Lori Uscher-Pines

Overview

Commentary

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  Coronavirus, Telemedicine, and Dustbusters

  Telemedicine has been with us for decades. And yet it hasn't transformed health care in the way that ATMs have transformed banking or cordless vacuums have transformed household cleaning. But the coronavirus pandemic could forever change how telemedicine is used.

  Mar 16, 2020 The RAND Blog

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  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

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  Parental Leave Would Cause a Boom in Breastfeeding

  Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. This provides health benefits to both mother and child and saves health care costs. Paid maternity leave can boost breastfeeding rates, but few U.S. firms offer it.

  Apr 17, 2017 The Hill

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  Telehealth Alone Won't Increase Health Care Access for the Underserved

  Telehealth can bring care into communities that have limited access to providers or facilities. But it must be integrated into a well-functioning system that can address the added needs that telehealth generates.

  Dec 16, 2016 Health Affairs Blog

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  Are County Masking Requirements the Future of Influenza Prevention?

  If it doesn't seem that state laws as currently written can help increase the number of health care workers vaccinated against influenza, then what can? There is evidence that imposing consequences for vaccination refusal, including the requirement to wear a surgical mask, can help.

  Nov 20, 2013 The RAND Blog

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  Applying What Works to Reduce Non-Urgent Emergency Department Use

  It is likely that communities with low rates of non-urgent ED use not only have better access to primary care, but patients who are educated about appropriate care seeking and convenient alternatives for acute care, writes Lori Uscher-Pines.

  May 22, 2013 The RAND Blog

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  Why Aren't Americans Listening to Disaster Preparedness Messages?

  Given the recent spate of highly publicized disasters, why don't more Americans pay attention to the advice of public health officials? The messages they are getting are largely based on unverified assumptions, not hard evidence. Equally concerning, these assumptions may inadvertently hinder preparedness.

  Jun 29, 2012 The RAND Blog

Publications

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  Journal Article

  Enhancing Community Preparedness: An Inventory and Analysis of Disaster Citizen Science Activities

  Disaster citizen science, or the use of scientific principles and methods by "non-professional" scientists or volunteers, may be a promising way to enhance public health emergency preparedness and build community resilience.

  Oct 30, 2019

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  Report

  Experiences of Medicaid Programs and Health Centers in Implementing Telehealth

  Telehealth is underutilized by safety-net providers due to a range of policy, organizational, and logistical barriers. This research facilitates state-to-state learning to inform both Medicaid policy and Medicare policy and provide lessons learned.

  Mar 8, 2019

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  School and Preparedness Officials' Perspectives on Social Distancing Practices to Reduce Influenza Transmission During a Pandemic: Considerations to Guide Future Work

  The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of school and preparedness officials on the feasibility of implementing a range of social distancing practices to reduce influenza transmission during a pandemic.

  2019

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Geographic Access to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants in Pennsylvania

  Most children in Pennsylvania live within 30 miles of an international board-certified lactation consultant; however, this is true for a smaller percentage of children in rural counties.

  Aug 24, 2018

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  Journal Article

  Virtual First Responders: The Role of Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine in Caring for People Impacted by Natural Disasters

  Using telemedicine in a disaster can tap a pool of out-of-state providers, thus expanding the response workforce quickly and cost-effectively.

  Jun 4, 2018

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Expanding The Paradigm of Occupational Safety And Health: A New Framework For Worker Well-Being

  Defining, promoting, and evaluating worker well-being is a complex undertaking requiring partnerships and commitments across employers, individuals, and communities.

  May 22, 2018

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  School Practices to Promote Social Distancing in K-12 Schools: Review of Influenza Pandemic Policies and Practices

  Little information is available to schools to develop policies and procedures on social distancing during a flu pandemic. Additional research is needed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these policies and procedures.

  May 4, 2018

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Rapid Growth In Mental Health Telemedicine Use Among Rural Medicare Beneficiaries, Wide Variation Across States

  The use of mental health telemedicine among rural Medicare patients varies dramatically across states and is highly concentrated both in terms of who receives and who provides this care.

  Jun 6, 2017

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  The Emergence and Promise of Telelactation

  Telehealth services to support lactation may hold particular promise, but additional research is needed to determine whether the benefits outweigh potential challenges.

