In Search of an Equity Lens: A Physician's Journey
Patient health outcomes, communication with providers, and overall patient satisfaction improve when patients and providers share a similar background. Further, diverse work environments may positively impact health care provider job satisfaction. Increasing diversity in health care work settings is a first important step that could help to increase equity and inclusion in these environments.
Aug 11, 2022 The RAND Blog
Tunisia: Challenges and Successes in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Tunisia's response to the COVID pandemic has been spotty, though vaccination rates have improved and mortality rates have dropped. When the political instability is factored in, Tunisia's emergence from the pandemic may not be quick.
Jul 22, 2022 The RAND Blog
Jordan: Challenges and Successes in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Lockdown restrictions that may have contributed to low COVID-19 case numbers in Jordan early in the pandemic resulted in economic stresses and increased psychological distress in the general population. RAND researchers identified challenges faced by Jordanians during the crisis and the country's innovative and equitable response to mitigate them.
Jun 20, 2022 The RAND Blog
Qatar: Challenges and Successes in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Qatar adopted a spectrum of policies and health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and encouraged its innovation ecosystem to play a role in fighting the pandemic. The health sector has gained experience during the pandemic that might inform response to future spikes in demand for health system resources.
Jun 9, 2022 The RAND Blog
Lebanon: Challenges and Successes in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
In Lebanon, COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and daily deaths continue to decline. This is an accomplishment worthy of celebration in the midst of hyperinflation, all-time high unemployment, nadir purchasing power, and a health sector on the verge of collapse.
May 6, 2022 The RAND Blog
Iran: Challenges and Successes in COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Iran has faced an uphill battle since the first cases of COVID-19 were found in the country. Despite limited resources, Iran has also had its share of successes and innovations in combating the virus.
Apr 20, 2022 The RAND Blog
No Patient Left Behind: Considering Equitable Distribution of Telehealth
The pandemic has revealed telemedicine's potential to improve health care delivery and access. Telemedicine could help reach patients who would normally be excluded or alienated by the traditional structure of the health system.
Apr 20, 2021 Health Affairs Blog
When It Comes to U.S. Health Systems—Diversity Matters
Health care systems are a powerful and relatively well-resourced stakeholder in the effort to eliminate inequities both among the health workforce and among patient populations. The deliberate practice of increasing diversity within the workplace may have the power to create significant, positive impacts on workplace culture and patient care.
Sep 25, 2020 The RAND Blog
Out of the Ashes: Forging the Post-Pandemic U.S. Health System
With shifting insights, new problems, and exacerbation of old problems revealed by the pandemic, innovative solutions in the U.S. health system are being adopted where rapid change would normally have been rare. There is both an opportunity and a responsibility to assess how these changes are working and where they can improve health, reduce inequity, and save money.
Jul 31, 2020 The RAND Blog
Needed: A Blueprint for a Post-Vaccine World
When a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, many in rich countries may be able to afford it while the poor and uninsured may not. The time to plan for equitable access, financing, intellectual property rights, and global production is now.
May 11, 2020 The Hill
Amidst a Pandemic, a Mental Health Crisis May Be Looming
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers' mental health could be significant and may weaken the health care system's ability to resolve the crisis and survive over the long term. Interventions to promote psychological well-being should be implemented now.
Apr 1, 2020 The RAND Blog
Implement Critical Care Surge Strategies Now to Save Lives
As COVID-19 continues to spread, hospitals are bracing for a surge of patients requiring critical care. To meet the demand, U.S. health care facilities may need to fundamentally change the way they allocate space, staff, and equipment.
Apr 1, 2020 Health Affairs Blog
COVID-19: A Stress Test for a U.S. Health Care System Already Under Stress
There are many things hospitals and health systems could be doing in the coming weeks to best prepare for the advancing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Evaluating their surge response plans will be critical.
Mar 12, 2020 Health Affairs Blog
Coronavirus Outbreak Intensifies: Q&A with RAND Experts
Cases of the coronavirus have now spread to several dozens of countries, infecting thousands and thousands of people across the globe. With concerns about the disease rising, we asked a group of RAND researchers to answer a wide range of questions about the crisis.
