Articles tagged with Family Medicine
A study analyzed antibiotic prescribing patterns in Arkansas Medicaid's patient-centered medical home (PCMH) program. The results showed a decrease in pediatric and adult age group claims, with clinics that prescribed the least antibiotics having lower rates in 2021 compared to previous years.
A 16-year study found increasing patient complexity and fewer patients seen by family physicians in Alberta, Canada, with notable changes including higher proportions of older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions. This trend has significant implications for primary care access and workforce planning.
A pre-visit questionnaire with EHR integration significantly improved family history documentation, with 16.1% of patients having new entries within 30 days. This approach also supported personalized prevention and referrals, including screening recommendations and lifestyle advice.
The study analyzed 10 federal health surveys and found that most included sexual orientation questions, but only one survey asked about differences of sex development. Standardized measures would help identify disparities and track progress in primary care research and practice.
A Penn State Health project reframes quality metrics to present patient-oriented outcomes in plain language, improving provider engagement. The initiative resulted in clear and relevant reports, increased motivation among providers, and a stronger sense of impact.
This study found that combining Medicare wellness visits with problem-based visits increased the completion of annual wellness visits by 50.8% and reduced no-show rates by 11.9%. The combined visits also led to an increase in screenings, tests, and vaccines ordered, including for depression, falls, pain, and cancer screening.
A study found that ultrasound-guided IUD insertion is faster than conventional methods, reducing procedure time by an average of seconds. Despite this, pain levels were not significantly different between the two groups.
A 'light-touch' EHR referral strategy successfully connected patients with prediabetes to community-based DPPs, with 122 out of 577 referred patients enrolling. The strategy was used by 30% of targeted clinicians and accounted for over half of all referrals.
A large international clinical trial found that elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women by over 73%. The drug also shows secondary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced sleep disturbances, with no harmful effects on the liver or bone density.
A new study published in Autism found that autistic children are more likely to experience ongoing gastrointestinal problems than their typically developing peers. These symptoms can affect sleep, communication, sensory processing and behavior, and often don't have an identified medical cause.
A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the US have at least one modifiable risk factor for birth defects. The analysis highlights the need for improved preconception health and identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors before pregnancy.
According to UMass Amherst research, only 16% of US counties offer access to vaginal labor after C-section. Despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines supporting this option, access remains limited due to factors such as hospital availability and provider comfort.
A recent review of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care emphasizes the need for expert bodies to produce evidence-based guidance. Dr. Vivek Goel calls for a modernized task force with adequate funding and support, incorporating updated methodologies and protection from political interference.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia highlights the importance of consistent primary care coordination in cancer survivorship care. The research found that only a third of patients consistently saw the same primary care clinician during and after cancer treatment, leading to fragmented care and gaps in patient services.
Researchers found that high body-fat percentage was strongly linked to increased mortality risk from any cause and heart disease. In contrast, overweight/obese BMI was not associated with a higher risk of death.
A new study suggests that offering self-collection kits during routine GP appointments can increase participation rates among women overdue for cervical screening. The approach shows promise in reducing the number of cases and saving lives.
A recent study analyzed data from community health centers in the US between 2012-2020, finding that U.S.-born Latinos have significantly higher obesity rates compared to foreign-born Latino and non-Hispanic White youth. The researchers noted a trend of increasing obesity prevalence over time across all three groups.
The report outlines five key considerations for data transformation in primary care, including automation of data collection and integration with human workflows. Effective implementation requires cross-sectoral collaborations between government, industry, and academia to upgrade human and data infrastructures.
A new web-based tool, Coverage Checker, helps Michigan physicians navigate diabetes coverage and prior authorization. The tool shows care team members which insurance policies cover guideline-directed medical therapy and continuous glucose monitors, and the prior authorization steps required.
A study of over 100,000 veterans found that those who secured housing were twice as likely to receive cancer screenings. This improvement in care underscores the importance of sustained investment in supportive housing and person-centered care models.
A recent Irish study analyzed national prescription data for over 533,000 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and found five significant prescribing cascades. These cascades involve medications prescribed together, such as calcium channel blockers with diuretics or benzodiazepines with antipsychotics.
A machine learning model accurately predicted no-shows and late cancellations in primary care practices, with the gradient boost model achieving 85% accuracy for no-shows and 92% for late cancellations. Patient characteristics such as sex, age, and socioeconomic status played a significant role in missed appointments.
A study of US veterans finding that those gaining housing are more likely to undergo colorectal and breast cancer screenings. Housing is associated with increased screening rates due to improved access, reduced competing priorities, and decreased vulnerability.
The HEAL protocol toolkit has been adapted to the Brazilian context, equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking. The toolkit has received 535 views from 270 users across 17 states and 53 cities since its launch in September 2023.
A study assessing the Enhanced Primary Care Diabetes model found that Black patients were less likely to meet diabetes care goals, despite more frequent nurse touchpoints. Younger age, insulin use, and fewer initial medication counts were associated with slower progress.
Adults with moderate or severe substance-use symptoms have a higher chance of initiating and staying on OUD medication treatment. The study found that most primary care patients with opioid use disorder symptoms did not receive evidence-based treatment, but those who initiated treatment remained engaged.
Researchers found that veterans who gained housing were more than twice as likely to undergo colorectal and breast cancer screening, with significant differences between those who secured housing and those who continued to experience homelessness. The study suggests that housing may facilitate screening by promoting access to communica...
A study found that family physicians are improving maternal health in rural areas, particularly in Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. Rural counties with only hospital obstetric services have higher rates of social deprivation and Black populations.