  Jun 2, 2017

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Variation in Dermatologist Visits by Sociodemographic Characteristics

  Medicaid enrollees are less likely than those with private insurance to see a dermatologist or receive care for a skin condition, suggesting that efforts need to be made to increase access to skin specialists.

  Apr 26, 2017

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  Journal Article

  Direct-To-Consumer Telehealth May Increase Access To Care But Does Not Decrease Spending

  Direct-to-consumer telehealth may increase access by making care more convenient for certain patients, but it may also increase utilization and health care spending.

  Mar 28, 2017

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Leveraging Telehealth to Bring Volunteer Physicians Into Underserved Communities

  Organizations that use telehealth to address safety net clinic needs by recruiting retired or semi-retired doctor volunteers can help improve access to physicians in underserved areas while enriching the professional lives of clinicians.

  Mar 16, 2017

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  Report

  Lessons Learned from the MAVEN Project Pilot: Using Physician Volunteers to Increase Access to Care via Telehealth

  The Medical Alumni Volunteer Expert Network (MAVEN) Project created a corps of experienced volunteer physicians to provide telehealth consults to providers in safety-net clinics. This evaluation of the program can inform quality-improvement efforts.

  Dec 9, 2016

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  Research Brief

  Building a More Sustainable U.S. Blood System

  Describes trends affecting the U.S. blood system, presents insights into its sustainability, and offers recommendations for how policymakers can ensure the safety and sustainability of the blood supply.

  Nov 28, 2016

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  Report

  Toward a Sustainable Blood Supply in the United States: An Analysis of the Current System and Alternatives for the Future

  This report aims to describe the U.S. blood system, identify and discuss potential threats to the functioning and sustainability of the blood system, and describe recommendations with the potential to improve the sustainability of the blood system.

  Nov 21, 2016

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  The Promise of Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth for Disaster Response and Recovery

  This paper discusses several potential uses of direct-to-consumer telehealth during disaster response and recovery while noting the logistical, legal, and policy challenges that must be addressed to allow for expanded use.

  Sep 12, 2016

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  Journal Article

  Using Insights from Behavioral Economics to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness and Response

  Behavioral economics has achieved positive results in decision-making contexts similar to those surrounding disaster preparedness and response, and therefore the low cost and potentially high impact of behavioral economics-based interventions warrant further investigation.

  Jun 2, 2016

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  Journal Article

  Effect of Teledermatology on Access to Dermatology Care Among Medicaid Enrollees

  Offering teledermatology appeared to improve access to dermatology care among Medicaid enrollees and played an especially important role for the newly enrolled.

  May 19, 2016

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  The National Adult Immunization Plan: Strengthening Adult Immunization Through Coordinated Action

  Addressing persistent structural and policy barriers to adult immunization will benefit all Americans.

  2016

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  Report

  Resources and Capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Provide Timely and Accessible Care to Veterans

  The Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, with broad resources and capabilities, provides timely and high-quality care to most, but not all, patients. Meeting veterans' needs over the next five years will require additional capacity.

  Dec 31, 2015

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  Journal Article

  Access and Quality of Care in Direct-To-Consumer Telemedicine

  Direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine serves millions of patients; however, there is limited research on the care provided.

  Nov 20, 2015

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  Tool

  Community Resilience: Learn and Tell Toolkit

  This toolkit is intended to teach people about community resilience so that they can then teach others. It has information and exercises, which individuals and organizations can use to communicate with their staff and service populations.

  Apr 22, 2015

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  Tool

  The Hungrier Games: Disaster Resilience Skills for Youth

  This guide contains an introduction to the key principles of community resilience. It is intended for high school youth (ages 14--18). The introduction is presented through youth-friendly talking points and the use of a scavenger hunt game.

  Apr 22, 2015

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  Journal Article

  Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Infections in Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine Visits

  Patterns of antibiotic prescribing behavior show that both telemedicine and office-based clinicians over-prescribed antibiotics to treat acute respiratory infections, but telemedicine clinicians tended to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics.

