Top 10 family medicine stories for 2016

New research on influenza vaccinations, opioid prescription guidelines and the well-being of geriatric patients, were just some of most-read stories on Healio Family Medicine in the past year. With 2016 winding down, we count down the top ten stories that appeared on the website over the past 12 months.

American Geriatrics Society releases guide for primary care physicians counseling older drivers

The American Geriatrics Society, together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, released an updated guide for health care professionals with older patients who may no longer possess the functional abilities for operating a motor vehicle. Read more

Insufficient vitamin D associated with increased risk for MS

Women who do not consume enough vitamin D during pregnancy may be increasing their child’s risk for multiple sclerosis, according to data published in JAMA Neurology. Read more

ACIP recommends that LAIV should not be used

In a reversal of its recommendation last year, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to approve an update for the 2016-2017 season stating that the live attenuated influenza vaccine, offered as a nasal spray, should not be used in any setting. Read more

Quality improvement program led to better infant sleep behaviors at children's hospitals

A quality improvement program led to better infant sleep behaviors in six Ohio-based hospitals, according to findings published in Pediatrics. Read more

ACOG task force recommends team-based care across all specialties, professions

A task force led by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released a report recommending that physicians across all specialties employ team-based care, stating this care model would improve patient experiences and population health, and lower per capita costs. Read more

CDC releases opioid prescription guidelines for primary care physicians

The CDC today 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

HHS announces contest to redesign medical bills for patients

HHS issued a challenge earlier this year to health care organizations, developers, digital technology companies and others to design a medical bill that is “simpler, cleaner and easier” to understand, with the aim of improving the billing process for patients. Read more

NIH review: Yoga, tai chi, acupuncture effective in pain management

Complementary health treatments such as yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, massage therapy and relaxation techniques were found to be effective in managing common pain conditions, according to researchers from the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Read more

Pregabalin effective in reducing pain, improving sleep in patients with fibromyalgia

Pregabalin was effective in reducing pain and improving sleep quality among patients with fibromyalgia through 12 weeks, and adverse effects were consistent with the medication’s known safety profile, according to data published in Current Medical Research and Opinion. Read more

Volunteering among middle-aged, elderly patients linked to mental well-being

PCPs should encourage patients who are middle-aged and elderly to take part in volunteering, as such activities promote mental well-being through social contact and other factors, particularly in those age groups, according to data published in BMJ. Read more