Journal of general internal medicine
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While the association between Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and health outcomes is well known, few studies have explored the impact of SDOH on hospitalization. ⋯ Among community-dwelling US adults, three SDOH domains: food insecurity, social isolation, and low educational attainment increase an individual's risk of hospitalization. Additionally, risk of hospitalization increases as SDOH burden increases.
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After mild COVID-19, some outpatients experience persistent symptoms. However, data are scarce and prospective studies are urgently needed. ⋯ More than half of COVID-positive outpatients report persistent symptoms up to 10 months after a mild disease. Only 4 of 14 symptoms were associated with COVID-19 status. The symptoms and predictors of the post-COVID-19 syndrome need further characterization as this condition places a significant burden on society.
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The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted how primary care physicians (PCPs) and their staff delivered team-based care. ⋯ The lack of in-person contact, and less synchronous communication, negatively impacted PCP-staff teamwork and morale during the pandemic. These challenges further highlight the importance for practice leaders to recognize and attend to clinicians' relational and work-related needs as the pandemic continues.
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Small-sized primary care practices, defined as practices with fewer than 10 clinicians, delivered the majority of outpatient visits in the USA. Statin therapy in high-risk individuals reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, but prescribing patterns in small primary care practices are not well known. This study describes statin treatment patterns in small-sized primary care practices and examines patient- and practice-level factors associated with lack of statin treatment. ⋯ There is an opportunity for improved ASCVD risk reduction in small primary care practices. Statin treatment patterns and factors influencing lack of treatment vary by practice setting, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches to each setting.
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Faculty development programs encouraging clinician educators' scholarship have been established at many medical schools. The same is true for programs that address the isolation and loneliness many faculty members feel in their day-to-day clinical work and administration. Few programs have explicitly combined development of scholarship and sense of community. ⋯ Combining skills-based learning with safe psychological space were judged important elements of success for the ASPIRE program. Conversations are ongoing to identify opportunities for scholars who have completed the program to continue to pursue scholarship, expand their skills, and build community. We conclude that the program both is feasible and was well-received. Sustainability and generalizability are important next steps in ensuring the viability of the program.