Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Primary Care Perceptions and Practices on Discussion and Advice Regarding Sexual Practices.
The United States has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past decade, a trend that may be influenced by communication gaps between family physicians and patients. We sought to identify factors that hinder discussion about safe sexual practices and STIs, understand physicians' perceptions of their role in preventing STIs, and explore methods of initiating discussions on sexual health. ⋯ Our study identified several barriers that family physicians may face when initiating discussions and advising patients on safe sexual practices. To prevent new cases of STIs, it is important to work around these barriers to improve physician-patient communication. This can be further improved by providing continuous learning opportunities for medical students, residents, and board-certified family physicians on ways to appropriately counsel patients on safe sexual practices.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening among Mississippi Adults: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Mississippi has one of the highest mortality rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) and one of the lowest rates of CRC screening in the United States. The purpose of the study was to assess the characteristics of Mississippians who met the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on CRC screening and type of the test they used. ⋯ Mississippi adults aged 50 to 75 were more likely to be compliant with the CRC screening standards if they had insurance coverage or access to care. To further increase the overall CRC screening rate and for the benefit of the 70 × 2020 state initiative, certain screenings such as stool test need to be promoted and recommended by family practitioners, and certain subgroups of the population such as smokers need to be targeted and educated.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Impact of Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders on Nursing Clinical Decision Making.
Code status specifies the action that healthcare providers should take in the event of cardiac arrest. Studies have shown, however, that patients with do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate (DNR/DNI) orders have worse outcomes and do not consistently receive the standard of care. Several studies have demonstrated that physicians behave differently toward patients with DNR/DNI orders, but little research exists into whether DNR/DNI status affects the practice of other members of the care team. Our objective was to determine whether code status affects decision making by nursing staff. ⋯ This study is the first to demonstrate that code status affects decision making by nursing staff. It highlights the limitations that code status designations create with regard to patient care. By acknowledging that patients with DNR/DNI orders receive different care, we can create systems in which patients are treated equally, regardless of their code status.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Erratum: National Estimates of Noncanine Bite and Sting Injuries Treated in US Hospital Emergency Departments, 2011-2015: Erratum.
[This corrects the article on p. 232 in vol. 113.].
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Increased Prevalence in Alzheimer Disease in the Northeast Tennessee Region of the United States.
This study describes the changes in prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for Alzheimer disease (AD) in the northeast Tennessee region (NTR) during a 3-year period, describes the statistical assessment process, and critically assesses the database from which the statistical association was derived. The article also examines several beliefs pertinent to the clinical management of AD in the NTR from the perspective of professionals delivering services. ⋯ Increased prevalence of AD among inhabitants in the NTR and identified barriers to early screening or diagnosis in the management of AD were identified. Access to early screening techniques must be prioritized in deprived areas within the NTR. