Annals of family medicine
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Although the public's essential capacity for self-rule in the United States lies in the power of the ballot, there exist many barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized communities. These barriers cultivate less representative government and less inclusive public policy. ⋯ With augmented, unbiased voter participation, elections would yield government that is more representative and public policy that is more equitable, while reducing costly and preventable health disparities. Health organizations can promote comprehensive, nonpartisan voter engagement through registration, mobilization, education, and protection of all voters.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2019
Interventions Addressing Food Insecurity in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review.
Based on the recognition that food insecurity (FI) is associated with poor health across the life course, many US health systems are actively exploring ways to help patients access food resources. This review synthesizes findings from studies examining the effects of health care-based interventions designed to reduce FI. ⋯ Although a growing base of literature explores health care-based FI interventions, the low number and low quality of studies limit inferences about their effectiveness. More rigorous evaluation of FI interventions that includes health and utilization outcomes is needed to better understand roles for the health care sector in addressing FI.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2019
Professional Communication Networks and Job Satisfaction in Primary Care Clinics.
Whereas communication among health care professionals plays an important role in providing the best quality of care for primary care patients, little evidence exists regarding how professional communication contributes to job satisfaction among health care providers, including physicians and clinical staff, in primary care clinics. This study evaluates the extent to which professional communication networks contribute to job satisfaction among health care professionals in primary care clinics. ⋯ Interventions targeting professional communication networks might improve health care employee job satisfaction at primary care clinics.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2019
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Smartphone-Operated, Single-Lead Electrocardiography Device for Detection of Rhythm and Conduction Abnormalities in Primary Care.
To validate a smartphone-operated, single-lead electrocardiography (1L-ECG) device (AliveCor KardiaMobile) with an integrated algorithm for atrial fibrillation (AF) against 12-lead ECG (12L-ECG) in a primary care population. ⋯ In a primary care population, a smartphone-operated, 1L-ECG device showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for AF/AFL and good diagnostic accuracy for other rhythm abnormalities. The 1L-ECG device was less sensitive for conduction abnormalities.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2019
Why Physician Guidance Matters: A Night of Neuralgia, Meningitis, and WebMD.
During a night of severe pain and weakness, I found several plausible-sounding diagnoses online: occipital neuralgia, nerve damage, and meningitis. The next day, I consulted a physician who did not offer professional guidance; instead the physician suggested tests entirely based on my self-diagnoses. ⋯ Although my symptoms disappeared on their own, I was left feeling mistrustful of my physician and ultimately stressed and anxious. Against the backdrop of my experience, I highlight the potential harms of Internet-based self-diagnoses and the importance of collaboration and trust in the patient-physician relationship.