CLAIRE TINE CRONIN, M.D.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals feel about using an electronic tool called eSyM that helps patients report their symptoms. Out of 173 healthcare workers, most believed eSyM could greatly improve how symptoms are managed, keep patients out of hospitals, and make clinics run more efficiently. While many thought their colleagues would support using it, they also noted that issues like a lack of computer skills and having to navigate technology could be obstacles for some patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in managing health symptoms more effectively.

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This study looked at how well nonprofit hospitals in the U.S. are following a law that requires them to gather input from the community when planning health programs. Out of 543 hospitals examined, only 57 (about 10.5%) were found to comply with the requirement to solicit and consider community feedback. This matters because it suggests that many hospitals might not be effectively addressing the actual health needs of their communities, and changes are needed to make sure they do. Who this helps: Patients and community members who rely on nonprofit hospitals for health services.

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This study looked at how certain types of mitochondrial DNA and specific HIV medications affect the risk of developing diabetes in men with and without HIV. Among nearly 2,600 men, those with the African mitochondrial DNA haplogroup L3 had nearly double the risk of developing diabetes compared to other groups, and men taking certain drugs known to damage mitochondria had almost three times the risk. These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic factors and medication effects when treating HIV-positive patients to help prevent diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV by identifying those at higher risk for diabetes based on their genetics and medication.

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This study looked at how people feel about hospitals limiting services based on financial reasons or religious beliefs. The survey of 1,577 US adults found that 62% believe hospitals should never limit services for financial reasons, and 48% feel the same about religious reasons. This matters because it highlights a gap between hospital practices and what the public expects, suggesting that clearer communication from hospitals could strengthen trust. Who this helps: This helps patients and advocates who want more transparency in hospital policies.

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This study looked at how certain genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA and the use of specific HIV medications (D-drugs) are related to heart problems in people living with HIV (PWH) compared to those without it. They found that 29% of women and 24% of men in the study had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), a specific type of heart issue. Notably, among non-Hispanic White men with HIV, those with a particular genetic background (haplogroup H) had a lower chance of LVDD, while another genetic group (haplogroup JT) had a higher chance. This research is important because it helps identify potential genetic factors and medication effects that could influence heart health in people with HIV. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV, particularly men, by highlighting specific risks related to heart health based on genetics and medication use.

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This study looked at two different surgical methods for placing a penile prosthesis and an artificial urinary sphincter at the same time. Researchers analyzed data from ten studies involving 269 patients and found that using a single incision had similar success rates to a dual incision: about 72% to 96% of patients maintained social continence after surgery, compared to about 90% for the dual incision. Importantly, the single incision method had fewer complications, such as lower revision rates (16.5% vs 30.5%) and mechanical failures (2.8% vs 13.1%). Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing these implants by offering them a potentially less invasive option with fewer complications.

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This study looked at how different types of kidney cancer (specifically, non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma) affect survival rates after surgery, especially in patients whose cancer had spread into blood vessels. Out of over 6,500 patients studied, about 381 had non-clear cell cancer, and survival rates were similar for both clear cell and non-clear cell cancers, with around 71% of clear cell patients surviving after five years compared to 66% for non-clear cell patients. The findings indicate that the type of cancer doesn’t significantly impact overall death rates, suggesting the need for better treatment strategies for non-clear cell patients. Who this helps: Patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) who were undergoing kidney removal surgery (nephrectomy) and assessed whether using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) before surgery could reduce complications. The researchers found that patients who took GLP-1RAs had a 28% lower chance of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days and a 38% lower chance of developing serious kidney issues within 90 days compared to those who did not take these medications. This is important because it shows that GLP-1RAs may help improve recovery outcomes for patients with obesity undergoing kidney surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with obesity who are undergoing kidney surgery.

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This study looked at patients undergoing chemotherapy for gastrointestinal, gynecologic, or thoracic cancers to better understand how their symptoms change over time and how these affect their risk of death. Researchers included 3,735 patients and found that those with moderate or severe issues with physical function had more than double or triple the risk of dying compared to those without such problems. The study found that fatigue was the most reported symptom, affecting 83% of patients at some point, and overall, symptoms tended to decrease over time, but severe symptoms were still linked to higher mortality risk. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and doctors, enabling better symptom management and care strategies during chemotherapy.

