Journal of general internal medicine
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To examine utilization and outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) use for the elderly in the United States. ⋯ The likelihood of ICU use among these elderly decreased with age, especially among those 85 years or older. Diagnostic mix importantly influenced ICU use by age. The great majority of the elderly, including those 85 years and older and those receiving the most expensive ICU care, survived at least 90 days.
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Editorial Comment Review
I can't get no patient or practitioner satisfaction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Does informed consent alter elderly patients' preferences for colorectal cancer screening? Results of a randomized trial.
To assess the impact of informed consent on elderly patients' colorectal cancer (CRC) screening preferences. ⋯ Elderly patients appeared to understand CRC screening information and use it to gauge the efficacy of screening, but provision of information had no impact on their preferences for screening. In view of the large proportion who preferred not to be screened, we conclude that elderly patients should be involved in the screening decision. However, factors other than provision of information must determine their CRC screening preferences.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A comparison of the preventive health care provided by women's health centers and general internal medicine practices.
To evaluate women's health centers as alternatives to traditional internal medicine practices. ⋯ In this study, patients at women's health centers were more likely to receive gender-specific health prevention counseling than patients at internal medicine practices. Moreover, patients were more likely to receive their gender-specific preventive health services from their primary care providers.
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Meta Analysis
Prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation. A meta-analysis of trials of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Appropriate use of drugs to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) involves comparing the patient's risk of stroke and risk of hemorrhage. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the efficacy of these medications. ⋯ In general, the evidence strongly supports warfarin for patients with AF at average or greater risk of stroke. Aspirin may prove to be useful in subgroups with a low risk of stroke, although this is not definitively supported by the evidence.