Department of Health Policy Archives
Study finds areas without mask requirements have larger increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations
Oct. 27, 2020—All areas of Tennessee have seen a resurgence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients since early October, but hospitals that draw patients from counties without masking requirements are experiencing much sharper increases, according to a new analysis from researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
HIV prevention medication not being prescribed routinely: study
Sep. 17, 2020—Only about 54% of medical practitioners surveyed say they have prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to HIV-vulnerable patients, according to a new study by a Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigator.
Roumie to direct Master of Public Health program
Sep. 10, 2020—Christianne Roumie, MD, MPH, has been named director of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Master of Public Health program, a two-year interdisciplinary program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
New analysis finds association between masking requirements and slower growth in COVID-19 hospitalizations
Aug. 10, 2020—In a new analysis, researchers from the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found a relationship between the growth of hospitalizations and masking requirements put in place across the state.
Study finds Medicare Part D favors generic drugs over brand-name counterparts
Aug. 6, 2020—Contrary to previous media reports, a new study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers finds that Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance plans largely favor generic drugs over brand-name counterparts.
Nearly one-third of Tennessee parents are worried their child has an undiagnosed mental health condition, new poll finds
Jul. 16, 2020—One-third of Tennessee parents with children ages 6-17 are worried their child has an undiagnosed mental health condition, a new poll from the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy found.
New study examines coronavirus transmission within households
Jun. 30, 2020—Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators are leading a new study that examines the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, within households in Nashville.
COVID-19 hospitalizations increase primarily in two Tennessee regions, could hit 1,000 in late July
Jun. 16, 2020—The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reached its highest level to date on June 15, when more than 400 patients were hospitalized across Tennessee, according to a report from researchers at Vanderbilt.
Women in criminal justice system less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder
May. 18, 2020—Pregnant women involved in the criminal justice system are disproportionately not receiving medications for opioid use disorder, as compared to their peers, according to a Vanderbilt-led study published today in PLOS Medicine.
Study finds newborn opioid withdrawal rates show evidence of stabilizing
May. 12, 2020—Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have plateaued after 20 years of increasing frequency across the country, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. NAS is a withdrawal syndrome experienced by some opioid-exposed newborns after birth.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients on Medicare seeing increased out-of-pocket costs for specialty medications
May. 7, 2020—After a sharp drop in out-of-pocket costs between 2010 and 2011, Medicare patients who use specialty biologic medications for rheumatoid arthritis have seen higher out-of-pocket spending for those same drugs because of gradual price increases, a new study finds.
Vanderbilt Health Policy COVID-19 model finds evidence of flattening curve, recommends distancing policies continue
Apr. 9, 2020—Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have found evidence of the rate of COVID-19 infection slowing in Tennessee, which reduces the chance that the state will run out of hospital capacity for patients.
