By Liz Carey
But researchers agree that finding the right spokespeople for the prevention protocols and vaccines could change minds and make a difference.
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Wearable Data Collection Devices and Apps Might Help Control Some Chronic Conditions
According to an AHRQ evidence review, wearable consumer devices and mobile apps that collect data such as heart rate and blood pressure might help patients control coronary artery disease, heart failure, and asthma. However, technologies are not effective for addressing obesity and evidence was unclear for seven other chronic conditions. Read the technical brief here.
New Study: School-Based Dental Programs and Cavities
A school-based cavity prevention program involving nearly 7,000 elementary school students reduced cavities by more than 50 percent, according to a study led by researchers at New York University College of Dentistry. The findings were published March 1, 2021 in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
AHRQ Requests Supplemental Evidence and Data on Improving Rural Health Through Telehealth-Guided Provider-to-Provider Communication
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) within HHS is seeking scientific information submissions from the public. Scientific information is being solicited to inform our review on Improving Rural Health Through Telehealth-Guided Provider-to-Provider Communication, which is currently being conducted by the AHRQ’s Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program. Access to published and unpublished pertinent scientific information will improve the quality of this review.
Sources of Insurance Coverage in Nonmetropolitan Areas: The Role of Public and Private Insurance Since 2009
This brief from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis uses the American Community Survey five-estimates to compare types of health insurance coverage for the nonelderly in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
ONC Reports on Interoperability of Electronic Health Records
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published a data brief examining rates of interoperability by hospital size, type, method of interoperability, and suburban-urban status.
ERS on COVID-19 and Rural America
The Economic Research Service (ERS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture analyzes county-level data on the prevalence of COVID-19 and local employment rates. A second report takes a closer look at the impact on counties where meatpacking accounts for more than 20 percent of employment.
AHRQ Data Request: Improving Rural Health Through Telehealth-Guided Provider-to-Provider Communication.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking published and unpublished scientific information to inform their review of this subject. Key questions in the review include those about the effectiveness of provider-to-provider telehealth and about effective implementation strategies. Submit information to AHRQ’s Evidence-Based Practice Centers Program on or before April 1.
Research Finds Little Advancement in Physician Workforce Diversity
University of Pennsylvania researchers have found that notable progress has not happened since 2009, when the Liaison Committee on Medical Education set forth new diversity accreditation guidelines. This is particularly true for Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Native Alaskan (AIAN) physicians. Absolute numbers of Black, Hispanic and AIAN physicians have increased but so have the number of all physicians. Therefore, the percentage of physicians in underrepresented groups has not increased appreciably. Read the Fortune magazine article or check out the research on JAMA Network Open.
94% of Medicaid-Covered Children Are in Managed Care Plans
News Medical Life Sciences reported on March 1, 2021, that the proportion of Medicaid-eligible children enrolled in managed care plans increased from 65 percent in 2000 to 94 percent in 2017, according to a study published in the journal Academic Pediatrics. The study also pointed to opportunities for Medicaid plans to improve quality by encouraging more preventive care visits for children. Read More.