  2015

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  Journal Article

  The Relationship Between Influenza Vaccination Habits and Location of Vaccination

  Medical settings are still best at capturing individuals who are not in the habit of getting regular influenza vaccinations.

  Dec 23, 2014

• Infographic

  Infographic

  Building Blocks for a Resilient City

  This infographic illustrates how communities can withstand and recover from disasters by building resiliency.

  Aug 18, 2014

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Equity in the Receipt of Oseltamivir in the United States During the H1N1 Pandemic

  We assessed the relationship between individual characteristics and receipt of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the United States during the H1N1 pandemic and other flu seasons.

  Jun 1, 2014

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  Infographic

  Road to Resilience: Building Stronger, More Sustainable Communities

  This infographic illustrates how communities can become more resilient as they plan ahead for potential disasters.

  May 23, 2014

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  Journal Article

  Analysis of Teladoc Use Seems to Indicate Expanded Access to Care for Patients Without Prior Connection to a Provider

  Despite the potential benefits of telehealth applications, little is known about their overall impact on care. Teladoc appears to be expanding access to patients who are not connected to other providers.

  Feb 1, 2014

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  Journal Article

  A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Requirements in California

  Using qualitative methods, we explored the implementation of California's 2007 influenza immunization requirements of hospital-based health care personnel (HCP).

  2014

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  Journal Article

  Barriers and Facilitators to Pediatric Emergency Telemedicine in the United States

  Pediatric emergency telemedicine shares challenges with other telemedicine applications, but reimbursement is relatively less significant, and workflow disruption is relatively more significant in this setting.

  2014

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  On Call at the Mall: A Mixed Methods Study of U.S. Medical Malls

  The decline of the traditional U.S. shopping mall and a focus on more consumer- centered care have created an opportunity for medical malls.

  Nov 1, 2013

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  Journal Article

  Household Preparedness Is Not Enough: The Challenges and Opportunities in Assessing Community Readiness for Disasters

  This study aimed to identify existing measures of partnership, self-sufficiency, and social connectedness, as well as gaps and opportunities in the measurement of community preparedness and resilience.

  Sep 1, 2013

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  The Challenges and Rewards of Engaging a Skeptical Public

  The aim of this commentary is to discuss both the challenges and the rewards of engaging a public that wants to weigh evidence prior to taking action in an emergency, rather than defer to expert judgment.

  Mar 1, 2013

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  Journal Article

  Emergency Department Visits for Nonurgent Conditions: Systematic Literature Review

  About 37% of ED visits were for nonurgent conditions. Patients using EDs inappropriately tended to be younger, found EDs more convenient, had an ED referral by a physician, or had negative perceptions about providers who might be alternatives to ED care.

  2013

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  The Promise and Pitfalls of Community Resilience

  This commentary describes the potential promise and pitfalls of the concept of community resilience and recommends strategies to overcome its limitations.

  2013

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  Journal Article

  Bioterrorism and Biological Threats Dominate Federal Health Security Research: Other Priorities Get Scant Attention

  Federal support for health security research is heavily weighted toward preparing for bioterrorism and other biological threats, providing significantly less funding for challenges such as monster storms or attacks with conventional bombs.

  Dec 1, 2012

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Growth of Retail Clinics in Vaccination Delivery in the U.S.

  Retail clinics play a growing role in delivering vaccinations to Americans, and vaccinations constitute a substantial share of retail clinic business.

  Jul 1, 2012

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Citizen Preparedness for Disasters: Are Current Assumptions Valid?

  Despite extensive messaging about the importance of citizen preparedness and countless household surveys purporting to track the preparedness activities of individuals and households, the role individual Americans are being asked to play is largely based on conventional wisdom.

  Jun 1, 2012

• Research Brief

  Research Brief

  A Shot in the Arm for Adult Vaccination

  Vaccine-preventable diseases take a heavy toll on U.S. adults despite the widespread availability of vaccines. Office-based providers can do more to promote adult vaccinations but need clearer guidance and a better business case to offer them.

  May 16, 2012

• Report

  Report

  A Blueprint for Improving the Promotion and Delivery of Adult Vaccination in the United States

  Vaccine-preventable disease continues to take a heavy toll on adults despite the widespread availability of effective vaccines. This report identifies the barriers to adult vaccination and recommends strategies to improve its promotion and delivery.

