Articles tagged with Family Medicine
The US desperately needs more family doctors to address healthcare access disparities and improve patients' outcomes. Incentives are needed to encourage medical students to specialize in general primary care, rather than lucrative but limited specialty options.
A new study published in JAMA suggests that salary disparities play a major role in the primary care physician shortage in the US. The study found that family medicine had the lowest average salary and lowest percentage of filled residency positions among US graduates.
A computerized reminder system called ClinfoTracker increased colorectal cancer screening rates by an average of 9 percent, from 41.7% to 66.5%, among 12 primary care practices in Michigan. The greatest improvements occurred at practices that were more technologically savvy and well-adapted.
A US study found numerous errors in the testing process at family medicine clinics, with adverse consequences more common for minority patients. The research highlights the need for office-by-office improvements to mitigate these errors and reduce harm.
Despite a median waiting time of 8 months, 63% of patients preferred to stay with their current surgeon due to trust, reputation, and personal experience. This highlights the importance of addressing patient concerns in setting waiting-time guarantees.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a model for effective physician-patient communication that enhances quality of care while using time wisely. The model focuses on establishing rapport, understanding the patient's perspective, and reaching a mutual agreement on a plan, allowing physicians to be more efficient w...
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that doctors rarely use effective methods to help patients remember medical instructions, such as summarizing treatment recommendations or asking patients to repeat back what they've been told. The results suggest a need for new approaches to improve patient recall in busy practices.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that rural, unmarried women have lower self-rated health status and are more prone to depression compared to their married counterparts. The study suggests that primary care physicians should take a proactive role in addressing health concerns of single women.
A qualitative study of English family practice found that pay-for-performance programs reduce continuity of care and increase fragmentation. The programs also changed the nature of patient consultations, leaving physicians feeling less skilled and disconnected from patients.
A study by the University of Washington found that community health center-trained family physicians were more likely to work in underserved settings than their non-community health center-trained counterparts. This is significant given the projected increase in the need for family physicians, expected to reach nearly 140,000 by 2020.
A study by UCLA researchers found significant disparities in healthcare quality for African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites in California's Medi-Cal program. The study suggests that efforts to improve services for minority populations could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Patients prioritize thorough examination ($40.87), followed by seeing a physician who knows them well, over other aspects of patient-centered care. Research suggests that local communities can develop tailored strategies to retain patients by improving services and customer service.
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine has launched a network to study health care disparities affecting minorities, particularly those with chronic diseases. The Network for Multicultural Research on Health and Healthcare will mentor researchers and address quality of care for underserved populations.
Researchers found that patients with depression may not experience improvements in hopefulness until several weeks or months after their depressive symptoms lift. This delay can lead to reduced adherence to treatment, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A study of 45 family medicine practices found that those with nurse-practitioners performed better in diabetes care measures compared to physician-only practices and those using physician assistants. Practices with NPs were more likely to measure hemoglobin A1c levels, lipid levels, and treat for high lipid levels.
A study led by Ronald Epstein found that doctors voiced empathy in only 15% of office visits, despite repeated prompting from patients. Patients reported high satisfaction when doctors empathized with them, especially in challenging situations.
Patients using out-of-hours services report feeling uncertain about the appropriateness of their calls and concerns about slow case handling. Despite this, many are happy with the quality of service once they speak to a healthcare professional.
A survey found that doctors and patients with herpes have poor understanding of the infection, including its transmission and treatment. Doctors overestimated the emotional impact and underestimated viral shedding risks.
The US is relying on medical graduates from low-income countries to fill primary care gaps, draining developing nations of needed physicians. Family physicians play a vital role in equity in healthcare, with disproportionately high rates of care for disadvantaged populations.
The National Center for Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University will investigate the relationship between family structure and well-being. Researchers will examine various aspects of marriage, including its role in child development and the impact of cohabitation, to inform policies and promote healthy marriages.
A four-year study of 1,869 women found that the Active Management of Risk in Pregnancy at Term approach resulted in lower cesarean delivery rates compared to traditional care. Preventive labor induction also appeared to lower adverse birth outcomes. The findings challenge current beliefs about labor induction and suggest a preventive a...
