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Workforce

Tetris-ing Work Schedules: A Partial Solution to Workplace Burnout?

Imagine having an extra day off every week—more time to catch up on sleep, pursue hobbies, or spend with family. Sounds like a dream, right? This growing trend, known as compressed work schedules, promises longer weekends in exchange for longer daily work hours. As enticing as it sounds, can such schedules truly combat burnout, improve […]

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Commentary

Next Week in Public Health, January 31, 2025

More testimony, more policy. AND MORE SCIENCE. Here’s what is coming up next week in public health. Don’t Miss Out – Subscribe Now! Public health needs your voice today. Join thousands of leaders already making a difference. Subscribe for free to This Week in Public Health and receive weekly updates packed with tools to drive […]

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Health equity

Preventive Care, Hidden Costs: Unearthing Disparities

Imagine this scenario: you go for a routine health screening, assured by your health plan that it’s covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Then, weeks later, a bill arrives—unexpected and unwelcome. For many Americans, this isn’t just a frustrating surprise; it’s a barrier that keeps them from seeking future care. New research reveals how […]

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Health tips

Does Hand Washing Make a Difference?

Yes. And here’s why. Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are among the most frequent and severe complications in medical settings. Globally, the prevalence of patients contracting at least one HAI hovers around 7%, with some regions reporting rates as high as 13.8%. These infections not only endanger lives but also strain healthcare systems with additional costs and […]

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Policy

What if “free” preventive care wasn’t really free for everyone?

For many Americans, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) promised cost-free preventive services, from cancer screenings to routine check-ups. Yet, a groundbreaking study reveals that 40% of these encounters still result in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for patients, often in unexpected and inequitable ways. This issue is more than an inconvenience—it has profound implications for public health […]

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Health equity

How Structural Stigma Shapes Public Health Outcomes

Imagine a community where laws quietly deny certain groups equal opportunities. Now picture institutions whose practices make accessing healthcare an uphill battle for some. These aren’t fictional dystopias—they’re the lived realities for many facing structural stigma. But what exactly is structural stigma, and how does it shape health outcomes? A recent scoping review sheds light […]

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Commentary

How Federal Employees Can Speak Out Against Misconduct

Recent reports of systemic misuse of power and unethical practices within agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have sparked concern among public servants. If you’re a federal employee witnessing questionable actions, there are secure, anonymous ways to report these issues. Organizations like ProPublica, Reuters, and The Guardian provide platforms for whistleblowers to share […]

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Funding

Why Do Patients Demand Low-Value Care?

Emma, a 42-year-old teacher, feels a twinge in her back after a weekend hike. Concerned, she requests an MRI from her doctor. Despite reassurance that rest and physical therapy are sufficient, Emma insists. Why? She believes “more is better,” a common mindset in healthcare. This scenario isn’t unique—it’s part of a global challenge called low-value […]

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Policy

Next Week in Public Health, January 24, 2025

We’ve been monitoring all of the federal policy orders that have been coming out since Trump’s inauguration. Next week, RFK, Jr. faces his first confirmation hearing to be secretary of HHS. To catch up, here’s an article from our colleague, Mandy Morgan, on what this potentially means for public health professionals. Here’s what we have […]

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Quality

Why Patients Demand Unnecessary Treatments

Healthcare systems worldwide grapple with the costly and detrimental phenomenon of low-value care—medical interventions that provide little to no benefit, may cause harm, and contribute to the inefficiency of healthcare systems. Alarmingly, low-value care accounts for an estimated 20% of healthcare spending in the U.S. and a similar proportion in other high-income countries. Examples include […]

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Climate

Building Smarter Cities with AI and Low-Carbon Materials: A Blueprint for Public Health and Sustainability

Imagine walking through a city where the buildings breathe cleaner air, energy flows efficiently, and healthcare feels tailored just for you. This isn’t a sci-fi dream—it’s a vision rooted in emerging technologies that combine artificial intelligence (AI), low-carbon building materials, and smart city design. Recent research reveals that these innovations can revolutionize how we live, […]

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