J Am Board Fam Med
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The Relationship Between Social Determinants of Health and Functional Capacity in Adult Primary Care Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions.
Social determinants of health (SDoH) including insecure access to food, housing, and financial resources are critical threats to overall health. We sought to examine this relationship among adult primary care patients with multiple chronic conditions. ⋯ Among primary care patients with chronic conditions, SDoH are associated with poorer functional capacity, independent of other social and demographic factors. Primary care offers a promising, if underused, opportunity to intervene in SDoH. There is a need for future studies to explore the role of screening and intervention by primary care providers to mitigate or prevent SDoH.
-
The American Board of Medical Specialties recognized addiction medicine (ADM) as a subspecialty in 2016, which was timely given the recent rise in substance use disorder (SUD). The impact of this dual board opportunity on Family Medicine has not been described. Our study enumerates and characterizes physicians dually certified in Family Medicine and ADM. ⋯ While only a small proportion of family physicians carry dual ADM board certification, those that do disproportionately serve vulnerable populations while retaining broad scope of care. Further work is needed to examine whether SUD treatment access could be addressed by implementing models that support dually certified physicians in consultative and educational efforts that would amplify their impact across the primary care workforce.
-
Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) encompass an array of connective tissue disorders characterized by joint instability and chronic pain. Fatigue and other systemic symptoms that affect daily functioning may occur, as well. Accurate data on incidence and prevalence of HSDs is hampered by lack of awareness of these conditions and the wide heterogeneity of their clinical presentation. ⋯ Diagnostic criteria for hEDS include measures of joint hypermobility, skin and other connective tissue findings, and lack of evidence of a different type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Beyond accurate diagnosis, HSDs pose many challenges for primary care providers, as ongoing patient education, patient empowerment, and coordination of a multidisciplinary treatment team are integral to proper care. This article describes the incidence and prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of HSDs, including clinical cases exemplifying how joint hypermobility might present within a primary care setting.
-
Initiatives to identify and intervene on patients' socioeconomic needs in the context of health care delivery are expanding. Little information has been compiled across studies on health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (KABB) regarding socioeconomic risk screening and referral interventions. METHODS: We conducted a systematic scoping review of providers' KABB related to health care-based socioeconomic risk screening and referral interventions using several search engines. ⋯ Exposure to screening and referral programs led to increases in providers' positive attitudes, socioeconomic risk screening rates, and reported knowledge about intervention options. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in screening and referral programs seems to influence providers' perception of implementation barriers. Future research should explore providers' concerns about addressing identified risks.
-
Editorial
Family Medicine Research on Health Equity, Addiction, and Eating Breakfast-Just for Starters.
As usual, this issue of the journal delivers reports on a broad range of topics that can inform clinical practice. Several articles address equity, or the lack thereof, in health care. This includes research on the social determinants of health and how family medicine can contribute to redressing inequity. ⋯ Several articles discuss ongoing changes or changes to family medicine on the horizon. Readers will find some well-written clinical reviews and an in-depth review of international practice-based research networks. Lastly, 2 great reads will remind readers how it feels to practice family medicine.