Latest News — Page 86

The healthcare landscape in Europe is undergoing a significant transformation. Several nations have identified a gap between inpatient and outpatient care as a potential barrier to ensuring equitable and affordable access to medicines. With an aim to bridge this gap, countries are optimising reimbursement and procurement policies for a more integrated and coordinated approach. However, there is a dearth of evidence on the impact of these policies at the interface of inpatient and outpatient sectors on access to medicines. Over […]

Are you navigating the sea of scientific research and feeling overwhelmed? In this video, I dive deep into the world of scientific papers. Together, we’ll uncover how to distinguish credible research from the rest. It’s all about equipping YOU with the tools to separate the wheat from the chaff. Check out the video!

A recent study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of hospital pharmacists in the UAE regarding Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting and the barriers to implementing a Pharmacovigilance (PV) system. Although pharmacists generally display a positive attitude towards ADR reporting, the level of reporting remains low, which may be due to a lack of knowledge about PV and ADRs, including what, where, and when to report. Interestingly, findings showed that gender does not affect awareness of PV […]

In the last two decades, the world has seen significant strides in global health, particularly in combating HIV, TB, and malaria. This Oxford study shows that these efforts have not only saved lives but also reduced health inequality and inequity, especially in countries furthest behind. The article discusses the use of summary indicators of health inequality and inequity to assess improvements in global health outcomes, focusing on HIV, TB, and malaria in fifteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims […]

HIQA continues to lead the charge in understanding and managing Long COVID. Their latest systematic review explores potential interventions aimed at improving the varied and often debilitating symptoms of this complex condition. While no definitive treatments have been identified yet, their research continue. The review included 57 randomised controlled trials of interventions for adults with Long COVID symptoms, typically in people with less than a year’s duration and no pre-existing chronic illnesses. The studies varied in intervention type and were […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications, with recent reports indicating a surge in the incidence of pediatric diabetes. To gain a clearer understanding of this association, a systematic review and meta-analysis of various studies published in English was conducted.  The analysis included 42 studies, covering 102,984 incident diabetes cases. The results revealed a significant increase in the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children and adolescents during the first two years of the pandemic […]

Cell and gene therapies (CAGTs) are revolutionising the world of medicine. But the journey towards market success is not without challenges. Parexel is at the forefront of accelerating the development of CAGTs that offer immense hope to patients with advanced cancers and genetic diseases. The journey is not without challenges – from regulatory hurdles to financial constraints. Clinical trials for CAGTs have significantly increased since 2016, with over 2,500 currently in progress. However, the number of qualified sites to conduct […]

The PM-JAY health insurance scheme, launched in India in 2018, was a crucial step towards universal health coverage (UHC). The policy’s design was shaped by a mix of technical and political elements, with a focus on bureaucratic aspects rather than ideological ones. The scheme was introduced by the ruling government just before national elections, leveraging policy legacies from previous and state insurance schemes. Key decisions such as the coverage amount and portability of benefits were centrally driven, while inputs from […]

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a growing public health problem, particularly in relation to respiratory tract infections (RTIs) which are commonly treated in primary care. Antibiotic resistance is linked to primary care antibiotic prescribing and has significant cost implications. Despite a decrease in consultation and prescription rates for RTIs from the late 1990s to early 2000s, antibiotic use has fluctuated, rising again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children have higher consultation rates for RTIs and are often prescribed antibiotics, even when these […]

We’re excited to share more about Indonesia’s NHI system! It’s incredible to see how they implemented universal healthcare and overcame unique challenges. These insights are based on a recent interview by Alec Hogg and Ali Ghufron Mukti but through the lens of health economics and outcomes research, and access to medicines. Of course, no system is perfect, and Indonesia’s NHI journey reminds us of the importance of constant vigilance to address challenges like funding and corruption issues. Thank you for […]

The Council for Medical Schemes recently published an insightful study in the American Journal of Biomedical Science and Research titled ‘Profiling Dependants Joining Medical Schemes: An Analysis of Factors Influencing Enrolment Decisions.’ The study provides a fresh perspective in the ongoing debate between ‘medical aids’ and ‘cheap medical aid.’ From 2017 to 2021, an average of 1.1 million new dependants joined medical schemes each year, with newborns making up 23% and children under five accounting for 35%. The authors suggest […]

 EUnetHTA 21 has published their second Joint Clinical Assessment on the Evoke Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System. This advanced device utilizes Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) to guide programming of stimulation parameters and provide real-time, closed-loop stimulation. This unique feature allows the Evoke System to adjust the stimulation output level for every pulse, maintaining the ECAP near the target amplitude. This stands in contrast to other commercially available SCS devices which do not employ spinal cord feedback to adjust stimulation.  […]

Dual antiplatelet therapy, a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor, is recommended for up to 12 months for secondary prevention of ischemic events among people undergoing coronary interventions. However, real-world bleeding among populations exposed to different dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and triple therapy (TT) regimens has not been previously quantified. The economic impact of bleeding events is poorly characterised, particularly for minor bleeding, as is their impact on health-related quality of life. A retrospective population-based cohort study sheds […]

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has released an updated Evidence Report assessing the potential impact of two revolutionary gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) – exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) and lovotibeglogene autotemcel (lovo-cel).  Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder caused by mutations in the gene HBB, affecting hundreds of thousands of people globally. The disease causes a range of severe health issues and is currently treated with supportive care, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea. The only […]

In this video, we delve into the profound impact of National Health Insurance (NHI) on the healthcare landscape in South Africa. Join us as we explore the benefits, challenges, and inspiring success stories associated with implementing a comprehensive healthcare system. Gain valuable insights into how NHI can revolutionize access to medicines and innovative healthcare technologies, fostering inclusivity and equity.

UK government funding for dementia research has declined from its peak in 2018-2019. Despite this, the field shows high potential for research in the coming years. By 2040, over 1.2 million people in the UK are expected to have dementia, a 30% increase from 2022. The economic benefits of dementia research can be measured through an economic impact assessment (EIA), which considers various dimensions of dementia research. The report also highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 on people with dementia. […]