Articles tagged with Internal Medicine
A new study finds anxiety to be as prevalent as depression, affecting nearly 20% of patients in primary care. The GAD-7 screening tool identifies undiagnosed anxiety disorders, highlighting the importance of physician assessment.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians released new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism. The guidelines emphasize the use of clinical prediction rules, diagnostic tools like D-dimer and ultrasonography, and low-molecular weight heparin for patients with d...
A review found that growth hormone had minimal effects on body composition but increased rates of unhealthy side effects, diabetes, and adverse events. The use of GH for anti-aging in healthy adults is not recommended due to the lack of evidence and potential risks.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that race consciousness is pervasive among physicians of African descent, leading to negative experiences and 'racial fatigue.' The study highlights the need to address racial disparities in the healthcare workplace to increase diversity and retain minority physicians.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that men with high blood pressure can safely consume one or two drinks per day without increasing their risk of heart attack. Additionally, a three-year study discovered that daily folic acid supplementation slowed the decline in hearing for low-frequency sounds among older adu...
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart attacks among men with hypertension. The study analyzed data from nearly 12,000 men and showed that drinking one or two drinks per day does not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers found that intensive support programs for caregivers improved their quality of life, reducing depression and stress. Coordinated support systems also enhanced dementia patient care, with 64% meeting guidelines in the intervention group.
A review in the Journal of Internal Medicine estimates that 50 million people acquired zoonotic diseases between 2000 and 2005, resulting in up to 78,000 deaths. The Dengue virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus are among the most common zoonotic killers.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
A recent study reveals that medical misdiagnoses often result from multiple breakdowns in the diagnostic process, including failure to order tests or follow up on patients. In contrast, patients receiving high-quality hemodialysis care are less likely to experience hospitalizations and deaths.
Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.
Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.
A New York City analysis found that non-HIV-related deaths among people with AIDS increased by 32.8% from 1999 to 2004, with underlying causes including substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests a shift in healthcare models to address physical and mental health needs is necessary to reduce these deaths.
A recent survey of 4,193 New York City men found that nearly 10% of those identifying as straight reported having sex with at least one man. This group was more likely to be from minority racial or ethnic groups, foreign-born, and married. They were also less likely to get tested for HIV or use condoms during last sexual encounter.
A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...
Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.
A team of medical experts has established clinical guidelines to inform the best care for patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators under advisory or recall. The guidelines consider device failure rates, patient dependency, and mortality to guide replacement decisions.
The second edition of 'Medicine in Quotations' features over 450 new quotations on various topics, fully referenced to their original sources. The book offers a unique perspective on the evolution of medical concepts and practices.
A study by Jasminka M. Vukanovic-Criley and colleagues found that cardiac examination skills appear similar among medical students, residents, and faculty physicians, but decline significantly after years in practice. The authors conclude that improvement is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient safety.
Patients who received a disclosure were more likely to correctly identify their physician's payment model and report enough knowledge to judge its influence on health care. Loyalty to the physician group was higher among those receiving a disclosure, with no significant decrease in trust.
The article discusses scientific fraud prevention and the growing concern of community-acquired MRSA infections. The key responsibilities for addressing misconduct can be shared among institutions, co-authors, and journal editors.
Researchers found that physical symptoms of frailty are often reversible and can be addressed through early intervention. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, included 754 participants aged 70 or older and found high rates of recovery from frailty.
A 15-year study found that elderly men with higher optimism levels had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death. The study also showed that older age, depression, and lower physical activity were associated with lower optimism scores over time.
A national survey found that 78% of hospitals do not require general pediatricians to be board certified at the time of initial privileging, but 70% require it at some point during their tenure. Many hospitals have no specific time limit for certification,
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that using open-ended questions to collect patient-reported data on ethnicity resulted in lower rates of missing values and unusable data compared to traditional closed-ended methods. This method also better captured the nuances of patients' self-identified ethnicities.
A study by Dr. Richard Frankel found that nonverbal cues in medical interactions can influence patient satisfaction and compliance with doctor's instructions. Effective nonverbal behavior can convey empathy and improve communication, whereas inappropriate gestures can lead to feelings of humiliation or anxiety.
Researchers report three cases of severe liver failure and hepatitis linked to telithromycin, a newly approved antibiotic. The study highlights the potential risk of idiosyncratic drug reactions at one medical center.
A survey of internists reveals the most common reasons for recertification are to maintain professional image and update knowledge. In contrast, a review finds no evidence that oral nutritional supplements help elderly patients in a home setting. Meanwhile, unsupervised walking at home can slow decline from peripheral arterial disease.
A Northwestern University study found that self-directed walking exercise at least three times a week slows the decline of physical abilities in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants with the worst PAD at the start of the study were most likely to benefit from this type of regular exercise program.
59% of general internists, 60% of subspecialists participated to improve professional image and update medical knowledge. The survey also found that 69% of general internists believed board-certified physicians are more competent than non-certified ones.
A Yale University study found that the true number of chronically disabled older Americans is significantly lower than previously estimated, with only 16.1-17.2% of participants meeting criteria for chronic disability
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that US Medicare patients with heart failure have a lower risk of dying within 30 days compared to their Canadian counterparts. However, the difference in long-term survival rates is negligible. The study suggests that the American system may excel at acute care, while the Canadian sy...
