Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that e-prescribing significantly improves ambulatory medication safety. The research discovered a nearly seven-fold decrease in prescribing errors among doctors who adopted e-prescribing compared to those using traditional paper-based prescriptions.
A survey of 381 US internal medicine residency program directors found that 61.9% report accepting pharmaceutical industry support, despite expressing it as undesirable. Acceptance was associated with lower rates of program graduates passing the American Board of Internal Medicine exam.
Studies investigate various team configurations and dynamics in hospitals to improve patient care and safety. Researchers found that effective teamwork leads to reduced medical errors and improved patient satisfaction.
Heart specialists at Michigan Medicine call for clarity on beta blocker prescribing before surgery. Previous studies have differing methods and results, making it hard to determine who should get beta blockers and at what dosage.
Researchers found that people who quit smoking have a 70% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared to non-smokers. Weight gain after quitting is suspected to be the cause of this increased risk, which returns to normal after 10 years.
A new Cornell study reveals that using kitchen spoons to measure liquid medicine can lead to significant inaccuracies. Participants under-dosed by an average of 8%, while those using larger spoons over-dosed by 12%. Experts recommend using precise measuring devices instead.
Researchers found that ghrelin, a hunger hormone, triggers mice to seek out pleasurable foods even when full. The study suggests that ghrelin may increase the rewarding aspects of eating, driving individuals to continue consuming high-calorie foods despite feelings of fullness.
Researchers have identified a key protein channel that helps nerve sensors regulate blood pressure. The ASIC2 channel plays a crucial role in controlling electrical activity in blood vessels, and its absence leads to high blood pressure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified distinct traits in patients with atypical progeroid syndrome (APS), a rare premature aging disorder. The study found that APS patients exhibit unique clinical features, metabolic abnormalities, and delayed onset of symptoms, potentially explaining their longer lifespan.
A University of Michigan study found that women researchers are less likely than men to secure major funding for their careers, with only 19% of women attaining an R01 grant within 10 years. The study suggests that family demands and pressures to contribute to clinical work may be hindering women's success in research careers.
The American College of Physicians has awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award to Dr. Melvin R. Kaplan, one of LA BioMed's founders and a renowned internist. Dr. Kaplan has dedicated his career to patient care for over 60 years.
A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.
Researchers found that gastroesophageal reflux disease spurs cytokine release, attracting inflammatory cells to the esophagus. This leads to damage characteristic of GERD, including symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.
Primary care visits in the US increased in quality and duration between 1997 and 2005, with average visit times rising from 18 to 20.8 minutes. Researchers attribute this increase to the growing complexity of patient populations, rather than increased efficiency.
A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.
A new study found that nearly half of high-risk American adults who intend to get vaccinated against seasonal flu actually do, but nearly 45% cite a perceived lack of need as the main reason for not being vaccinated. The researchers suggest that educating these individuals about the benefits of vaccination and making it more convenient...
Recent trials have shown small reductions in prostate cancer mortality, but the potential benefits must be balanced against increased diagnosis rates and treatment complications. Developing more effective decision support tools may improve discussions between men and their physicians about screening.
A recent study found that young adults are less likely to use ambulatory or preventive care, even though their mortality rate is more than twice that of adolescents. Young adults, especially black and Hispanic males, underuse ambulatory medical care and infrequently receive preventive care.
A study of internal medicine residents found that those reporting higher levels of fatigue and distress were more likely to report medical errors. The study suggests that fatigue, sleepiness, burnout, depression, and reduced quality of life are independently associated with an increased risk of future self-perceived major medical errors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure pancreatic fat in humans, finding a significant correlation between fat content and diabetes risk. The study suggests that measuring pancreatic fat could be an effective clinical tool for identifying high-risk individuals.
Regular exercise is associated with increased longevity and reduced disability in older adults. The study found that physical activity can delay functional decline and improve health outcomes in those who start exercising later in life.
A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.
A study found that MRSA was present in 12.7% of hospital patients before discharge to home health care, and nearly one-fifth of infected patients transmitted the organism to household contacts. Household contacts who played a role in providing healthcare were more likely to be colonized with MRSA.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the eighth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, funded by a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies and John A. Hartford Foundation. The program aims to increase internal medicine specialists' capacity in caring for elderly patients with research projects focused on geriatric as...
Dr. Nima Sharifi received a $375,000 grant to study genes that determine prostate cancer resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. The funding supports his laboratory's work in developing new therapies.
The IOM CER Committee recommends prioritizing research on high-priority topics, including improving the uptake of new knowledge and its translation into better decision-making. The committee aims to create a sustainable national CER initiative that can improve healthcare for individual patients and communities.
A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.
A study found that faculty physicians who spent more time on their most meaningful activities had lower rates of burnout. The authors suggest that career fit can be optimized by providing additional time for physicians to pursue their passions.
A study published in Menopause found a significant link between hot flashes and lower bone mineral density in women. Postmenopausal and premenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms exhibited lower lumbar and total hip bone mineral density compared to those without VMS.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine propose an intensive disease management approach to help smokers quit successfully, including repeated or intensive interventions that include pharmacotherapy and counseling. The studies also suggest targeting healthier older patients with colorectal cancer screening and using LD...
A recent UTMB study found a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalists, from 5.9% to 19% of internal medicine physicians between 1995 and 2006. Hospitalist care has grown substantially across different diagnoses and hospital sizes, with regional variations also observed.
A recent study found that approximately 30 percent of adults report insomnia symptoms, and 74 percent report experiencing the condition for at least one year. Individuals with severe insomnia symptoms are more likely to relapse, while those with subsyndromal insomnia have a higher chance of remission.
