Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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 study from the University of California - San Francisco suggests that telehealth can be an effective treatment option for women experiencing urinary incontinence after giving birth. The research found significant improvements in symptoms, regardless of whether women received physical therapy in-person or via telehealth.
A study of over 300,000 adults found that those with diabetes are 25% more likely to lose their health insurance. Insurance instability is particularly concerning for those with complex needs, as many struggle to regain coverage after losing Medicaid or private insurance.
A new paper highlights emerging alternatives to traditional diabetes medicines, such as continuous glucose monitors and lifestyle interventions like GEM, which can improve patient adherence and long-term health outcomes.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis often result in irreparable damage to joints. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve physical function and quality of life for patients with PsA.
A study found that only 75.3% of chlamydia cases and 69.6% of gonorrhea cases were treated within 30 days of diagnosis, with disparities observed among certain patient groups.
A qualitative study identified key teamwork strategies that high-performing clinics use to promote regular follow-up visits for adults with chronic conditions. These strategies include close working relationships between staff members, structured follow-up systems, and proactive patient outreach.
Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and fractures in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term ICS users are nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent cases of pneumonia and fractures.
The study found that the 'About Me' Care Card helps clinicians identify patient concerns earlier, creating personalized care conversations. However, some patients with advanced cognitive challenges required assistance, highlighting the need for further development and refinement of the tool.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improves weight management and cardiovascular health among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants who received structured lifestyle counseling experienced notable reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circum...
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, was compared to standard vaccines in a study of previously vaccinated individuals. The results showed that Heplisav-B was more effective at boosting immunity, with 99.4% achieving protective levels compared to 92.7% for standard vaccines.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced ambulatory antibiotic use in France, with most antibiotics showing a notable decrease. Antibiotic use remained lower than expected levels for at least 12 months following the first lockdown.
Patients prioritize continuity of care over rapid access to clinicians, with over half preferring their own primary care physician. The study's findings suggest that health systems may need to balance convenience with patient preferences for trust and continuity in primary care.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...
A survey of 1,135 adults found that respondents believed 51.8% of overall health care spending goes to primary care, exceeding the actual share of 4.7%. This disparity highlights chronic underinvestment in primary care, resulting in workforce shortages and reduced access to high-quality care.
A longitudinal study of primary care physicians found that performance-based reimbursement increases illegitimate work tasks, moral distress, and lowers perceived individual and organizational quality of care. The study suggests that reducing irrelevant tasks could support physician well-being and healthcare delivery.
Current pay-for-performance initiatives are often costly and ineffective, leading to moral distress for primary care physicians. The authors recommend refocusing incentives on time-limited, low-cost targets that are physician-controlled to support better care.
A recent MSU study highlights the challenges of diagnosing episodic disabilities like epilepsy, where symptoms fluctuate and can be unpredictable. The research found that 52% of participants experienced delayed diagnoses, while others faced quick confirmations within days of their first seizure.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
A new survey finds that nearly three-quarters of US adults support requiring children to be vaccinated against preventable diseases, while over half support prohibiting unvaccinated children from attending school. However, support for this prohibition has dropped significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is growing support f...
A peer health navigator pilot program in Saskatchewan improved access to affirming health care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The program reduced stress and positively impacted clients' mental health by providing tailored guidance and connecting them with affirming providers.
A tailored, toolkit-based intervention improved integrated behavioral health (IBH) integration in primary care practices. Practices that completed more intervention stages showed significant improvements in IBH, particularly in workflows and patient identification.
This study analyzed GP-patient consultations to identify treatment burdens and strategies for managing type 2 diabetes. The findings show that medication and personal resources are major components of treatment burden, emphasizing the need for tailored GP responses.
A study analyzed over 14,000 voice samples from adults to evaluate an AI-based machine learning biomarker tool detecting depression through speech cadence and acoustic features. The tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 71%, correctly identifying depression in 71% of people who had it.
A support program increased rural primary care clinics' buprenorphine prescribing by fivefold, with clinic completion rates for treatment milestones also showing significant improvements.
