Articles tagged with Family Medicine
A recent survey found that 31% of Americans believe RFK Jr. recommends measles vaccination for children, while 29% believe he does not. The public is evenly divided on the issue, with 40% unsure. The survey also found that most adults reject the link between vaccines and autism.
The Northern New England CO-OP Practice and Community-Based Research Network organized 36 learning tours, reaching 82 primary care sites and 300 clinicians between 2023 and 2025. The tours increased CO-OP network membership by 102% and annual meeting attendance by 37%, driving clinician engagement in practice-based research.
Researchers developed an AI model that sharpens handheld ultrasound images, improving carotid plaque detection in a community screening program. The AI-enhanced images correctly identified 94.8% of plaques, compared to 87.6% on standard handheld ultrasound images.
Family medicine residents working in teams and continuing quality improvement projects across classes are more likely to change patient care. Graduates in programs with formal curriculum and accessible data infrastructure show improved clinical skills and tangible clinical change.
Reorganizing large clinics into small teams improves care for patients with chronic disease, reducing costs by lowering hospital stays and specialist visits. Teamlet model patients also receive more frequent screenings and show slight improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
A new care model incorporating longer visits has been introduced to reach Medicaid patients before they need emergency or hospital services. This model has led to reduced care use, improved chronic disease management, and lower costs within the Medicaid managed population.
Prescribers often struggle with language support for patients with non-English language preferences due to lack of awareness and resources. The survey found that 61.5% of respondents were unaware of best practices for providing non-English medication instructions.
Researchers developed an AI model to sharpen handheld ultrasound images, improving carotid plaque detection. The AI-enhanced images detected 94.8% of plaques compared to 87.6% on standard images. The tool also correctly flagged unstable plaques and ruled out stable-appearing ones, but still missed some unstable-appearing features.
Patients with chronic pain benefit from group medical visits, which facilitate emotional, appraisal, informational, and instrumental social support. This social support network encourages patients to share experiences, tips, and resources, ultimately improving their chronic pain management.
The study identified several barriers to integrating peer support into Medicare-funded care, including limited knowledge of navigation codes and billing requirements. Facilitators included the potential to expand access and reduce inappropriate hospitalizations.
Medical assistants spent 30% of their time idle, with indirect care tasks accounting for 40% of their time. A new task arrangement improved workflow, with physicians and assistants showing increased satisfaction.
A study of 349 participants found that high-competence physicians with warm communication styles reduced patients' worries and concerns over normal test results. Patients who saw high-competence physicians also reported lower likelihood of serious disease and less emotional concern.
A study combining phosphatidylethanol biomarker tests and self-reported measures of alcohol use found that 5.8% of patients below hazardous threshold had elevated PEth levels, while AUDIT and self-reported measures varied in flagging risky consumption. The findings support a multimethod approach to screening in primary care.
A study found that fertility tests, particularly anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) tests, are not accurate in predicting a woman's reproductive potential. Researchers found that many women and clinicians misunderstand the results, leading to psychological impact and misinformed decisions.
According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center survey, Americans' confidence in Dr. Anthony Fauci has declined to 50% since spring 2026, with a 5 percentage point decrease from 55% in April 2026. However, Fauci still maintains higher confidence than Kennedy, the secretary of health and human services, with a 12 percentage point gap.
A new paper outlines strategies to strengthen primary care pipeline in medical education, including mitigating administrative burdens, leveraging AI, and enriching student experiences. The authors emphasize the need for well-thought-out approaches to nudge the trend in a positive direction, rather than a single fix.
Despite declining confidence in CDC, FDA, and NIH, Americans' confidence in their own healthcare providers remains high. A recent survey found that 87% of respondents trust their doctor or nurse to provide trustworthy information about public health, while confidence in these agencies has declined to 59-64%.
The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
A new study found that hypertension patients are more likely to follow doctors' recommendations for medication than make lifestyle changes. The Health Belief Model suggests that perceptions of personal risk and disease severity influence treatment intentions.
The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.
A qualitative study identified four self-care decision-making patterns among adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including past experiences and leveraging resources. Effective self-care behaviors can improve quality of life for these patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
A retrospective study found patients registered for longer periods had 9-21% lower odds of urgent hospital admission and 17-28% lower costs. Consistently seeing the same general practitioner was associated with 6-7% lower hospital costs but not fewer urgent admissions.
A qualitative theory study reveals three themes in how generalist physicians understand their work and role. The 'Way', 'Privilege', and 'Indescribable Whole' capture the essence of generalism as a time-centered, relational approach to patient care.
A randomized controlled trial in Singapore found that offering self-sampling increased both high-risk HPV detection and overall screening uptake among previously unscreened women. Screening uptake also increased particularly among women with no prior screening history. In contrast, patients registered with their general practice for lo...
Health system physicians value financial protections and clinical support teams, while independent physicians prioritize patient continuity and autonomy. The study's findings highlight substantial contrasts between daily practice experiences across the two organizational models.
A new program taught family physicians to perform echocardiography using an AI-guided handheld ultrasound device, reducing wait times and costs. The approach, piloted in nine clinics across Spain, estimates annual savings of €70,000 per clinic.
A survey of 314 family medicine residency program directors found that only 44% have written expectations around self-directed learning. Despite this, 93.6% of directors believe recent graduates model lifelong learning, and over half (57.6%) consider self-directed learning a high curricular priority.
A randomized controlled trial found that a comprehensive navigation service significantly improved self-reported access to needed resources among primary care patients. The study also highlighted the benefits of this model for Francophone minority populations, particularly in accessing French-language services.
