Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Jul 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialTRIPPD: a practice-based network effectiveness study of postpartum depression screening and management.
Postpartum depression is common but inadequately recognized and undertreated. Continuing depressive symptoms are associated with adverse outcomes for the woman, her infant, and family. We wanted to determine the effect of a practice-based training program for screening, diagnosis, and management of depression in postpartum mothers. ⋯ Primary care-based screening, diagnosis, and management improved mother's depression outcomes at 12 months. This practical approach could be implemented widely with modest resources.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyTypical electronic health record use in primary care practices and the quality of diabetes care.
Recent efforts to encourage meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) assume that widespread adoption will improve the quality of ambulatory care, especially for complex clinical conditions such as diabetes. Cross-sectional studies of typical uses of commercially available ambulatory EHRs provide conflicting evidence for an association between EHR use and improved care, and effects of longer-term EHR use in community-based primary care settings on the quality of care are not well understood. ⋯ Consistent use of an EHR over 3 years does not ensure successful use for improving the quality of diabetes care. Ongoing efforts to encourage adoption and meaningful use of EHRs in primary care should focus on ensuring that use succeeds in improving care. These efforts will need to include provision of assistance to longer-term EHR users.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialHealth coaching to improve hypertension treatment in a low-income, minority population.
Poor blood pressure control is common in the United States. We conducted a study to determine whether health coaching with home titration of antihypertensive medications can improve blood pressure control compared with health coaching alone in a low-income, predominantly minority population. ⋯ Blood pressure control in a low-income, minority population can be improved by teaching patients to monitor their blood pressure at home and having nonprofessional health coaches assist patients, in particular, by counseling them on medication adherence. The improved blood pressure control can be achieved while reducing the time spent by physicians.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyHealthy Steps trial: pedometer-based advice and physical activity for low-active older adults.
We compared the effectiveness of 2 physical activity prescriptions delivered in primary care--the standard time-based Green Prescription and a pedometer step-based Green Prescription--on physical activity, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and quality of life in low-active older adults. ⋯ Pedometer use resulted in a greater increase in leisure walking without any impact on overall activity level. All participants increased physical activity, and on average, their blood pressure decreased over 12 months, although the clinical relevance is unknown.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyTreatment adjustment and medication adherence for complex patients with diabetes, heart disease, and depression: a randomized controlled trial.
Medication nonadherence, inconsistent patient self-monitoring, and inadequate treatment adjustment exacerbate poor disease control. In a collaborative, team-based, care management program for complex patients (TEAMcare), we assessed patient and physician behaviors (medication adherence, self-monitoring, and treatment adjustment) in achieving better outcomes for diabetes, coronary heart disease, and depression. ⋯ Frequent and timely treatment adjustment by primary care physicians, along with increased patient self-monitoring, improved control of diabetes, depression, and heart disease, with no change in medication adherence rates. High baseline adherence rates may have exerted a ceiling effect on potential improvements in medication adherence.