A recent survey found that 40% of community pharmacists have dispensed off-label medicines to children in the last month, with only 66% feeling responsible to inform parents. The most common off-label dispensing involves giving drugs to children younger than recommended ages or higher doses.
Research highlights the association between acanthosis nigricans and type 2 diabetes risk factors in children and adults. Additionally, a study suggests that electronic medical records do not necessarily ensure high-quality diabetes care, highlighting the need for workflow redesign to improve patient health.
A study of retired NFL players found nearly 15% experienced moderate to severe depression, with chronic pain levels nearly half of the population. The study also highlighted connections between depression, pain, and other issues like sleep, fitness, and social support.
A primary care health network in Fort Worth, Texas, took responsibility for 3,700 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, providing medical care for nearly half of them. The network prevented its emergency department from being overwhelmed by creating a triage center and referring evacuees to primary care clinics. The authors reflect on valuable l...
A study of 55 patients found that 91% reported feeling hampered by headaches daily, and 37% experienced tension-type headaches several times a month. The total cost of all headache disorders in Denmark is approximately €74 million per million inhabitants per year.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians released new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism. The guidelines emphasize the use of clinical prediction rules, diagnostic tools like D-dimer and ultrasonography, and low-molecular weight heparin for patients with d...
A content analysis of television direct-to-consumer advertising found that emotional appeals can influence consumer decisions, but may also lead to misinformed choices. Meanwhile, cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that treatment options for acute otitis media and venous thromboembolism should prioritize symptom relief and cost consid...
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Daniel Vinson found that patients who reported feeling sleepy were less likely to be injured. This contradicts the commonly accepted theory that sleep deprivation increases injury risk, suggesting a possible link between daytime sleepiness and reduced physical activity.
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine will evaluate its interventions aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in depression using the grant. The findings will help identify effective solutions to improve care for minority patients.
A study of nearly two million patients found that 60% of Scottish surgeries prescribed homeopathic or herbal remedies, with children under 16 being particularly targeted. The researchers call for a critical review of this trend, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting these therapies.
A survey of over 700 family doctors found that nearly two-thirds provide PSA tests on request, despite lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for better training and targeted guidance to influence testing patterns and improve patient outcomes.
A new study by the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a 39% increase in family physicians to address the growing health care needs of Americans. The report asserts that without reform, millions will struggle to access high-quality primary care.
Studies highlight the impact of Medicaid program reductions, including increased coverage loss and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the influence of insurance status on physician decision-making. Undiagnosed diabetes is also found to have detrimental consequences, including increased rates of nephropathy and neuropathy.
A large-scale study found that two-thirds of patients stopped using Uprima due to ineffectiveness, with 70% of family doctors agreeing. The study analyzed data from 11,185 patients and showed that the most common adverse reactions were headache and nausea.
The article discusses potential legislative reforms to the US medical liability system, finding that economic damage caps can lead to lower premiums. It also examines the decline of vaginal births after cesarean deliveries in California, contradicting initial expectations, and highlights the importance of preserving women's options for...
A study found that new mothers experience six common postpartum symptoms, including fatigue, breast discomfort, and decreased desire for sex. Women who had cesarean sections reported significantly worse physical health than those who gave birth vaginally. Breastfeeding was also linked to more symptoms.
To meet the 48-hour access target, sexual health clinics would need to triple their capacity, highlighting a capacity/demand mismatch. The current system cannot address this issue, emphasizing the urgent need for additional providers.
The article discusses the importance of finding a balance between investing in new technologies and improving existing systems of care. Studies show that physicians employed by large health organizations report lower job satisfaction, while independent practice is associated with better quality of work life.
Despite updated guidelines and advances in treatment, a quarter of COPD patients hospitalized with an exacerbation will die within a year. Experts recommend prioritizing prevention of exacerbations and slowing down disease progression over symptomatic relief as the primary goal in COPD management.
