Journal of general internal medicine
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Multicenter Study
Discontinuity of chronic medications in patients discharged from the intensive care unit.
Intensive care unit (ICU) admission may connote an elevated risk of unintentional chronic medication discontinuation because of its focus on acute illnesses and the multiple care transitions. ⋯ Patients discharged from the ICU often leave the hospital without note of their previously prescribed chronic medications. Careful review of medication lists at ICU discharge could avoid potential adverse outcomes related to unintentional discontinuation of chronic medications at hospital discharge.
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There is little guidance regarding how to disclose researchers' financial interests to potential research participants. ⋯ Financial interests are important to potential research participants, but obstacles to effective disclosure exist.
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Prior literature suggests that blacks are more likely to be discharged against medical advice (DAMA). ⋯ Disparities in DAMA affecting minority patients in general hospitals are largely accounted for by individual and hospital socio-economic factors. The absence of any adjusted disparity affecting blacks, and the protective effect observed for Hispanics and other minorities suggest that individual discrimination and poor communication are not primary determinants of DAMA, but where patients are admitted does contribute to disparities in DAMA.
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Despite the importance of lifelong learning as an element of professionalism, no psychometrically sound instrument is available for its assessment among physicians. ⋯ Empirical evidence supports the validity and reliability of the JSPLL.
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To identify reasons for lower organ donation rates by African Americans, we examined knowledge and attitudes about brain death, donation, and transplantation and trust in the health care system. ⋯ African Americans reported greater mistrust in the equity of the donation system and were more favorable about providing tangible benefits to donor families than white respondents.