Journal of general internal medicine
-
Proactive tobacco treatment programs are an evidence-based strategy to recruit patients who smoke to make supported quit attempts. However, such programs are rarely implemented. We performed a qualitative assessment of clinicians to inform the creation of a proactive outreach program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who smoke. ⋯ Clinicians support proactive outreach for patients with COPD, but the optimal way to structure, staff, and fund such programs remains unclear. Health systems should leverage implementation strategies to speed uptake of these potentially life-saving programs.
-
The prevalence of co-occurring chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has yet to be established in a nationally representative sample of US veterans, and little is known about the individual contributing roles of these disorders to the psychiatric and functional burden of this comorbidity. ⋯ Results underscore the importance of whole health care that considers a broad range of health and functional domains in the assessment and treatment of co-occurring chronic pain and PTSD in veterans.
-
Previous studies exploring difficult inpatients have mostly focused on psychiatric inpatients. ⋯ Difficult patients induced emotional responses, dysphoria, and self-doubt among providers. Underlying personality disorders were often mentioned. Difficult patients and families shared many characteristics. Communication and training were highlighted as key strategies.