Articles tagged with Family Medicine
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
A new study found that 48% of patients with subsidized health care insurance reported one or more social risks, with housing instability being the most prevalent. Patients with social risks were twice as likely to report having poor health, despite being demographically similar to those without social risks.
A new article applies a health equity lens to the National Academies' recommendations for high-quality primary care. The authors propose strategies to operationalize these recommendations, aiming to eliminate existing health inequities and ensure equitable access to quality primary care.
A recent study found that physicians' choice of board certification activities is unaffected by their baseline quality of care. Only a quarter of physicians reviewed their quality dashboard, and median time spent reviewing it was just 82 seconds.
A telephone survey called Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) was found to be effective in detecting dementia in primary care patients. TICS scored well as a low-cost diagnostic tool, with a score of less than 30 indicating a positive screen for dementia.
A new study finds that clinics supporting patients throughout the entire FIT process improve return rates and reduce colorectal cancer-related illness. Additionally, a telephone survey for dementia detection shows promise as a low-cost diagnostic tool, especially in primary care settings.
A new study found that excessive daytime napping among seniors is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, daytime napping duration triples, suggesting that the brain's wake-promoting neurons may be affected by dementia pathology.
A new study led by UC San Francisco reveals that 87% of seniors with dementia would stop at least one medication if their doctor said it was possible. Polypharmacy contributes to challenges with adherence and adverse interactions, but most patients are willing to reduce their medications.
A new study has found that tubal ligation is no more effective than an intrauterine device (IUD) in preventing pregnancies. The six-year analysis of Medi-Cal claims data showed that hormonal IUDs were more effective, while copper IUDs were as effective as tubal ligation in preventing pregnancies.
A bibliometric analysis of Annals of Family Medicine submissions from 2015 to 2020 found that women represented 46.33% of all manuscript submissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women submitted fewer original research articles and briefs than men, potentially impacting future promotions.
A multilevel program improved the awareness and adoption of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in rural Colorado. The program increased the proportion of practices providing or referring patients for treatment from 18.8% to 74.4%, with a significant increase in buprenorphine prescriptions over four years.
A new study reveals that over 85% of primary care practices face difficulties in obtaining evidence-based pediatric behavioral health care, including medication advice and family-based therapy. Policy changes are necessary to address these barriers and ensure comprehensive care for children's growing behavioral health needs.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has widened gender disparities in family medicine, with women physicians submitting fewer studies during stay-at-home orders. The research highlights the impact of remote work on women's careers and suggests potential solutions to address these disparities.
A new study by the University of California - San Francisco found an association between increased drinking and hospital visits for atrial fibrillation in a large population. The study linked acute alcohol consumption with a higher risk of new-onset AF in previously undiagnosed individuals.
A large study found that around four out of ten consultations in English family doctors' surgeries are with 'frequent attenders', who visit their GP 5 times as often as other patients. These patients account for a significant proportion of GP workload, contributing to the perception of increased workload.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that high avocado consumption led to reduced caloric energy intake, lower dairy and meat consumption, and improved fiber and nutrient intake. However, unexpected decreases in calcium and certain minerals were also observed.
A new UCSF study shows that solo seniors with social support are less likely to need nursing home care. Older adults who said they could count on a friend or relative for assistance in the event of a health crisis reduced their risk of institutional care from 14.2% to 10.9%. The study found that many older adults can take care of thems...
Parents of preschoolers used lower levels of structure and autonomy support during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with negative parent mood and higher coercive control. The study suggests a need for public health advocates to support families in re-establishing healthy eating routines after the pandemic.
Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) reached 47.6% among commercially insured white women with congenital disabilities, but were lower among Hispanic men with acquired disabilities. AWV use is nearly 15% less than the general population threshold.
The MC3 program provides a lifeline for primary care providers in Michigan, connecting them with psychiatrists and behavioral specialists for consultation and training. This has led to improved diagnosis and care for young people with mental health concerns, including those who express suicidal thoughts or have harmed themselves.
The Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) demonstrated solid psychometric properties in 28 languages across 35 OECD countries. The results provide evidence for high comparability of data collection despite geographic, cultural, or linguistic variations.
Primary care practices showed significant improvements in cardiovascular quality measures after receiving QI training. The study suggests that light facilitation can support important changes in small practices, leading to better patient outcomes.
A study of 193 patients with severe acute brain injury found significant discordance between physicians and families regarding patient recovery prospects. The disagreement often stemmed from differing expectations about the likelihood of independence after injury.
A recent study published in the journal Birth found that family physicians deliver babies in 67% of rural hospitals and are the only physicians who deliver babies in 27% of them. If they stopped, patients would have to drive an average of 86 miles round-trip to access maternal care.
A global study of 315 female physicians found high career satisfaction but lower satisfaction with pay and administrative tasks. The majority reported experiencing sexist remarks and behaviors, but their overall job satisfaction remained high.
Researchers found that as more family members gained immunity, the risk of COVID-19 declined. This study used national registry data from Sweden to analyze the association between individual immunity and COVID-19 risk among nonimmune individuals.
Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.
A new study led by UCSF indicates that depression in early adulthood can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The research found that moderate or high depressive symptoms were associated with a 73% higher odds of cognitive impairment among older participants.
The study found that electronic prompts can increase awareness of hearing loss among patients and improve clinician buy-in for referrals. Clinicians reported prioritizing the prompts during annual visits and resulting in more conversations with patients about hearing loss.
Researchers propose a framework to clarify common terms used in population, community and public health, aiming to reduce confusion and ambiguity. The shared language framework enables effective collaboration among clinicians, public health professionals and policymakers.
A new protocol has been established to guide healthcare professionals on donning and doffing personal protective equipment during home visits. The protocol aims to address gaps in existing guidelines, providing a clear step-by-step process for healthcare workers interacting with patients potentially infected with COVID-19.
The article highlights the need for financial and technological support to enable effective interprofessional teams in primary care. The authors suggest training community members to serve their communities and exploring how diversity impacts patient care outcomes. They also advocate for innovative payment models that allow primary car...
A recent study has found that pregnancies complicated by sepsis are associated with a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm delivery. Researchers recommend increased prenatal surveillance for patients with sepsis and other serious infections to mitigate these risks.
Researchers used new approaches to track Lyme disease in Texas, finding an overlap between tick-bite locations and human cases. The study suggests that tick-bite location may serve as an indicator for human disease risk in nonendemic areas.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.