Journal of general internal medicine
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This review examines the results of randomized controlled trials in which behavioral weight loss interventions, used alone or with pharmacotherapy, were provided in primary care settings. ⋯ Current evidence does not support the use of low- to moderate-intensity physician counseling for obesity, by itself, to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss. PCP counseling plus pharmacotherapy, or intensive counseling (from a dietitian or nurse) plus meal replacements may help patients achieve this goal. Further research is needed on different models of managing obesity in primary care practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Disclosing medical errors to patients: it's not what you say, it's what they hear.
There is consensus that patients should be told if they are injured by medical care. However, there is little information on how they react to different methods of disclosure. ⋯ Patients will probably respond more favorably to physicians who apologize and accept responsibility for medical errors than those who do not apologize or give ambiguous responses. Patient perceptions of what is said may be more important than what is actually said. Desire to sue may not be affected despite a full apology and acceptance of responsibility.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Adequacy of hospital discharge summaries in documenting tests with pending results and outpatient follow-up providers.
Poor communication of tests whose results are pending at hospital discharge can lead to medical errors. ⋯ Discharge summaries are grossly inadequate at documenting both tests with pending results and the appropriate follow-up providers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
The effect of patient race and blood pressure control on patient-physician communication.
Racial disparities in hypertension control contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular mortality among blacks. Patient-physician communication quality is associated with better health outcomes, including blood pressure (BP) control. Both race/ethnicity and BP control may adversely affect communication. ⋯ This study reveals that patient race is associated with the quality of patient-physician communication to a greater extent than BP control. Interventions that improve patient-physician communication should be tested as a strategy to reduce racial disparities in hypertension care and outcomes.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Physicians' experience with surrogate decision making for hospitalized adults.
Hospitalized patients frequently lack decision-making ability, yet little is known about physicians' approaches to surrogate decision making. ⋯ Surrogate decision making is common among hospitalized adults. Physician-surrogate decision making may be enhanced if patients discuss their preferences in advance and if physician contact with surrogate decision makers is facilitated.