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Popular news, research for primary care physicians in 2016
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National Primary Care Week, sponsored by the American Medical Student Association and Primary Care Progress, stresses why primary care is important and allows professionals to discuss health care.
"The goal of [National Primary Care Week] is to engage physicians-in-training, students across the health care spectrum, and the general population on the indispensable role of primary care in our health care system," the American Academy of Family Physicians noted on its website. "Special programming and opportunities for medical students and other health trainees to learn about, experience, and spread awareness of primary care’s pivotal role in the U.S. health care system are planned and resourced by the American Medical Student Association, sponsor of [National Primary Care Week]."
Marking National Primary Care Week, Healio Internal Medicine presents its top stories for primary care physicians.
How primary care physicians can help adults get more sleep
Nathaniel F. Watson, MD, MSc, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told Healio Internal Medicine that patients often neglect to discuss problems with sleep unless their doctor raises the issue. Read more.
Routine glucometer readings in primary care a 'wasteful practice'
Elimination of routine glucometer readings resulted in cost savings and decreased nursing time with no adverse events, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more.
Lower salaries, higher burnout rates discourage primary care residency applications
Specialty medicine fields are 1.5 times more competitive than primary care specialties, but have nearly double the earning potential, according to data published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more.
Treatment algorithm may help primary care providers optimize acne care
Using an algorithm to determine treatment of mild-to-moderate acne may help primary care physicians to streamline patient care, according to research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. Read more.
Primary care providers should use screening tools for depression, suicide
Primary care providers can use screening tools for suicide and depression to efficiently assess adolescent patients, researchers reported. Read more.
CDC releases opioid prescription guidelines for primary care physicians
The CDC has released guidelines for primary care physicians prescribing opioids for chronic pain, calling it an “urgent response to the epidemic of overdose deaths” across the nation. Read more.
Training needed for improved communication regarding serious illness in primary care
Lack of knowledge, discomfort with prognostication, and failures in coordination and documentation are some of the barriers challenging PCPs and primary care institutions in improving communication with patients regarding serious illnesses, according to a review published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more.