Current medical research and opinion
-
As Asian countries transition socially and economically to higher Human Development Index (HDI) levels, cancer trends are expected to shift to those seen in the Western World. A strong correlation also exists between HDI levels and age-standardized rates (ASR) for the incidence and mortality of cancer. However, there are very few reports on the trends in Asian countries, particularly in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). In this study, we have investigated the relationship between socioeconomic developments in Asia (determined using HDI levels of countries) and cancer incidence and mortality in these nations. ⋯ Inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality can only be expected to increase unless innovative and cost-effective interventions are urgently implemented. An effective cancer management plan is needed in Asia, particularly in LMICs, prioritizing effective cancer prevention and control measures for health systems.
-
To promote an effective strategy to improve the non-guideline-recommended prescribing (NGRP) of acid suppressive medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients and to evaluate the impact and barriers of a multifaceted intervention on NGRP in critically ill patients. ⋯ The multifaceted intervention was effective in improving NGRP. Further studies are needed to confirm whether our strategy is cost-effective.
-
To assess potential impacts of formulary tier increases of apixaban-an efficacious oral anticoagulant (OAC) for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-on patients' prescription drug plan (PDP) switching and OAC treatment patterns. ⋯ The majority of patients continued on apixaban despite higher OOP cost, suggesting patients' reluctance to change treatment for non-medical reasons; however, 30% of patients discontinued OAC treatment after higher apixaban tier placement.
-
The glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist semaglutide and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide tirzepatide have proven to significantly reduce glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the costs needed to achieve a sustained decrease in HbA1c level and disease control with semaglutide and tirzepatide, respectively, are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the cost of treatment with semaglutide with the cost of treatment with tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes in Austria, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and the United Arab Emirates in order to determine their respective value for money. ⋯ Semaglutide provides better value for money than tirzepatide for HbA1c-lowering endpoints.
-
Maintaining continuity of care after schizophrenia-related hospitalization is challenging for patients and healthcare providers and systems. Prior evidence suggests that second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics (SGLAIs) may reduce the risk of treatment nonadherence and readmission versus oral atypical antipsychotics (OAAs). Therefore, quality measures were compared between patients initiated on SGLAIs and OAAs in the United States. ⋯ Less than half of patients initiated on antipsychotics during a schizophrenia-related inpatient stay continued the same treatment post-discharge. However, SGLAI patients were more likely to be adherent to the initiated antipsychotic and to have an outpatient visit, which may suggest improved continuity of care post-discharge relative to OAA patients.