  Jan 11, 2012

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health-Care Personnel — United States, 2010-11 Influenza Season

  This article reports on the results of a survey of health care workers to determine whether they had received an influenza vaccine in April 2011.

  Aug 1, 2011

• Research Brief

  Research Brief

  Building Community Resilience to Disasters: A Roadmap to Guide Local Planning

  Examines ways in which communities can improve their ability to withstand and recover from adversity.

  Feb 22, 2011

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  Report

  Building Community Resilience to Disasters: A Way Forward to Enhance National Health Security

  Provides a roadmap for federal, state, and local leaders who are developing plans to enhance community resilience for health security threats and describes options for building community resilience in key areas.

  Feb 22, 2011

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  Research Brief

  Seasonal Flu Vaccination: Why Don't More Americans Get It?

  RAND researchers found that less than half of U.S. adults received flu vaccinations in 2010. Strategies to increase flu vaccination rates should include stronger efforts to address public skepticism and negative perceptions.

  Feb 14, 2011

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Uptake and Location of Vaccination for 2009-H1n1 and Seasonal Influenza

  This article describes findings from a group of experts assembled to help improve the science of patient safety..

  2011

• Report

  Report

  Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S.: Detailed Survey Data Tables for the 2009-2010 Vaccination Season

  This detailed data from a survey of adults age 18 and over of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake informs public health officials and other stakeholders about seasonal influenza vaccination of adults during the 2009-2010 vaccination season.

  Jun 16, 2010

• Report

  Report

  Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S.: A Snapshot from the End of the 2009-2010 Vaccination Season

  This overview of the results of a survey of adults age 18 and over informs public health officials and other stakeholders about seasonal influenza vaccination of adults during the 2009-2010 vaccination season.

  Jun 15, 2010

• Draft

  Draft

  Understanding Community Resilience in the Context of National Health Security: A Literature Review

  This review lays a foundation for upcoming analyses that will provide a working definition of community resilience, identify activities for building resilience, and offer associated metrics.

  Jan 11, 2010

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Awareness of Government Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations Among Targeted US Adults: The Role of Provider Interactions

  Despite comprehensive media coverage of the H1N1 pandemic, awareness of government influenza vaccination recommendations among adults is low. Provider-based vaccination counseling may help increase awareness of federal vaccination recommendations.

  2010

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Healthy Young and Middle Age Adults: What Will It Take to Vaccinate Them for Influenza?

  Starting in 2010, healthy adults age 19-49 will be recommended for annual influenza vaccination. Boosting rates of vaccination in this population will require new and untraditional strategies aimed at encouraging first-time vaccination.

  2010

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Neighborhood and Individual-Level Violence and Unintended Pregnancy

  Finds that neighborhood-level violence and other individual-level violence indicators may be important when examining factors related to unintended pregnancy among young, urban women.

  2010

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Perceived Seriousness of Seasonal and A(H1N1) Influenzas, Attitudes Toward Vaccination, and Vaccine Uptake Among U.S. Adults: Does the Source of Information Matter?

  Information campaigns made more adults concerned about a pandemic, but didn't reassure them sufficiently about H1N1 vaccine safety and effectiveness that they got the vaccine.

  2010

• Journal Article

  Journal Article

  Research Priorities for Syndromic Surveillance Systems Response: Consensus Development Using Nominal Group Technique

  This paper describes an expert panel process that identified a set of fundable and practically feasible research priorities in the field of syndromic surveillance.

  2010

• Report

  Report

  Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S.: Detailed Survey Tables, Mid-November 2009

  This detailed data from a survey of adults age 18 and over on their uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine will inform public health officials and other stakeholders on progress toward vaccinating adults prior to the end of the vaccination season.

  Dec 7, 2009

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  Report

  Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S.: A Snapshot as of Mid-November 2009

  This overview of the results of a survey of adults age 18 and over of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake will inform public health officials and other stakeholders on progress toward vaccinating adults prior to the end of the vaccination season.

  Dec 7, 2009

Multimedia

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  46:42

  The Global Spread of COVID-19

  Mar 4, 2020