The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Sep 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAssociations of cytokine concentrations with key osteopathic lesions and clinical outcomes in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: results from the OSTEOPATHIC Trial.
Little is known about the role that cytokines play in osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ This study found associations between IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations and the number of key osteopathic lesions and between IL-6 and LBP severity at baseline. However, only TNF-α concentration changed significantly after 12 weeks in response to OMT. These discordant findings indicate that additional research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action of OMT in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Sep 2012
Case ReportsA new era of anticoagulation treatment: optimizing outcomes for atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a common condition that is associated with a high risk of stroke. In the present article, which is based on a roundtable discussion held on February 8, 2012, the faculty discuss various aspects of caring for patients with atrial fibrillation. These topics include the burden of the disease, stroke risk assessment, use of stroke prophylaxis, and improvement of outcomes.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Aug 2012
The Phoenix Physician: defining a pathway toward leadership in patient-centered care.
Health care delivery has evolved in reaction to scientific and technological discoveries, emergent patient needs, and market forces. A current focus on patient-centered care has pointed to the need for the reallocation of resources to improve access to and delivery of efficient, cost-effective, quality care. ⋯ The American College of Osteopathic Internists has developed the Phoenix Physician, a training program that will prepare primary care residents and practicing physicians for the changes in health care delivery and provide them with skills such as understanding the contributions of all team members (including an empowered and educated patient), evaluating and treating patients, and applying performance metrics and information technology to measure and improve patient care and satisfaction. Through the program, physicians will also develop personal leadership and communication skills.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Aug 2012
Validation of a triage algorithm for psychiatric screening (TAPS) for patients with psychiatric chief complaints.
The process of medical clearance screening for patients with psychiatric chief complaints has not been standardized. ⋯ The TAPS form is potentially an effective tool in screening for the absence of acute medical illness.