Researchers found that higher levels of inflammatory markers Lp-PLA2 and CRP were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. The study included 12,762 middle-aged men and women, and found that individuals with high levels of both markers were at the highest risk.
A study of nearly 2500 HIV-infected adults in the US found that 26% experienced perceived discrimination, with physicians being a major contributor. This discrimination led to reduced access to care and lower ratings for medical quality, highlighting the need for addressing these issues.
The ACP Expert Guide to Sports Medicine covers assessment and management of common musculoskeletal injuries and other sports-related conditions. The book is organized in three sections: Overview, Medical Conditions (non-musculoskeletal), and Musculoskeletal Injuries, with tables, illustrations, and case studies.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that expanded physician and residency training in telephone medicine is necessary to prevent medical mishaps. The lack of visual cues indicating emotions may lead physicians to assume patients take news better than they actually do.
A study of Medicare patients with heart attacks found significantly higher 30-day death rates in December compared to other months, with 22% of those hospitalized in the month dying within 30 days. The study looked for use of proven therapies but authors remain uncertain about the cause of the increased mortality rate.
A new UCLA study found that seniors with the lowest expectations for aging were more than twice as likely to report engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. Increasing physical activity can improve health outcomes for older adults, making it a powerful way to address common age-related health issues.
The number of students in US medical schools remained constant between 1994-1995 and 2004-2005, at approximately 67,000. Meanwhile, full-time faculty members increased by 32%, with many specialties experiencing an influx of new recruits.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine genetic counseling for women with a family history of breast cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. A new study found that tiotropium, an inhaled bronchodilator, reduces COPD flare-ups and hospitalizations compared to a placebo.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found significant differences in C-reactive protein levels among men and women, as well as between black and white patients. Women typically had higher CRP levels than men, while blacks had higher levels than whites, with a notable disparity in cardiovascular disease rates.
A study found that hospitalised older patients with delirium had a 13% shorter lifespan compared to those without delirium. The researchers estimate that this equates to approximately one year of life lost per patient.
Primary care physicians overwhelmingly believe that annual physical examinations provide valuable time for counseling on preventive health behaviors and improve the physician-patient relationship. Despite current guidelines recommending more selective screening, many PCPs perform annual exams due to patient demand and perceived benefits.
Physicians performing independent medical examinations (IMEs) still owe legal duties to patients, even without traditional relationships. The U.S. health care provider market is a key factor in rising health care costs, with strong market power driving high prices and quantity of medical services.
A recent study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that 89% of women overestimated their lifetime risk of breast cancer, with an average estimate of 46%. Women who did not provide an estimate beforehand were more likely to feel anxious, while those who provided an estimate reported relief after learning the actual risk ...
ID physicians and expert general medicine physicians outperform non-expert generalists in treating patients with HIV. Key findings include improved viral load control and increased flu vaccination rates among expert groups.
Major medical journals, including Annals of Internal Medicine, will consider publishing results of clinical trials only if they are registered in a publicly accessible database before enrollment begins. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has adopted a set of 20 required data elements for trial registration.
Ralph Horwitz, M.D., is receiving the Glaser Award from the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) in recognition of his significant contributions to research and education in general internal medicine. The award is supported by grants from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund.
A study of 47,620 male health professionals found that vigorous physical activity reduced the risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer by up to 70% among men aged 65 or older. However, no association was observed for younger men.
Researchers found that patients motivated for assisted suicide due to chronic illness, loss of sense of self, or fear of future decline. These motivations highlight the need for healthcare providers to address the quality of dying experience with their patients.
A study examining nearly 100,000 patients found that nearly half did not receive recommended laboratory tests to monitor potential drug side effects. The researchers conclude that lapses in drug safety monitoring are common and further research is needed to determine the extent of its impact on actual medical problems.
A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.
A recent editorial in the Journal of General Internal Medicine condemns the practice of ghostwriting in medical journals, citing issues with authorship and financial relationships. The authors highlight the need for transparency and accountability in academic publishing to maintain public trust.
The new Ethics Manual revisits and expands on earlier topics, including sections on chaperones and privacy, gifts from patients, and health and human rights. The fifth edition provides an ethical framework for physicians to make complex decisions in a changing environment.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that physicians with negative attitudes towards injection drug users were less likely to prescribe highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and had a higher rate of complaints. Additionally, researchers discovered that patients who received financial disclosure about physicia...
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that obese patients with type 2 diabetes who followed a very low-carbohydrate diet lost significant amounts of weight. The participants consumed fewer calories on the low-carb diet, resulting in improved blood sugar levels and reduced triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
A recent study found that pregnant women who engaged in regular exercise had improved mental health and reduced symptoms of depression. The research suggests that moderate exercise, such as 30 minutes a day, can help counteract the negative effects of pregnancy on physical and mental well-being.
A recent study found that only 1 in 4 minority women under 40 have documented family history of breast cancer. The research highlights the need for primary care providers to ask about breast cancer histories, as disparities were observed between minority and white women.