Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialComfortably engaging: which approach to alcohol screening should we use?
We wanted to compare 2 screening instruments for problem drinking, the CAGE and a single question, assessing frequency of use, patient and clinician comfort, and patient engagement in change. ⋯ Clinicians and patients reported similar comfort with the CAGE questions and the single-question screening tools for problem drinking, and the 2 instruments were equal in their ability to engage the patient. In Missouri, the single question was more likely to be used.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2004
ReviewInterpersonal continuity of care and patient satisfaction: a critical review.
We wanted to review the medical literature regarding the relationship between interpersonal continuity of care and patient satisfaction and suggest future strategies for research on this topic. ⋯ Although the available literature reflects persistent methodologic problems, a consistent and significant positive relationship exists between interpersonal continuity of care and patient satisfaction. Future research in this area should address whether the same is true for all patients or only for those who seek ongoing relationships with physicians in primary care.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2004
How and why to study the practice content of a practice-based research network.
We describe the rationale, methods, and important lessons learned from doing a practice content study in a new practice-based research network (PBRN). ⋯ This study helped us establish and activate our new PBRN, increasing its membership in the process. The descriptive data gained will stimulate, guide, and support our future research activities.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2004
Age-related disparities in cancer screening: analysis of 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.
Although few studies have explored age-related health care disparities, some researchers have asserted such disparities uniformly disfavor the elderly and are largely attributable to ageism in the health care system. We compared age-related patterns of screening for colorectal cancer with those for breast and prostate cancer in persons aged 50 years and older. ⋯ Significant age-related disparities appear to exist for both evidence-based and non-evidence-based cancer-screening interventions. The issue of age-related disparities in cancer screening is complex, with the direction of disparity favoring the elderly for some services yet disfavoring them for others.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2004
The Spirituality Index of Well-Being: a new instrument for health-related quality-of-life research.
Despite considerable interest in examining spirituality in health-related quality-of-life studies, there is a paucity of instruments that measure this construct. The objective of this study was to test a valid and reliable measure of spirituality that would be useful in patient populations. ⋯ The Spirituality Index of Well-Being is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in health-related quality-of-life studies.