Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Viewpoints: Insurance Should Cover Holistic Care Alongside Cancer Meds; Nursing Homes Struggle With Staffing
USA Today: Medication Is Part Of Cancer Fight. Treat The Person, Not Just Disease
Cancer mortality rates have dropped 33% since their peak in 1991, according to a recent report from the American Cancer Society. Yet, we still have a long way to go. We've improved the life span of cancer patients. But we haven't necessarily improved the quality of life for patients − and their loved ones and caregivers. (Patrick Dempsey and Dr. John Whyte, 10/31)
New England Journal of Medicine: Minimum-Staffing Rules For U.S. Nursing Homes — Opportunities And Challenges
.S. nursing homes have faced staffing challenges for decades.1 Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nurse aides (CNAs) are the primary caregivers in nursing homes. RNs and LPNs focus on the clinical tasks of resident assessment, treatment, and medication management, while CNAs provide the bulk of the hands-on care, such as assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, and dressing. (David C. Grabowski, Ph.D., and John R. Bowblis, Ph.D., 10/28)
Also —
The Boston Globe: Scapegoating Mental Illness Is Ineffective In Preventing Mass Shootings
Research and data show that behavioral risk factors are far better at predicting violence than mental health diagnosis alone. Public health experts have known for decades that the most accurate indicator of future acts of violence are past acts of violence. Combine this with other factors like drug and alcohol misuse, repeated interactions with law enforcement, and other risky behaviors, and the public will have a better understanding of indicators for potential violence than mental illness. This is about examining risk and following epidemiology, not perpetuating mental health stigma. (Kris Brown, 10/30)
The CT Mirror: CT Lawmakers, Back The 28th Amendment For Gun Safety
Gun violence seems to have become inevitable in American society. The prevalent use of guns to cause significant harm and death in this country has skyrocketed in recent years. The constant news of gun violence from the media comes in such quick succession now that Americans no longer catch their breath. A new tragedy holds the public’s attention, and disheartening thoughts hold in our hearts. (Cheryl Mitchell and Gifty Quarm, 10/30)
The CT Mirror: Better Maine Gun Laws Would Have Prevented Lewiston Shooting
Once again, our nation is devastated by a mass shooting, this time in Lewiston, Maine, where at least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured by a shooter armed with an assault weapon. The suspect was known by police to have threatened a mass shooting at a military base, was suffering a mental health crisis and had firearms, including assault-style weapons. (Jeremy Stein, 10/30)
