Journal of general internal medicine
-
As the volume of cancer survivors continues to increase, clinicians are being faced with a growing number of patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Survivors with a variety of malignancies may experience fatigue. Many potential barriers to the identification of this symptom in a cancer survivor may exist, due in part to both the patient and the clinician. ⋯ Pharmacologic interventions include stimulants, namely modafinil and methylphenidate. In some patients antidepressants may be beneficial. Clinicians should assess cancer survivors for the presence of fatigue and focus on its treatment in an attempt to ensure that these patients have the best possible symptom control.
-
Comparative Study
Receipt of provider advice for smoking cessation and use of smoking cessation treatments among cancer survivors.
As the number of cancer survivors increases, the assessment and intervention for smoking among survivors are increasingly important. ⋯ This study reveals considerable missed opportunities for health-care providers to advise cancer survivors about smoking and provide evidence-based interventions. Systematic efforts are needed to increase the provision of smoking cessation advice and use of cessation treatments among cancer survivors.
-
Disparities can be caused by minorities receiving care in low-quality settings. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has been identified as a model of high-quality primary care that can eliminate disparities. However, Latinos are less likely to have PCMHs. ⋯ Eliminating health-care disparities will require assuring access to the PCMH. Addressing differences in health-care coverage that contribute to lower rates of Latino access to the PCMH will also reduce disparities.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Diabetes awareness and knowledge among Latinos: does a usual source of healthcare matter?
To provide national prevalence estimates of usual source of healthcare (USHC), and examine the relationship between USHC and diabetes awareness and knowledge among Latinos using a modified Andersen model of healthcare access. ⋯ We found important and previously unreported differences between Latinos with a current USHC provider, where the predominant group, Mexican Americans, are the least likely to have access to a USHC. USHC was associated with Latinos being better informed about diabetes; however, socioeconomic barriers limit the availability of this potentially valuable tool for reducing the risks and burden of diabetes, which is a major public health problem facing Latinos.