Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · May 2005
ReviewInfrastructure requirements for practice-based research networks.
The practice-based research network (PBRN) is the basic laboratory for primary care research. Although most PBRNs include some common elements, their infrastructures vary widely. We offer suggestions for developing and supporting infrastructures to enhance PBRN research success. ⋯ Well-designed and properly supported PBRN infrastructures can support a wide range of research of great direct value to patients and society. Increased and more consistent infrastructure support could generate an explosion of pragmatic, generalizable knowledge about currently understudied populations, settings, and health care problems.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2005
ReviewHuman subjects issues and IRB review in practice-based research.
This article explores the challenges that practice-based research networks (PBRNs) face with respect to the regulatory requirements for institutional review board (IRB) review and the protection of human subjects in research. ⋯ PBRN research makes unique contributions to the clinical evidence base by collecting data in community settings where most clinical care is provided. Such research, however, also presents unique challenges to human subject protections and regulatory compliance. Addressing these challenges is necessary to maintain public trust in and support for PBRN research. With careful planning, these ethical and regulatory challenges can be overcome.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2005
ReviewScreening for primary open-angle glaucoma in the primary care setting: an update for the US preventive services task force.
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness and vision-related disability. This review examines the effectiveness of screening for and treatment of early POAG in asymptomatic persons. ⋯ Treatment to lower intraocular pressure may delay progression of visual field deficits in some asymptomatic individuals with early POAG. Further studies of population screening are needed to show that early recognition and treatment of glaucoma in asymptomatic patients are effective in improving vision-specific functional outcomes and health-related quality of life.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2005
ReviewInterpersonal continuity of care and care outcomes: a critical review.
We wanted to undertake a critical review of the medical literature regarding the relationships between interpersonal continuity of care and the outcomes and cost of health care. ⋯ Although the available literature reflects persistent methodologic problems, it is likely that a significant association exists between interpersonal continuity and improved preventive care and reduced hospitalization. Future research in this area should address more specific and measurable outcomes and more direct costs and should seek to define and measure interpersonal continuity more explicitly.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2005
Patients' beliefs about racism, preferences for physician race, and satisfaction with care.
Few studies have attempted to link patients' beliefs about racism in the health care system with how they use and experience health care. ⋯ Many African Americans and Latinos perceive racism in the health care system, and those who do are more likely to prefer a physician of their own race or ethnicity. African Americans who have preferences are more often satisfied with their care when their own physicians match their preferences.