Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
Two independent reviews of rhBMP-2 trial data found no significant benefits and potential increased risks of cancer associated with its use. The studies suggest that patients should be counseled on the relative benefits and harms of each option, as the role of rhBMP-2 in spinal surgery is still being defined.
A study of over 70,000 Seventh-day Adventists found that vegetarian diets were associated with a 12% lower risk of death. Men showed significant reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality and ischemic heart disease deaths compared to non-vegetarian diets.
A survey of 22,000 patients found that those who preferred to participate in medical decisions had a 0.26-day longer length of stay and $865 higher total hospitalization costs. Patient preference increased with educational level and private health insurance.
Phyllis Guze, M.D., associate vice chancellor at UCR Medical School, has been awarded the Dema C. Daley Founder's award by APDIM for her career dedication to exemplary teaching and innovative educational program management. She also received the Mastership designation from ACP, recognizing her contributions to medicine and medical educ...
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical interns spend an average of only 12 percent of their time at the bedside, with nearly as much time spent walking and caring for patients. The researchers argue that this amount of time is insufficient to provide optimal patient care and learning opportunities.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has introduced two evidence-based interventions and two videos to enhance patient-clinician communication in the first year following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event. The initiatives aim to improve health outcomes by providing a patient guide, clinician support tool, and video resources.
Annals of Internal Medicine and ACP honor Adrienne Allen, MD, MPH, and Matthew Spitzer, MD, for their groundbreaking research on patient safety and erectile dysfunction. The awards highlight the importance of rigorous methodology and potential impact on clinical practice.
The ACP Clinical Guidelines app provides clinicians with easy access to evidence-based clinical recommendations and rationale, saving them time in their practice. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android, the app includes guidance statements and high-value care advice for all currently active guidelines.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that Michigan hospitals have significantly lower rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to other US hospitals. The study, which used a low-tech approach to timely removal of urinary catheters, resulted in a 25% decrease in UTI rates at Michigan hospitals.
A study found significant variation in vena cava filter use among California hospitals, with some hospitals using them up to 38.96% of the time. Hospital characteristics such as small bed count, rural location, and private status were associated with increased VCF use.
A clinical trial found that a centralized, patient-preference program decreased depressive symptoms and may be cost-neutral over time. Active treatment for post-ACS depression was associated with significant improvements in symptoms and potentially lower healthcare costs.
The AHRQ report identifies 10 strongly recommended patient safety strategies, including preoperative checklists and hand hygiene, to prevent harmful events in US healthcare institutions. The report builds on previous research and provides clinicians with a sound basis for integrating proven strategies into their care.
A significant majority of uninsured and underinsured patients use email and text messaging in their everyday lives, but many clinics do not offer patient portals or secure messaging. Patients are interested in using electronic communication with providers, which could improve clinical communication and efficiency.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that cortisone increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. Patients treated with cortisone are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking to minimize the risk. The study found a 70% higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis among those taking cortisone tablet form.
A study found that 40% of top-ranked and 36% of non-top-ranked hospitals struggled to provide a price estimate for total hip replacement, with costs ranging from $11,100 to $125,798. The researchers suggest consumers should ask for cost information and be persistent in obtaining it.
Public health experts at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to prevent gun violence. Physicians are urged to engage in prevention efforts through strategies such as discussing guns with patients and advocating for change in Congress.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men's decisions to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening are influenced by how information is presented. The researchers discovered that men who were given a balance sheet with relevant features of PSA screening were more likely to choose the screening option, while tho...
The ACIP has updated its recommended 2013 adult immunization schedule to include new guidelines for the use of pneumococcal conjugate and influenza vaccines. The updated schedule also recommends routine Tdap vaccination for adults aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and all patients over 6 months old against influenza.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that hospitalists nationwide report daily patient loads frequently exceed safe levels, posing risks to patients' safety and quality of care. The study revealed that one in five physicians feels their workload puts patients at risk for serious complications.
A new study led by Wayne State University will aim to develop methods for better identifying women at increased risk for stroke. The research aims to educate doctors on how to follow recommended guidelines to identify these patients, leading to improved treatment and screening rates.
