MedTech Dive · Aug 3, 2026
Henry Schein removes 3 longtime execs in leadership shakeup
The reorganization comes months after Fred Lowery was named CEO and the company deepened its relationship with private equity firm KKR.
Latest medical news · page 11
The latest headlines across every section, pulled from official and open-access sources.
FDA Drugs · Aug 3, 2026
Investing in FDA’s Inspectional Enterprise
We are advancing transformation through a more aligned, risk-informed, and transparent approach to inspectional operations that is already taking shape across the FDA.
MedTech Dive · Aug 3, 2026
Medicare finalizes 2.3% hospital inpatient pay raise for 2027
Regulators also finalized the first nationwide, mandatory payment model to reduce the cost of joint replacements starting in 2028. Hospitals said the pay raise was inadequate, and chafed at the mandatory nature of the new model.
NCQA · Aug 3, 2026
HEDIS® MY 2027: What’s New, What’s Changed, What’s Retired
The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is continuously evolving to reflect clinical best practices and to support the needs of organizations that deliver and coordinate care. For HEDIS Measurement Year (MY) 2027, NCQA introduced several updates: Added 6 new measures. Updated 3 existing measures. Transitioned 1 measure to Electronic Clinical Data Systems (ECDS) […] The post HEDIS® MY 2027: What’s New, What’s Changed, What’s Retired appeared first on NCQA .
NCQA · Aug 3, 2026
HEDIS® MY 2027 Volume 2 Release for Long-Term Services and Supports
The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is continuously evolving to reflect clinical best practices for organizations delivering long-term services and supports (LTSS). The HEDIS MY 2027 Technical Specifications for Long-Term Services and Supports Measures is a set of HEDIS measures designed to assess whether LTSS organizations are delivering high-quality, person-centered care. The specifications include […] The post HEDIS® MY 2027 Volume 2 Release for Long-Term Services and Supports appeared first on NCQA .
Fierce Biotech · Aug 3, 2026
Fiercest Women in Life Sciences 2026: Nominations open now
Who should be a 2026 Fiercest Woman in Life Sciences? Nominations are open for women making an impact across pharma, biotech, medtech and beyond. The deadline is Sept. 18.
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Integrated service delivery to improve adolescent health and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Lao PDR: a quasi-experimental mixed-methods study - study protocol
Introduction The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) faces the significant public health challenges of high cervical cancer incidence and suboptimal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage alongside broader adolescent health concerns such as high adolescent pregnancy rates and inadequate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy. This study protocol outlines an approach to address these interconnected issues comprehensively by evaluating an integrated service delivery model. Methods and analysis This study employed a quasi-experimental design with mixed methods to assess the impact…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Mapping the literature on improving primary-to-secondary care referrals through the lens of the Quintuple Aim framework for healthcare improvement: a scoping review
Objectives To explore and map the literature on referral pathway gaps and improvement strategies in primary healthcare (PHC) to secondary healthcare (SHC) referrals, and to categorise both gaps and improvements using the Quintuple Aim framework for healthcare improvement—a model encompassing patient experience, population health, costs, provider well-being and health equity. Design Scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Multicentre, controlled, randomised and single-blind, adaptive phase IV protocol to evaluate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a pre-emptive genotyping strategy to optimise tacrolimus dosage in a pretransplant chronic kidney disease population cohort: iPHARMGx TRANSPGx nested clinical trial
Introduction Genetic variations impact drug response, driving the need for personalised medicine through pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing. However, the adoption of pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing for commonly prescribed drugs, such as tacrolimus, outside of tertiary hospitals is limited due to a lack of pharmacoeconomic evidence to support widespread implementation by healthcare policymakers. The iPHARMGx Consortium addresses this by developing the TRANSPGx clinical trial to assess the hypothesis that widespread adoption of a pre-emptive genotyping scheme in populations susceptible to…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Mapping stakeholders for developing cancer research in Small Island Developing States: a descriptive study from the Eastern Caribbean
Introduction High cancer mortality in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is compounded by the insufficient evidence from local epidemiological studies. Stakeholder engagement is particularly important in SIDS to ultimately drive these studies and cancer control. We aimed to map cancer control stakeholders as part of the development of the CaSIDEC study. Methods The Cancer in Small Island Developing States of the Eastern Caribbean (CaSIDEC) study investigates the role of overseas travel on cancer survivorship in the six countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Magnitude of human papillomavirus vaccination uptake and its determinants among adolescent girls in Lesotho: a cross-sectional study
