Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialVitamin D supplementation for nonspecific musculoskeletal pain in non-Western immigrants: a randomized controlled trial.
Many non-Western immigrants report musculoskeletal pains that are hard to treat. We studied the effect of high-dose vitamin D(3) on nonspecific persistent musculoskeletal complaints in vitamin D-deficient non-Western immigrants and assessed correlation of pain patterns with benefit. ⋯ There is a small positive effect 6 weeks after high-dose vitamin D(3) on persistent nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Future research should focus on longer follow-up, higher supplementation doses, and mental health.
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions to improve influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates among community-dwelling adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates remain below national targets. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of quality improvement interventions for increasing the rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among community-dwelling adults. ⋯ Quality improvement interventions, especially those that assign vaccination responsibilities to nonphysician personnel or that activate patients through personal contact, can modestly improve vaccination rates in community-dwelling adults. To meet national policy targets, more-potent interventions should be developed and evaluated.
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2012
Projecting US primary care physician workforce needs: 2010-2025.
We sought to project the number of primary care physicians required to meet US health care utilization needs through 2025 after passage of the Affordable Care Act. ⋯ Population growth will be the greatest driver of expected increases in primary care utilization. Aging and insurance expansion will also contribute to utilization, but to a smaller extent.
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2012
Airway obstruction and bronchodilator responsiveness in adults with acute cough.
We sought to determine the prevalence of airway obstruction and bronchodilator responsiveness in adults consulting for acute cough in primary care. ⋯ Both bronchodilator responsiveness and persistent airway obstruction are common in adults without established asthma or COPD who consult for acute cough in primary care, which suggests a high risk of undiagnosed asthma and COPD. Different accepted methods to define airway obstruction detected different numbers of patients, especially at the extremes of age. As both conditions benefit from appropriate and timely interventions, clinicians should be aware and responsive to potential underdiagnosis.