A study analyzing VHA data found that high users of online portal secure messaging are predominantly White veterans, aged 75+, with higher message volumes. They exchanged 30.5% of all messages, with a greater percentage of patient-generated content.
A new web-based tool, Coverage Checker, helps Michigan physicians navigate diabetes coverage and prior authorization. The tool shows care team members which insurance policies cover guideline-directed medical therapy and continuous glucose monitors, and the prior authorization steps required.
The HEAL protocol toolkit has been adapted to the Brazilian context, equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking. The toolkit has received 535 views from 270 users across 17 states and 53 cities since its launch in September 2023.
The study analyzed 90 reviews covering over 1,200 studies to identify barriers and facilitators of clinical integration. Family physicians' characteristics, knowledge, and experience were found to be significant factors in successful integration.
Staff and patients identified seven opportunities for AI to enhance primary care eVisits, including workflow routing, prioritization, and writing assistance. These features can reduce staff workload while improving patient experience and ensuring timely responses.
The National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR) consolidates primary care research under one roof, enhancing the nation's primary care system. NCEPCR aims to tackle critical challenges such as workforce shortages and rising healthcare costs by curating essential tools and cultivating researchers.
A qualitative study found that patients' attitudes towards deprescribing are shaped by their perception of medication's benefits and risks, as well as their level of autonomy. Patients who valued negative aspects of medication and had a proactive approach to health were more likely to consider cutting back on prescriptions.
The proportion of Ontario family physicians working in focused roles increased to 19.2% by 2021/22, while the number offering comprehensive care decreased from 71 to 64 per 100,000 residents. This shift has significant implications for primary care access and workforce planning.
A little free library was placed near a rural primary care clinic to increase access to anxiety, depression and PTSD resources. Patients who take books complete a survey to assess resource usefulness, allowing for future evaluation of the intervention's impact.
A study of Ontario family physicians found that 19.2% worked in focused roles, with emergency medicine accounting for 37%, while comprehensive care declined despite a growing workforce. A second study identified opportunities for AI to improve primary care eVisits, highlighting staff and patient concerns and potential uses of AI.
A recent study analyzed journal articles from low- and middle-income countries published in family medicine journals based in high-income countries. The findings revealed an increase in publication of research articles from these regions, with a higher proportion of senior authors from upper-middle-income countries.
Labelling non-adherence as a patient trait can obscure underlying factors like systemic racism and underinsurance. Clinician choice generates the label, leading to stigmatized records and delayed therapy escalation.
A recent study found that rural location and racial segregation significantly impact primary care access in Virginia, with nearly half of the state's census tracts lacking adequate physicians within a 30-minute drive. Racial segregation and rurality were strongly associated with reduced access to primary care physicians.
A study evaluated AI-ECG and AI-powered digital stethoscope tools for detecting early signs of heart dysfunction in women aged 18-49. The findings showed promising results, with a high negative predictive value and low risk of false positives, indicating potential for quick and cost-effective screening during primary care visits.
A digital cognitive screening tool and flexible workflow helped seven primary care clinics integrate dementia screening, increasing screening rates to at least 20%. Clinics adapted the process to fit their settings while maintaining alignment with a shared core model.
A digital cognitive assessment was implemented in primary care to detect early dementia and guide next steps. The study found that 10.8% of eligible patients underwent the test, with 44.3% categorized as unimpaired and 13.7% as impaired.
New technology can enhance screenings when it is tailored to individual patient needs, improving early detection and management of disease. Digital tools work best in conjunction with clinicians, addressing barriers like care coordination to ensure better outcomes.
Tablet-based hearing tests were found to be feasible and acceptable in routine family medicine, with 27% of screened patients showing some level of hearing impairment. The study suggests that these tests may help general practitioners diagnose hearing disorders more accurately.
Patients prioritize continuity of care over rapid access to clinicians, with over half preferring their own primary care physician. The study's findings suggest that health systems may need to balance convenience with patient preferences for trust and continuity in primary care.
Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and fractures in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term ICS users are nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent cases of pneumonia and fractures.
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, was compared to standard vaccines in a study of previously vaccinated individuals. The results showed that Heplisav-B was more effective at boosting immunity, with 99.4% achieving protective levels compared to 92.7% for standard vaccines.
The study found that the 'About Me' Care Card helps clinicians identify patient concerns earlier, creating personalized care conversations. However, some patients with advanced cognitive challenges required assistance, highlighting the need for further development and refinement of the tool.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced ambulatory antibiotic use in France, with most antibiotics showing a notable decrease. Antibiotic use remained lower than expected levels for at least 12 months following the first lockdown.
A study found that only 75.3% of chlamydia cases and 69.6% of gonorrhea cases were treated within 30 days of diagnosis, with disparities observed among certain patient groups.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improves weight management and cardiovascular health among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants who received structured lifestyle counseling experienced notable reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circum...
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...
