Family physicians value physical exams for their diagnostic and empathetic benefits, promoting a healing relationship with patients. The research highlights the importance of physical exams in today's clinical practice, where emerging technology is changing the way doctors interact with patients.
A structured management algorithm for major depressive disorder has been implemented in primary care clinics with a significant number of patients screened positive for depression. The study found that stronger patient education and additional approaches can help reduce attrition rates among those who fail to return for follow-up care.
A team-based clinic redesign of opioid medication management in primary care resulted in declines in patients on high-dose opioids and total opioid prescriptions. The 'Six Building Blocks' framework improved opioid prescribing practices, possibly reducing dependency.
A UK study found that diabetes patients experiencing greater empathy from their PCPs had a lower risk of all-cause mortality over 10 years. Patients with higher scores on the consultation and relational empathy (CARE) questionnaire reported better clinical outcomes.
A study found that 623,000 US parents with opioid use disorder live with children under 18, with few receiving treatment. Meanwhile, healthcare accounts for between 5-15% of premature death variation, with behavioral factors driving more mortality variation.
A new theory in dissemination and implementation science empowers primary care practices to discover and enact their own wisdom, shifting the source of change from outside-in to inside-out. The authors highlight three pioneer practices that developed innovative business models and clinical care approaches, achieving success without dis...
Estimates suggest health care accounts for between 5% and 15% of the variation in premature death, while behavioral and social factors account for a much higher percentage. Health experts advocate for a diversified portfolio of national investments to generate a higher health yield.
A meta-analysis found that inappropriate prescribing in primary care is associated with emergency room visits, adverse drug events, and functional decline. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to address this issue and its impact on older adults' quality of life.
An estimated 623,000 US parents with opioid use disorder are living with children under 18, with fewer than one-third receiving treatment. Additionally, four million parents have other substance use disorders with low treatment rates.
An online intervention with real-time information on locally circulating viruses reduced mothers' intentions to visit the doctor for a respiratory tract infection. Participants in the intervention group had lower intentions than those in the control group, according to the study published in The Annals of Family Medicine.
Researchers from the University of Southampton analyzed predictors of severe outcomes in uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections. The study found that certain patient characteristics and factors can increase the risk of severe illness, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
A new measure of primary care evaluates vital functions through patient and clinician perspectives, reducing measurement burden. The Person-Centered Primary Care Measure assesses 11 domains, including accessibility, continuity, and goal-oriented care.
A recent study reveals that buprenorphine prescribers in nonmetropolitan areas predominantly come from primary care backgrounds. These physicians tend to have more flexible practice settings and accept Medicaid, differing from specialists who dominate large metropolitan areas.
A new study found that chronic opioid prescribing in primary care is associated with patient demographics, comorbidities, and clinician perspectives on pain management. Patients with higher comorbidities were more likely to receive chronic opioid prescriptions and at higher doses.
New research found that respiratory tract infections in children can persist for up to three weeks, with symptoms lasting longer in younger children and those with lower respiratory tract symptoms. The study also suggests that repeated flu vaccine immunization may enhance long-term protection against respiratory illness.
A study found that individuals recently released from prison were less likely to receive a doctor's appointment compared to control group members. The likelihood of obtaining an appointment was significantly lower for those with a recent prison history, despite a universal healthcare system.
A national study found that older adults with unmet transportation needs, depression, or recent moves are more likely to lose their usual source of care. The study suggests clinical and social factors play a crucial role in maintaining stable relationships with clinicians.
The study found that performance coaching significantly increased rates of tobacco dependence treatment delivery among primary care clinicians. Clinicians who received coaching had higher rates of providing key elements of the 5As model and arranging follow-up support.
A randomized clinical trial found that patellar mobilization therapy significantly reduces pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The technique can be easily performed in primary care practice, requiring only one hour to learn and practice.
A survey of primary care clinicians found that most are willing to provide routine care for transgender patients, with a decrease in willingness among older clinicians. Factors such as personal exposure and transphobia levels influenced clinicians' willingness to provide Pap tests to transgender men.
A new study found that pregnant women with Medicaid support urine testing to promote smoking cessation, but fear consequences such as clinician reaction and government involvement. Clinicians are concerned about the impact on patient relationships, but researchers call for consensual testing to improve public health outcomes.
A study of 1,448,952 Medicare beneficiaries found that higher primary care physician continuity was strongly correlated with lower healthcare expenditures and hospitalization rates. Continuity of care is a core tenet of primary care that should be incorporated into official primary care measures.
A recent study of peripheral pulse oximeters found that non-approved devices accurately measure oxygen saturation above 90%, potentially ruling out hypoxemia. However, below 90%, medical-grade pulse oximeter measurements are recommended for accurate patient management decisions.
Researchers found that part-time clinicians have longer appointment backlogs when available in clinic is reduced. Establishing clinician teams and non-clinician support can help improve access to appointments.
