A three-arm randomized controlled trial showed that participants had the most satisfaction and subjective understanding with the trust-enhanced e-consent after six months. Interactive consent forms beyond federal regulations can enhance patient-informed consent and trust in research.
Over a 15-year period, the total number of unique patients seeing PCPs decreased by 2.5%, while frequency of contact dropped from 4.3 to 3.7 visits per patient, contributing to the primary care decline.
A rapid review of nine studies concludes that cloth masks are associated with significantly higher viral infections than exclusive use of medical masks. The review also found that cloth masks provide an inferior fit and are less effective at filtering viral particles compared to standard medical or N95 masks.
Researchers found that social media-based diagnoses were accurate about 60% of the time, similar to teledermatology consultations. Dermatologists' active involvement in crowdsourced responses led to more accurate diagnoses.
A recent survey found that 30% of Black adults and 13% of Hispanic adults experienced health care discrimination due to race or ethnicity. Adults with a consistent primary care physician reported less medical mistrust, highlighting the need for addressing systemic bias in the medical system.
After simplifying full Medicaid enrollment under the ACA standards, North Carolina saw a doubling of low-income women qualifying for full Medicaid during pregnancy. The state's changes led to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment for Pregnant Women program, highlighting the importance of streamlined access to crucial health services.
A study found that crowdsourced dermatological diagnoses on Twitter were as accurate as traditional teledermatology methods, with expert consensus agreeing 60% of the time. However, consultation with a specialist may still be necessary due to security concerns and patient privacy issues.
Researchers studied the primary health care systems in three Asian cities to identify features that can help other cities prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks. Primary care played a key role in keeping COVID-19 cases and deaths relatively low, highlighting its importance in addressing future health crises.
Research published in top US family medicine journals saw a significant increase in female authors, from 29% to 42% between 2008 and 2017. Grant funding and co-author presence influenced gender distribution in research output.
About 9% of trans adults in the US access hormones from non-licensed sources, posing health and safety risks. Lack of insurance coverage is a top issue affecting transgender people, ranked second only to direct violence.
A meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials found that low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer-caused death by 0.4%, translating to one preventable death per 250 at-risk adults. The study suggests the benefits may outweigh potential harms from overdiagnosis, aligning with US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.
Research finds that buprenorphine therapy in primary care can be financially sustainable, with rural practices and physician-led treatment generating the most revenue. Effective hearing loss screening also shows promise, with increased referral rates to audiology specialists leading to improved health outcomes.
The EAR-PC study found that 25% of patients over 55 had signs of hearing loss and referral rates increased by 10-fold after electronic prompts. The findings suggest effective hearing loss screening in primary care can improve health outcomes for older adults.
Treating opioid addiction with buprenorphine in primary care can be financially sustainable, according to a microsimulation model. Physician-led treatment and shared medical visits with nurse care managers yield the greatest net revenue gains.
Patient clinical data leverages reduce healthcare spending and utilization by reminding patients for preventive services, setting health goals, and improving quality improvement. Practices with targeted outreach and population health monitoring also see lower Medicare spending and utilization
A new primary care tool, CommunityRx-H3, has been implemented to prescribe referrals for community health and social services. The study found that practice facilitators play a key role in implementing quality improvement initiatives, but face barriers such as limited time and lack of integration with the EMR system.
Potentially preventable hospitalizations among older adults are more common among Black and Hispanic Americans. Researchers found that increasing primary care access and affordable healthcare can reduce these hospitalizations.
High-performing VA primary care clinics have fully-staffed teams, clearly defined roles, and leadership responsible for implementing team-based care. These processes enhance patient engagement in care, leading to better adherence to treatment, intermediate health outcomes and mental health reports.
A 12-year study in Alabama found that rural counties with in-county obstetrical care had significantly better infant birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates and fewer underweight deliveries. The lack of access to obstetrical care was also associated with higher percentages of underrepresented minority residents.
A qualitative study found that telepsychiatric collaboration improved the ability of primary care physicians to serve patients with mental health needs. Rural clinics adopted telehealth methods, enabling all staff members to better diagnose and assess mental health issues.
A study found that rural counties with obstetrical care have better infant birth outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer underweight babies. Telehealth can also support collaborative mental health care in rural clinics, enabling primary care physicians to work proficiently with patients.
A population-based cohort study found peritonsillar abscess risk low with or without antibiotics for respiratory infections. Antibiotic treatment may prevent only one case of peritonsillar abscess for every 1,000 prescriptions.
This study analyzed CCM claims from 2015 to 2018, showing a significant increase in usage driven by primary care physicians. The majority of claims were billed under the original general CCM code, with newer codes accounting for a small portion.
A Canadian study investigated factors influencing medical abortion services among health professionals. Four barriers were identified: initial federal restrictions, bureaucratic processes, dissemination of policy information, and adoption by physicians as a process rather than an event.
Research at Case Western Reserve University reveals a strong association between high-quality physician-patient relationships and improved patient-reported health status. Adults with multiple diagnosed conditions often experience lower quality relationships, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found no difference in TSH stability between patients taking desiccated thyroid products and those on synthetic levothyroxine, a surprising outcome given concerns about variability among batches of desiccated thyroid. This result has implications for patient-centered approach to managing hypothyroidism.
