Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialOsteopathic manual treatment and ultrasound therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
We studied the efficacy of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) and ultrasound therapy (UST) for chronic low back pain. ⋯ The OMT regimen met or exceeded the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size in relieving chronic low back pain. It was safe, parsimonious, and well accepted by patients.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of peer health coaching on glycemic control in low-income patients with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.
Peer health coaches offer a potential model for extending the capacity of primary care practices to provide self-management support for patients with diabetes. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test whether clinic-based peer health coaching, compared with usual care, improves glycemic control for low-income patients who have poorly controlled diabetes. ⋯ Peer health coaching significantly improved diabetes control in this group of low-income primary care patients.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEnhanced communication skills and C-reactive protein point-of-care testing for respiratory tract infection: 3.5-year follow-up of a cluster randomized trial.
The purpose of the study was to assess the long-term effect of family physicians' use of C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing and/or physician training in enhanced communication skills on office visit rates and antibiotic prescriptions for patients with respiratory tract infections. ⋯ Family physicians' use of CRP point-of-care testing and/or training in enhanced communication skills did not significantly affect office visit rates related to respiratory tract infections. Patients who saw a family physician trained in enhanced communication skills were prescribed significantly fewer antibiotics during episodes of respiratory tract infection in the subsequent 3.5 years.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialIntervention to enhance communication about newly prescribed medications.
Physicians prescribing new medications often do not convey important medication-related information. This study tests an intervention to improve physician-patient communication about newly prescribed medications. ⋯ A physician-targeted educational session improved the content of and enhanced patient ratings of physician communication about new medication prescriptions. Further work is required to assess whether improved communication stimulated by the intervention translates into better clinical outcomes.
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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.