Arch Intern Med
-
Recent changes in education law and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy in New York State have extended the clinical responsibilities of pharmacists. There is limited information in the United States about physicians' opinions of these potential activities by pharmacists. ⋯ This survey suggests that most physicians support the current patient-counseling activities of community pharmacists. However, there was little support for limited prescribing by pharmacists, even within specific protocols. Increased information to patients was deemed desirable, but few physicians believed that pharmacists should provide health screening services.
-
To examine the usefulness of childhood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) measurement for predicting future dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk in adulthood. ⋯ Adverse levels of LDL-C in childhood persist over time, progress to adult dyslipidemia, and relate to obesity and hypertension as well. National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines to classify cardiovascular risk on the basis of LDL-C level are helpful in targeting individuals at risk early in life.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The impact of informed consent on patient interest in prostate-specific antigen screening.
Because of the many uncertainties surrounding screening for prostate cancer, authorities recommend that patients be involved in the screening decision. ⋯ Among primary care patients of predominantly lower socioeconomic status, those who received informed consent were significantly less interested in PSA screening than those who did not. For physicians who offer the PSA as a screening test, this finding highlights the importance of apprising patients of the associated benefits, burdens, and uncertainties and allowing them to participate in the screening decision.
-
Medical residents commonly discuss resuscitation decisions with hospitalized patients. Previous studies suggest that the quality of these discussions is poor. ⋯ These findings help explain the observations about the quality of DNR discussions. House staff "see" and "do" these discussions, but are not taught through observation and feedback. We recommend that communication about end-of-life treatment decisions be treated as a medical skill to be taught with the same rigor as other clinical procedures.
-
To investigate the prevalence and selected correlates of leisure-time physical activity in a nationally representative sample of persons aged 65 years or older. ⋯ Prevalence of regular physical activity is low among older Americans. Identifying the correlates of physical activity will help to formulate strategies to increase physical activity in this age group.