Good morning! As we transition into September, there are some exciting developments in the world of health journalism. Today, my colleagues Katie Palmer and Usha Lee McFarling are launching a compelling series on race-based algorithms. Let’s dive into the details.
Why are race-based algorithms so hard to change?
Every day, doctors rely on clinical algorithms to make crucial decisions about patient care. These algorithms use various factors like blood pressure, age, weight, and surgical history to determine things like surgical risk or disease likelihood. However, one factor that stands out is race. For years, there has been pushback against the use of race in clinical algorithms.
In 2020, the murder of George Floyd sparked a movement for racial justice that reached into the medical field. A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted 13 common examples of race-based algorithms, creating a sense of urgency to address embedded bias in medicine.
In a new investigative series, STAT’s Katie Palmer and Usha Lee McFarling spoke with over 100 clinicians and researchers, uncovering a healthcare system struggling to reevaluate its scientific and ethical assumptions about race. The series sheds light on the complexities of coordinating efforts across different groups and institutions to address this issue.
The first story in Katie and Usha’s series explores how medicine relies on tools that are described as being built on a foundation of Jell-O. Stay tuned for more stories throughout the week. Additionally, you can explore a database built by Katie and STAT’s J. Emory Parker, which tracks 45 algorithms across clinical fields, allowing you to filter tools by specialty, racial variables, and more.
For those who prefer visual explanations, there is an explainer video produced by STAT’s Hyacinth Empinado that breaks down how these clinical algorithms work and how race factors into the calculations.
Don’t ignore that medical bill – new survey data suggests you should fight it
New survey data published in JAMA Health Forum indicates that if you receive a medical bill that you disagree with or find unaffordable, it’s worth challenging it. The study found that 61% of individuals who had concerns about their medical bills reached out to the billing office for resolution. Among those who sought assistance, 75% received financial relief through various means such as bill cancellation, payment plans, or price reductions.
Interestingly, the study also noted that personality traits like being extroverted and less agreeable increased the likelihood of reaching out to address billing concerns. However, individuals without a college degree, lower financial literacy, or lacking insurance were less likely to take action.
A cancer survivor’s remarkable journey from pharma exec to patient advocate
Kathy Giusti’s life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 37 and given a grim prognosis. Despite the challenges, Giusti channeled her energy into changing the landscape of multiple myeloma treatment. She founded the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, which has raised over $600 million for research, launched numerous clinical trials, and helped bring new drugs to market. Giusti’s efforts have significantly improved the survival rates for multiple myeloma patients.
FDA authorizes updated version of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine
The FDA recently granted emergency use authorization for an updated version of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine. This updated shot is designed to target the JN.1 strain of the virus, which was dominant earlier this year. While Novavax faced challenges in vaccine production during the pandemic, the updated vaccine has garnered support for its effectiveness and lower side effects compared to other options.
All of Us research program faces funding cuts
The All of Us federal research program, which aims to gather health and genetic data from one million people in the U.S., is facing a significant funding decrease on Oct. 1. Restoring funding to this program is crucial for advancing research and precision medicine, as it provides valuable data from diverse populations across the country.
What we’re reading
- How a leading chain of psychiatric hospitals traps patients – New York Times
- California, the nation’s largest milk producer, confirms bird flu outbreaks in three dairy cow herds – STAT
- Mass polio vaccination to begin in Gaza after the deadly disease reemerges – Washington Post
- At a major cardiology conference, Wegovy’s the word – STAT
- Mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise: Here’s how to protect yourself – NPR
- Sanofi announces success of new pill for multiple sclerosis in key trial – STAT
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