Journal of general internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effectiveness of a Population Health Intervention on Disparities in Hypertension Control: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.
Disparities in hypertension control across race, ethnicity, and language have been a long-standing problem in the United States. ⋯ Utilizing data on disparities in quality outcome measures in routine clinical practice augmented by clinical support provided by PHCs and CHWs led to modest, but statistically significant, improvement in hypertension control among BIPOC, Hispanic, and LEP patients.
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In 2023, approximately 650,000 people experienced homelessness (PEH) nightly in the United States, the highest number recorded in the country's history. This alarming statistic has made homelessness a key issue in the 2024 elections, especially with the White House's goal to reduce homelessness by 25% by 2025. Despite efforts and investments, homelessness remains a persistent public health challenge. ⋯ However, challenges remain in establishing adequate fee schedules and integrating care management. Despite these obstacles, the integration of healthcare and housing services is crucial for addressing homelessness effectively, promoting stability, and improving health outcomes for PEH. This manuscript explores the history, practical guidance, and potential impacts of these developments on homelessness and public health.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Decision Support and Behavioral Health for Reducing High-Dose Opioids in Comorbid Chronic Pain, Depression and Anxiety: Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.
High prevalence of depression or anxiety with opioid use for chronic pain complicates co-management and may influence prescribing behaviors. ⋯ Incorporation of a multidisciplinary behavioral health care team into primary care did not decrease high-dose prescribing; however, it improved adherence to clinical guideline recommendations for managing chronic opioid therapy for non-cancer pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Enhancing Primary Care and Mental Health Integration for Women Veterans with Complex Healthcare Needs Using Evidence-Based Quality Improvement.
Women Veterans with co-morbid medical and mental health conditions face persistent barriers accessing high-quality health care. Evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) offers a systematic approach to implementing new care models that can address care gaps for women Veterans. ⋯ Successful practice transformation emerges through the interaction of evidence-based methods and site-specific characteristics. Examining how clinic characteristics support or impede EBQI adaptation can facilitate efforts to improve care within integrated health systems.
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Editorial Review
Medicare Advantage Under Fire: Public Criticism and Implications.
Congressional hearings and public reports have drawn attention to problems afflicting Medicare Advantage (MA), the privatized version of Medicare. Private plans became a staple of Medicare through the passage of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA). Congress passed this law during a furor of privatization, when think tanks and powerful financial interests emphasized the power of corporations' profit incentive to improve the efficiency and quality of social enterprise. ⋯ In total, MA plans cost the federal government 22% more per patient than if these patients in question were enrolled in traditional Medicare. Moreover, it is not clear that this additional funding is producing proportional benefits. These developments raise questions about the presence of a profit incentive in Medicare, and perhaps health care more broadly.