- Center on Health Equity and Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
What We're Reading: J&J, Apple Trial Partnership; Conscientious Vaccine Exemptions; Suicide Prevention Efforts
Johnson & Johnson and Apple’s Heartline trial is serving as a model of success for virtual clinical trials; from 2012 to 2018, conscientious vaccine exemption rates rose in Texas schools; a 25% increase in emergency department visits in just 2 years from patient self-harm shows the importance of suicide prevention.
J&J, Apple Join Forces in Heartline Virtual Clinical Trial
The Heartline trial from Johnson & Johnson and Apple hopes to show that the eponymous app and the Apple Watch’s irregular rhythm notification and electrocardiogram apps help to reduce stroke risk, according to Forbes. Billed as “the largest randomized trial in the history of cardiovascular disease,” with 4000 patients enrolled since February 25, Heartline is also aiming to show how to increase patient participation in clinical trials, such as for patients with autoimmune diseases for whom travel is difficult. At present, most studies face delays and low, or no, patient enrollment.
Conscientious Vaccine Exemption Rates Jump in Texas Schools
Study results show that conscientious vaccine exemption (CVE) rates increased in public, private, and charter schools in Texas between 2012 and 2018, reports PLoS Medicine. These rates jumped from 2% to 6%, 20% to 26%, and 17% to 22%, respectively. The authors believe these rates have gone up because of a drop in health literacy and a rise in distrust of medical authority. The New York Times reports that medical professionals have even received death threats when posting factual vaccination information. According to the CDC, childhood vaccines prevent up to 20 million cases of diseases each year.
Emergency Visits Increase From Patient Self-harm, Suicidal Thoughts
Two recent reports from the CDC detail the importance of suicide prevention efforts, reports JAMA. Emergency departments saw a more than 25% jump in patient visits because of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, or both, in the past 2 years, while suicide rates have gone up by 40% in working-aged adults in less than 20 years. The authors stress the importance of addressing the risk of suicide at several levels, including in the community and society at large, as well as implementing workplace wellness strategies and providing access to supportive services.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen
