Journal of general internal medicine
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Low health literacy is considered a potential barrier to improving health outcomes in people with diabetes and other chronic conditions, although the evidence has not been previously systematically reviewed. ⋯ Low health literacy is consistently associated with poorer diabetes knowledge. However, there is little sufficient or consistent evidence suggesting that it is independently associated with processes or outcomes of diabetes-related care. Based on these findings, it may be premature to routinely screen for low health literacy as a means for improving diabetes-related health-related outcomes.
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Patient hand-offs at physician shift changes have limited ability to convey the primary team's longitudinal insight. The Patient Acuity Rating (PAR) is a previously validated, 7-point scale that quantifies physician judgment of patient stability, where a higher score indicates a greater risk of clinical deterioration. Its impact on cross-covering physician understanding of patients is not known. ⋯ The PAR adds valuable information to sign-outs that could impact cross-cover decision-making and potentially benefit patients. However, correct training in its use may be required to avoid unintended consequences.
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Typically, chronic disease self-management happens in a family context, and for African American adults living with diabetes, family seems to matter in self-management processes. Many qualitative studies describe family diabetes interactions from the perspective of adults living with diabetes, but we have not heard from family members. ⋯ Diabetes silence, role adjustments, and conflict appear to be important aspects to address in family-centered diabetes self-management interventions. Contextual data gathered through formative research can inform such family-centered intervention development.
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Multicenter Study
The art of bedside rounds: a multi-center qualitative study of strategies used by experienced bedside teachers.
Medical educators believe bedside rounds are effective for the delivery of patient-centered care, and are necessary in helping trainees acquire competence in clinical care. Although recommendations for bedside rounds have been reported, a recent, systematic assessment of strategies used by current-day bedside teachers was needed to advance knowledge of this teaching method. ⋯ Bedside teachers' methods for preparation, patient selection, and role allocation during bedside rounds enhance trainees' education within the workplace. Strategies used by experienced bedside teachers can be used for faculty development efforts aimed at promoting this activity.
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Despite a high prevalence of distress, few physicians seek help. Earlier identification of physicians in distress has been hampered by the lack of a brief screening instrument to assess the common forms of distress. ⋯ The seven-item PWBI appears to be a useful screening index to identify physicians with distress in a variety of dimensions and whose degree of distress may negatively impact their practice.