Background To eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, the WHO recommends that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines should be included in national immunisation programmes and should reach 90% of all girls by age 15 as primary prevention. Lesotho reintroduced the national HPV vaccine programme in 2022. Objective To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of HPV vaccination uptake among adolescent girls in Lesotho. Design A population-based cross-sectional study design. Setting Lesotho. Participants Girls aged 15–17. Primary and secondary outcome measures A multilevel…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Cerebrospinal fluid shunting or dural venous sinus stenting to preserve vision in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH Intervention): protocol for an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled phase IIb trial
Introduction Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterised by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and typically affects young women with obesity. Patients are at risk of permanent visual loss due to papilloedema. Some require emergency intervention to rapidly reduce papilloedema and preserve vision. The international standard of care for patients with sight-threatening IIH is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting. However, dural venous sinus stenting (DVSS) is an emerging procedure that is offered at many neuroscience centres internationally as the primary intervention. Currently…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Explorative thematic qualitative analysis of a UK emergency medical systems staffs experiences, perceptions and interpretations of violence and aggression directed towards them
Background Emergency medical services (EMS) staff worldwide have long been at risk of encountering violence and aggression (V&A) at work, including threats, verbal, physical and sexual assault, and on rare occasions, fatalities occur. Exposure to V&A can result in stress, fear and burnout. This is an international problem and EMS employers, trade unions and others are working towards tackling it. The aim of this research was to conduct an exploratory qualitative interview study of EMS staff focusing on experiences, perceptions and interpretations of V&A directed towards them. Methods This…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Sepsis of urinary vs non-urinary tract origin in nonagenarians and centenarians admitted to Australian and New Zealand intensive care units: a propensity-matched multicentre cohort analysis
Objectives To compare clinical outcomes between urinary and non-urinary tract sepsis in nonagenarians and centenarians admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Design Retrospective propensity score-matched multicentre cohort study. Setting Adult ICUs participating in the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database across Australia and New Zealand (2010–2023). Participants We included all ICU admissions for sepsis in patients aged 90 years or older, classified as urinary or non-urinary tract sepsis using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III-J…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Clinical indicators associated with pain trajectories in non-specific neck pain: a secondary analysis of a multicentre prospective observational cohort to develop a clinical compass for personalised physiotherapy in primary care
Objectives To identify clinical indicators reflecting potentially treatment-modifiable prognostic factors associated with pain recovery in patients with non-specific neck pain and to develop a prototype clinical compass for visualising patient-specific profiles. Design Secondary analysis of data from a multicentre, prospective, observational prognostic cohort study, with a 6-month follow-up between January 2020 and March 2023. Setting 30 physiotherapy primary care practices. Participants Patients with a new episode of non-specific neck pain. Primary and secondary outcome measures Patients…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Exploring sources of job satisfaction and work-related stressors experienced by organ and tissue donation coordinators in Canada: a qualitative analysis
Objectives To explore the sources of job satisfaction and work-related stressors experienced by organ and tissue donation coordinators in Canada. Design A qualitative descriptive approach incorporating semi-structured virtual interviews conducted between March 2022 and April 2024. Inductive coding was used for this analysis. Setting Canadian organ donation organisations. Participants Coordinators from across Canada working in deceased organ and tissue donation programmes. Results Perspectives from 39 coordinators from 10 organ donation organisations across Canada were explored in this…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
The application of chatbots in perinatal mental health interventions: a scoping review protocol
Introduction Perinatal mental health problems are prevalent during pregnancy and the postpartum period and can have substantial consequences for both mothers and infants. Chatbot-based interventions represent a promising and scalable approach to perinatal mental health support. However, the evidence base remains heterogeneous and has not been systematically mapped. This scoping review aims to synthesise existing research on chatbot-based interventions for perinatal mental health, focusing on study characteristics, intervention features, outcomes and implementation challenges. Methods and…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Epidural analgesia during labour in uncomplicated pregnancy low-risk women: intrapartum care and maternal-neonatal outcomes-a retrospective cohort study