Patients who receive in-home nursing care have lower emergency room utilization if they have access to after-hours primary care. Access to after-hours primary care can prevent some less-urgent ER visits by addressing health issues identified during home nursing visits.
Out-of-pocket and total visit expenditures for primary care physicians have shifted towards private insurance and Medicare, impacting access. The study suggests that continued trends may lead to increased difficulty in accessing primary care services, particularly for Medicaid patients.
The US Supreme Court's decision allowed proposed changes to take effect, leading to reluctance among immigrants and their families to apply for benefits. Family physicians can provide outreach education, access to primary care, and referrals to legal services to address concerns and support immigrant health.
A new survey found that 9 out of 10 US men ages 18 to 35 want their doctors to ask about intimate partner violence. Men with lower education levels were more likely to be asked about their experiences, while victims of violence supported screenings more strongly.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of social determinants, such as housing, income, and chronic health conditions, in influencing an individual's ability to cope with infectious disease. Primary care can play a crucial role in addressing these disparities through emphasis on equity, social determinants, and prevention.
Clinicians and experts gathered at the Toronto International Conference on Social Determinants of Health to discuss strategies for improving health equity in primary care. Key findings emphasized the need to incorporate community members, especially those with lived experiences of discrimination, into healthcare design teams.
The article outlines a 5-phase roadmap for transforming US primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first three phases focus on testing, triage, and virtual visits, while the fourth phase emphasizes recovery after acute care. The fifth phase addresses indirect consequences like worsening mental health and social risks.
A national quality improvement collaborative found that making primary care practices more inclusive improves STD and HIV screening rates among LGBT individuals. The program increased estimated HIV screening from 14.8% to 30.5% at participating sites.
The study found family medicine residents are likely to remain in primary care, alleviating the shortage concern. Moderately encouraging findings suggest these graduates continue practicing in the field.
A systematic review identified nine barriers and facilitators to primary care team collaboration in case management. Factors such as family context, policy support, and physician buy-in play a significant role in determining success.
A machine learning algorithm accurately identifies medical specialties and primary care physicians with 95% accuracy, providing real-time data on the US healthcare workforce. The model correctly predicted 70% of physician practice types within five percentage points, including specialties such as emergency medicine and cardiology.
Inaccurate antibiotic allergy records contribute to resistance, increased healthcare costs, and patient safety issues. The study suggests improving registration accuracy through training modules, guidelines, and better communication.
A new measure of social determinants of health has been developed and validated to predict cardiovascular disease mortality at the county level. The tool uses a multivariable risk score based on seven social determinants, showing better predictive performance than common single-measure area-level indexes.
A majority of US men (9/10) support healthcare providers inquiring about intimate partner violence, with those who experienced violence more likely to agree. In contrast, LGBT-friendly primary care practices have been shown to increase STD and HIV screening rates among vulnerable populations.
A descriptive bibliometric analysis by researchers reveals stark disparities in authorship between male and female scientists, with two-thirds of publications having a male first author. The study aims to broaden the discussion on gender parity in academic medical research.
The study found that applicant practices were diverse but lacked representation from small, independent, rural, or inexperienced practices. Participating practices served healthier and more advantaged beneficiaries, highlighting the need for further engagement.
New French prescribing rules for zolpidem resulted in a significant decrease in its use, with a corresponding rise in zopiclone prescriptions. The implementation of secure prescribing forms in 2017 led to a half cut in zolpidem prescribing rates, while zopiclone usage increased nearly equally.
A scoping review of 405 studies reveals that AI research in primary care is at an early stage, with unique challenges to applying AI in a person-centric approach. To mature, value must be placed on developing rigorous AI and identifying impacts on care delivery and health outcomes.
Primary care physicians can identify patients at risk of firearm suicide through improved health screening, and adding firearm safety questions to mental health screening can make it a more routine part of primary care. Physicians can also advocate for policy change and harness online momentum to influence the political discourse on fi...
Primary care clinicians perceive their role in caring for cancer survivors, but approaches vary widely. Researchers recommend coordinating care between primary care and oncologists to address complex needs.
The study found that CPC practices significantly increased their staffing with care managers and behavioral health staff, while non-CPC practices remained relatively unchanged. The authors suggest further research on the impact of team-based care and staff composition on healthcare costs and patient experience.
A new lung cancer screening cohort study demonstrates low adverse event rates and detects 70% of diagnosed cases at early stages. Family medicine plays a critical role in expanding lung cancer screenings to underserved populations.
A simulated patient study in Northern California found that counties with limited new patient primary care appointments had higher rates of Medi-Cal patients' emergency room usage. Adequate access to primary care is crucial for improving health outcomes and controlling costs among Medicaid expansion beneficiaries.
A realist synthesis investigated how case management in primary care affects frequent users of healthcare services with chronic conditions. The study found that case management is an effective way to integrate all aspects of care, improving patient outcomes.