Articles tagged with Family Medicine
The study found that having no biological offspring was linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia in both men and women. Having more than one offspring compared to one was associated with disease risks across multiple systems. Each additional offspring reduced mental and behavioral disorders by 7% and breast cancer risk by 18% for women.
Research published in ERJ Open Research suggests that assessing hospital patients' reported shortness of breath could help doctors prioritize care for those at high risk of death. Patients who developed shortness of breath were six times more likely to die than those who did not, with a higher rating indicating greater risk.
Japanese primary care physicians derive a sense of meaning from managing diverse health problems, fostering rapport through continuous care, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. These experiences promote professional growth and contribute to broader societal goals, building fulfilling careers.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...
The FDA has approved elinzanetant for treating hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. The drug significantly reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms while improving sleep quality and quality of life.
The new guideline recommends clinicians ask about mental health as part of usual care and for patients to discuss it with their providers. The task force did not find evidence that routine screening leads to better mental health.
Researchers at Wayne State University are exploring the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality-based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as a tool to reduce stress in young adults with type 1 diabetes. The study aims to assess the effects of MBSR-VR on glycemic control, mindfulness, and psychological distress.
Pharmacy technicians alleviate clinicians' and nurses' workload by handling medication tasks, reducing pain points in medication access work. The study found that technicians improved perceptions of quality of care and patient access, with significant reductions in burden and task time.
The study introduced an Epic electronic health record workflow to auto-order preventive and chronic disease tests for complex older adults. This approach has improved patient engagement, reduced post-visit results communication, and minimized cancellations.
The Chatbot Assessment Reporting Tool (CHART) statement outlines 12 key reporting items for chatbot health advice studies, providing a checklist and methodological diagram. This guideline supports stakeholders in reporting, understanding, and interpreting the findings of such studies.
A study of 4,905 US early-career family physicians found that those with higher educational debt tended to work more hours per week and were more likely to report burnout symptoms. Physicians working over 60 hours a week were nearly three times more likely to experience burnout.
After ACA, usual source of care increased from 67% to 68%, with gains in low-income rural and urban areas. Insurance barriers decreased, while accessibility and individual preferences improved for low- and middle-income adults.
Interdisciplinary primary care teams in Oregon's Project Nurture and Nurture Oregon model deliver comprehensive substance use disorder care to pregnant individuals. These teams perform medical, behavioral health, and coordination functions, providing social support, advocacy, and quality improvement activities.
Researchers increased Medicare wellness visit completion from 8.4% to 50.8% in nine months by scheduling combined visits with patients' regular clinicians, leading to lower no-show rates and increased screenings for various health issues.
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 study found that virtual care expansion in Ontario did not lead to a significant increase in specialists' practices in rural areas. Despite the widespread availability of virtual care and changes in remuneration, the researchers discovered that specialist physicians did not expand their reach to patients living at great distances.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.