A new study found that doctors who are culturally aware provide better quality of care to HIV patients from ethnic minorities. These patients tend to manage their treatment and condition better and have improved health outcomes. Increasing healthcare provider cultural competence can reduce racial disparities in both the quality of care...
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that higher spending on breast cancer screenings does not result in improved outcomes for older women. The research team analyzed Medicare expenditures and screened female beneficiaries over two years, discovering substantial geographic variation in costs.
A national survey found that over a third of US physicians fulfill patient requests for brand-name drugs, which are up to 80% more expensive than generics. Industry marketing relationships and personal connections with pharmaceutical companies also contribute to this practice.
A new study has developed a risk scoring system to identify hospitalized patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeds, allowing for targeted use of acid-suppressive medication. The study found that older adults, males, and those with liver disease or clotting disorders are most at risk, enabling clinicians to individualize treatment.
The JAMA Network has announced new titles for its specialty journals, including JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Neurology, and JAMA Internal Medicine. Starting January 1, 2013, these journals will have a new embargo schedule, with content available on the For the Media site at specific times.
Barbara Gilchrest, a renowned dermatologist at Boston University School of Medicine, has been elected as a 2012 Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. She is being honored for her prolific spirit of innovation in creating outstanding inventions that have improved quality of life and economic development.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine identified a key protein called mitoNEET that plays a crucial role in fat cell metabolism. Elevated levels of this protein were found to expand fat tissue without leading to obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes.
A new study by Scott Wright and Joseph A. Carrese examines ethical dilemmas for physicians when patients make financial donations to medical institutions. The researchers found that doctors are concerned about the potential impact on their relationships with patients and the purity of the doctor-patient bond.
A study published in JAMA found that only 21.5% of graduating medical residents reported a career plan in general internal medicine. The majority (65.3%) opted for subspecialty careers. Gender and nationality differences were observed, with women more likely to pursue generalist careers.
The American College of Physicians releases new clinical practice guidelines for stable ischemic heart disease, emphasizing patient education and risk factor modification. The guidelines address initial cardiac testing, management, and follow-up care for patients with stable IHD.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests using evidence-based performance measures to assess the use of low-value interventions, such as routine X-ray or advanced imaging methods for uncomplicated low back pain. This approach aims to improve health care quality by changing clinician behavior through feedback and public reporting.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that per capita Medicare spending on the elderly has grown nearly three times faster in the US than in Canada since 1980. The authors attribute this difference to Canada's single-payer system, which includes fewer administrative costs and a greater emphasis on primary care.
A physician warns of the dangers of fungal meningitis due to contaminated injectable corticosteroids, emphasizing the importance of sterility in compounding processes. The author advocates for a case-by-case approach to treatment and calls for increased regulation to prevent future outbreaks.
A study by Lisa Kern and her team found that electronic health records (EHRs) are associated with higher quality ambulatory care in primary care physicians. The researchers compared the performance of physicians using either EHRs or paper records, assessing nine specific quality measures for a total of 466 primary care physicians.
The IU and Regenstrief clinician-researchers will work with 19 central Indiana nursing facilities to improve the quality of care, reduce hospitalizations, and increase access to palliative care for long-stay residents. The comprehensive four-year initiative, OPTIMISTIC, aims to transform institutional care and address the neglected nee...
A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.
A nationwide study found that primary-care physicians earn an average of $2.8 million less than their specialist colleagues over a lifetime, potentially discouraging medical students from pursuing primary care. The study's authors recommend reducing pay disparities to ensure adequate access to primary care.
Researchers found that brief, multicontact behavioral counseling interventions delivered by primary care physicians reduced hospital stays for adults with risky drinking. The campaign 'Tips from Former Smokers' successfully encouraged smokers to quit, with calls to the toll-free quit line more than doubling during the 12-week campaign.
A new Case Report highlights the dangers of fake antimalarial medicines sold worldwide, particularly in Equatorial Guinea. The drugs were confirmed to be counterfeit despite convincing packaging, underscoring the need for traveller vigilance.
Hospital-initiated transitional care strategies reduce unnecessary health services use and improve patient outcomes for adults with acute stroke or myocardial infarction. Electronic record use, medication reconciliation, and shared follow-up planning also enhance patient transition from hospital to primary care.
