Population Health Learning Network

News from Pharmacy Learning Network: A new study in Infectious Diseases and Therapy confirms that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) subgroups A and B both contribute to severe respiratory illness globally, with no significant differences in clinical severity between them. These findings highlight the critical need for vaccines and treatments that target both subgroups, ensuring comprehensive protection, especially for vulnerable populations. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eMsH_sZ3 #PharmacyLearningNetwork #PLN #RSV #InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth #Vaccines #Healthcare

News from Integrated Healthcare Executive: A study in Nature Communications reveals that frequent COVID-19 booster vaccinations can dramatically reduce severe cases of the disease, especially among older adults and immunocompromised individuals. The research underscores the importance of tailored booster schedules, particularly as waning immunity and emerging variants challenge prior protection. Variant-specific boosters showed amplified benefits, especially in high-risk groups. These insights could help refine booster guidance, ensuring that high-risk individuals receive the protection they need. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3c5dkxj #IntegratedHealthcareExecutive #COVID19 #VaccinationStrategy #PublicHealth #InfectiousDisease #HealthCareInnovation

News from First Report Managed Care Volume 21, Issue 4: What's Next for Health Care Policy in the US? In this cover story, Adam Colborn, VP, Congressional Affairs, AMCP, discusses how the health care landscape is brimming with challenges and opportunities: - Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in Focus With key implementation milestones on the horizon—including Medicare’s negotiated drug prices—discussions about the IRA could intensify. Lawmakers may reevaluate its provisions, impacting patients, payers, and the industry. - Reform for the 340B Program This essential program faces scrutiny, with calls for increased transparency, prevention of duplicate discounts, and ensuring patient benefits. Growing debates around hospitals’ charity care and program use could drive action, both legislatively and through ongoing litigation. - Embracing Innovation The rise of groundbreaking therapies calls for system updates to ensure safe, equitable access. Value-based contracts, prescription digital therapeutics, biosimilars, and cell and gene therapies are at the forefront, demanding modernized policies to support patient care. Advocacy and education remain critical as we work to shape the future of managed care and improve health outcomes for millions of Americans. Read the cover story in our latest issue to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eygSzbc2 #FirstReportManagedCare #FRMC #HealthCarePolicy #ManagedCarePharmacy #InnovationInHealthCare #ValueBasedCare #340BProgram #HealthCareAdvocacy

News from Annals of Long-Term Care: A large-scale retrospective study published in Nature Medicine highlights the promising safety and efficacy of Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) management. AF impacts millions worldwide, and traditional thermal ablation techniques come with significant risks. PFA offers a nonthermal alternative that selectively targets myocardial tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The findings underscore the potential of PFA to improve outcomes in AF care, though long-term safety data and continued research will be essential. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eK-nF3Xz #AnnalsofLongTermCare #ALTC #CardiologyInnovation #AtrialFibrillation #PulsedFieldAblation #HealthcareAdvancements #PatientSafety

News from First Report Managed Care: Asthma’s Hidden Impact on Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant link between asthma and cognitive dysfunction in adults aged 60 and older, highlighting the role of systemic immune inflammation as a potential mediator. This research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to asthma management that considers cognitive health alongside respiratory symptoms. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJfNKyCn #AsthmaManagement #CognitiveHealth #ChronicDiseaseCare #HealthcareResearch #FirstReportManagedCare

News from Veterans Health Today: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a pioneering study on MDMA-assisted therapy as a potential treatment for PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in veterans. “VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for Veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health,” said Dr Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health. This initiative marks a significant step forward in exploring innovative solutions for the complex mental health challenges faced by veterans. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e59QHEMq #VeteransHealthcareToday #VHT #USDepartmentofVeteranAffairs #VA #MentalHealth #VeteransMentalHealth #AUD #PTSD

News from First Report Managed Care: A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports reveals how a machine learning algorithm could transform epilepsy treatment. By analyzing just 5 minutes of peri-ictal EEG data, the algorithm predicted seizure outcomes after temporal lobe resection with an AUC of 0.98 and 90%+ accuracy. This innovative approach, developed by Dr Shehryar R. Sheikh and colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic, highlights the potential for AI-powered tools to improve outcomes and guide more precise surgical interventions. The future of personalized epilepsy care is here! What are your thoughts on integrating machine learning into clinical decision-making? Let us know below! 👇 #FirstReportManagedCare #FRMC #Epilepsy #MachineLearning #MLHealthcare

News from First Report Managed Care: First Report Managed Care had the privilege of speaking with Lucienne Ide, founder and CEO of Rimidi, where she discusses the challenges nontraditional players face in health care, the critical role of trust, and the need for innovative, collaborative solutions to improve access, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Key Insights: - Trust is essential: Nontraditional players like Walmart struggle in health care because trust and personalized care are irreplaceable. - Access remains critical: Retailers could address gaps in underserved communities, but more provider support is needed. - The path forward: Effective partnerships between traditional systems and industry disruptors hold the key to advancing health care for all. Access the interview to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eagRb3yc #FirstReportManagedCare #FRMC #ImprovingHealthcare #Nontraditionalproviders #SDOH

📢 New Issue Alert: First Report Managed Care, Volume 21, Issue 4 We’re wrapping up 2024 with a deep dive into what’s next in managed care. This final issue of the year explores the critical considerations in managed care that are shaping health policy, access, and operations in 2025 and beyond. 📰 Inside This Issue: 1. Health Policy Forecast: What’s next for US health care policy? Get expert insights from Adam Colborn, AVP, Congressional Affairs, AMCP 2. Prior Authorization Trends: In this article, Brian Covino, MD, CMO, Cohere Health delves into key prior authorization considerations in light of the  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services's (CMS's) Interoperability and Prior Authorization Rule as we head into 2025. 3. Medicare Advantage: Navigating the decline of Star Ratings in 2025, Cynthia Henry, PMP, Director of Population Health Informatics at ZeOmega offers insights into what the challenges of a dynamic regulatory landscape, heightened quality expectations, and new methodologies require for strategic adaption from Medicare Advantage plans. 4. Workforce Shortages: Julie Frey from Wolters Kluwer Health discusses the lack of mental health professionals in primary care, emphasizes ways to integrate mental health services for successful strategies that include collaboration and empathy when developing treatment plans. 5. Equity in Mental Health: Sipra Laddha, MD discusses strategies to improve mental health care for women in underserved communities. As we look to the future, these insights provide actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of managed care. https://lnkd.in/ewDkwgVb 💬 Which topics are most important to your work? Join the conversation below! #FirstReportManagedCare #FRMC #ManagedCare #HealthPolicy #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareInnovation #Medicare #StarRatings

Breaking News from Pharmacy Learning Network: Trinity Gold Nutrition is recalling its dietary supplement Trinity Gold for containing undeclared acetaminophen, diclofenac, and phenylbutazone, according to the November 20, 2024, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report. Learn more about recent FDA recalls at https://lnkd.in/eSx9UXC6. #PharmacyLearningNetwork #PLN #FDA #recall #FDArecall #trinitygold