Southern medical journal
-
Southern medical journal · Apr 2020
An Examination of Racial Disparities in Inpatient Consultations.
To determine whether racial disparities occurred among specialty and allied health inpatient consultations for patients admitted to adult hospital services at an academic hospital. ⋯ Processes within the healthcare setting studied did not contribute to racial differences in consultation services. Our findings suggest that implicit racial bias may not be a factor when ordering consultations, but the findings are more likely affected by more appropriate factors such as the patient's age, length of stay, and complexity/severity of illness score.
-
Southern medical journal · Apr 2020
Obesity and Severe Obesity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence and Risk Factors.
Research suggests a high prevalence of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but the prevalence of severe obesity and its association with risk factors unique to this population remain undetermined. This study sought to compare the prevalence of severe obesity in children with ASDs to that of the general population and investigated associated risk factors for obesity in this population. ⋯ The prevalence of severe obesity in children with ASDs was higher with increasing age, and in the 6- to 11-year-old age group, was significantly higher than in the general population. Healthcare providers should address diet and exercise early as part of a comprehensive management plan for children with ASDs.
-
Southern medical journal · Apr 2020
Increasing the Rural Workforce of Family Medicine Physicians: A Community-Focused Approach.
There is an increased need for Family Medicine physicians who make up approximately 40% of the primary care work. In this article the authors share perspective on how to engage the community in increasing the rural workforce of Family Physicians. Suggestions include introducing the school to the community in which it lives, matching the applicant to the needs of the community and not just the needs of the school, including community members as part of the admissions process and recruiting applicants primarily from inside the state.
-
Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder that is difficult to diagnose and treat. This article clarifies points for clinical recognition and management of patients with this condition. Patients with this condition often are dramatic and provide false and/or exaggerated symptoms or information. ⋯ It often includes conjoint clinical communication between the primary care physician and a psychiatrist. Open, supportive discussion with the patient about his or her condition is important. Long-term psychotherapy and follow-up are recommended.