The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice / American Board of Family Practice
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J Am Board Fam Pract · Mar 1993
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialClinical trial examining effectiveness of three cough syrups.
Cough is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory infections for which patients seek relief. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of three commonly prescribed cough syrups. ⋯ It appears that codeine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin are equally effective in relieving cough symptoms.
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J Am Board Fam Pract · Mar 1993
Meta AnalysisIn-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a 30-year review.
We performed a meta-analysis to: (1) assess the disputed issue of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success rates among elderly patients, (2) investigate the possibility of a declining CPR success rate between 1960 and 1990, (3) provide an overview estimate of CPR effectiveness in specific patient groups, and (4) assess CPR risks. ⋯ The increasing pessimism about the value of CPR, specifically, its futility in the elderly patient, is not supported by this review. The results of this meta-analysis should assist both the physician and the patient in determining the probable outcome of CPR.
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Patients and their physicians are increasingly being encouraged to discuss end-of-life decisions. The purpose of this study was to enhance understanding of the public's attitudes and knowledge about medical decision making and advance care directives. ⋯ Although living wills are advocated by many authorities, and many of our participants endorsed their use, our participants also cited numerous cautions and impediments to their use. As the role of advance care directives changes, physicians will need to be aware of their patients' perceptions, as well as the legalities of these documents.
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Teaching family practice residents in a clinical setting is a complex and challenging endeavor, especially for community family physicians teaching part-time and junior faculty members beginning their academic careers. We present a five-step model of clinical teaching that utilizes simple, discrete teaching behaviors or "microskills." The five microskills that make up the model are (1) get a commitment, (2) probe for supporting evidence, (3) teach general rules, (4) reinforce what was done right, and (5) correct mistakes. The microskills are easy to learn and can be readily used as a framework for most clinical teaching encounters. The model has been well received by both community family physicians interested in teaching and newer residency faculty members.
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J Am Board Fam Pract · May 1992
Comment Letter Case ReportsAdvanced directives for homebound patients.