MorningRX: August 23, 2023

Many Women Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care

One in 5 women have reported that they experienced mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery care, according to a new survey conducted by the CDC. The most common types of mistreatment that women reported included receiving no response to requests for help, being shouted at, and being threatened with withholding treatment. The survey also found that mistreatment was highest among Black, Hispanic, and multiracial women. Additionally, women with no insurance or public insurance experienced more mistreatment than women with private insurance.

“Every mother deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Maternal care is a core component of this nation’s health care, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to improving maternal health outcomes,” Xavier Becerra, HHS secretary, said in a release. “Bias, stigma, and mistreatment have no place in our healthcare systems.”

Employers See Significant Rise in Employee Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, are on the rise among employees, according to a survey by Business Group on Health. The annual survey predicts the upcoming year’s landscape of employer sponsored healthcare. The survey found that 77% of employers reported an increase in mental health needs of employees, compared to 44% last year. The survey also found that 92% of employers are concerned or very concerned about high-cost drugs in the pipeline. Additionally, 1 in 2 employers said that cancer is the number 1 driver of health care costs, and 86% said its among their top 3.

Microsoft and Epic Team Up to Accelerate AI Use in Healthcare

Microsoft and software company Epic are accelerating their collaboration to increase the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry, according to a press release. The 2 companies are working to address the healthcare fields current needs, including clinical access, workforce burnout, and staffing shortages. Dozens of AI copilot solutions are currently being deployed to enhance clinician productivity, increase administrative efficiencies, and advance medicine to improve patient outcomes.