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This study focused on improving how ChatGPT responds to common questions about urologic cancers, like prostate and bladder cancer, to make the information easier for patients to understand. Researchers found that while ChatGPT's answers were generally accurate, they were often too complex, originally requiring a college-level reading ability. After making adjustments, the reading level dropped significantly from a college level to about seventh grade, and the understandability and actionability of the information increased from 25.6% to 84.2%. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking clear and accessible information about their urologic health.

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This study focused on creating a women's health program in England that involved input from both healthcare professionals and women with personal experiences in the system. They surveyed over 1,200 women and identified specific gaps in access to health services, leading to the development of five tailored health service models aimed at improving care. This matters because it demonstrates how combining community insights with medical expertise can lead to better, more responsive health services for women. Who this helps: This benefits women accessing health services, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study looked at testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and found that older men (ages 45-70) are more likely to have seminomas and be diagnosed with early-stage disease compared to younger men (ages 15-44). Out of 34,738 patients studied, older patients had a lower survival rate for advanced stage III TGCTs: only 86% of older patients with seminomas survived five years compared to 92% of younger patients, and 65% of older patients with non-seminomas survived versus 81% of younger patients. This information is important because it helps doctors tailor treatment strategies based on a patient's age. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in managing testicular cancer for older men.

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This research focuses on the importance of including women's viewpoints in menopause studies, recognizing that menopause affects half of the population and not just from a medical standpoint. The authors found that integrating women’s experiences and emotional aspects can lead to better-targeted interventions, which improves overall care. By amplifying women's voices in research, we can address health disparities and create supportive policies—ultimately making menopause a more positive experience for women. Who this helps: This benefits women experiencing menopause and the healthcare providers assisting them.

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This study focused on improving how different research teams share and analyze qualitative data, specifically within the IMPACT Consortium, which is looking at how to manage symptoms for cancer patients during and after treatment. Researchers found that using a common framework called CFIR helped them develop interviews and code their findings consistently, but integrating the diverse data was challenging and resource-intensive. Streamlining the process and using specific coding strategies can help enhance data sharing, which is important for understanding how to better implement treatments from different studies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on cancer treatment and management.

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This study looked at how to manage egg allergies, especially in young children. It examined traditional methods of avoiding eggs and newer approaches, like gradually introducing baked egg, which might be easier to do at home. The review found that while avoiding eggs is still important, using strategies like the gradual introduction of baked egg can improve quality of life and make managing allergies less restrictive. Who this helps: This helps patients with egg allergies and their families.

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This study looked at how patients felt about their pain after thoracic surgery, using an electronic system to collect their responses over 90 days. Out of 680 patients, 258 (about 38%) reported having severe pain after the surgery; those patients were more likely to have had open surgery and to use opioids afterward. Importantly, being female was linked to a higher chance of reporting severe pain. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors understand pain management after lung surgery, especially for women.

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This study looked at how to improve the use of an online system where cancer patients can report their symptoms. Researchers found that, over 714 weeks, the average response rate from patients was 22.3%, but this varied a lot between different centers. The best results came when the centers actively reached out to patients to educate and encourage them about using the reporting system, which showed that direct contact can significantly boost participation and symptom management. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and healthcare providers by improving communication and care management.

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This study looked at injuries to the ureter and bladder during two types of hysterectomy—minimally invasive (like laparoscopic surgery) and open surgery—over the past ten years. It found that ureteral injuries occurred more frequently during minimally invasive hysterectomies (1.3% in 2023) compared to open surgeries (0.57%), and the rate of these injuries is rising. In contrast, bladder injuries were less common in minimally invasive procedures (0.24%) versus open surgeries (0.81%) and have actually decreased over time for minimally invasive methods. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing hysterectomies by providing important information about the risks of injuries during different surgical methods.

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This study looked at the best ways to use immunotherapy before surgery for patients with stage III melanoma, a serious skin cancer. The researchers got input from experts at a cancer center in Ireland and created 28 important guidelines. They found that 23 of these guidelines (82%) had strong agreement among the doctors, while some areas, like whether to use immunotherapy for advanced cases that can’t be surgically removed, still need more discussion. This research is crucial because it helps set clear standards for treating melanoma, which can lead to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with stage III melanoma and their treatment teams.

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This study examined staff opinions at six health systems on the integration of an electronic program that helps patients manage symptoms during chemotherapy and after surgery, known as eSyM. Out of 211 staff members who started the survey, 169 (80%) completed it, revealing that while most staff recognized eSyM's value, the program’s implementation into daily practice was considered only moderately successful, with nurses and advanced practice providers feeling less confident about it than physicians and administrators. This matters because improving how well tools like eSyM are used can enhance patient care and support recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing chemotherapy and surgery by improving their symptom management.

