J Am Board Fam Med
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Open-source online information channels have become increasingly important to the dissemination of medical information, including information about pharmaceuticals. We sought to determine the extent to which one prominent source of online information, Wikipedia, presented quantitative efficacy data about drugs. ⋯ Wikipedia is an important source of information that has the potential to shape public views about drug efficacy, but the absence of quantitative efficacy information in most pages limits public understanding of the benefits that drugs actually offer.
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Constipation is a common complaint in the general population. Squatting (using a toilet stool) is associated with faster and more complete bowel emptying, and could therefore help prevent or treat constipation. We analyzed the reviews of online buyers of a toilet stool to assess perceived effectiveness, overall satisfaction and potential side effects. ⋯ Perceived effectiveness and overall satisfaction were rated high by those who purchased a toilet stool online. In addition, their use seems to be safe (<1% reported adverse effects). Our results suggest a good risk-benefit ratio. The device may offer an inexpensive option to treat or prevent constipation, and may reduce the frequency of medical visits and the risks associated with long-term use of laxatives.
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Recent attention and focus on, antiracism training in health care has potential to accelerate our path to social justice and achieve health equity on a national scale. However, theoretical frameworks and empirical data have yet to emerge that explain the uptake of antiracism trainings and their efficacy. ⋯ Our findings provide evidence of DOIs influence on antiracism uptake in Departments of Family Medicine. We believe our findings can facilitate the future implementation of antiracism training activities and actionable antiracist policies and practices.
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In October of 2021, California enacted SB 428, the ACEs Equity Act, which mandates commercial insurance coverage of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) screening in addition to ACEs screening already covered for the state's Medicaid enrollees. California is the first state to expand ACEs screening coverage, but it is possible other states may follow similar paths given the increasing interest in policy action to address ACEs. Increase in stress and trauma among Americans and evidence of the disproportionate impact ACEs have on historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities has increased the urgency with which policy makers, clinicians and researchers have sought to address ACEs and encourage trauma-informed care delivery to better meet the needs of patients. ⋯ However, debate persists among policy makers, clinicians, and researchers on whether the ACEs screening approach improves outcomes and avoids harms. In this health policy article, we describe key issues under debate with regards to ACEs screening and estimate potential change in screening utilization and expenditures due to the new ACEs legislation in California. The lessons being learned in California are applicable to other states and the US as a whole.
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This article is the second part of a novel scoping review of the international literature that presents those key elements that underpin the foundational activities of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs). In this article, we examine the external environment and the intersection between the internal and external environment domains. ⋯ Despite variations in geography, time, and healthcare context, PBRNs shared many similar developmental experiences over the past 5 decades. Their external environment contributed significantly to their developmental trajectories during the first 10 years of their operation.