J Am Board Fam Med
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This issue of the Journal contains some exceptional research articles. A few are truly "must-reads," including a fascinating look at the relationship between having a usual source of care and telomere length. Glucosamine/chrondroitin supplementation seems to be helpful for more than just arthritis pain. ⋯ This issue also features 5 articles addressing how family physicians can combat the opioid epidemic. Three articles highlight research on diabetes and another 3 on breast cancer. Payment reform, dermoscopy, and telemedicine are among many other topics covered.
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Adults with communication disabilities (CDs) experience poor health and health care outcomes. Few studies have examined behavioral health outcomes among this population. We compare the behavioral health of adults with CDs to their peers without such disabilities. ⋯ Adults with CDs experience poorer behavioral health and health care outcomes compared with persons without CDs. Barriers to identification and treatment related to CDs must be addressed for persons with CDs.
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The purpose of this study is to examine the patterns of patient teach-back experience (also known as "interactive communication loop") and determine its association with risk for diabetic complications and hospitalization, and health expenditures among individuals with diabetes. ⋯ Teach-back could be an effective communication strategy that has potential to improve health outcomes, resulting in savings in diabetes care.
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Having depression and living in a rural environment have separately been associated with poor diabetes outcomes, but there little is known about the interaction between the 2 risk factors. This study investigates the association of depression and rurality with glycemic control in adults, as well as their interaction. ⋯ Although patients with depression had poorer glycemic control, living in a small rural town reduced the negative association between depression and glycemic control.
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Physician Perspectives on Mammography Screening for Average-Risk Women: "Like a Double-Edged Sword".
On balance, the benefits and harms of mammography screening put systematic screening for average-risk women into question. Since screening decisions frequently occur in primary care, it is important to understand what family physicians think of the evidence on mammography screening, and how they intend to use this information in practice. ⋯ Although POEMs about mammography screening raise awareness of harms and benefits, deeply rooted ideas illustrate how any change process is complex. In sum, rethinking breast cancer screening for average-risk women is challenging.