JORDAN BLAKE SCHWARTZBERG, MD

Plain English
This study looked at how being hospitalized and experiencing delirium affects kidney transplant candidates. Researchers found that 31% of the 2,374 candidates were hospitalized at least once during a median follow-up of 1.8 years, which made them 3.65 times more likely to die while waiting for a transplant and reduced their chances of receiving a transplant by 26%. Additionally, 11% of those hospitalized experienced delirium, which increased the risk of waitlist death by nearly five times and cut their chances of getting a transplant by more than half. Who this helps: This study primarily helps kidney transplant candidates and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of reducing hospitalizations and delirium.

Plain English
This study looked at how often family doctors and internists refer patients to home health agencies for care at home. It found that 88% of the doctors surveyed made these referrals, averaging about 43 per year, and rural doctors referred patients more often despite having fewer available services. These findings are important because they highlight the challenges rural physicians face in providing home care while underscoring their commitment to patient needs. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in rural areas, who need home health services.