Brooke is an assistant editor for The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®). She joined AJMC in 2023, where she produces written content covering multiple disease states.
She has a BA in journalism from Seton Hall University. You can connect with Brooke on LinkedIn.
American Thoracic Society Calls for Equitable Access on World Lung Day
To reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases and tackle inequalities, the Forum of International Respiratory Studies and the American Thoracic Society suggested improving access to preventive services, inhaler therapies, and effective pneumonia vaccines.
Patients With COPD Developed Depression During Early Pandemic Stages, Study Says
Researchers found that approximately 17% of respondents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and no lifetime history of depression developed depression during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, while approximately 52% who had COPD and a history of depression experienced a recurrence of depressive symptoms.
Dr Meredith McKean Shares New Melanoma Studies, Treatment Developments
Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, the associate director of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute's Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Program at Tennessee Oncology, discussed new melanoma studies and treatment developments.
Panelists Discuss Insurance Coverage of Opill, OTC Contraceptives During KFF Webinar
Laurie Sobel, the associate director for women’s health policy at KFF, moderated a panel discussion with Christine Gilroy, MD, MPH; Victoria Nichols, MPH; and Don Downing, RPh, about insurance coverage of FDA-approved Opill and other OTC contraceptives.
Dr Erin Gillaspie Explains How to Discover Best Treatments for Patients With Lung Cancer
Erin Gillaspie, MD, MPH, FACS, a faculty member of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Thoracic Surgery, explained what testing needs to be done to identify the best treatment for patients with lung cancer.
NCCN Working Group Presents Health-Related Social Needs Recommendations at Policy Summit
During this session at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Policy Summit, Yelak Biru, MSc, and Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, explained the importance of screening for and addressing health-related social needs.
Higher Smoking Abstinence Rate Found Among e-Cigarette Users During Late Pregnancy
Researchers found that individuals who used e-cigarettes had a higher smoking abstinence rate in late pregnancy than those who used nicotine reduction therapy, especially for those who began using e-cigarettes before pregnancy.
Depression Can Impact Smoking Cessation in Patients With COPD, Study Says
Researchers noted that the relationships between smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression must be recognized to effectively manage the complicated care needs for this patient population.
Local-Level Chronic Disease, Social Vulnerability Measures Help Inform COPD Planning Efforts
The researchers demonstrated how to jointly examine prevalence estimates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from PLACES and social vulnerability measures from the Social Vulnerability Index developed by the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Children With ARDS Have a 30% Probability of Hospital Readmission, Study Says
Important factors associated with hospital readmission of children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) included an index hospitalization of 14 days or longer and having chronic medical conditions during the index admission.
Enhanced Mental Health, Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children With AD Post Treatment
After treatment, the mental health and sleep quality of mothers in the mild atopic dermatitis (AD) group improved significantly, while those of mothers in the moderate and severe AD groups only showed some improvement.
Dr Jordan Berlin Discusses Precision Medicine and Factoring Patient Preferences Into Treatment
Jordan Berlin, MD, FASCO, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explained how patient preferences and new treatments are considered, as well as what he is currently working on and his biggest takeaway from The American Journal of Managed Care®’s Institute for Value-Based Medicine® held in Nashville, TN on August 17, 2023.
Dr Jennifer Choe Discusses Head and Neck Cancer Relapse, New Treatment Trials, Promising Responses
Jennifer Choe, MD, PhD, a head and neck medical oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discussed head and neck cancer relapse post-radiation therapy, new treatment trials, and any promising responses from them.
Dr Carmen Solórzano Explains VICC’s Tumor Boards, Implementing Patient Preferences
Carmen Solórzano, MD, FACS, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses how Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) conducts tumor boards and explains how patient preferences are considered during them.
Dr Sara Horst Shares Benefits of Recent Digital Health Developments
Sara Horst, MD, MPH, FACG, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discussed the recent digital health developments most beneficial to both patients and providers, as well as considerations around using these tools wisely.