Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Worker Hiring Dipped Slightly In May, But Strong Overall
Modern Healthcare: Healthcare Hiring Strong In May, Jobs Report Shows
Healthcare hiring remained strong in in May despite a slight dip from the previous month as employers anticipate an eventual lack of COVID-19 funding and as cases and hospitalizations slowly stabilize, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data published Friday. Employers in the sector added an estimated 28,300 jobs last month, down from 36,800 positions in April, preliminary data show. The industry contributed to 390,000 hires across the economy in May. Hospitals, physicians offices and nursing and residential care facilities saw the largest gains among healthcare employers. (Devereaux, 6/3)
Modern Healthcare: Layoffs Hit Cerebral, Carbon Health And Other Digital Health Companies
Layoffs have begun to hit the digital health industry as two digital health unicorns said they were cutting staff this week. Cerebral, the embattled mental health startup, confirmed layoffs will occur by July 1. The company said it was restructuring its operations and eliminating a number of positions, although it did not specify how many. According to an internal memo obtained by Digital Health Business & Technology, the affected areas will include support and operations teams within the company’s headquarters. (Perna and Turner, 6/3)
The Boston Globe: From Gloves To Dye For CT Scans, Supply Shortages Continue To Stress Hospitals
Jeff Silva walked into his CT scan appointment at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton looking for answers. A biopsy and MRI had recently diagnosed his prostate cancer, and his doctors had ordered a CT scan with contrast to check that the cancer hadn’t spread anywhere else. Contrast dye is usually administered to patients by IV or into an artery to light up vascular structures, making it easier for clinicians to see the web of detail inside the body. He was on the exam table about to begin the scan when he asked why he hadn’t received the contrast yet. The technician told him he wouldn’t be receiving it because of a shortage; the hospital was reserving the fluid for emergencies. (Bartlett, 6/5)
Stat: Health Tech Companies Try To Make A Case For Virtual Diabetes Care
For all the time and money health tech companies have poured into developing virtual care for type 2 diabetes, the field doesn’t have much of a track record just yet. There’s relatively little rigorous data on how well virtual lifestyle coaching combined with medical care can make a dent in type 2 diabetes rates or outcomes, or how easy it is for patients to stick to the plans over time. But virtual care companies are working to fill that evidence void. On Sunday, Virta Health presented outcomes from a five-year study — one of the longest yet on digital diabetes care. People who stuck with the program, which aims to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes with a virtual nutrition program supported by health coaches and clinicians, on average saw meaningful weight loss while reducing blood sugar and diabetes medications, with 20% achieving diabetes remission. (Palmer, 6/6)
In pharmaceutical industry news —
Reuters: GSK Measles Vaccine Gets U.S. FDA Approval
British drugmaker GSK said on Monday its vaccine, Priorix, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in those aged one year and above. The vaccine can be given as two doses, and may also be administered as a second shot to individuals who were previously vaccinated with a first dose of another MMR-containing vaccine, GSK said. (6/6)
Kansas City Star: Cancer Patient Sues CPAP Maker Philips Over Recalled Devices
A Johnson County man blames his sleep apnea machine for giving him lung cancer and is suing the manufacturer, which last year recalled the machine and several other breathing-aid devices. Philips Respironics issued a voluntary worldwide recall for the machines last June because of possible health risks related to noise-abatement foam inside them. The foam can break down and release possible cancer-causing particles that a user might inhale or swallow, the Food and Drug Administration said last year. Last month the FDA announced it had received more than 100 reports of deaths associated with the recalled devices, though no connection has been made between the deaths and the machines. (Gutierrez, 6/6)
Kansas City Star: What To Do If Your Philips Sleep Apnea Machine Was Recalled
A year after a massive recall affecting millions of Philips sleep apnea machines, people are still waiting for replacements or repairs. Some are using the machines in spite of the health risks that got them recalled in the first place. Philips Respironics issued a voluntary worldwide recall for millions of machines last June because of possible health risks related to noise-abatement foam inside them. The foam can degrade and release possible cancer-causing particles, the Food and Drug Administration says. The company recommended that people stop using the CPAP and BiPAP machines on the recall list, register them on a website so they can be either repaired or replaced, and consult their doctors or sleep specialists. (Gutierrez, 6/6)