Patients with long-term relationships to their family physicians may experience fewer urgent hospital admissions and lower hospital costs. This is due to consistently seeing the same general practitioner, which is associated with reduced hospital costs but not fewer urgent admissions.
A theory study identified 12 paradoxes in social care, including whether it promotes equity or stigma and tailoring care to context. The authors proposed three reconciliation strategies to address these tensions and integrate social care into primary care.
A Canadian pilot study examined ways to link dementia patients' medical records with those of their caregivers. The report highlights critical gaps in clinical application due to EMR incompatibility, varying provincial privacy rules, and consent requirements.
A randomized controlled trial in Singapore found that self-sampling increased high-risk HPV detection and overall screening uptake among previously unscreened women. Screening uptake also increased among women with regular screening history, particularly those who chose self-sampling.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
A large clinical trial found that an AI support tool improved the quality of clinical documentation and treatment planning, but did not significantly change short-term patient outcomes. The study involved over 9,600 patients in Kenya and used a randomized controlled design to test the effectiveness of the AI tool.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Despite an increase in federally funded residency slots, a new study finds that physician shortages persist, particularly in primary care and rural communities. The expansion of Medicare-funded residency positions was intended to support shortage specialties and underserved areas, but most positions were allocated to non-rural areas.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.
A growing addiction crisis in Australia requires a larger workforce, with only around 300 doctors specializing in addiction medicine. Researchers suggest early exposure and clearer career paths can quickly grow the workforce. The study found that many doctors discover addiction medicine by chance, limiting recruitment.
A study analyzing Canadian family physicians' electronic health records found a substantial increase in patient contacts and unique patients over the 11-year period, with referral rates rising by 57% and laboratory tests increasing by 29%. The average number of chronic conditions per medical encounter remained stable.
A nine-session weekly group program in rural Spain improved caregiver burden, quality of life, and self-efficacy. Key factors associated with greater burden include personal health problems and extended caregiving hours.
Researchers found that patients who received five minutes of Christian in-person prayer reported greater relief from both pain and anxiety compared to those who listened to music. Additionally, black participants showed larger improvements in both pain and anxiety than other participants.
A Mayo Clinic study analyzed records of 571 adults with ME/CFS and found that family medicine physicians often prescribed common pain-relievers and sleep aids before specialist consultation. The study suggests that these medications may be underutilized for treating core symptoms of ME/CFS, such as fatigue and brain fog.
The PERCS initiative aims to develop and test interventions promoting comprehensive survivorship care for adult cancer survivors. Four randomized controlled trials will improve how primary care clinicians deliver survivorship care to over 18 million US cancer survivors.
A new study found that an intervention increasing colorectal cancer screening had similar effects across Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White patients. Overall completion rates remained lower for Black patients despite the intervention.
Research analyzed over 35.8 million emergency department visits to compare fall-related injury risks among adults with and without intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy. Adults with these conditions were more likely to visit the emergency department due to falls, especially at younger ages.
A new Epic EHR alert improved hepatitis B monitoring rates at a primary care clinic, increasing timely testing from 34% to 51%. The intervention boosted overall monitoring rates above the national average of 11-21%, highlighting the potential for automation in addressing care gaps.
In a low-cost, two-hour educational intervention, Brazilian medical students addressed common misconceptions about vaccines and increased confidence among parents and caregivers. The session was notably receptive to information from medical students, suggesting a promising approach to building vaccine confidence in primary care.
Research reveals low completion rates of Medicare's free annual wellness visits among Black and Hispanic patients due to barriers such as long hold times and transportation costs. Participants expressed confusion about the service and historical racial discrimination in medicine.
Researchers in China used AI-enhanced point-of-care ultrasound to train general practitioners in detecting carotid artery plaque. They found that the GPs accurately identified plaque 87% of the time and cleared patients correctly when no plaque existed.
Patients who received five minutes of in-person prayer experienced greater relief from both pain and anxiety compared to those who listened to music. The study found significant improvements in pain reduction at two weeks, with black participants showing larger improvements.
A systematic review of 29 studies found that advanced access models in primary care lead to shorter wait times and stronger patient-physician relationships. Implementation of advanced access resulted in improved patient satisfaction and reduced emergency department visits.
Researchers found that shrouding blankets increase dignity for parents who lose a child, offering a tangible way to cope with grief. The blankets provide comfort and stability, allowing parents to hold their child without feeling overwhelmed.
A new study published in Eye and Vision finds that one drop of low-dose atropine can produce daylong effects in managing myopia. The researchers found that the drop showed clear changes in pupil size and focusing ability, but no short-term structural effects on the eye.
The HKU Centre for the Humanities and Medicine has launched initiatives to address women's health, particularly menopause, in Hong Kong. Director Professor Olga Zayts-Spence emphasized the need for robust community support and institutional backing as women spend nearly a third of their lives in this stage.
A team-based buprenorphine clinic incorporated a trained chaplain into patient care, providing a psychologically safe space for conversation and supporting patients in identifying recovery capital. The clinic reported successful outcomes, with eight patients achieving at least 12 months of sobriety.
Research found that lonely patients reported worse healthcare experiences, including feeling unheard and unsupported. Patients who felt lonely were also less confident in managing their own health.
Researchers found that clinicians assess patients in context, developing management plans collaboratively with patients and caregivers. Clinicians also reported growing skills to focus on overall well-being and priorities, suggesting tailored care benefits from team continuity, flexibility, and strong collaboration.
Researchers examined how practice-based research and learning networks approach data governance, identifying the importance of building knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty. Existing Indigenous governance frameworks provide guidance on incorporating Indigenous data sovereignty principles into PBRLNs.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.