Articles tagged with Family Medicine
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Certified medical assistants distribute patient portal messages to the most appropriate physician, resulting in a 40% decrease in messages going directly to primary care physicians. This team-based care model improves both practice and clinician efficiency.
A study from Alberta, Canada found that clinic continuity is associated with reduced hospital visits and emergency department usage. Patients who see the same family physician or clinic group experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits.
A study reveals a decline in reported Medicare Part B procedures performed by family physicians between 2014 and 2021. This trend is concerning as it may reduce access and increase costs for patients, particularly among the aging population.
A large family medicine department harmonized its academic missions, creating a learning health system that positively reinforces each other. This approach has improved faculty well-being and expanded scholarly output across all faculty members.
A longitudinal case example from a large family medicine department shows that harmonizing academic missions can improve faculty well-being and support a learning health system. The department employed strategies such as shared vision, complex adaptive systems, and simple rules to balance priorities and harmonize on projects.
Research found that over 6.5 million adults in Canada lack regular primary care access, with Quebec and Atlantic provinces showing the largest gaps. Despite this, many patients want alternative healthcare providers within their primary care team, yet only 15% currently receive such support.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that dispensing abortion pills through the mail is a safe and effective method, with nearly 98% of patients completing their abortions. The study suggests that this model can help increase access to abortion care for clinicians and patients alike.
A new OHSU study found that the number of healthcare professionals able to prescribe buprenorphine increased significantly at community health clinics from 2016 to 2021, particularly in rural areas. The study suggests a positive trend amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
The innovative Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program successfully connected residents with family physicians in Renfrew County, addressing the rural shortage of primary care providers. Over 2,800 unique patient appointments were conducted, with 70% done virtually, offering comprehensive team-based primary care.
A new study suggests that most essential care for cardiovascular health happens in general primary care clinics, but many at high risk don't receive it. The study found that large percentages of people with major cardiovascular risk factors didn't see a primary care provider or cardiologist in the past year.
A study by Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine reveals that collaborative EHR optimization efforts can significantly improve departmental productivity. The research found notable enhancements in monthly charges and payments, with improvements attributed to accommodations, creations, discoveries, and modifications.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical confirmed the accuracy of remotely gathered physical measurements for children in a weight management study. The findings support the value of remote height and weight measurements for both research and clinical purposes.
A study of 5,279 children found that early-life exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing asthma by early and middle childhood. The study highlights the need for targeted environmental interventions and greater health equity in urban communities.
A bilingual healthcare app is being launched to assist Canadians in maintaining their health during the current healthcare crisis. The app aims to encourage users to take proactive steps towards preventative care, providing them with personalized recommendations and resources.
A recent study shows that U of A's Rural Integrated Community Clerkship program is a reliable predictor for students choosing a career in rural or family practice. The program has helped address Alberta's shortage of rural doctors by providing students with hands-on experience and adaptive expertise.
A study found that primary care physicians spent nearly 30 minutes more on EHR tasks between pre-pandemic and final year, with time spent outside of scheduled hours increasing significantly. This growth in EHR workload may contribute to burnout and affect decisions to cut back on clinic time or leave the profession.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients who received virtual care from their own family doctor were less likely to visit the emergency department within seven days. In contrast, those receiving virtual care from an outside physician were 66% more likely to do so.
Canada faces a crisis in primary care, with 17% of people reporting no regular clinician before COVID-19. OECD countries have designed their systems for universal access to primary care, a lesson Canada can apply.
A study found that nearly one-third of US family medicine residents are training in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the impact on reproductive health care. The analysis suggests that increased support for comprehensive reproductive health education is needed to mitigate this effect.
Researchers analyzed over 18 million virtual and in-person care visits to find that those using virtual care had fewer bad outcomes, hospitalizations, and ICU visits. Virtual care's effectiveness was attributed to patients' ability to use it with minimal guidance.
A new checklist, Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP), outlines key reporting items for primary care studies. The CRISP Checklist describes aspects of research, including teams, patients, and study implementation, to improve primary care research reporting worldwide.
An international group of researchers developed a Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP) Checklist, outlining 24 items to improve the quality and consistency of primary care research. The checklist addresses various aspects of research, including study design, data collection, and implementation of findings.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the US Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision led to an increase in public support for abortion rights, with 2.4 percentage points more respondents believing abortion should be legal for women who choose to have one.
A study of 83 children in 11 child care centers found low SARS-CoV-2 incidence and transmission within the centers, as well as from infected children to households
The study reveals that dementia significantly affects an older adult's long-term care and financial status, with incremental changes being substantial. Family care availability should be considered in assessing the effects of dementia on caregivers' lives.
The University of Louisville is increasing training for medical students in rural communities and West Louisville to prepare them for primary care careers. The grant will enhance programs that attract and train physicians to practice in medically underserved regions.
Researchers found that training expectant mothers can improve their ability to recognize happy baby expressions, leading to fewer signs of depression. This new approach aims to promote healthier emotional development for both mother and child.
University of Minnesota researchers identified top-performing primary care practices that deliver high-quality diabetes care through proactive patient outreach. These practices prioritize good communication and engagement with patients, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship essential for overall health.
A scoping review identified four key themes: everyday language, thorough information, adequate discussion time, and a trusting relationship. The study also highlighted the impact of racism on Black men's medical interactions. Researchers suggest strategies to support men's communication preferences.
The North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) has made foundational contributions to primary care research, including practice-based networks and community-based participatory research. The organization's future depends on strengthening primary care and primary care research with stronger support, infrastructure, training, an...
