Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Comprehensive studies of sleep and medical intern performance

better understand the impact sleep has on medical intern performance, researchers at BWH pioneered two studies both designed to underscore and support efforts hospitals can take to improve patient safety.

1 Nov 2004

First ever study in hemodialysis patients to show stable hemoglobin levels

New data confirm that subcutaneous injection of the innovative new anti-anemia agent CERA (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator) delivers rapid, sustained and stable correction of anemia in a broad spectrum of patients with chronic kidney disease at dosing intervals of up to 4 weeks.

1 Nov 2004

BMA warns of serious threat to health safeguards from EU proposals

The British Medical Association has warned of a serious threat to health safeguards for patients, and the deregulation of the national health service, from new EU proposals.

1 Nov 2004

Non-invasive wearable heart care

Linking continuous monitoring of ‘health behaviour’ through non-invasive wearable sensors with decision support HEARTS offers support to healthy, ill, and high-risk people alike.

29 Oct 2004

Is NICE delivering the goods?

Implementation of guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been mixed, according to a study in this week's BMJ.

29 Oct 2004

Study supports earlier findings, and even showed a significantly higher prevalence of periodontal diseases in cardiac patients

Research is racing to help healthcare professionals further understand how periodontal diseases are linked to cardiovascular disease.

28 Oct 2004

Training of primary care physicians helps increase referrals and cardiac rhythm management device sales

The cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market is poised for phenomenal growth with about 22 million cardiac patients worldwide and more people dying of sudden cardiac arrest than from lung/breast cancer and AIDS combined.

28 Oct 2004

First ever common standards for cardiac resuscitation

New training and practice guidelines are being issued today for healthcare staff responsible for resuscitating patients who have stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped.

26 Oct 2004

British Government report declares NHS accident and emergency, the envy of the world

With 96 per cent of patients being seen and treated quickly in NHS A&E departments, this country's emergency departments are becoming the envy of the world, according to a British Government Report.

26 Oct 2004

Nonprescription medications to treat upper respiratory infections could save $4.75 billion a year

Using nonprescription, or over-the-counter (OTC), medications to treat common upper respiratory infections could save $4.75 billion a year, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Northwestern University.

26 Oct 2004

Number of adult smokers in Washington takes a healthy drop

The Washington State Department of Health has announced a 12 percent drop in the number of smokers in the state since the launch of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. That translates into about 115,000 fewer smokers statewide since the program began.

25 Oct 2004

New help to explain treatments for colorectal cancer

To help patients and their families better understand how different treatments work to cure colorectal cancer, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has published the new patient information brochure Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: Facts to Help People Understand Their Treatment Options.

25 Oct 2004

National Cancer Institute symposium exploring the application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, which includes The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center and the Ireland Cancer Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland, will sponsor a National Cancer Institute symposium exploring the application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.

25 Oct 2004

Breakthrough discovery in treating narrowed arteries

A breakthrough discovery by Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher Dr. Michael Kutryk that harnesses the body’s own natural defenses to fight narrowing of the arteries has been recognized as “a glimpse into the future” and “potentially one of the biggest advances in cardiology to date”.

25 Oct 2004

Smoking continues to be the largest single cause of death and disease in the EU

Over 650,000 Europeans are killed every year because they smoke, one in seven of all deaths across the EU, and over 13 million more are suffering from a serious, chronic disease as a result of their smoking.

25 Oct 2004

Who should and who should not get a flu shot?

This year's supply of flu vaccine is limited. It is important that people at highest risk of serious illness or death from the flu get a flu shot. Complete this CDC form to see if you or your child should or should not get a flu shot.

25 Oct 2004

Surgical future for heart patients in Canada's isolated towns and villages, will lie increasingly in the hands of robots

The surgical future for heart patients in Canada's northlands or in isolated towns and villages, will lie increasingly in the hands of robots, says Dr. Alan Menkis.

25 Oct 2004

Women and Hispanics are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening

Women and Hispanics are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer (CRC) screening but improving their access to CRC screening may be as simple as educating doctors to make the recommendation and explain its impact to patients, according to a new study.

25 Oct 2004

Genes affect how asthma patients respond to albuterol

While a few weeks of regular use of albuterol improved overall asthma control in individuals with one form of the gene, stopping all use of albuterol eventually improved asthma control in those with another form of the gene. Albuterol is the most commonly used drug for relief of acute asthma symptoms, or “attacks.”

22 Oct 2004

First public healthcare and HIV/AIDS programme in Kibera, Kenya

On October 21, in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the international humanitarian organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) opened a health centre providing public healthcare, including treatment for HIV/AIDS, for the residents of Kibera slum in Nairobi.

22 Oct 2004