Articles tagged with Family Medicine
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that consuming even one alcoholic drink can significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The research involved tracking 100 patients with documented AF and found that those who consumed more alcohol had higher odds of experiencing an AF episode.
A pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial is using digital communication to target common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including age, language, and education level. Family physicians will receive tailored information to share with patients through email and text message, aiming to improve vaccine uptake.
A large study found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth and all preterm births. People of color face disproportionate infection risk while pregnant. Researchers recommend vaccination to reduce COVID-19 infection and prevent preterm birth.
Primary care physicians provide the largest share of vaccinations and clinical visits for COVID-19 testing, showcasing their crucial role in immunization programs. Researchers highlight the importance of integrating social care practices into healthcare delivery to address patients' economic and social needs.
A study of over 3,000 family physicians found that those from underrepresented racial-ethnic groups reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. This may be attributed to practicing in more diverse counties and having less exposure to obstetrics.
Researchers emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare systems, policymakers, and payers to integrate social care into healthcare. They highlight the importance of evidence-based practices, improved training, and sustainable funding streams to address health inequities and achieve health equity.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Chicago found that hospitals with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. Meanwhile, a study on depression treatment suggests combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is more effective than separate treatments. Additionally, a new analysis on f...
A study by the University of Florida found that male patients with a single general physician were more likely to receive a prostate cancer screening test during a period when it was not recommended. The trust between doctor and patient is strong, but physicians must practice evidence-based care.
A systematic review recommends behavioral self-management treatments for common urinary issues in older men, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Researchers also found that mobile apps can be as effective as usual treatment for women with urinary incontinence in primary care.
A study found that crowdsourced dermatological diagnoses on Twitter were as accurate as traditional teledermatology methods, with expert consensus agreeing 60% of the time. However, consultation with a specialist may still be necessary due to security concerns and patient privacy issues.
Karol Serafin, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 STFM Foundation Student Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes her commitment to academic family medicine and potential career in academia.
Research finds that buprenorphine therapy in primary care can be financially sustainable, with rural practices and physician-led treatment generating the most revenue. Effective hearing loss screening also shows promise, with increased referral rates to audiology specialists leading to improved health outcomes.
Research published in top US family medicine journals saw a significant increase in female authors, from 29% to 42% between 2008 and 2017. Grant funding and co-author presence influenced gender distribution in research output.
Six University of Ottawa-affiliated projects have received $1 million in CIHR funding to study the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use. Researchers will assess workforce capacity, measure stress among frontline cleaners, and develop holistic support for vulnerable populations.
A study found that rural counties with obstetrical care have better infant birth outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer underweight babies. Telehealth can also support collaborative mental health care in rural clinics, enabling primary care physicians to work proficiently with patients.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $2.5 million grant to improve the training of primary care physicians to treat substance use and mental health conditions in rural and urban underserved populations. The program will incorporate an interprofessional approach, enabling doctors to provide holistic care and address complex...
The study found family medicine residents are likely to remain in primary care, alleviating the shortage concern. Moderately encouraging findings suggest these graduates continue practicing in the field.
A majority of US men (9/10) support healthcare providers inquiring about intimate partner violence, with those who experienced violence more likely to agree. In contrast, LGBT-friendly primary care practices have been shown to increase STD and HIV screening rates among vulnerable populations.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of teens and young adults use e-cigarettes due to social factors, despite widespread knowledge of the risks. The survey, conducted by the University of Michigan's MyVoice study, also revealed that most respondents believe vaping is dangerous and can lead to substance use.
Researchers argue that AI can facilitate human interactions in family medicine, making patient care more meaningful. By incorporating informatics into primary care specialties, AI can help reduce administrative burdens and improve population health.
A study found that a collaborative diabetes management tool, FAST, improved glycemic control in fasting adults with type 2 diabetes. The tool empowered diabetic patients with Ramadan-specific educational materials and encouraged active self-monitoring of blood glucose.
