A recent study from Canada has found that patients treated by female surgeons have a lower likelihood of adverse postoperative outcomes (death, hospital readmission or major complications) at 90 days and one year following surgery. The same research team also found in another recent study that there are lower 30-day, 90-day and 1-year post-surgery health care costs for patients treated by female surgeons compared with those treated by male surgeons. Claudia Hammond discusses these findings with two of the researchers from the University of Toronto, Dr. Chris Wallis and Dr. Angela Jerath.
Claudia is joined by medical journalist Clare Wilson from New Scientist to discuss deaths related to hydroxychloroquine, which was prescribed in hospitalised patients with Covid-19 in many countries despite of the low-level evidence.
We also hear how the re-imagining of cult American TV series, Sesame Street, can improve the health of Syrian children living as refugees in Jordan.
Claudia and Clare also discuss a study which suggests that hearing aids may prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia, and another study into how ancient DNA reveals the reasons for high multiple sclerosis rates in Europe.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Jonathan Blackwell Editor: Holly Squire
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Endurance
2024 in global health
A year in health in review
When will we have an HIV vaccine?
Closer to a cure for morning sickness
How do we know when a mystery illness is serious?
New Zealand backtracks on smoking ban
Gene editing treatment approved for sickle cell
Vaccinating children against chickenpox
A drug to prevent breast cancer
Warnings over antibiotic resistance in children
A musician’s story of coping with schizophrenia
Cholera cases surge in Zimbabwe
US proposes world first policy to reduce STIs
Malaria vaccine backed by WHO
The deadly practice of gum lancing
Could global Aids program be cut?
Do men have a friendship problem?
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