Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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.
A family medicine practice in upstate New York revised its patient dismissal process, shifting from expedited dismissals to a structured review process that prioritizes patient engagement and collaborative planning. This redesign led to a significant decline in behavior-concern referrals and eliminated racial disproportionality.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found integrating social risk alerts improved blood pressure control by increasing screenings for social risks. Intervention clinics showed a modest increase in odds of blood pressure control over time.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received community paramedic home care had higher satisfaction rates and preferred future care in a home setting compared to usual care pathways. The study did not show a significant reduction in hospital use or acute care needs, but improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that community health centers sustained strong patient-clinician relationships during the pandemic, with higher continuity rates among older adults and those with above-average income. Lower continuity rates were associated with female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and telehealth use.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients presenting with floaters or flashes have different risks of retinal detachment. Researchers analyzed data from seven family practices in the Netherlands and discovered a higher absolute risk among episodes with new or recently changed acute floaters, more than 10 floaters...
Researchers developed a joint display method to analyze patient survey ratings and open-text comments together, revealing patterns between satisfaction scores and patient experiences. This approach provided a fuller view of patient experience than scores alone, with implications for long COVID program evaluations.
A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients with floaters or flashes have a higher risk of retinal detachment. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, analyzed data from 1,181 episodes and found that new or recently changed acute floaters were associated with a higher relative risk.
A study of 281,582 adults found that those experiencing social and physical isolation were less likely to receive preventive health services. Financial hardship was a significant factor contributing to these findings, with 82.1% of physically isolated individuals experiencing material deprivation.
Geisinger Health System uses CCHA and NBS tools to manage complex patient panels, reducing variability in care and prioritizing resource allocation. By focusing on clinical complexity, the system shifted from age-based scheduling to more targeted visit frequency and appointment lengths.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
A new platform, Build Better Bones, offers evidence-based guidance and practical resources for osteoporosis management. The platform, developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, provides a trusted place for people with osteoporosis to start their journey, with a focus on exercise, nutrition, and home safety.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Researchers at Goethe University are developing non-hormonal contraceptives to address declining pill use and side effects. The PREVENT project aims to create safe and effective alternatives, focusing on small molecules that block proteins in sperm or egg cells.
A new clinical study aims to improve communication between patients and families about genetic risks of colorectal cancer. The trial will compare two methods of sharing genetic test results with close relatives, with the goal of learning which approach helps more family members get necessary genetic testing.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increased anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and hyperactivity in preschoolers. Replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed options may support healthier development and lower behavioural difficulties.
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that a strong majority of Americans view the MMR vaccine as safe relative to other vaccines. However, the number of people holding this view is below the threshold required for community immunity, which is worrisome.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.