Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager
Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag
Health Lab
Controlling Pain After Surgery Doesn’t Have to Mean Opioids, Study Shows
Pain control after elective surgery does not have to include opioids to achieve good patient satisfaction without risk of addiction or diversion.
Health Lab
Pain Patients Who Take Opioids Can’t Get in the Door at Half of Primary Care Clinics
People who take opioid pain medications on a long-term basis may face stigma when they try to find a new doctor.
Health Lab
It’s Time To Make the Most of Masks. Here’s 11 Ways To Do It
New variants of the coronavirus make masks even more important in the COVID-19 pandemic. Tips for wearing, washing and choosing a mask.
Health Lab
45% of Adults Over 65 Lack Online Medical Accounts, Which Could Affect COVID-19 Vaccination
Patient portals, online accounts that let patients see their medical records, will be important for COVID-19 vaccine appointment alerts and signups, but 2 in 5 older adults haven’t set up an account.
Health Lab
COVID-19 Deaths Really Are Different. But Best Practices for ICU Care Should Still Apply
Do COVID-19 patients really die of COVID? A new study helps put to rest conspiracy theory and shows the importance of evidence-based ICU care for ARDS.
News Release
More Michigan Medicine patients will get hospital-level care at home through new programs
Michigan Medicine is the first hospital in Michigan to be accepted into the Acute Hospital Care at Home program of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Health Lab
COVID Forced Psychiatric Care Online, and Many Patients Want It to Stay There, Study Finds
Telehealth for mental health care, also called telepsychiatry, got an emergency start due to COVID-19 but many patients may prefer it after the pandemic.
Health Lab
10 Pandemic Tips for Older Adults (and the People Who Love Them)
As the pandemic continues, these tips for older adults and the people who love them are more important than ever for 2021.
Health Lab
More Than Half of People Using Cannabis for Pain Experience Multiple Withdrawal Symptoms
Medical cannabis and recreational marijuana users may not realize the headaches, dizziness, anxiety and other symptoms they feel between hits are signs of withdrawal.
Health Lab
Not Sure About the COVID-19 Vaccine? Get the Facts, Then Decide
Heard a claim about the vaccines? Check here before sharing or acting on the information.
Health Lab
New Guides Offer Advice and Wisdom from COVID-19 Patients and Caregivers
New guides give practical tips and useful information for anyone living through COVID-19, or being a caregiver to someone who is.
News Release
U-M publishes free guides packed with advice and wisdom from COVID-19 patients & caregivers
University of Michigan has created a set of nine COVID-19 guidebooks, based on the wisdom and experience of people who have lived through the disease or served as caregivers to others.
Health Lab
Costs, COVID-19 Risk and Delays Top Older Adults’ Concerns About Seeking Emergency Care
People over 50 may be avoiding emergency rooms because of fear of COVID-19, in addition to their usual concerns about wait times and costs, a new poll finds.
Health Lab
First 10 Days After Leaving Hospital Carry High Risk for COVID-19 Patients
The first 10 days after a COVID-19 hospital stay may be especially dangerous, compared with heart failure and pneumonia, study in veterans finds.
Health Lab
How to Make Sure People Get the Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine
The first COVID-19 vaccines require two doses for full protection. Money, transportation, reminders and support will help ensure people get both.