Clinical researchers developed a single prescriber account to centralize ordering and distribution of mifepristone, reducing barriers to providing abortion care. The new process mirrors other health system procedures and sets the stage for rapid expansion of medication abortion access in a post- Roe environment.
A cross-sectional survey of 294 primary care patients found leg cramps are a common symptom (51.7%) associated with age-related decline and poor sleep quality. Clinicians should review resting leg cramps as a marker for impaired health and aging, and address the issue to optimize healthy aging.
A new paper describes clinical experiences of transgender people and identifies four themes: voyeuristic questions, pathologization, stigma, and ineffective care. Researchers recommend strategies to improve safety and quality of care for this patient population.
A new survey by USC Street Medicine found that street medicine programs are helping to fill the gap in access to mental health and substance use treatments for unhoused individuals in California. The study suggests that these programs can serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for people who are unsheltered.
Residency programs lack standardized menopause curriculum, with only 31% reporting any training. A national curriculum is proposed to improve patient care and address the growing need for menopause education.
Researchers found that participants with MCI performed significantly worse on a test of four types of decision-making abilities compared to those without. The study's findings have broad implications for choices about finances, health care, and other daily decisions.
The Keck School of Medicine's Primary Care Program has shown a significant increase in primary care residency matches and representation, particularly among underrepresented groups. The program provides skill-based training, mentorship, and community-focused experiences that prepare students for careers in primary care medicine.
Researchers found that adults who experienced violence, financial stress, or separation from parents as children were more likely to experience physical and cognitive impairments. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty walking, carrying out daily activities, and problems with memory.
A Canadian study found that patients were very satisfied with care from their family physicians (90%) and allied health teams (89%), comparable to traditional in-person models. Another pilot program successfully engaged hard-to-reach adolescents in preventive care, demonstrating a 40% increase in show rates for well visits.
A study found that family medicine physicians have the lowest net returns per dose for HPV vaccines, while pediatricians received higher reimbursement amounts. The researchers also observed a positive association between reimbursement and increased HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians.
Researchers found that service-based loan repayment programs like NHSC promote more diverse scope of practice, rural practice, and serving medically underserved populations. In contrast, PSLF may be less effective in supporting underrepresented backgrounds and directing physicians to these areas.
A program integrated community health workers into patient outreach to improve health, doubling annual visits to older adults with type 2 diabetes and dementia. The program resulted in a 17% reduction in hospital admissions and an 11% decline in emergency room visits among homebound patients.
A systematic review of published evidence finds patient aggression against general practice staff is common, boosting absenteeism and staff turnover; receptionist experiences are under-studied and under-represented in research.
A University of Tsukuba program aims to enhance medical students' comprehension of social determinants of health. Over three years, student reports showed progressive improvement in their ability to focus on various aspects of SDH. This study emphasizes the need for increased integration between medical and social science education.
Researchers propose separating EHR time outside scheduled appointments as 'after-hours' to improve accuracy and replicability of EHR workload studies. Refining vendor-defined measures will facilitate comparative research among health systems, illuminating the link between EHR workload and provider burnout.
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature links continuity of the doctor-patient relationship to reduced healthcare costs and increased appropriate care utilization. The study found that interpersonal continuity remains significantly associated with lower healthcare costs and more effective care usage across various studies.
Primary care clinicians reported a range of experiences with telemedicine, from ease of adoption to challenges in conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing. The study also found that telemedicine had both positive and negative impacts on providers and patients, highlighting the need for clear regulations and adequate staffing pr...
Researchers found that patient-guided tours empower patients to describe their own clinical experiences, increasing comfort levels and collaboration with medical teams. The approach shows promise in understanding the experiences of patients with disabilities in clinic settings.
A new interactive online Fragility Fracture Decision Aid can help clinicians and patients visualize their individual risk of fracture. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends a "risk assessment–first" screening process for women 65 years and older, centered around shared decision-making with primary care providers.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.
Research found that newborns of low-income immigrant mothers had a significantly lower risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to those of Canadian-born mothers. The study suggests that immigration status may influence birth outcomes, with healthier immigrants possibly being more likely to migrate.
A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.
Almost 40% of family practitioners work collaboratively with behavioral health professionals, highlighting gaps in access to integrated services in independently owned practices and Southern US locations.
Researchers investigated perspectives of Black patients on shared decision making (SDM) during medical appointments. They identified preferences for humanistic communication, the need for doctors to account for family members' roles in decision-making, and a growing mistrust in doctors. The study's findings offer insights for adapting ...
A multi-site randomized controlled trial found Health TAPESTRY to have widespread reach and adoption, but no significant clinical benefits on hospitalizations and physical activity. The study tested implementation and reproducibility of the program across diverse primary care practices.
A primary care program promoting health in older adults was successfully implemented but lacked significant clinical benefits. The Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (TAPESTRY) trial found no impact on hospitalizations or physical activity, despite positive effects in a previous study.
This special supplement from Annals of Family Medicine highlights the work of six HRSA-funded academic units focused on advancing health care equity and improving primary care practices. The articles cover topics such as workforce training, mental health care seeking, socioeconomic issues, and whole-person oriented healthcare.
A new study reveals that medical students learn valuable lessons from Family Medicine clerkships, including the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and clinical skills. The research also identifies a hidden curriculum area for improvement: acknowledging the difficulties of primary care practice. This finding has implications ...
The Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging has published the first-ever guidelines for offering telehealth services to older patients. The principles provide general rules for behavior, while the guidelines offer specificity for each principle, aiming to achieve individual goals for programs and providers.