Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 (ACP) issues a guideline for the drug treatment of osteoporosis in men and women, recommending bisphosphonates as a first-line therapy. The guideline emphasizes individualized treatment decisions based on risks and benefits.
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.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage therapy provided immediate benefits on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. The treatment improved symptoms greater than simple touch, offering a safe and effective way to provide immediate relief.
The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the seventh class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, who will research and develop career plans focused on integrating geriatrics into internal medicine specialties. The 12 new scholars will join the previous 52 recipients to achieve the program's goal.
A study of fourth-year medical students found that those choosing internal medicine cited the intellectual challenge, continuity of care, and teaching opportunities as advantages. In contrast, factors like paperwork, breadth of knowledge, and lower income potential were seen as drawbacks.
A large study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that West Nile virus patients experience similar physical and mental function recoveries, regardless of neurological symptoms, with pre-existing health conditions affecting prognosis. Recovery times averaged around one year.
The USPSTF recommends against routine prostate cancer screening for men over 75 due to insufficient evidence. In contrast, the task force found that chronic illness is common among uninsured Americans, affecting an estimated 11.4 million adults with conditions like cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
The USPSTF recommends against routine prostate cancer screening for men over 75 due to insufficient scientific evidence showing improved health outcomes. Men under 75 may benefit from screening with more evidence needed, according to the updated recommendations.
A major review by leading experts highlights advances made in fighting doping in sport over the last 40 years. The authors emphasize the need for a strong commitment to research, smart sampling strategies, and trustworthy adjudication processes to combat doping.
A team of University of Iowa investigators are applying findings from heart research to the study of asthma, focusing on an enzyme known to play a role in heart failure. They aim to learn more about airway smooth muscle cells and their response to the enzyme CaM kinase II.
A University of Cincinnati study found that residents who spent more time in outpatient settings delivered a higher quality of care and had greater satisfaction in their duties. The new system, implemented to reduce conflict between inpatient and outpatient care, provided hands-on learning and enhanced patient satisfaction.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that young adults with prehypertension are more likely to develop atherosclerosis later in life. The study suggests that keeping blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg through lifestyle modifications may help prevent progression to hypertension and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Young adults with prehypertension are more likely to develop coronary artery calcium and atherosclerosis later in life. Researchers also found that low-molecular-weight heparin may prevent blood clots after knee arthroscopy, particularly for those undergoing meniscectomy.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the benefits of tight glucose control remain uncertain for patients aged 60-80 with Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, USPSTF strongly reaffirms screening recommendations for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women to reduce urinary tract infections and low birthweight babies.
Researchers found that subtle neurological abnormalities in disability-free older adults can predict cognitive and functional declines. The study used standardized neurological exams to devise a scale measuring these abnormalities, providing evidence for the value of standard neurological exams in predicting future brain health.