Journal of general internal medicine
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Empathy with patients improves clinical outcomes. Although previous studies have shown no significant differences in empathy levels between physicians and nurses, investigations have not considered differences in cultural backgrounds and related factors of healthcare providers at the individual level. ⋯ Physicians had significantly lower scores on the JSE than nurses in Japan. Higher age, self-identified female gender, having children, working at a small hospital, having a mother who is a physician, and having a father who is a nurse or co-medical professional were factors associated with the level of empathy.
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Comparative Study
Outcomes of Warfarin Home INR Monitoring vs Office-Based Monitoring: a Retrospective Claims-Based Analysis.
Home INR testing (patient self-testing) is feasible and effective for warfarin patients but little is known about real-world differences in outcomes for patients using PST versus laboratory-based INR monitoring. ⋯ This analysis of real-world claims data shows lower rates of stroke, thromboembolism, and major bleeding, as well as fewer emergency department visits, with patient self-testing compared to office-based/lab INR monitoring. Our finding that PST is safe and effective among current users suggests that more patients may benefit from its use.
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Monoclonal antibody drugs are widely used, highly marketed, expensive compounds. Relationships between these drug manufacturers and physicians may increase the potential for bias in relevant studies. ⋯ Substantial inconsistencies were found between self-reported disclosures and the Open Payments Database among physicians receiving high compensation for MAbDs. A policy of full disclosure for all publications should be adopted.
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The pharmaceutical industry promotes prescribing through the cultivation of key opinion leaders. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are a growing and influential group of prescribers across generalist and specialty practice. Public reporting of industry payments to APNs allows for exploration of their influence within practice settings. ⋯ Top APN payment recipients attracted high-value payments in practice settings and specialities associated with high-cost drug development; however, there may be little oversight of APNs' industry relationships. Policy development related to industry relationships must be inclusive of and responsive to the activities of interprofessional providers.
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Recognition of clinically deteriorating hospitalized patients with activation of rapid response (RR) systems can prevent patient harm. Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), however, experience less benefit from RR systems than do their English-speaking counterparts. ⋯ In this pilot study, prioritized tracking, utilization of EWS-triggered evaluations, and interpreter integration into the RR system for LEP patients were feasible to implement and showed promise for reducing post-RR system activation mortality.