Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
The HOMER study successfully adapted to COVID-19 challenges by incorporating telehealth and accommodating patient preferences. The study has enrolled nearly 300 participants and continues to contribute valuable insights into opioid treatment research.
Long COVID patients face numerous barriers and frustrations in receiving care, yet express a desire for collaborative treatment planning. The study highlights the need for improved communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.
A recent study found a correlation between PrEP use and increased rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis among gay and bisexual men in Ontario. The study highlights the importance of regular STI testing and risk reduction measures to manage this risk effectively.
A recent study found that Latino and Black family medicine doctors are more likely to participate in the Medicaid program and care for higher numbers of Medicaid patients compared to their White and Asian peers. This increase is crucial in addressing health inequities in marginalized communities.
A study found family physicians in rural hospitals had a 34.3% lower risk of cesarean deliveries compared to hospitals with both family physicians and obstetricians. Nurses reported a stronger culture of support for vaginal births, promoting safer maternal care.
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.
The Boston Clinic implemented an innovative embedded neuropsychological assessment program to improve access to disability assessments for US citizenship applicants. The program provided crucial assessments to 34 patients, with 36% qualifying for N-648 forms despite initial normal cognitive screenings.
The study used EHR to facilitate patient narratives, leading to a stronger connection with patients and improved clinical efficiency. The project's results suggest that pre-visit messaging can foster a more effective patient-physician relationship.
A remote monitoring program called DIG IT improved blood pressure control and reduced heart disease risk in underserved patients. The study found that patients who used the program had a 31-point average drop in systolic blood pressure and nearly 73% reached their blood pressure goals within three months.
A systematic review of risk stratification tools found high-sensitivity troponin tests to have the highest diagnostic accuracy for ruling out acute coronary syndrome. However, these findings require further validation before recommending their use in primary care settings.
Patients using transparent capsules delivered more medication due to visual feedback on their inhalation technique, leading to better management of chronic airway diseases. The study found a significant 30.1% reduction in capsule weight after inhalation.
Researchers developed an EHR-based screening for IPV, which prioritized confidentiality and was 10 times more effective than traditional oral screening. This approach helped normalize IPV screening and improved patient comfort in reporting their experiences.
The number of NHS general practices in England has shrunk by 20% over the past decade, but patient list sizes have expanded by 40%. The average practice list size increased from 6967 to 9724 patients, while the number of GPs per 1000 patients fell by 15%.
A new study published in BMC Primary Care demonstrates the effectiveness of screening and intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. The quality improvement study increased screenings for unhealthy alcohol use from 0% to 83% using a validated tool and agile implementation process.
Scenario-based discussions with adult learning theory improve patient engagement and motivation in lifestyle medicine. Patients reflect on their current lifestyles and identify areas for improvement through self-directed learning.
A study analyzing national data reveals that SGM adults are more likely to avoid healthcare due to perceived differences in identity with their clinicians. The study highlights the importance of diversifying the healthcare workforce and preventing discrimination against SGM patients.
A qualitative study found that structural racism and inconsistent hospital policies contribute to the disproportionate testing of Black newborns for prenatal substance exposure. Health care professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences were explored in this study.
A qualitative study found that healthcare professionals disproportionately test Black newborns for prenatal drug exposure, contributing to Child Protective Services reporting and family separation. The study identified three primary themes: levels of racism beyond the hospital structure, inconsistent hospital policies, and healthcare p...
Researchers found post-COVID conditions in primary care comparable to flu-like illnesses and lower than subspecialty and hospital settings. The study analyzed data from a national primary care registry and identified breathing difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and type 2 diabetes as common long-term health problems.
Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increased screening rates among low-income minority patients. The clinic's strategy, including patient tracking and selective eye dilation, reduced the insufficient exam rate and improved detection rates.
The Dutch version of the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) survey has been translated and adapted for patients with low literacy, demonstrating sufficient validity and reliability. The survey assesses person-centeredness by involving patients in their care decisions.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in primary care visits, with unequal distribution across patient groups. Telehealth utilization increased, but was less accessible to rural and disadvantaged populations.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that repeated item development training enhances faculty members' accuracy in predicting and adjusting item difficulty levels, leading to better educational outcomes. The training improved the quality of MCQ assessments in medical education.
A new study found that long-term care residents who receive primary care from family physicians speaking their language have lower rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, outcomes for Francophones were not impacted by language concordance.
A study by UCLA researchers found that one in six primary care patients reported cannabis use, with most using it for symptom management despite identifying as recreational users. The study suggests the need for routine cannabis screening in healthcare settings.
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.