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This study looked at the availability of Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) across hospitals in the U.S., finding that nearly half (49.3%) of hospitals offered these programs in 2021. However, DPPs were less common in rural and economically disadvantaged areas compared to urban centers. These findings are important because they highlight the need for better access to diabetes prevention resources in underserved communities, where more people could benefit from them. Who this helps: Patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas, will benefit from improved access to diabetes prevention programs.

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This study looked at how different factors, like staff and resources, affect the efficiency of recruiting participants and collecting samples for cancer research across three cancer centers in Ireland. It found that the time to set up a study varied widely, from 30 days in one center with a ready-made support team to 390 days in another without dedicated staff. Recruitment rates were also better in sites with dedicated research nurses, achieving 100% sample collection compared to only 70.5% elsewhere. This is important because efficient staff organization can lead to faster studies and better data, which ultimately helps improve cancer research outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and researchers in cancer studies.

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This study looked at how much money dermatologists received for research from the pharmaceutical industry between 2015 and 2023. It found that a total of $1.44 billion was paid to 1,610 dermatologists, but the amount given to non-covered entities (like private research institutions) actually fell from $161 million in 2015 to $107.6 million in 2023. This matters because it reveals that most of the funding goes to a small number of companies, raising concerns about transparency in how these funds are reported. Who this helps: Patients and doctors benefit from clearer reporting on research funding.

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The SOAR study in Ohio looked at the factors that contribute to mental health issues and substance use disorders, especially in groups facing various types of adversity, like low-income families and essential workers. It involved surveying 15,000 households to understand their health behaviors and conducting in-depth studies with 1,200 families about their biological, psychological, and social conditions. The goal is to find better ways to prevent and treat these issues, ultimately improving patients' lives and reducing the rising rates of overdose and suicide. Who this helps: This helps patients and families dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.

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This study focused on analyzing the shapes of a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to better understand how its variations affect stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The researchers developed a new method that uses advanced computer techniques to group these shapes in a more accurate way. Their findings show that this approach can reliably categorize LAA shapes, which can help improve tools for assessing stroke risk, ultimately making care for these patients better. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for stroke.

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This study created a detailed map of nerve cell types in the human dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which is important for sensing pain and other sensations. Researchers examined cells from 126 donors and identified 22 types of nerve cells, including some that were previously unknown, and found that human nerve cells are generally larger and process signals faster than those in mice. Understanding these differences can lead to better treatments for chronic pain and issues related to the nervous system. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic pain and other sensory disorders.

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This study looked at how to successfully implement a digital program that helps cancer patients report their symptoms and manage their care. Researchers created a program called eSyM and tested it at six cancer centers between 2019 and 2022, identifying 226 different strategies for making it work. They found that 44 specific strategies were particularly effective in improving how patients and doctors interacted with the program, which can lead to better patient outcomes in cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and doctors by improving symptom management and care processes.

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This study looked at how changing the time frame for patients to report their symptoms affected the number of severe symptoms reported after surgery or chemotherapy. Researchers found that when patients were asked about their symptoms over the past 24 hours instead of the past week, fewer reported severe symptoms: for surgery patients, the odds of reporting severe symptoms dropped by 35%, while chemotherapy patients saw a 17% drop in moderate to severe symptoms. This is important because it suggests that a shorter recall period might help in better managing symptoms and improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery by providing better symptom management.

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This research paper examines how to prevent food allergies in young children, which have become increasingly common worldwide. It highlights that avoiding allergenic foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding doesn’t help prevent allergies, but introducing peanuts around 4 months of age can. The study also points out that techniques like oral immunotherapy are effective in helping those already allergic to develop tolerance and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions. Who this helps: This benefits parents and caregivers of young children, especially those at risk for food allergies.

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This study looked at a patient with eosinophilic enteritis, an inflammatory condition that causes issues in the intestines, leading to repeated blockages in the small intestine. Despite many tests, doctors were unsure of the diagnosis until they examined a tissue sample from the patient's bowel, which showed a high level of eosinophils, key indicators of this disease. Understanding eosinophilic enteritis is crucial because it helps identify and treat patients who experience unexplained abdominal pain and repeated intestinal blockages. Who this helps: This helps patients with unexplained gastrointestinal issues.