A qualitative study identified key teamwork strategies that high-performing clinics use to promote regular follow-up visits for adults with chronic conditions. These strategies include close working relationships between staff members, structured follow-up systems, and proactive patient outreach.
A longitudinal study of primary care physicians found that performance-based reimbursement increases illegitimate work tasks, moral distress, and lowers perceived individual and organizational quality of care. The study suggests that reducing irrelevant tasks could support physician well-being and healthcare delivery.
Current pay-for-performance initiatives are often costly and ineffective, leading to moral distress for primary care physicians. The authors recommend refocusing incentives on time-limited, low-cost targets that are physician-controlled to support better care.
A survey of 1,135 adults found that respondents believed 51.8% of overall health care spending goes to primary care, exceeding the actual share of 4.7%. This disparity highlights chronic underinvestment in primary care, resulting in workforce shortages and reduced access to high-quality care.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends guiding principles for AI use in research and publishing, emphasizing full disclosure, accountability, and understanding of AI limitations. AI can improve efficiency and accessibility but risks perpetuating bias and generating inaccurate information.
A peer health navigator pilot program in Saskatchewan improved access to affirming health care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The program reduced stress and positively impacted clients' mental health by providing tailored guidance and connecting them with affirming providers.
A support program increased rural primary care clinics' buprenorphine prescribing by fivefold, with clinic completion rates for treatment milestones also showing significant improvements.
The article proposes innovative strategies for preserving diversity in higher education and professional fields, including medicine. Institutions must expand STEM enrichment programs, strengthen K-16 recruitment efforts, and maintain holistic admissions processes to address declining enrollment of underrepresented minority students.
A tailored, toolkit-based intervention improved integrated behavioral health (IBH) integration in primary care practices. Practices that completed more intervention stages showed significant improvements in IBH, particularly in workflows and patient identification.
Despite financial incentives and small faculty sizes, family medicine departments struggle to produce scholarly work due to institutional budget constraints. Larger faculty sizes are linked to higher presentation rates, highlighting the importance of investing in research staff.
The AHRQ EvidenceNOW initiative reduces stigma by training primary care practices in universal screening, brief interventions, and medication-assisted therapy. Motivational interviewing techniques help clinicians address unhealthy alcohol use, promoting person-centered communication and empathetic interactions.
This study analyzed GP-patient consultations to identify treatment burdens and strategies for managing type 2 diabetes. The findings show that medication and personal resources are major components of treatment burden, emphasizing the need for tailored GP responses.
Primary care clinicians spend over half their workdays on EHR tasks, and AI can target areas like documentation, chart reviews, and medication management. Implementing thoughtful AI solutions prioritizes clinician well-being and patient care.
Researchers identified regional differences in how ICD codes were applied, with some codes being used interchangeably for different conditions. The study highlights the need to address variation in physician coding practices to ensure accurate comparisons and avoid false conclusions.
Primary care physicians report significant knowledge gaps and training deficiencies in addressing adoption-related issues. They often rely on guidance for preventative screening and genetic testing, highlighting the need to improve their understanding of mental health and trauma.
A study analyzed over 14,000 voice samples from adults to evaluate an AI-based machine learning biomarker tool detecting depression through speech cadence and acoustic features. The tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 71%, correctly identifying depression in 71% of people who had it.
Researchers developed an adapted nominal group technique (aNGT) to efficiently build consensus among diverse stakeholders, prioritizing key domains and identifying new care indicators. The approach was effective in reaching a consensus on prioritizing symptoms, functioning, and quality of care.
This special report highlights the importance of expanded training for family physicians to address the physical and psychological effects of war. Family physicians must be prepared to provide timely, accurate information and foster understanding and reconciliation in the midst of conflict.
This issue of Annals of Family Medicine highlights the complexity of war's effects on family doctors and patients. Research reveals the significant impact of trauma on healthcare professionals in Israel following a terrorist attack, highlighting burnout and well-being concerns. The article also shares challenges faced by physicians in ...
A study found that Oregon's COVID-19 stay-at-home order led to a significant increase in reported health-related social needs, including housing and food. The analysis suggests that public health interventions are needed to address these persistent needs.
A new approach to first trimester obstetrical care combining point-of-care ultrasound and immediate multidisciplinary care has reduced emergency visits by 81%. This integration allows for timely diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, improved education and support for all patients, including those experiencing miscarriage.
A study of 129 healthcare professionals in Israel following the 2023 terror attack found high levels of burnout and low well-being among primary care clinicians treating traumatized evacuees. The researchers emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing healthcare personnel's mental health to ensure quality care for trauma survivors.
The report highlights the importance of addressing the rising incidence of cognitive impairment as the population ages, particularly with new treatments for early Alzheimer's disease now available. Developing cognitive care plans, especially for vulnerable populations, is crucial to improve patient outcomes.
A study of 259 adult patients found that many general practitioners prescribe antibiotics despite negative chest X-rays, highlighting a gap between guidelines and practice. The study aimed to explore the relationship between chest radiography results and antibiotic initiation in community-acquired pneumonia management.