Iowa news
U-I study finds lung damage in COVID-19 patients
A study from the University of Iowa Post-COVID-19 Clinic research team shows COVID-19 can potentially damage the small airways in the lungs. The research found no difference based on the severity of the person’s COVID-19 case. The extent of the damage is still unknown and symptoms are scattered and unspecific, but the research team noted that anyone experiencing long-term complications should seek a doctor. (Iowa Public Radio)
National Doctors Day reminds us of need and appreciation
Yesterday’s National Doctors Day marked the importance of physicians, an appreciation that has grown over the last two years. Health care as a whole has been part of upheaval since the beginning of the decade, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 2.6 million jobs to be added throughout the decade before the pandemic began. Back in 2018, Iowa Workforce Development reported 40% of respondents had job vacancies. (Globe Gazette)
Remote patient-monitoring program effective in treating COVID-19
To effectively monitor and treat COVID-19 patients during the pandemic, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics developed a home-monitoring program that helped keep most patients out of the hospital, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed 1,128 COVID-19 patients treated as part of the home-monitoring program between March 9, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Researchers identified high- and low-risk patients based on various demographics, and prioritized those who are older and had underlying health conditions. (mHealthIntelligence)
National news
Russian-affiliated hackers planned to attack 400 US hospitals in 2020
A chatroom run by a group of Russian-affiliated hackers detailed plans in 2020 to attack and disable 400 U.S. hospitals. During the height of the pandemic, hackers hatched a plan through the chatroom to hold hospital computer systems hostage. The plan was countered by U.S. authorities and the Department of Homeland Security. Since 2018, the hacking enterprise known as the Trickbot Group has collected millions of dollars by shutting down emergency rooms, city governments and public schools. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
COVID-19 deaths jump by 40%, but cases falling globally
The number of people killed by the coronavirus surged by more than 40% last week, likely because of changes in how COVID-19 deaths were reported across the Americas and by newly adjusted figures from India, according to a World Health Organization report. In its latest weekly report on the pandemic, the U.N. health agency said the number of new coronavirus cases fell everywhere, including in WHO’s Western Pacific region, where they had been rising since December. (Modern Healthcare)
Biden’s $5.8 trillion budget: 9 health care takeaways
President Joe Biden’s proposed $5.8 trillion budget for fiscal year 2023 includes funding for health care. Areas and efforts supported by the budget include pandemic preparedness, mental health parity, vaccines for uninsured adults, Title X funding, cancer research and treatment, HIV prevention and support services, Veterans Affairs medical care, discretionary funding for HHS and mandatory spending for the Indian Health Service. (Becker’s Hospital Review)