Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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 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 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that exam tables without paper allowed patients to touch areas less frequently touched, reducing disease transmission risk. Exam table paper use contributes to environmental impact and unnecessary spending in clinics.
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.
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 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.
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.