Articles tagged with Family Medicine
The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.
Michael LeFevre, a renowned family medicine leader, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. As a distinguished expert in prevention, detection, and treatment of high blood pressure, he will contribute to evidence-based medicine and improve health care outcomes.
A study by UK researchers found that over two-thirds of men seeking email advice experienced erection problems and a quarter were from the age group of 21-30 years. The study highlights the importance of online resources like the Sexual Advice Association in addressing sexual health concerns.
The tip sheet highlights common barriers to depression disclosure among patients, including concerns about antidepressant prescriptions and confidentiality. It also explores the widespread use of NSAIDs by patients with chronic kidney disease, despite warnings against their use. Additionally, the article critiques long-established coro...
Despite a private sector dominated fee-for-service system, Japan successfully contains healthcare costs at 8% of GDP, largely due to uniform fee schedules. Key challenges include mismatched patient expectations with service supply, need for quality primary care improvement and restructuring the current fee payment schedule.
The university is supporting pre- and post-doctoral training programs in dental public health to address the gap between those with and without dental care. The funding will support efforts to provide access to dental care for underserved communities.
A new report by St. Michael's Hospital and Street Health reveals that homeless people are more likely to have a family doctor if they possess a health card or have chronic medical conditions. The report highlights the need for programs to secure and maintain health cards and increase access to primary care in this population.
A meta-analysis of proton pump inhibitor use found a 29% increase in fracture risk, particularly hip and vertebral fractures. Clinicians should carefully consider PPI prescription, especially for patients with elevated fracture risk.
A national survey of US family medicine residency programs found that most limit pharmaceutical and industry interactions with residents, while some exclude all interactions. This shift aims to reduce the influence of industry on prescribing patterns and promote evidence-based prescribing.
Research suggests that over half of patients with benign prostate enlargement may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, leading to night awakenings and urination. This study highlights the importance of considering sleep disorders in diagnosing nocturia, a common symptom of BPE.
The US may adopt the FHT model to manage its growing healthcare system. Developed by Queen's University professor Walter Rosser, the model combines experts from various disciplines for more efficient care. Preliminary observations suggest improved patient and doctor happiness with FHTs.
Patient-centered medical homes in Ontario's Family Health Team Model show high patient satisfaction and improved income for primary care physicians. Additionally, a novel approach to detecting white-coat hypertension using automated serial blood pressure measurements is found to be valid and useful.
A study of 360 patients found that those with chest pain and serious family health problems want to participate in treatment decisions. Women patients generally have higher expectations for listening and information from their female doctor than men, particularly when it comes to managing family health issues.
Researchers at VCU have developed a model to create more patient-centered personal health records. The model emphasizes the need for actionable information and coordination of care. By doing so, patients can better manage their health.
A UCLA-led study finds that health care reform can improve coordination between assessing disease risk and providing appropriate tests and follow-up medical services. The law expanded coverage for an annual wellness visit, which includes assessing risk for disease and developing a personalized prevention plan.
A U-M study found that adding an interactive online community to an Internet-based walking program significantly decreased participant dropout rates. Seventy-nine percent of participants who used the social component stuck with the program, while only 66% of those without it completed it.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers shows that providing small amounts of flexible, targeted follow-up care can help chronically depressed patients manage their symptoms. The approach includes self-monitoring tools and follow-up phone calls from a care manager, resulting in higher remission rates and reduced-function days.
A study published in Experimental Brain Research reveals that chronic impingement syndrome, a common cause of shoulder pain, is triggered by excessive activation of specific neck and shoulder muscles during daily life or sports. The research opens the door to future tests of physiotherapy as a non-invasive treatment for shoulder injury.
African-American women with type-2 diabetes will receive health education through either face-to-face or virtual Second Life methods, with the goal of overcoming barriers to healthier lifestyles. The study aims to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual health education for this population.
A U-M study reveals that 53.3% of medical students with high depressive symptoms worry revealing their illness will be risky, while 62% believe seeking help means inadequate coping skills. The results highlight a concerning level of intolerance towards depression among medical peers.
The American Academy of Family Physicians accepted a large donation from Coca-Cola to fund obesity prevention materials, raising concerns about conflict of interest and loyalty to public health. In contrast, the organization's actions were seen as an effort to serve physicians and patients by addressing unmet public health needs.
A new study found that patients with hypertension who monitor their blood pressure at home and adjust their medication can experience greater falls in blood pressure. The TASMINH2 trial showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure after 6 months, with no increase in side effects.
A new 27-item questionnaire, the M-3 checklist, is a valid and effective tool to help primary care doctors screen patients for four common psychiatric illnesses. The checklist was developed by a team of mental health practitioners and experts and was found to be effective in screening for any mood or anxiety disorder 83% of the time.
Researchers found that wait time is the most important factor in patients' care-seeking decisions, while high-touch aspects of the patient-centered medical home are more highly correlated with preventive services delivery. Additionally, in-office C-reactive protein testing can help physicians more appropriately prescribe antibiotics fo...
Research documents the value of the human-animal bond in improving child development, elderly care, and rehabilitation outcomes. A growing body of evidence highlights the healing power of companion animals in reducing stress, providing affection, and fostering a sense of security.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has launched a handbook for rural health care ethics, addressing the gaps in resources for regional clinicians. The guide covers case studies and personal ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals in rural settings.
New studies reveal the high costs of implementing performance-reporting requirements for primary care practices, which can range from $1,000 to $11,100 per practitioner. Researchers also warn that undisclosed changes made to clinical trial outcomes threaten the integrity of scientific research. In contrast, early abortion care in famil...
A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.
Researchers found that universal health insurance reduces income inequities in healthcare access, but education-related disparities persist. Insured children with uninsured parents are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and lack preventive services.
Researchers found that single-parent households receive greater financial contributions on average than nuclear families, particularly those with fewer marital/family transitions. This trend may perpetuate poverty across generations as young adults make choices that impact their future financial prospects.
The July/August issue of Annals of Family Medicine explores the paradox of primary care, where primary care is associated with poorer quality care for individual diseases yet higher value health care at the level of the whole person. Chronic disease management was found to be superior in community health centers and practices with nurs...
A study by ICES found that doctors in Ontario's Family Health Network (FHN) model had fewer visits with chronically ill patients and provided less after-hours care. The FHN model pays doctors based on a capitation payment system, whereas the fee-for-service model paid per visit.
The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights the US healthcare system's fragmentation as a major cause of the current crisis. Dr. Kurt Stange's seven-part series proposes solutions by focusing on primary care and integrative services to promote healing and efficiency.
The new journal, Osteopathic Family Physician, will cover topics such as preventive medicine, managed care, and pain management. It aims to deliver resources that contribute to enhanced patient care and support successful practice management for osteopathic family physicians.
Researchers found that trained primary care physicians can perform colonoscopies with a low complication rate and high polyp detection rate, comparable to specialists. This fills the gap in colorectal cancer screening as the US population ages and demand for screenings grows.
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...