are now playing a big role in primary care. These tools help collect, record, and send clinical data instantly. This is a game-changer for doctors and patients alike. But what does this mean for the future of healthcare? First, let's talk about the benefits. Digital tools make it easier to give personalize...
Frailty is a big deal in older adults. It is a condition where the body's natural defenses weaken. This makes it tough for them to bounce back from illnesses or injuries. It can lead to serious problems like falls, hospital stays, disability, or even death. Spotting frailty early is key to helping older adults live better and reducing the strain on healthcare sys...
Depression and anxiety often go unnoticed until they become serious problems. These conditions, when mild, are known as subthreshold depression and anxiety. They can cause a lot of pain and make it hard for people to function. They also lead to more visits to the doctor and higher medical costs. What's more, they can turn into full-blown mental health issues if not a...
In 2019, a clever plan was put into action to change how people in eastern Singapore handle minor health issues. The idea was to steer folks away from crowded emergency rooms and towards local clinics. This plan was called GPFirst. The goal was to make people more aware of GPFirst and to get them to use it. A digital media campaign was launched to spread the word. ...
The year 2022 saw a significant shift in how primary care practices in the United States embraced telehealth. This shift was not random. It was driven by several key factors. Training patients to use telehealth services effectively was one of the most important factors. This training helped more practices to adopt telehealth. Another crucial factor was the expansion ...
Canada has more family doctors and nurse practitioners than ever. Yet, the healthcare system is struggling to meet the needs of its people. Why is this happening? Let's dive in. The country is facing some significant challenges. The population is aging. This means more people need regular medical care. Additionally, medical issues are becoming more complex. People a...
The idea that doctors should talk to patients about food is not new. Many people in the U. S. turn to their primary care doctors for advice on eating better. But how much time should doctors spend on this? And does it even make a difference? These are the questions that some researchers wanted to answer. To find out, they looked at studies done in the U. S. ...