Patients using transparent capsules delivered more medication due to visual feedback on their inhalation technique, leading to better management of chronic airway diseases. The study found a significant 30.1% reduction in capsule weight after inhalation.
Patients surveyed in Texas expected antibiotics for over 93% of five common symptoms, with public clinic patients more likely to expect them. Lower education levels and inadequate health literacy linked increased expectations for diarrhea and cold/flu symptoms.
A study found family physicians in rural hospitals had a 34.3% lower risk of cesarean deliveries compared to hospitals with both family physicians and obstetricians. Nurses reported a stronger culture of support for vaginal births, promoting safer maternal care.
A new virtual driving assessment model integrated into primary care has shown promising results, with 77% of teens agreeing to recommend it to friends and wanting to retake the test. The assessment provides personalized feedback to identify risks and areas for improvement, addressing a leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated ongoing declines in longitudinal continuity of care within English general practices, according to a recent study. Factors linked to greater appointment availability predicted slower declines in continuity levels.
The study explored how AI can be designed using a collaborative design strategy with input from primary care team members to better capture social determinants of health in clinical settings. Key findings suggest that the integration of AI into healthcare has both opportunities and challenges.
A qualitative study found that structural racism and inconsistent hospital policies contribute to the disproportionate testing of Black newborns for prenatal substance exposure. Health care professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences were explored in this study.
A study found that sexual minority and gender minority adults are more likely to avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians, highlighting the need for affirming care. Health care discrimination scores were also higher among these groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender adults.
Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increased screening rates among low-income minority patients. The clinic's strategy, including patient tracking and selective eye dilation, reduced the insufficient exam rate and improved detection rates.
Scenario-based discussions with adult learning theory improve patient engagement and motivation in lifestyle medicine. Patients reflect on their current lifestyles and identify areas for improvement through self-directed learning.
A four-year nationwide program improved outpatient health care quality, reducing emergency department visits by 6% for primary care and 4% for specialty care practices. Improved population management, behavioral health integration, and enhanced access were key factors associated with these reductions.
A qualitative study found that healthcare professionals disproportionately test Black newborns for prenatal drug exposure, contributing to Child Protective Services reporting and family separation. The study identified three primary themes: levels of racism beyond the hospital structure, inconsistent hospital policies, and healthcare p...
The Dutch version of the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) survey has been translated and adapted for patients with low literacy, demonstrating sufficient validity and reliability. The survey assesses person-centeredness by involving patients in their care decisions.
The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir regimen has shown promise in reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations and potentially lowering all-cause mortality. However, the evidence is limited and varied, with real-world studies showing a high level of variability due to differences in patient characteristics and care practices.
A recent study found that long-term use of sulfonylureas increases the risk of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The longer the patient uses sulfonylureas, the higher the risk. Researchers suggest using newer classes of medications to reduce this risk.
Researchers found post-COVID conditions in primary care comparable to flu-like illnesses and lower than subspecialty and hospital settings. The study analyzed data from a national primary care registry and identified breathing difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and type 2 diabetes as common long-term health problems.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in primary care visits, with unequal distribution across patient groups. Telehealth utilization increased, but was less accessible to rural and disadvantaged populations.
The study used social network analysis to examine the impact of social connections among NAPCRG members on their scientific success. The research found that strong professional networks are crucial for driving scientific advancements, emphasizing the need for continued support and development of these connections.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in breast cancer screenings, particularly among older and racial minority women. A study analyzing real-world electronic health records found that follow-up screening rates decreased significantly during the pandemic, resulting in missed opportunities for early detection and treatment.
A standardized nutrition screener at pediatric primary care visits helps families navigate federal nutrition programs. Clinic staff provide follow-up application assistance via telephone.
Aggregating patients by broad racial or ethnic groups creates risks for clinical care and research. Recognizing the heterogeneity of lived experiences among LHS populations in healthcare is essential for equitable outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that exam tables without paper allowed patients to touch areas less frequently touched, reducing disease transmission risk. Exam table paper use contributes to environmental impact and unnecessary spending in clinics.
This study analyzed the current ratio of medical assistants to primary care clinicians across a nationally representative sample of adult primary care physician practices. The results show that independent practices, medical group-owned practices, and Federally Qualified Health Centers are more likely to have adequate staffing ratios.
A study from Alberta, Canada found that clinic continuity is associated with reduced hospital visits and emergency department usage. Patients who see the same family physician or clinic group experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits.
A large family medicine department harmonized its academic missions, creating a learning health system that positively reinforces each other. This approach has improved faculty well-being and expanded scholarly output across all faculty members.
Physicians who used a team-based system for managing high-priority messages reported reduced feelings of burnout. By sharing inbox access and workload on a rotating schedule, the burden was distributed among team members.