Despite financial incentives and small faculty sizes, family medicine departments struggle to produce scholarly work due to institutional budget constraints. Larger faculty sizes are linked to higher presentation rates, highlighting the importance of investing in research staff.
Researchers identified regional differences in how ICD codes were applied, with some codes being used interchangeably for different conditions. The study highlights the need to address variation in physician coding practices to ensure accurate comparisons and avoid false conclusions.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends guiding principles for AI use in research and publishing, emphasizing full disclosure, accountability, and understanding of AI limitations. AI can improve efficiency and accessibility but risks perpetuating bias and generating inaccurate information.
The article proposes innovative strategies for preserving diversity in higher education and professional fields, including medicine. Institutions must expand STEM enrichment programs, strengthen K-16 recruitment efforts, and maintain holistic admissions processes to address declining enrollment of underrepresented minority students.
The AHRQ EvidenceNOW initiative reduces stigma by training primary care practices in universal screening, brief interventions, and medication-assisted therapy. Motivational interviewing techniques help clinicians address unhealthy alcohol use, promoting person-centered communication and empathetic interactions.
Primary care physicians report significant knowledge gaps and training deficiencies in addressing adoption-related issues. They often rely on guidance for preventative screening and genetic testing, highlighting the need to improve their understanding of mental health and trauma.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds in the first trimester enhances care for pregnant patients and reduces emergency visits. This integrated approach allows comprehensive care during a single visit, improving diagnosis and patient outcomes.
According to a new survey, over half of U.S. adults believe the RSV vaccine is effective in protecting infants from the virus, up from 42% last year. The rise in perceived effectiveness comes as several politicians have cast doubt on the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
Researchers developed an adapted nominal group technique (aNGT) to efficiently build consensus among diverse stakeholders, prioritizing key domains and identifying new care indicators. The approach was effective in reaching a consensus on prioritizing symptoms, functioning, and quality of care.
A new approach to first trimester obstetrical care combining point-of-care ultrasound and immediate multidisciplinary care has reduced emergency visits by 81%. This integration allows for timely diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, improved education and support for all patients, including those experiencing miscarriage.
This special report highlights the importance of expanded training for family physicians to address the physical and psychological effects of war. Family physicians must be prepared to provide timely, accurate information and foster understanding and reconciliation in the midst of conflict.
A study of 129 healthcare professionals in Israel following the 2023 terror attack found high levels of burnout and low well-being among primary care clinicians treating traumatized evacuees. The researchers emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing healthcare personnel's mental health to ensure quality care for trauma survivors.
This issue of Annals of Family Medicine highlights the complexity of war's effects on family doctors and patients. Research reveals the significant impact of trauma on healthcare professionals in Israel following a terrorist attack, highlighting burnout and well-being concerns. The article also shares challenges faced by physicians in ...
A suburban clinic implemented an innovative approach to reduce behavioral health clinic wait times for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The new process uses self-administered screening tools and diagnostic interviews to confirm diagnoses and offer treatment, resulting in improved care access and patient satisfaction.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that using Chat GPT Plus does not significantly improve the accuracy of doctors' diagnoses, but it outperformed conventional methods in certain cases. The researchers suggest that physicians need more training and experience with AI to capitalize on its potential.
A technology-assisted health coaching intervention called Goals for Eating and Moving (GEM) was tested in a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 19 primary care teams. The study found that patients receiving the GEM intervention did not show significant weight loss compared to those receiving enhanced usual care, highlighting ...
A study surveyed family medicine residency program directors in the US to assess their scholarly activity output. Most common forms of scholarly output included letters, case reports, and population health projects. Programs that exceeded ACGME standards had robust infrastructure, including mentorship and research support.
Research reveals underrepresented physicians from these groups are more likely to participate in Medicaid, treating a substantial number of patients. Their patient panels show higher proportions of racial/ethnic minorities.
A collaborative program between a university and clinic has increased GP numbers from one to eight in resource-deprived areas of Yokohama. The initiative enhances clinical care, education, and research opportunities while fostering community engagement and diverse perspectives.