The University of Ottawa has launched the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), a leading research center examining biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of Black health. The ICBH aims to identify priorities in research on physical and mental health disparities among Canada's Black communities.
A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.
A new study by E. Paige Lloyd found that medical providers are better at discerning real from fake pain expressions for White people than Black people. This disparity in pain detection could contribute to racial disparities in pain care and treatment recommendations.
Medical personnel trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) showed a 21% reduction in patient sick leave, primarily related to anxiety and depression. The study suggests that ACT training can empower healthcare staff to take a comprehensive view of patients' needs, promoting sustainable change and reducing reliance on sick leave.
A 'think-twice' campaign for GPs has been found effective in reducing opioid prescribing in primary care, resulting in a net saving to the NHS of £700,000. The campaign led to a reduction of 15,000 fewer patients being given opioids over a year-long trial.
Researchers found that providing patients with a clinician team roster increased recognition of each clinician's name and face, with an average increase of 4.57 out of 5 on a five-point Likert scale. This improvement was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic when universal masking made facial recognition more challenging.
A study of 7,400 emergency department physicians found that those who recently saw patients with a pulmonary embolism were 15% more likely to test subsequent patients for the condition. The 'availability heuristic' may influence physicians' care decisions.
A Michigan State University study reveals that 90% of patients with eye diseases are willing to donate their eyes, but only a fraction follow through. The study suggests that educating the public about eye donation and streamlining the donation process could increase donations.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that people who visit retail medical clinics are less likely to return to a primary care physician for future illnesses and have less continuity of care. However, there was no evidence that retail clinics disrupted preventive medical care or diabetes management.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System found that subtle non-verbal clues exert an influence on medical care, with patients relying on these cues to evaluate the doctor-patient relationship and doctors using them to inform their medical judgments. The study's method shows promise for improving medical decision making.
A survey of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors found that nearly three-quarters had a Facebook profile, with many sharing personal information and photos. The authors warn that this could lead to an ethically problematic situation if patients access their profiles, as it may be misinterpreted outside its original context.
A new 12-month study, led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will examine the effects of adding openness to traditionally one-sided elements of doctor-patient relationships. The project aims to improve patient recall, empower patients to take control of their care, and reduce medical errors.
A commentary in JAMA emphasizes the importance of clarifying patient preferences and values during difficult diagnoses. Doctors can guide patients to use emotions and logical thinking skills together, framing information with multiple perspectives.
A new book explores how primary-care doctors interact with patients, focusing on both physician and patient contributions. The research aims to understand the social organization of medical talk and improve doctor-patient relationships.
A new treatment plan involving behavior modification and pharmaceutical treatment has shown marked improvement in nearly half of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. The treatment also emphasizes improved communication between patient and doctor, highlighting the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
A study of 2,000 US physicians found that their personal religious and spiritual characteristics influence their approach to discussing spirituality with patients. Differences in attitude and behavior reflect varying levels of religiosity among physicians.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute finds that successful medical outcomes rely on stable and enduring relationships between doctors and patients. This approach recognizes that healthcare is not just about mechanics, but also social and emotional context.
A study of older cardiac patients found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients was scarce, with many feeling uninformed about their treatment options. The authors highlight the importance of patients' preferences in healthcare decisions, particularly for those with quality of life and life expectancy concerns.