Research using 2011 Medicare claims data found a strong association between higher primary care physician continuity and lower healthcare costs, as well as decreased hospitalization rates. The study suggests that continuity of care is a valuable aspect of primary care that should be incorporated into quality measures.
A new study found that legacy prescribing patterns are widespread, with 46% of patients prescribed antidepressants continuously for more than 15 months. The researchers highlight the need for system-oriented change to address this issue and explore legacy prescribing as a quality measure.
The essay emphasizes the importance of inclusive communication in patient care, highlighting the need to avoid assumptions about gender identities and use gender-inclusive language. Using respectful approaches can help clinicians offer patient-centered care that moves beyond binary gender concepts.
A majority of older adults (59%) do not want to discuss their life expectancy, with factors such as education and past experiences influencing willingness. Strategies to address this topic include assessing patient factors and offering discussions closer to the final year of life.
A study found that patients with higher continuity with their prescribing physician received fewer risky opioid prescriptions and were less likely to be hospitalized for opioid-related causes. However, long-term opioid use was associated with lower continuity scores than other medications, highlighting the need for improved prescribing...
Patients with mental health diagnoses report similar benefits from accessing doctors' notes as those without such diagnoses. Accessing online medical records can help patients feel in control of their care and improve medication adherence.
Research in Annals of Family Medicine reveals a strong association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps, particularly among patients over 60 years old. Additionally, partners of individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes exhibit higher rates of behavioral change compared to those without the disease.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that a parent-focused booklet on childhood fever reduced antibiotic prescribing rates by 11% when used. The study involved 25,355 children and showed that the booklet was effective in promoting self-management strategies and reducing the need for medication.
Despite lack of evidence, physicians recommend self-monitoring due to its potential for lifestyle change and patient activation. However, opponents cite concerns over efficacy and office-based education's negative impact on patients.
A study found that community college graduates are more likely to train in family medicine than those from other institutions. This could be a key strategy to increase the supply and diversity of primary care physicians.
A 10-year study found that age, low socioeconomic status, obesity, and low physical activity are positively associated with the risk of developing multimorbidity. Promoting healthy lifestyles and targeting an internal locus of control may help empower patients to achieve behavior change and reduce multimorbidity incidence.
A new diabetes diagnosis can lead to higher rates of healthy behaviors among a patient's partner, including weight management and smoking cessation. Partners with newly diagnosed diabetics exhibited greater behavioral change even when clinicians didn't focus on them.
A study by Jenni Burt et al found that physicians rate their own communication skills lower than patients do, while trained raters assigned significantly lower scores, highlighting a need for external peer assessment and support training.
Research finds a strong association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60. Patients who drink alcohol at least once a week have an increased risk of leg cramps.
Diagnosis is a collaborative process that involves patient participation and clinician inquiry. By allowing patients to describe their symptoms and concerns, physicians can gather valuable information and narrow down potential diagnoses.
A study of 61 popular mental health apps found they predominantly addressed anxiety and stress, framing problems as psychological symptoms. The analysis suggests these apps may be misleadingly simplistic in their approach to mental health issues.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that warm handoffs have no association with improved attendance at behavioral health intake appointments. The most significant predictor of attendance was time from referral until appointment, contradicting previous theories on the effectiveness of warm handoffs.
Under fee-for-service, team documentation requires physicians to save time to pay for itself; in contrast, capitation-based systems require empaneling new patients to cover costs. Researchers found that scribes can add more visit slots per year than medical assistants under capitated payment
A new analysis found a significant decline in direct-to-consumer TV ads conveying information about conditions and prevalence, while positive emotional appeals increased.
Two family physicians reflect on how racism shapes their medical education and practice, highlighting the need for white physicians to acknowledge and address their own biases. They emphasize the importance of individual and institutional efforts to eliminate disparities in quality of care based on race.
Patients and caregivers prioritize clear accountability, continuity, and caring attitudes in care transitions. Effective services include actionable information, collaborative discharge planning, empathic communication, and uninterrupted care.
A simple visual screening tool can identify older adults at increased risk for dementia after a minor decline on the Mini-Mental-State-Examination. Early career family physicians with a broader scope of practice report lower burnout rates, while resilience training alone may not be enough to address burnout.
A 25% increase in child visits led to a surge in care and workforce burden. Children under six accounted for 45% of additional daytime and 73% of out-of-hours visits.
Community health workers provide a range of functions including care coordination, health coaching, and social support to improve patient outcomes. By utilizing community health workers, care teams can better manage workload and improve patient care.
Half of primary care patients face social challenges, leading to poorer health outcomes and reduced access to preventive services. More complex cases were associated with higher rates of ambulatory and emergency care visits.
A new co-management model between nurse practitioners and physicians reduces primary care clinician workload, alleviating burnout and fatigue. The effective model requires three core attributes: communication, mutual respect, and a shared philosophy of care.