Researchers found that midlife fitness levels can lower the onset of chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, and colon cancer decades later. Fitter individuals aged well with fewer chronic illnesses to impact their quality of life.
New CDC guidelines recommend universal HCV screening for all Americans born between 1945 and 1965, with strong evidence supporting the association between sustained virologic response and reduced liver cancer risk. Brief alcohol screening and intervention are also recommended for those diagnosed with HCV.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that being underinsured is a strong predictor of death among patients admitted to hospital with serious cardiac events. The study found that underinsured patients had a higher risk of early death compared to those with private insurance, regardless of their racial background.
Researchers discover tick bites trigger alpha-gal antibodies in patients, leading to delayed anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The study highlights a previously unknown food-induced severe allergic reaction due to a carbohydrate, not protein.
The NYC trans fat ban resulted in a significant reduction of trans fat consumption among fast food patrons, with a notable decrease in saturated fat intake. Young women who have never been pregnant are also at risk for urinary incontinence, affecting up to 12.6% of those surveyed. Prophylactic antidepressant therapy may help prevent tr...
A study reviewed medical literature on cranberry products and found a reduced risk of urinary tract infections in individuals who consume these products regularly. The study suggests that cranberry-containing products may be effective in preventing UTIs in specific groups, such as women with recurrent UTIs and children.
The American College of Physicians developed a free curriculum to train internal medicine residents in identifying and eliminating wasteful treatment options. The high-value, cost-conscious care curriculum focuses on patient cases requiring careful analysis of benefits, harms, costs, and evidence-based decision making.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all adult patients for obesity and offer intensive behavioral interventions. While medium- to high-intensity counseling produced small short-term improvements in cardiovascular health, the task force concludes that these interventions are more effective when delive...
An international study found living alone associated with increased four-year mortality and cardiovascular death among stable outpatients at risk of or with arterial vascular disease. The risk was highest among middle-aged individuals, suggesting that social isolation may be a significant contributor to cardiovascular risk.
A survey of resident physicians reveals that more than half had worked with flu-like symptoms, citing responsibility to colleagues and patients as top reasons. Female residents were more likely to work sick, fearing being perceived as weak. The study calls for better identification and address of presenteeism by medical educators.
L. Barth Reller, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2012 TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. He is also an accomplished mentor and trainer of medical microbiologists, having mentored 38 fellows who now hold leadership positions globally.
A new study suggests that some physicians would recommend colorectal cancer screening for 80-year-old patients with advanced lung cancer who would not benefit from the procedure. Physicians were found to be more likely to recommend invasive tests like colonoscopy rather than non-invasive ones.
Three US Army medical residents received national awards for their research at the American College of Physicians annual meeting. The ACP's Internal Medicine meeting provides a valuable opportunity for military and civilian physicians to collaborate and share best practices.
Two US Army physicians, Col. Gregory J. Argyros and Alan J. Magill, were inducted as Masters in the American College of Physicians for their contributions to internal medicine through teaching, research, and medical practice. The honors recognize the Army's commitment to board certification, continuing education, and exceptional patien...
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key component regulating pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease with currently no cure. The researchers found that the CLYD gene serves as a crucial negative regulator, halting disease progression and potentially opening new avenues for treatment.
A systematic review of 94 trials found that drugs are effective in achieving continence and improving quality of life, but with small improvements and frequent side effect discontinuation. Fesoterodine was more effective than tolterodine, while solifenacin showed the lowest rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.
A study of 1018 adults found that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who ate it less often. The researchers also found a positive association between chocolate consumption and improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.
The USPSTF recommends a three-year Pap smear schedule for women aged 21-65, allowing those over 30 to go five years between tests if they undergo HPV screening. Women under 21 and older than 65 are not recommended for routine screening.
Providing personal mobile computers to medical residents increases their efficiency and enhances continuity of care. The study found that residents submitted 5% more orders before morning rounds and 8% more orders before handing off responsibilities.
A study found that family members of ICU patients tend to be overly optimistic about recovery prospects, even when faced with poor prognoses. The researchers suggest that this optimism serves as a coping mechanism in high-stress situations, and may lead to caregiver decisions that do not reflect the patient's values.