General practitioners and family physicians have distinct personal and professional characteristics, according to a recent study. GPs tend to be older, male, and more likely to provide nursing home services and make home visits.
Early-career family physicians with maternity care and buprenorphine prescribing skills are undertrained, posing risks for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Family medicine residencies must prioritize training in treating substance use disorder during pregnancy to address rising maternal mortality rates.
Researchers found that morning versus evening dosing of warfarin has insignificant effect on anticoagulant stability, suggesting patients can take medication at any regular time. A separate study showed that home blood pressure monitoring in cases of clinical uncertainty can improve hypertension control and patient understanding.
A new study found that many US medical specialty guidelines are vulnerable to conflicts of interest due to the approval process used by guideline development committees. Most societies require approval by a committee representing the society as a whole, which creates a potential conflict between professional and economic interests.
A coalition of health workforce researchers advocates for revising antiquated state laws limiting nurse, PA, and pharmacist practice. Relaxing restrictions could expand access to care at lower cost, with expanded medication management services.
A five-year case study at a Boston family medicine clinic shows medical facilities can help physicians treat chronic pain while deterring opioid misuse. The study introduced new systems, structures, and staff support to create collaborative, interdisciplinary care.
A short training program equips family doctors to better respond to female patients experiencing domestic violence. Women who receive this specialized care feel more supported, confident, and less depressed than those without such training.
A new study found that trained family doctors can significantly reduce depression in abused women by improving their perceived doctor support and increasing their self-efficacy. Women who received counseling from a doctor trained to recognize and respond to domestic violence reported greater confidence, support, and reduced depression.
Job dissatisfaction among general practitioners (GPs) varies greatly across countries, with higher rates found in Germany and lower in Norway. Factors such as workload, administrative burdens, and limitations on appointments contribute to dissatisfaction.
A new study found that 40% of people in Ontario's prison system were seen by a family doctor after release, compared to 85% of the general population. This disparity suggests that prisoners face significant barriers to accessing primary care upon release.
Nidhi Lal, a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Women's Health Award from the Massachusetts Medical Society. She is recognized for her work advancing women's health in Massachusetts through various initiatives.
A Vermont study reveals a declining proportion of rural children receiving care in family medicine practices, shifting instead to pediatric clinics. The trend is attributed to national declines in prenatal care by family physicians and limited capacity for new patients.
A study in rural Vermont found that more children are receiving care from pediatricians instead of family medicine doctors. A new smartphone-operated electrocardiogram has been shown to accurately detect cardiac arrhythmias in non-acute patients in primary care settings. Additionally, a stepwise approach may be most effective for asses...
A new supplement to Annals of Family Medicine highlights early findings from federally funded initiatives aimed at transforming medical practices and improving community health. Key findings include the importance of monitoring clinician burnout and leveraging technical assistance to expand access to urgent care.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that family physicians overestimated their patients' geographic footprint by 112% on average. Integrating geography into practice data and community-oriented approaches can improve patient health outcomes.
A UK study found that type 2 diabetes patients experiencing empathy from their primary care practitioners had a lower risk of all-cause mortality over the next 10 years. Additionally, metformin use was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in African American patients with type 2 diabetes.
Adolescents exposed to high levels of pesticides are at increased risk of depression, according to a new study. The study found that lower levels of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which measure pesticide exposure, were associated with more symptoms of depression in teens.
Research reveals 'back to school asthma' peaks in September, with higher rates of GP consultations for worsening bouts among under 5s and boys. The study suggests multiple factors may be involved, including changes in weather, air pollution, and stress.
A recent study by the University of Granada's Tissue Engineering Research Group has found that resident hospital doctors specialising in Family Medicine lack sufficient training on advanced therapies. The researchers also discovered a positive attitude among these doctors towards the use and application of such therapies.