Certified medical assistants distribute patient portal messages to the most appropriate physician, resulting in a 40% decrease in messages going directly to primary care physicians. This team-based care model improves both practice and clinician efficiency.
A study of community health clinic teams found that power imbalance between racial and role groups affects team dynamics and DEI efforts. The study highlights the need for leadership to invest time in developing relationships, recognizing staff contributions, and taking antiracist actions.
A study found that professional interpreters and respectful relationships between parents and medical staff improve trust and quality care. Parents desire active listening, collaboration, and consideration of their children's religious, spiritual, and cultural needs to build trust and receive comprehensive care.
A study reveals a decline in reported Medicare Part B procedures performed by family physicians between 2014 and 2021. This trend is concerning as it may reduce access and increase costs for patients, particularly among the aging population.
The US Surgeon General's framework highlights three pillars for addressing social isolation and loneliness: training clinicians, assessing and supporting patients, and expanding public health surveillance. Primary care can be instrumental in preventing, identifying, educating, and intervening to address this growing epidemic.
A longitudinal case example from a large family medicine department shows that harmonizing academic missions can improve faculty well-being and support a learning health system. The department employed strategies such as shared vision, complex adaptive systems, and simple rules to balance priorities and harmonize on projects.
Patients with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy are often unaware of the potential harms of lung cancer screening. Despite this, many agree to undergo screening due to personal health goals, trust in their clinician, and anticipation of regret over not getting screened. Discussions between patients and clinicians about the ben...
A new approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and antiracist concepts into undergraduate medical education is presented. The approach involves three phases: framework development, curriculum content development, and implementation with ongoing evaluation and refinement.
A recent study investigated ChatGPT-3.5's ability to produce high-quality summaries of medical research abstracts, finding that it was accurate but not always fact-based and prone to minor inaccuracies. The model showed promise as a screening tool to help clinicians quickly evaluate article relevance but should not be relied upon for c...
A department-wide EHR optimization project led to improved productivity by addressing workflow problems and creating new policies. The study demonstrates the importance of ongoing collaboration between EHR users and IT colleagues to enhance user experience and inform technology upgrades.
Respondents to a survey on genital tucking express a need for more open discussions with healthcare providers. The majority of respondents (70%) say they would feel comfortable having this discussion, suggesting that education and empathy are key.
Researchers identified three key factors influencing fathers' assessments: completion of life milestones, cognitive-social emotional maturity, and preparedness to have sex safely. This study offers practical suggestions for engaging fathers in primary care to promote adolescent male correct and consistent condom use.
Primary care physicians struggle to balance harms and benefits of lung cancer screening in patients with multiple health issues, often relying on clinical judgment. Ultimately, the decision rests with the patient, who makes their own choice despite physician advice.
The EvidenceNOW initiative, launched by AHRQ in 2015, aimed to improve cardiovascular care in small and medium-sized primary care practices. The program provided external quality improvement support and funding to seven regions across the US, resulting in improved quality of care and heart health outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly interrupted pediatric healthcare, resulting in foregone care, well-child visits, and vaccinations for vulnerable populations. Non-Hispanic White children were less likely to experience these gaps, while virtual school formats increased the risk of foregone care.
A mixed-methods study examines the challenges faced by independent family physicians in urban communities, who serve socially vulnerable patients with limited support from healthcare entities. The researchers propose that health equity-focused policies and new payment models could help these practices stay afloat.
A four-month department-wide EHR optimization project led to improved usability and reduced administrative burdens. The study demonstrates that successful EHR workflow optimization is possible at the departmental level through ongoing collaboration between EHR users and IT colleagues.
A recent study found that primary care physicians' electronic health record (EHR) workload has continued to grow, with PCPs spending nearly 30 minutes more on EHR tasks per clinic appointment between 2019 and 2023. This increased burden can lead to burnout and affect their ability to provide adequate care.
This study explores the perspectives of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists on active surveillance (AS) care for men with low-risk prostate cancer. Key findings include the importance of patient education and clear communication among care team members to prevent loss to follow-up.
A new screening tool helps identify primary care patients with precarious employment, associated with health insurance issues, lower incomes, and greater psychological stress. The tool assesses temporary contracts, job insecurity, and income variability.
The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.
A recent meta-analysis of 20,000 patients with Alzheimer's disease found no clinically significant improvement in cognitive or functional abilities from monoclonal antibody treatment. The studies also revealed a high risk of serious harms, including cerebral edema and death, associated with the use of these expensive medications.
A quality improvement intervention linked high-risk prenatal patients with primary care, resulting in a significant increase in postpartum and primary care utilization. Despite challenges, FQHC participation improved patient outcomes, highlighting the need for greater resources to ensure sustainability.
Gabapentinoid usage has continued to rise in the US, increasing from 4.0% in 2015 to 4.7% in 2021, according to a recent report. The study found that users continue to take these medications despite FDA warnings against combining them with other sedating medications.