J Natl Med Assoc
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Over the past three decades, the term Mini-Medical School (MMS) has been used to describe programs offered by schools of medicine, which provide health education to the lay public and health career exposure to youth. The University of Maryland School of Medicine has operated an MMS program since 2001. The purpose of this study was to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of MMS participants and the impacts of this program on their health. ⋯ The health information provided by the MMS program is well-received and even anticipated by its participants. It has empowered them to care for themselves and for others by making them educated consumers and health advocates in their community. The MMS program should work with the School's community partners to make this resource more widely accessible, particularly to populations experiencing the most health disparities.
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Electronic messaging and telemedicine visits increased during the COVID pandemic. African-Americans and older patients have less frequently used electronic messaging with their physicians. This study compares the utilization of virtual health care before and during the COVID pandemic for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. ⋯ The COVID pandemic emergency increased e-visits and e-messaging for care delivery. Expanded telemedicine options for IBD patients eliminated previously identified racial and age disparities in virtual medical care. African Americans utilized electronic communication as frequently as Whites during the pandemic. Post-pandemic policy consideration for continued telemedicine options may expand patient-physician engagement and eliminate disparities in health care.
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Disparities associated with trust in health information exist warranting a need for research assessing this relationship among adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess trust of cancer information among U.S. adults. ⋯ These finding suggest targeting specific population subgroups for information from sources they trust could be helpful in reducing disparities in trust.