New research found that respiratory tract infections in children can persist for up to three weeks, with symptoms lasting longer in younger children and those with lower respiratory tract symptoms. The study also suggests that repeated flu vaccine immunization may enhance long-term protection against respiratory illness.
The journal features original research articles on adherence to clinical guidelines for diabetes monitoring, the relationship between glycemic control and family support among people with type 2 diabetes, and visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure in hypertensive patients. A China Focus article evaluates the efficiency of communi...
Research found a significant relationship between antihypertensive drug use and visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure in primary health care services. VVV can be used as an additional factor to control blood pressure management.
Researchers assessed CHC efficiency in China using national and regional data from 2014-2016. Key findings highlight regional disparities and trends in healthcare access and quality.
This study examines the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescent girls aged 16-19 in India and its association with socio-economic factors. The research aims to evaluate the progress of nutritional programs targeting adolescents, a critical age group for future health outcomes.
A study published in Family Medicine and Community Health found that family support plays a significant role in motivating individuals with type 2 diabetes to improve their self-management behaviors and glycemic control. The research highlights the importance of motivation in managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
Researchers found that EHR-related stress is associated with burnout among physicians, particularly in primary care specialties. Primary care doctors like pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and general internists report excessive time spent on documentation and frustrating user interfaces.
Researchers identified eight departments that regularly produce authoritative and relevant research in family medicine, citing leadership commitment, team-based approach, convergence of researchers and clinicians, and departmental culture as crucial factors. The findings suggest collaborations between the College of Medicine and other ...
This September 2018 issue addresses various topics in family medicine, including the development of a new scale to diagnose postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. Additionally, it discusses educational practices for teaching medical students about family medicine-relevant clinical skills and knowledge.
Research shows that community college graduates are more likely to select family medicine for residency training and come from diverse backgrounds. Strengthening medical school outreach at the community-college level is recommended to increase physician diversity and access to primary care.
A study found that community college graduates are more likely to train in family medicine than those from other institutions. This could be a key strategy to increase the supply and diversity of primary care physicians.
Researchers recommend that physicians assess lethality and readiness to change, as well as comorbid medical conditions. They should refer perpetrators to trained therapists and offer education on IPV's negative impact on victims and abusers. Regular follow-up is also necessary to support behavior change.
Research in Annals of Family Medicine reveals a strong association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps, particularly among patients over 60 years old. Additionally, partners of individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes exhibit higher rates of behavioral change compared to those without the disease.
A simple visual screening tool can identify older adults at increased risk for dementia after a minor decline on the Mini-Mental-State-Examination. Early career family physicians with a broader scope of practice report lower burnout rates, while resilience training alone may not be enough to address burnout.
The Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance has increased family medicine's research productivity and faculty participation, including scholars with less experience. The CERA model can be replicated in other specialties to facilitate collaborative research.
Two family physicians reflect on how racism shapes their medical education and practice, highlighting the need for white physicians to acknowledge and address their own biases. They emphasize the importance of individual and institutional efforts to eliminate disparities in quality of care based on race.
Researchers found that patients and caregivers prioritize caring attitudes, accountability, and continuity of care during hospital discharge processes. These outcomes lead to excellent and trustworthy care, but poor care can result in mistrust, anxiety, and confusion.
A study published in The Annals of Family Medicine explored the perspectives of practice leaders and facilitators on quality improvement programs. Findings suggest that targeted, practice facilitator-supported efforts can be effective in assisting small practices, rather than large-scale initiatives.
Early findings from EvidenceNOW reveal cost challenges in recruiting practices for quality improvement initiatives and the impact of hospital ownership on burnout. The study also found solo practices outperform groups in meeting ABCS targets, but leadership and adaptive reserve are not associated with blood pressure control.
A recent study found that major disruptive events, such as clinician losses and changes in ownership, frequently disrupt primary care practices in Oklahoma. These events negatively affect quality improvement efforts and patient care, highlighting the need for further research to address their root causes.