J Am Board Fam Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
An evaluation of peak expiratory flow monitoring: a comparison of sitting versus standing measurements.
Current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma suggest that patients perform peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements while standing; however, recent literature suggests this may not be necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of patient position on PEF measurements. ⋯ PEF measurements do not significantly differ based on sitting or standing measurements among healthy participants. Based on the results of this study it may not be necessary for the patient to stand while performing PEF measurements. Further study among patients with asthma is warranted.
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Pectus excavatum (PE) is a posterior depression of the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages and is frequently seen by primary care providers. PE accounts for >90% of congenital chest wall deformities. Patients with PE are often dismissed by physicians as having an inconsequential problem; however, it can be more than a cosmetic deformity. ⋯ Data reports improved cardiopulmonary function after repair and marked improvement in psychosocial function. More recent consensus by both the pediatric and thoracic surgical communities validates surgical repair of the significant PE and contradicts arguments that repair is primarily cosmetic. We performed a review of the current literature and treatment recommendations for patients with PE deformities.
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Health literacy has been defined as the ability to obtain, process, and understand the basic information needed to make appropriate health decisions. Half of adults lack the health literacy skills needed for our complex health care environment. In 2005, Weiss et al introduced the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), an instrument that can be used to quickly assess health literacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability and timeliness of using the NVS to measure the level of health literacy in various suburban, urban, and rural primary care settings. A secondary purpose was to determine the influence of taking a health class on one's level of health literacy. ⋯ The NVS revealed health literacy status in less than 3 minutes, was widely accepted, and provided results comparable to more extensive literacy tests. Particularly, taking a health education class was associated with higher levels of health literacy among adults.