Articles tagged with Family Medicine
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 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 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 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.
Recruiting small primary care practices for large-scale quality improvement initiatives is difficult and costly. Investigators should budget adequate funds to support high-touch recruitment strategies, including building trusted relationships for a year or more.
Researchers found that new mothers attended 92.7% of their babies' appointments, creating a significant window to discuss maternal health. The IMPLICIT ICC model screened for tobacco use, depression, contraception use, and multivitamin use, with notable intervention rates.
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that implementing a program to understand and address patient no-shows led to a significant decrease in no-show rates at Elmont Teaching Health Center. Patient visits increased by 13%, underscoring the effectiveness of the interventions.
More than five percent of family physicians failed to recertify, with increased risk among international medical graduates, men, and older doctors. Attrition from board certification may indicate burnout or a transition out of primary care, prompting calls for new interventions to minimize its impact.
Family physicians manage medical requests from family and friends by orienting themselves to the situation and considering relationships and potential consequences. Developing facilitated group discussions can help residents gain confidence in addressing these issues.
Patients who receive prescription opioids have higher satisfaction rates than those without, but paradoxically experience more pain. Non-patient medical requests from family and friends require a nuanced response. Diabetes care emphasizes communication, coordination, and biopsychosocial approaches to engage patients.
The December 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal explores various topics in family medicine, including the assessment of family physicians' knowledge of childhood autism. The study found a lack of knowledge about autism among family physicians, highlighting the need for training to improve early detection and int...
Postpartum depression affects women differently than anticipated, with factors including societal expectations and stigma surrounding mental illness. Dr. Frankhouser's autoethnographic study aims to raise awareness and promote understanding, encouraging physicians to provide compassionate care and support.
A new study found that disappearance of heart murmur while standing reliably rules out pathologic heart murmurs. The test, using an acoustic-based stethoscope, has a high predictive positive value and specificity, but poor sensitivity.
The journal's Autumn 2017 issue features original research articles on mental health problems due to community violence exposure and overnight pulse oximetry for screening obstructive sleep apnea. Other topics include smoking cessation counseling accuracy and adult-onset celiac disease in primary care.
A Norwegian study reveals that general practitioners lack cultural competency when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. Researchers emphasize the need for mandatory cultural training in medical education to address these gaps.
A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that women are at a significantly higher risk of dying in the first year after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,100 patients and found that women were 1.5 times more likely to die within this timeframe.
A daily five-minute conversation that focuses on hospitalized patients' overall well-being and medical symptoms significantly improved their satisfaction with medical care. Patients who received BATHE showed a high degree of satisfaction and rated their medical care as excellent.
The Summer 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal focuses on various topics in family medicine, including prostate-specific antigen testing, health-related quality of life, and breast cancer tumor grade. The journal features six original research articles and one China Focus article.
Men who are physically active in mid-life are nearly three times as likely to be active 20 years later. Sport participation in midlife is key to maintaining physical function and self-efficacy into older age.
The University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine launched an online curriculum to train family medicine residents in integrative medicine. The 200-hour program improved residents' medical knowledge and clinical utility, with a high completion rate despite busy schedules.
US medical expenditures increased by 47% between 1996-1997 and 2011-2012, driven largely by prescription drug use. Expenditures rose in most categories except primary care physicians and home health care, with the largest increases seen in specialty physicians, emergency department visits, and prescribed medications.
Family physicians are well-qualified to treat addiction due to their focus on relationships, communities, and team-based care. Primary care physicians must be responsible for the initial and longitudinal care of patients with substance use disorders, and specialized services must be widely available and accessible.
A widespread telehealth project in Brazil has reduced wait times for specialty consultations, while solo practices use patient-entered data to supercharge self-management. These innovations expand primary care access and enhance patient engagement.
Residents reflect on patient struggles, joys, and future goals to cultivate inner lives and balance professional and personal selves. Writing reflections helps physicians integrate their emotions, spirituality, and clinical expertise.
Ambiguous losses in physicians' roles can cause stress and grief, which contributes to burnout if not acknowledged. A proposed solution is supporting physicians in addressing their grief, rather than focusing on resilience training.
A new study found that nearly half of seniors in Ontario who visited a family doctor for a non-bacterial infection received an unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The majority of prescriptions were for broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes and antibiotic resistance.
This special issue explores various topics in family medicine, including cancer treatment decision-making, palliative care, and patient-centered care. Research articles highlight the importance of providers' assessment, awareness, and discussion of patient preferences for their participation in their own care.
A recent study published in the Canadian Family Physician journal reveals that more than half of Canadian family doctors are using outdated manual devices to measure blood pressure, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses. This can lead to unnecessary medication and increased healthcare costs.
New research finds automated blood pressure monitoring over 30 minutes significantly reduces the number of patients meeting criteria for antihypertensive medication. This technique yields lower blood pressure readings than routine office measurements, helping to avoid overtreatment.