Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Patient-Induced Trauma: Hospitals Learn To Defuse Violence

KFF Health News Original

Health care workers face a greater threat of workplace violence than workers in most other industries. Hospitals are installing security cameras and panic buttons, arming security guards with stun guns and teaching their employees how to handle potentially violent situations.

An Atlanta Nonprofit Brings Medical Care And Connection To The Homeless

KFF Health News Original

“Street medicine” programs seek out people living in back alleys and under highways. It’s a public health approach designed to build trust and eventually connect homeless patients to other services.

Surgeon General’s Marijuana Warning Omits Crucial Context

KFF Health News Original

Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the drug has a “unique impact” on the developing brain ⁠— technically true, but neglecting a vital comparison to other drugs, as well as shortcomings in the existing research.

Medicaid Tweak Might Offer Means To Improve U.S. Maternal Health

KFF Health News Original

Many pregnant women lose health coverage shortly after delivery. Democratic presidential candidates are eyeing the issue, and some experts say making Medicaid more accessible to new moms could be an answer.

Sit, Heal: Dog Teaches Military Med Students The Merits Of Service Animals

KFF Health News Original

Although service dogs are commonly seen at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, a retriever mix is a clinical instructor in the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology.

How Germany Averted An Opioid Crisis

KFF Health News Original

Doctors are less likely to prescribe opioids in Germany and quicker to notice if a patient is at risk of abuse. And, for those who do experience addiction, treatment is easier to come by.

Bruising Labor Battles Put Kaiser Permanente’s Reputation On The Line

KFF Health News Original

Kaiser Permanente just avoided a nationwide strike by thousands of workers, but now faces a new strike threat Monday. The labor battles are exposing the health care giant to scrutiny from lawmakers, health care advocates and others who accuse it of no longer living up to its nonprofit ideals.