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This study looked at how nonprofit hospitals across the U.S. are helping with housing issues, which are important for people's health. It found that only 20% of hospitals are investing in housing programs, with the largest investments going toward financial assistance (21%) and support for homeless populations (16%). This is important because addressing housing can significantly improve health outcomes, especially for communities in need. Who this helps: Patients living in unstable housing situations and healthcare providers looking to improve overall health in their communities.

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This study looked at how a new method called "food ladders" can help children with severe milk and egg allergies, particularly those who have had life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Researchers reviewed the medical records of 458 children and found that 78% to 85% of the infants who had anaphylaxis completed the treatment successfully, while those without a history of anaphylaxis had a success rate of 89% to 93%. These findings suggest that using food ladders can safely help many children develop tolerance to these common allergens, even if they initially had severe reactions. Who this helps: This helps infants with milk and egg allergies and their families.

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This study looked at how case study research (CSR) is used in nursing to gain a deeper understanding of complicated healthcare situations. The findings highlight that CSR is particularly useful for addressing detailed issues in patient care and healthcare organization, leading to better outcomes for patients. For example, by examining specific case studies, researchers were able to uncover new insights that traditional research methods might miss. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare professionals.

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This study looked at two different ways to manage cow's milk protein allergy in children: one group followed a "milk ladder" approach that allowed gradual reintroduction of baked milk, while another group completely avoided milk. Researchers reviewed records from 371 pediatric patients and found that those using the milk ladder were 3.67 times more likely to successfully reintroduce cow's milk without serious issues. This approach not only improved their chances of tolerating milk but also resulted in fewer severe allergic reactions compared to those who avoided milk completely. Who this helps: This benefits children with cow's milk protein allergy and their families.

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This study examined new compounds designed to target a specific type of receptor in the body called the adenosine receptor, which is important for regulating blood flow. The researchers found that some of these compounds, particularly the ones with the ethynyl spacer, showed strong affinity for the receptor with values as low as 2-30 nanomolar (nM). In tests involving mice with peripheral artery disease, certain compounds demonstrated protective effects against muscle damage caused by reduced blood flow. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral artery disease by potentially offering new treatment options.

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This study focused on improving hospital care for people with dementia by engaging patients, caregivers, and families in discussions about their experiences. Researchers held focus groups in Essex and Suffolk and identified six key areas that matter most for dementia care, including personalized treatment, communication, and the role of caregivers. By gathering these insights, the project aims to enhance hospital services and address inequalities in dementia care. Who this helps: This helps patients living with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study explored how menopausal symptoms affect job satisfaction among middle-aged health workers in England, while also looking at the roles of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. The research found that menopausal symptoms often lead to lower job satisfaction, and this effect is worsened by anxiety and depression. Specifically, menopausal symptoms negatively influenced job satisfaction by 0.38 points, and stress had a significant impact if left unadjusted. Who this helps: This research benefits health workers experiencing menopause, as well as employers looking to support their staff better.

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This study looked at patients with cancer to find out what factors make them more likely to have repeated blood clots or serious bleeding while being treated with blood-thinning medications. Researchers analyzed data from 671 patients and found that factors like having a low performance status (meaning how well patients are functioning), having metastatic cancer, and certain treatments like bevacizumab increase the risk of recurring blood clots. Additionally, low serum albumin levels were linked to higher chances of major bleeding. These findings are important because they help doctors recognize which cancer patients are at greater risk for these complications, allowing for better care and management. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how patient-reported outcomes (PROs), like symptom data collected from cancer survivors, can be used to create models that predict patient outcomes in cancer care. Out of 1,254 studies reviewed, only 18 focused on how these PROs help in developing these prediction models. The findings showed that using PROs generally improved the accuracy of predicting post-treatment survival compared to models that didn’t include this data. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers improve cancer care for patients.

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This study looked at how physical activity affects menopausal symptoms and overall well-being in 324 working women in England. The results showed that being physically active reduced menopausal symptoms, which in turn improved participants' sense of well-being. Specifically, higher levels of physical activity led to fewer menopausal symptoms (which improved well-being by 19%) and less anxiety, depression, and stress (which worsened well-being by 21%). Who this helps: This benefits working women experiencing menopause.

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This study looked at how to effectively introduce a new digital program called eSyM that helps cancer patients report and manage their symptoms electronically. It was tested in six cancer centers from August 2019 to April 2022, where 226 different strategies were used to implement this program. Researchers found that certain strategies, especially those used across multiple sites, greatly improved the program's success by enhancing patient and clinician engagement. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and healthcare providers by improving symptom management and care delivery.