Antibiotic prescribing for children with sore throats has decreased from 66% in 1995 to 54% in 2003, primarily due to reduced use of recommended antibiotics. However, a significant proportion of children still receive unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Studies examine prevalence of primary HIV infection, effectiveness of antidepressants in primary care, and the impact of patient-centered communication on healthcare costs. Research also explores aggressive antibiotic treatment for nursing home patients and cost-effectiveness of expanded testing for primary HIV infection.
Studies reveal high users of primary care are often over-serviced but underserved, and electronic medical records have little impact on diabetes quality of care. In contrast, patients treated with dignity report higher satisfaction, treatment adherence, and receipt of preventive services.
A recent study found that ending racial disparities in healthcare could save up to 886,202 lives, compared to the 176,633 lives saved by technological advances. The authors argue that investing more in healthcare disparities correction could lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
The article highlights three key findings: depression severity impacts functioning and quality of life more dramatically in elderly patients than other chronic medical conditions. Rural blacks have significantly worse diabetes and hypertension control, while 42% of clinic appointments are no-shows due to issues of disrespect by the hea...
The new model of care emphasizes patient-centered care, electronic health records, and primary care services to improve quality and reduce costs. Implementation could lead to significant reductions in healthcare expenditures and increased compensation for family physicians.
Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment by healthcare providers. Non-pharmacological treatments like stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia, leading to durable long-term improvement in sleep.
A recent study found that nearly 14% of seniors change physicians in a single year, with most doing so involuntarily. Maintaining continuity of care with a primary care physician is associated with better health outcomes at lower costs.
The American Academy of Family Physicians presents award-winning research papers on key medical topics such as prenatal care, diabetes management, and pain assessment. Researchers will be available to discuss their findings between presentations.
A prospective cohort study found that patients with less than 12 years of education have a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease, similar to other traditional risk factors. This suggests incorporating educational level into CHD treatment guidelines may facilitate individualized treatment and reduce socioeconomic disparities.
Researchers analyzed claims for over 1.2 million North Carolina Medicaid enrollees between 1998 and 2000, finding a 22.8% annual rise in prescription drug costs due to increased prescribing of six new medications. The study suggests improving cost-effective prescribing practices to control rising expenditures.
A randomized clinical trial found that brief alcohol counseling resulted in long-term reductions in high-risk drinking behaviors and adverse events among young adults. Counseling led to a 40-50% decrease in alcohol use and a significant reduction in emergency department visits, auto accidents, and arrests.
Researchers analyzed North Carolina Medicaid claims from 1998-2000 and found prescription drug coverage costs rose 22.8% annually, driven mainly by increased prescribing for six high-cost medications. Efforts to improve cost-effective prescribing are suggested to control rising expenditures.
A recent study found that Blacks and Hispanics were less likely than whites to receive care in outpatient settings, highlighting disparities in healthcare access. The researchers identified various factors contributing to these disparities, including mistrust of the medical system and unequal access to health insurance and providers.
Research highlights the potential risks of high-protein diets, parental happiness impacting birth weight, and frequent medical errors in family physician offices. Simple dietary restrictions may reduce mortality risk associated with high transferrin saturation, while maternal report of partner happiness can predict birth weight.
A study by University of Michigan doctors found that gender is the biggest predictor of chaperone use, with male doctors more likely to have a nurse or assistant present. Regional differences also exist, with Southern doctors using chaperones more frequently than those in the Midwest.
This tip sheet explores the impact of continuity of care on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Research suggests that provider continuity is associated with lower total healthcare costs, but not necessarily improved quality of care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
The July/August 2003 Annals of Family Medicine issue addresses health care disparities and promotes evidence-based interventions to improve breastfeeding rates. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends structured educational classes and behavioral counseling to support breastfeeding, with programs combining these elements sho...
A five-year initiative aims to change primary care practice in Canada by focusing on physical activity, rather than diet. The PROACTIVE study will examine the effectiveness of a behavioral-based program to increase physical activity and reduce obesity.
Researchers argue that primary care is misunderstood by academia and funding bodies, lacking a clear boundary to establish its distinct knowledge base. The editorial disagrees, emphasizing the importance of family practice in influencing all clinical specialties.