Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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.
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 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...
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.
Lifestyle medicine certified clinicians apply therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat and prevent chronic conditions. This approach emphasizes whole-person health and is being integrated into clinical care nationwide.
The CRISP Translation Guide enables the translation of research-reporting guidelines to support global application of primary care study results. The five-step process ensures clarity, usability, and accuracy in translated documents.
Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from 1,207 patients in Barcelona, Spain, and found that those with higher continuity of care had fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Patients who saw their assigned clinician more often were less likely to use home ambulance services.
A study compared four approaches to supporting opioid deprescribing in primary care clinics, finding that clinics with both clinic workflow support and prescriber coaching had the largest reduction in average opioid dose. Clinics that received education alone showed significant increases in urine drug testing and treatment agreements.
Alcohol screening increased from 61% to 81%, and intervention among positive screens rose from 22% to 67%. Practices improved documentation of pregnancy intention, using the AUDIT-C tool more frequently. This approach empowers local staff to lead care improvement efforts.
The Japanese version of the rPATD questionnaire has been validated to assess attitudes towards medication reductions among older adults and their caregivers in Japan. The tool is reliable, valid, and easily understood, facilitating shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
Primary care clinicians are testing AI-assisted patient messaging to reduce burnout, with mixed results. The study found that careful prompt design is crucial for effective AI-generated responses, varying by specialty, message type, and patient population.
A produce prescription program improved nutrition security among Medicaid patients with diabetes, increasing it from 23.2% to 38.7%. The program also improved food security, with 42.9% of participants reporting secure access to healthy foods after completion.
A randomized controlled trial found that contingent discount financial incentives on medication expenses can improve glycemic control and encourage engagement with ongoing monitoring among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. After six months, the intervention group showed greater improvements in long-term blood sugar level...
A family medicine interdisciplinary team improved hepatitis C virus treatment outcomes by streamlining medication access and reducing administrative burdens. The team's strategy, implemented at an urban clinic in Ohio, resulted in a significant reduction of treatment delays from over 6 months to under 2 months.
Adult patients in an academic family medicine clinic preferred portal messages from their own primary care physician within three days. When not choosing portal messaging, they prioritized faster video visits with another physician over longer wait times.
A qualitative study found that family physicians in Ontario left comprehensive care due to unsustainable finances, heavy workloads and lack of support. Policymakers must address these concerns to retain practicing family physicians and improve access to primary care.
In Ontario, primary care home visits for adults aged 65 years and older decreased by nearly 30% after a 2019 policy change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonpalliative visits declined more than palliative ones, which showed growth after 2020.
A new produce prescription program improved nutrition security and household food security for Medicaid patients with diabetes or prediabetes. Meanwhile, contingent discounts on medication expenses were found to support better glycemic control in socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
A recent study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that diagnostic abnormalities were no more likely to occur among adults with unintentional weight loss than among comparison patients. In most cases, the weight loss was not linked to a serious underlying condition, with only a .7% overall rate of cancer.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant women to protect their newborns, while a monoclonal antibody injection is also available for high-risk infants. Most experts agree that RSV immunizations should be recommended for these groups due to the severity of the illness they can cause.
Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 1,269 elderly patients with advanced cancer to find that over 70% were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which declined closer to death. PIM discontinuation was more common among female patients, those with polypharmacy, and palliative care unit admissions.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A study published by Michigan Medicine suggests that AI can help increase the chance of people with risky drinking patterns or signs of alcohol use disorder getting outreach and help. The NLP tool analyzed full text of health records and identified over 47,500 patients with some sign of risky drinking.
A UBCO study found that resilience is shaped by supportive communities, not individual traits. Community-based strategies and place-based interventions are crucial for effective suicide prevention.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
The program provides financial aid and unique clinical experiences to medical students, encouraging them to become community physicians. UCF College of Medicine hopes the program can be used as a national model to address the nation's primary care physician shortage.
A machine learning-based study found that older adults who see the same primary care physician have significantly fewer preventable hospitalizations. The 11-year study linked survey responses and medical records, revealing a 9.8-23.5% lower probability of acute preventable hospitalizations with higher continuity of care.
Researchers analyzed data from 54,376 adults aged 45 and older in Australia, finding that higher continuity of care was associated with a lower probability of acute preventable hospitalization. A 9.8% to 23.5% lower risk was seen when increasing the Continuity of Care Index from the 45th to the 50th percentile. This suggests strengthen...
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on 11 high-priority topics to guide outpatient care for adults with TBI in the first six months after injury. It addresses the need for standardized guidance and considers specific factors such as age, intimate partner violence, athletic background, and military service.
The Home Health Focus dataset provides insights into Medicare home health use from 2016 to 2019, including demographic data and patient function indicators. The analysis shows a rise in home health stays among beneficiaries while a decrease in active agencies during the same period.
A nationwide study reveals an 11% decline in rural family physicians from 2017 to 2023, with the Northeast experiencing the greatest loss. The proportion of female rural family physicians increased during this period, further highlighting the need for strategies to address the ongoing shortage.
The report emphasizes the importance of pairing research with policy partners and investing in mentorship and career advancement of Latino scientists and students. It also calls for implementing evidence-based practices, using telemedicine and AI equitably, and designing trauma-informed interventions that fit Latino family life.
A new training program equips bilingual staff with medical interpretation skills, increasing qualified interpreter status to 72% among participants. The innovative approach leverages heritage-speaking staff's linguistic and cultural strengths to address the high need for qualified medical interpreters in primary care.
A survey of 134 young European family physicians found moderate overall readiness for AI, with varying levels of knowledge about current applications and usage. The study suggests a need for training and curricula tailored to primary care to address uneven readiness and low day-to-day use.
A population-based cohort study found that individuals following high-glycemic index diets had a 13% higher chance of developing lung cancer compared to those on low-GI diets. In contrast, those consuming high-glycemic load diets experienced a 28% lower risk of lung cancer.
A qualitative study of 25 general practitioners found that trust in patients deepens over time as part of a mutually trusting relationship. General practitioners initially assume trust but may lack it for complex patients who manipulate the system for secondary gain.
Adult adoptees experience multiple types of adoption-related bias from clinicians, leading to negative interactions and delayed care. Adoptees want clinicians to recognize and address adoption as a lifelong factor with health implications.
A qualitative study found that physician responses to patient expectations contribute to pay gaps among Canadian physicians, particularly women, racialized, and immigrant physicians. Researchers suggest adjusting compensation models for extra time required for certain care types and examining fee schedules for underpaid services.