Population Health Learning Network

News from First Report Managed Care: Join our in-depth discussion about the challenges of HIV treatment, the importance of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and how long-acting ART can improve treatment outcomes. "Long-acting ART helps with adherence because it's not something you have to do every day. You don't have to have a bottle of pills, you don't have to like keep it somewhere you can find it, and you don't have to remember to take it." said Edmund Pezalla, MD. Learn more about improving adherence with long-acting ARTs for HIV by accessing our podcast: https://lnkd.in/eKRKbJjm #FirstReportManagedCare #HIV #ARTs #MedicationAdherence #FRMC

News from Pharmacy Learning Network: California Pharmacist Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Illegal Distribution of Opioids In this recent PharmLaw, Ann Latner, JD, details a case from late November 2024, where 49-year-old pharmacist Ifeanyi Vincent Ntukogu was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison for illegally distributing over 450 000 doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone based on fraudulent prescriptions. Over 4 years, Ntukogu exploited his trusted role, dispensing medications that fueled the opioid crisis. Investigators revealed that he worked with co-conspirators who forged physician signatures, receiving substantial cash payments for dispensing the drugs. This case underscores the critical responsibility healthcare professionals have in protecting public health. As Special Agent Sid Patel stated, Ntukogu "chose profit over public safety," putting countless lives at risk. The fight against the opioid epidemic requires vigilance and accountability at every level of the health care system. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2X4pthP What are your thoughts on how we can better safeguard the integrity of prescription practices? #PharmacyLearningNetwork #PLN #HealthcareIntegrity #OpioidCrisis #AccountabilityInHealthcare

News from Annals of Long-Term Care: A new in Neurology Genetics reveals that patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and a family history of the condition may experience slower disease progression and a reduced risk of freezing of gait (FOG)—offering potential insights into the clinical heterogeneity of PD. Key Findings: - Slower Dopaminergic Degeneration: Patients with a family history showed a reduced annual decline in dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake. - Cognitive Protection: Cognitive decline rates, measured by MoCA, were slower in those with a family history or higher polygenic risk scores (PRS). - Lower FOG Risk: Family history was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing freezing of gait. While motor symptom progression remained unaffected, these findings suggest that family history and PRS provide valuable markers for understanding PD progression and personalizing care. Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/evYwisAZ #AnnalsofLongTermCare #ALTC #ParkinsonDisease #Neurology #Genetics #PatientCare #HealthcareInnovation

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