About the Study: To what extent do obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) experience clinical constraints associated with their state’s abortion laws, and are those constraints associated with moral distress? In a cross-sectional study surveying 864 OB-GYNs, those in abortion-restrictive states endorsed higher levels of 3 specific clinical constraints (counseling, care provision, and care for patients with potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications) compared with OB-GYNs in protective states. Greater levels of each clinical constraint were associated with higher moral distress scores in restrictive and protective states. These findings suggest that OB-GYN moral distress, associated with inability to provide certain forms of care to pregnant patients, transcends abortion policy context; institution-level policies and practices to support OB-GYNs are indicated nationally, not only in states with the most restrictive abortion laws.

About the Study: How do individuals traveling from states with abortion restrictions perceive options for remote medication abortion, and what factors affect their care decisions? This qualitative study’s 37 participants traveling to Kansas for in-person medication abortion care described mistrust of online medication sources, legal concerns, knowledge gaps about remote services, and a preference for in-person care. These findings suggest that misconceptions and concerns about the legitimacy and legality of remote medication abortion may limit uptake, despite broad awareness; health services and policy strategies should move beyond awareness campaigns to build trust, clarify the legal landscape, and improve understanding of safe, reliable, evidence-based options.

A pair of wearable stickers may transform diagnostic sweat testing for cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that causes problems with digestion and breathing. The innovative technology was found to be reliably accurate compared to standard sweat testing, according to the study published in npj Digital Medicine journal.

International guidelines developed with contributions from a Texas A&M University College of Nursing researcher confirm the importance of thoughtful intensive care unit (ICU) design and encourage the involvement of nurses in the process to improve workflow, safety and staff well-being.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals experience significant healthcare disparities across the oncology spectrum of care. Systemic barriers, past harmful healthcare experiences and sociopolitical climate, and other impediments to accessing health care among others, combine to influence these disparities. TGD individuals undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy (‘top surgery’) face unique challenges related to breast cancer risk assessment and screening. Currently, a patient can undergo top surgery without understanding how that procedure will affect their lifelong breast and chest cancer risk – and critically, without knowing if they carry predispositions that could fundamentally reshape their surgical decisions.

 

A new study by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has identified critical barriers that influence healthcare professionals' integration of cancer risk evaluation, within the context of gender-affirming mastectomy and pre-surgical planning. They include clear institutional accountability, harmonized evidence-based guidelines, standardized care pathways and embedded genetic counseling in multidisciplinary gender-affirming care teams. These findings mirror what patients reported in a previous companion study – that they lack clear information before and after surgery.

Chandramouli (“Chand”) Chandrasekaran, PhD, assistant professor of anatomy & neurobiology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and psychological and brain sciences at the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has received a Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Recipients receive a minimum of $400,000 over a five-year period for research and education.