Annals of family medicine
-
Early in my medical training, I shared an intimate connection with a patient that took me by surprise. How was it that I could come to feel so strongly about someone I had only just met? The experience prompted me to contemplate the transcendent, curious relationship entwining patients and clinicians, and reflect on how such a relationship squared with my own conceptions of love and caregiving. Though it is sometimes argued that transferring our emotions onto patients beyond direct clinical concerns can bias or tarnish the medicine we provide, I contend these emotions can be cherished and prudently explored rather than swept away.
-
Annals of family medicine · May 2022
Determining the Association Between Continuity of Primary Care and Acute Care Use in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Acute care use is high among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear how relational continuity of primary care influences downstream acute care use. We aimed to determine if poor continuity of care is associated with greater rates of acute care use and decreased prescriptions for guideline-recommended drugs. ⋯ Poor continuity of care is associated with increased acute care use among patients with CKD. Targeted strategies that strengthen patient-physician relationships and guide physicians regarding guideline-recommended prescribing are needed.
-
Annals of family medicine · May 2022
Evaluation of an Electronic Consultation Service for COVID-19 Care.
COVID-19 has increased the need for innovative virtual care solutions. Electronic consultation (eConsult) services allow primary care practitioners to pose clinical questions to specialists using a secure remote application. We examined eConsult cases submitted to a COVID-19 specialist group in order to assess usage patterns, impact on response times and referrals, and the content of clinical questions being asked. ⋯ This study demonstrates the considerable potential of eConsults during a pandemic as our service was quickly implemented across Ontario and resulted in primary care practitioners' rapid and low-barrier access to specialist input.