Researchers at UT Southwestern used a computer-based tool to analyze millions of abstracts and found nearly 70,000 highly similar citations. Journal editors' reactions to the investigation revealed varying attitudes towards dealing with plagiarism, with some admitting to having borrowed previously published material.
A study analyzing 240 hospital documents found they have an average readability level of a college junior, exceeding the reading capacity of most patients. The use of complex language in Patients' Bill of Rights laws may be obstructing progress towards patient autonomy.
A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that Medicare's current method for covering off-label uses of cancer drugs is based on an inconsistent and outdated source. The researchers found that the compendia methods varied greatly from their actual practices, and little evidence was cited by the authors of the compendia.
A new UNC study finds that chronic low-back pain has more than doubled in North Carolina since the early 1990s, with a significant increase in prevalence across all ages and racial groups. The study suggests that increased healthcare costs for back problems may be due to rising prevalence rather than increased service use.
Primary care physicians working in clinics with a high proportion of minority patients report less access to resources and higher levels of burnout. These challenges contribute to the complexities of providing quality care to complex, underserved patient populations.
Researchers found that these diet pills contain a range of addictive substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and diuretics. Physicians are advised to be aware of the dangers of these imported diet pills, which can cause serious side effects such as chest pains, palpitations, and insomnia.
UT Southwestern researchers found that drug-coated stents are less risky for heart bypass patients compared to bare-metal stents, with a 51% lower rate of re-narrowing and reduced need for repeat procedures.
A study of 153 healthy individuals found that those who slept less than seven hours per night were three times more likely to develop a respiratory illness after exposure to a cold virus. Sleep efficiency was also associated with developing a cold, with lower sleep efficiency increasing the risk by five and a half times.
A study found that job strain is associated with a higher risk of stroke in Japanese men, particularly those with high job demand and low control. The relationship may be mediated by chronic diseases such as obesity and high blood pressure.
A study of California adults found that interruptions in Medicaid coverage are associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for common health conditions. States require frequent reenrollment, leading to gaps in coverage and increased hospital spending.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that colonoscopy significantly reduces deaths from colorectal cancer due to left-sided cancers. However, the risk reduction is negligible for right-sided cancer. The study suggests that physicians should advise patients of the limitations of colonoscopy.
A new study on NYU's primary care residency program reveals remarkably low burnout rates and high career satisfaction among its graduates. The study, published in Academic Medicine, found that 87% of graduates practice as primary care physicians, with many also teaching, researching, and advocating for health issues.
Researchers found that hospitalist interventions can significantly reduce emergency room crowding, with a 6% decrease in ambulance diversion. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of physician communication through apology laws, which may improve doctor-patient relationships and increase patient satisfaction.
The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians adopt a routine screening policy for HIV, encouraging patients to get tested regardless of risk factors. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases can help prevent HIV transmission.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals women with mitral valve prolapse and severe leakage often receive less aggressive treatment than men, with a higher risk of mortality. The underestimation of cardiac enlargement in women may be the primary reason for these disparities, highlighting the need for more precise evaluation and treatment strategies.
A new ACP clinical practice guideline states that second-generation antidepressants are equally effective in treating depression but have different adverse effects. The guideline recommends assessing patient status and modifying treatment if necessary, to maximize therapeutic response while minimizing side effects.
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a nearly $2 million grant to expand geriatric training in the medical school curriculum. The Southwestern Aging and Geriatrics Education (SAGE) program will improve physician trainees' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards caring for elderly patients.
A new study found that stimulating growth hormone release in healthy older adults increased lean muscle mass, but not thigh muscle area. Another study revealed a decrease in cardiogenic shock rates among patients with acute coronary syndromes, possibly linked to improved angioplasty treatments
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has developed a web-based training and examination program for reading electrocardiograms (ECGs), aiming to increase expertise among general practitioners. The program, called ACCIS, includes interactive computer modules that teach and assess ECG interpretation competence.
Researchers from Boston Medical Center developed a Chief Resident Immersion Training (CRIT) program to educate generalist physician trainees about addiction. The program resulted in improved knowledge, skills, and clinical practices among participants.
A hospital-based smoking cessation program, along with cardiac rehabilitation referrals, increases quitting rates following a heart attack. Approximately 47% of patients who received these services quit smoking six months later.
Men who never smoke live longer and have better quality of life than heavy smokers, with an average of 10 years longer lifespan. Physical health deteriorates as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases.
A new pig model for cystic fibrosis has been developed, closely mirroring the disease in human infants. The study's findings suggest that this model will aid in understanding the disease and may speed up the discovery of new treatments.
A study of 20 recorded interactions found that physicians rarely responded empathetically to concerns raised by patients with lung cancer. Opportunities for empathy were most often related to the impact of lung cancer on patients' morbidity and mortality expectations, but were frequently overlooked by physicians.
A Yale study finds that patients may receive poor or delayed care after sign-out, a transfer of patient responsibility from one doctor to another. The study identified 24 sign-out-related problems, affecting both patients and doctors, and highlights the need for improved communication and training in medical curriculum.
A survey of 515 patients found they were split almost 50/50 on the effectiveness of 'pay for performance for patients' schemes. Smokers and obese individuals thought paying for lifestyle changes was a good idea, citing lower healthcare costs and increased motivation.
The American College of Physicians released a new clinical practice guideline recommending drug treatment for men and women with osteoporosis or low bone density. In addition, massage therapy may have an immediate positive effect on pain and mood for advanced cancer patients, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health.