January 27, 2022 | Study: EHRs reveal implicit bias
INDUSTRY NEWS
PNAS: Connection between cash support, baby brain development
An experiment that provided poor mothers with extra cash during the first year of their children’s lives appears to have changed the babies’ brain activity in ways associated with stronger cognitive development, The New York Times reported Monday. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, and the authors note that it’s still early—the study looks at only 12 months. Nevertheless, they write, “Our findings underscore the importance of shifting the conversation to focus more attention on whether or how income transfer policies promote children’s development.” (PNAS; NYT)
Hurdles to COVID test coverage
Six of 13 major insurers are relying on mail, fax and online options for consumers to get reimbursed for at-home COVID-19 tests, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Shield of California, Care First and Cigna all required consumers to mail in receipts and a form. Cigna also has a fax option. “Even if the cost is eventually reimbursed, many families could face financial barriers if their insurer requires upfront payment. Many people do not have easy access to printers or fax machines…which will likely mean that some claims will never be submitted.” (KFF analysis; Fierce Healthcare)
Vaccines: For Black patients, the issue may be access
Black and white people had similar levels of hesitancy in getting COVID-19 vaccines when they first became available, but new data suggest that Black Americans overcame their hesitancy more quickly, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. The study suggests that access, not hesitancy may be the main driver behind comparatively low vaccine uptake in the Black community. “This research underscores the importance of ongoing research and practical efforts to ameliorate a range of barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.” (Medscape; JAMA Network Open)
INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION
How two hospitals are using FCC grants
Mercy and Tampa General Hospital have received Federal Communications Commission grants for new virtual care technologies, mHealth Intelligence reports. Tampa General is using some of its $1 million to increase access to virtual primary care in underserved communities. The funding will also help health care professionals monitor COVID-19 patients and improve patient-provider communication. Mercy is using its $2.2 million to expand access to telehealth at rural facilities through the purchase of more telemedicine carts and monitors. It will also expand virtual care in COVID-19 and critical care units. (mHealth Intelligence)
CONSUMERS & PROVIDERS
Study: EHRs reveal implicit bias
Black patients were 2.5 times as likely to have their patient behavior and history characterized in negative terms compared to white patients, according to a study published in Health Affairs. “This difference may indicate implicit racial bias not only among individual providers but also among the broader beliefs and attitudes maintained by the health care system. Such bias has the potential to stigmatize Black patients and possibly compromise their care, raising concerns about systemic racism in health care,” the researchers conclude. Similar differences were found when comparing Medicaid vs commercial insurance and married vs unmarried. (Health Affairs; Modern Healthcare*)
Teamwork: Making the case for PAs, NP
In a commentary for Medscape, John M. Mandrola, MD, updates his argument in that care from nurse practitioners and physician's assistants would not have ill effects on health outcomes. “It would be foolish to argue that training and experience aren't important,” he writes. “But here's the thing: I still don't see average health outcomes declining as a result of the rise in NPs and PAs. And even if I did, it wouldn't matter. The rise in nonphysician care will not be undone, at least any time soon.” That’s because care is increasingly delivered by NPs and PAs. “I have come to believe that the best way for nearly any clinician to practice medicine is as part of a team.” (Medscape)
NEW & NOTED
Cyberattacks still the biggest tech threat: Cybersecurity is the most serious technology issue facing health organizations, according to the ECRI Institute. Cyberattacks topped that organization’s list of the top 10 health technology hazards for 2022, followed by supply chain concerns and damaged infusion pumps. (Fierce Healthcare)
AI detects susceptibility to heart disease: Scientists at University of Utah Health partnered Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital physicians to use an artificial intelligence tool to examine whether a patient is susceptible to heart disease, according to a study published Jan. 18 in PLOS Digital Health. The researchers said they believe this technology has the potential to help physicians treat, prevent or even foresee if a patient might be at-risk for heart conditions. (PLOS Digital Health; Becker's Hospital Review)
Obesogenic meds: Roughly 20% of adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018 reported prescriptions for medications that cause weight gain, according to research published in Obesity. The most common obesogenic medications were beta-blockers and diabetes drugs. (Healio Endocrinology; Obesity)
MULTI-MEDIA
Audio: Deep dive into overload and burnout
In this 60-minute podcast episode, Kevin MD brings together physicians with different backgrounds to explore information overload and physician burnout: Dr. Sameer Badlani is chief digital officer, M. Health Fairview in Minnesota. Dr. Colin Banas is chief medical officer at DrFirst. (Kevin MD)
MARKETVOICES…QUOTES WORTH READING
“There is a pattern of words that we’re using that are shortcuts, and we are doing a disservice to our patients by not affording them the full context, their full story,” Michael Sun, of the University of Chicago, talking to Modern Healthcare* about a study he coauthored in Health Affairs