Objectives To investigate the associations between the use of epidural analgesia (EA) and intrapartum care, labour, birth and neonatal outcomes in uncomplicated pregnancy low-risk women, to inform evidence-based intrapartum practices and support informed maternal choice. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single maternity hospital in Northern Italy. Participants A total of 3406 uncomplicated pregnancy low-risk women who gave birth between 2019 and 2023 were included. Participants were grouped according to whether they received EA (n=417) or not (n=2989). Primary and secondary outcome…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Protocol for a multi-perspective exploration of technology requirements for home-based upper-limb tabletop functional task training with minimal supervision: a mixed-methods and qualitative descriptive study
Introduction Upper-limb (UL) impairment following stroke significantly limits independence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Although tabletop functional task-oriented training (FTOT) is a cornerstone of neurorehabilitation, both conventional therapist-led and technology-supported FTOT face limitations in consistency, supervision, progression and continuity across settings. The objectives are to characterise current clinical practices in UL tabletop FTOT and identify stroke survivor–caregiver dyads’ needs, constraints and support requirements across clinical and home contexts to inform…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Prognostic value of different biomarkers in bladder cancer: protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Introduction Bladder cancer (BC), the second most common urinary cancer, is classified as either non-muscle-invasive BC or muscle-invasive BC. Although numerous studies have identified potential prognostic biomarkers, none have yet been implemented in clinical practice. A comprehensive umbrella review comparing all prognostic biomarkers in BC remains absent. Thus, we aim to synthesise evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on prognostic factors in patients with BC. Methods and analysis We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), EMBASE, Cochrane Database of…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Glenoid reconstruction with screw-type implant versus iliac crest bone grafting for anterior shoulder instability: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial
Introduction Anterior shoulder instability is a common condition, frequently seen in young and active individuals. For patients with critical glenoid bone defects (≥15%), Bankart repair has limited effectiveness and bony augmentation surgery is often required. However, traditional bone grafts carry the risk of graft resorption, while 3D-printed personalised implants aimed at anatomical reconstruction face limitations in accessibility, cost and production time. Methods and analysis In this multicentre, randomised controlled trial, anterior shoulder instability patients with critical glenoid…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moderate-dose and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone combined with plasmapheresis versus plasmapheresis alone in leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome: a protocol
Introduction Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterium Leptospira, which typically enters humans through contact with water or soil contaminated with infected urine. One of the most important causes of death due to leptospirosis is leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS). LPHS occurs due to an inappropriate immune response, resulting in excessive release of cytokines/chemokines or direct damage to alveoli by bacteria. Mortality remains high in LPHS, and management strategies of this deadly complication are under-investigated. Survivors have minimal residual lung…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Whole-body thermal therapies for symptom management and well-being in people assigned female at birth with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis or adenomyosis: a scoping review protocol
Introduction Dysmenorrhoea is one of the most frequent manifestations of chronic pelvic pain. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are among the most common pathological causes of secondary dysmenorrhoea. Symptoms often persist despite treatment, so individuals frequently engage in self-management strategies. One self-management approach that may have potential benefits for chronic pain is whole-body thermal therapy, which involves exposure to heat or cold stimuli inducing systemic physiological responses. The aim of this scoping review is to map and synthesise the available literature on the use and…
BMJ Open · Aug 3, 2026
Unmet needs for stroke patients based on the social ecological model: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review
Introduction Stroke is a severe cerebrovascular disease characterised by high morbidity, high recurrence rate, high disability rate, high mortality rate and significant economic burden. The unmet needs of stroke patients are universal and diverse and closely related to their health outcomes. Methods and analysis This protocol describes a mixed-methods systematic review to identify unmet needs in stroke patients. A comprehensive search will be performed in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang Database and CQVIP. Google Scholar and ProQuest…