Mar 5, 2020
At the Interface of the Health Care System and the Community: Insights from an Academic-Community Partnership in Camden, New Jersey
Asthma is a common and expensive childhood condition that erodes quality of life for kids and families. Researchers sought to identify patient-centered interventions to reduce avoidable asthma-related acute care use and improve outcomes. They found that the solutions lie at the nexus of the health care system and the community.
Dec 3, 2019 The RAND Blog
After School Shootings, Children and Communities Struggle to Heal
School shootings leave wounds that affect students, school staff, families, and communities for years. Building community resilience, implementing evidence-based mental health support early, and providing access for survivors and the community immediately and in the long term could help promote healing and prevent more tragedy.
Jul 19, 2019 Health Affairs Blog
On Nurse Staffing Ballot Measure, Massachusetts Voters Should Look to Evidence from California
Massachusetts residents will soon vote on the Patient Safety Act, a mandate to increase nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care facilities. Evaluating existing data on the impact of a similar nurse staffing law implemented in California in 2004 may help inform voters as they head to the polls.
Nov 2, 2018 Health Affairs Blog
Anticipating Harvey's Toll on Health and Health Care
After Hurricane Harvey, challenges to the health of affected communities and the health care systems that serve them are expected to grow. Among the problems are closures of hospitals, pharmacies, and dialysis centers. Lessons from Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy could help relief efforts.
Sep 5, 2017 U.S. News & World Report
Lessons for First Responders on the Front Lines of Terrorism
Given the persistent risk of terrorist attacks, it is critical to learn from past incidents to prepare for future ones. Medical and nonmedical first responders need more training in basic lifesaving skills. Open communication lines such as a dedicated radio frequency could help responders better coordinate. Disaster drills are also essential.
Jul 10, 2017 The Conversation
Need a Doctor Now? Solve the Acute Care Crisis
Many Americans struggle to receive acute care when they need it. The health care system is not focused on meeting unscheduled needs. Reforming acute care delivery will require making it a policy and research priority.
Nov 17, 2016 The Hill
Community Resilience Is Key in the Aftermath of Flint's Lead Water Crisis
For Flint to recover from this latest disaster, it will be critical for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to invest in and implement strategies to build on existing community resilience and strengthen Flint's ability to bounce back.
Mar 9, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Saving Lives After Tragedy
Natural and man-made mass-casualty incidents are a growing threat. Evaluating successes and shortcomings after each crisis can contribute to the design and implementation of robust and resilient response systems and ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals and impacted communities.
Dec 14, 2015 U.S. News & World Report
Another Nepal Earthquake Makes Disaster Relief Planning Even More Important
Leadership, coordination, communication, and involvement of local stakeholders are critical in order to mount an informed response to natural disasters. Improved disaster management in Nepal could help limit the suffering of impacted communities and help secure a more successful recovery in the long run.
May 13, 2015 U.S. News & World Report
Ebola Shows America Needs Better Disaster Preparedness
Crafting an effective, whole-community strategy to respond to Ebola could stop the spread of the disease now and lay groundwork for responses to future outbreaks and other emergencies. In the long run, this could make public preparedness and resilience valuable assets for the U.S.
Nov 7, 2014 U.S. News & World Report
One Year Later: Hurricane Sandy's Lessons in Resilience and Recovery
The recovery from Sandy shows once again that how well communities bounce back from disasters depends not just on how they react after a crisis, but on how resilient they have made themselves beforehand. Building community resilience should be part and parcel of disaster preparedness.
Nov 15, 2013 The RAND Blog
Moore Must Be Ready for Psychological Aftermath
Ensuring the availability of needed mental health resources was critical in the immediate aftermath and recovery phase of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. Authorities in Oklahoma must ensure that such services are in place early so that Moore's residents can begin the long journey to recovery.
May 31, 2013 CNN
From Boston to Oklahoma—Lessons for the Regional Trauma Response System
Three mass-casualty events occurring in three very different settings show that disaster preparedness should not be limited to large cities or “target” areas in the United States. One trait that is common to all such events is the need for coordinated, responsive trauma care for victims.
May 23, 2013 The Health Care Blog
Medical Records Immune to Tornado in Joplin, Mo.
Across the country, electronic medical records, designed first and foremost to make health care delivery safer and more efficient, are proving valuable when disaster strikes, write Mahshid Abir and Art Kellermann.
May 23, 2012 USA Today