The study analyzed 90 reviews covering over 1,200 studies to identify barriers and facilitators of clinical integration. Family physicians' characteristics, knowledge, and experience were found to be significant factors in successful integration.
A new report reveals that one in five parents experience potty anxiety during toilet training, while another one in five finds the process harder than expected. Parents cite various reasons for starting potty training, including readiness signs, daycare or preschool requirements, and cost pressures.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a sharp surge in nicotine pouch ingestions among young children, with a 763% increase in rate of reported cases between 2020 and 2023. The ingestion rates for other nicotine products declined during the same period.
A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults consider AI-generated summaries to be somewhat or very reliable, while another 45% say they sometimes give them the answer they need. However, half of respondents are not comfortable with healthcare providers using AI tools.
A pilot study evaluated Nutri, a clinical decision support tool for brief diet counseling in safety-net clinics. PCPs found the system usable and satisfactory, while patients effectively engaged with the intervention.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
The proportion of Ontario family physicians working in focused roles increased to 19.2% by 2021/22, while the number offering comprehensive care decreased from 71 to 64 per 100,000 residents. This shift has significant implications for primary care access and workforce planning.
A recent study analyzed journal articles from low- and middle-income countries published in family medicine journals based in high-income countries. The findings revealed an increase in publication of research articles from these regions, with a higher proportion of senior authors from upper-middle-income countries.
The National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR) consolidates primary care research under one roof, enhancing the nation's primary care system. NCEPCR aims to tackle critical challenges such as workforce shortages and rising healthcare costs by curating essential tools and cultivating researchers.
A little free library was placed near a rural primary care clinic to increase access to anxiety, depression and PTSD resources. Patients who take books complete a survey to assess resource usefulness, allowing for future evaluation of the intervention's impact.
Labelling non-adherence as a patient trait can obscure underlying factors like systemic racism and underinsurance. Clinician choice generates the label, leading to stigmatized records and delayed therapy escalation.
A qualitative study found that patients' attitudes towards deprescribing are shaped by their perception of medication's benefits and risks, as well as their level of autonomy. Patients who valued negative aspects of medication and had a proactive approach to health were more likely to consider cutting back on prescriptions.
A study of Ontario family physicians found that 19.2% worked in focused roles, with emergency medicine accounting for 37%, while comprehensive care declined despite a growing workforce. A second study identified opportunities for AI to improve primary care eVisits, highlighting staff and patient concerns and potential uses of AI.
A recent study found that rural location and racial segregation significantly impact primary care access in Virginia, with nearly half of the state's census tracts lacking adequate physicians within a 30-minute drive. Racial segregation and rurality were strongly associated with reduced access to primary care physicians.
Staff and patients identified seven opportunities for AI to enhance primary care eVisits, including workflow routing, prioritization, and writing assistance. These features can reduce staff workload while improving patient experience and ensuring timely responses.
A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.
A new AI system, MedGaze, is designed to emulate how radiologists visually interpret chest X-rays. By replicating expert attention, it helps train future specialists and improve the efficiency of hospitals through better workflow management.
A recent survey found that over 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine for children outweigh the risks, despite a current measles outbreak. The survey also showed that vaccination rates are dropping and many people lack knowledge about measles symptoms and prevention.
UCF students created an AI system, AIMS, to track surgical staples during robotic surgeries, reducing waste and improving sustainability. The technology was developed as part of the college's Senior Design capstone course and has been successfully tested in operating rooms at Orlando Health.
Yōni.Fit demonstrated significant reduction in 12-hour pad weights spanning seven days compared to the control device, highlighting its superior performance. The study showed mild to moderate adverse events, but no serious ones.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that teen drivers in vehicles 6-15 years old and those with fewer driver assistance technologies had a higher risk of death in fatal crashes. The study also showed that driving newer vehicles can reduce the risk of fatal crashes for teen drivers.
The NCCN Policy Summit brought together experts to discuss ways to strengthen collaborative cancer care, from early detection to survivorship. Key findings include the need for better communication and coordination between primary care and oncology providers.
A digital cognitive screening tool and flexible workflow helped seven primary care clinics integrate dementia screening, increasing screening rates to at least 20%. Clinics adapted the process to fit their settings while maintaining alignment with a shared core model.
Tablet-based hearing tests were found to be feasible and acceptable in routine family medicine, with 27% of screened patients showing some level of hearing impairment. The study suggests that these tests may help general practitioners diagnose hearing disorders more accurately.
A digital cognitive assessment was implemented in primary care to detect early dementia and guide next steps. The study found that 10.8% of eligible patients underwent the test, with 44.3% categorized as unimpaired and 13.7% as impaired.
A study evaluated AI-ECG and AI-powered digital stethoscope tools for detecting early signs of heart dysfunction in women aged 18-49. The findings showed promising results, with a high negative predictive value and low risk of false positives, indicating potential for quick and cost-effective screening during primary care visits.
New technology can enhance screenings when it is tailored to individual patient needs, improving early detection and management of disease. Digital tools work best in conjunction with clinicians, addressing barriers like care coordination to ensure better outcomes.
The review highlights the limitations of existing dengue vaccines, such as CYD-TDV and TAK-003, and the urgent need for more effective vaccines to protect millions of people. The Butantan-DV vaccine has shown promise with its single-dose regimen, but its efficacy against DENV-3 and DENV-4 is still unclear.
A new curriculum framework helps train future family physicians to integrate AI into their practice, addressing a critical gap in medical training. The AIFM-ed framework provides a structured road map for medical educators to bridge the AI gap, ensuring that future doctors are clinically competent and technologically fluent.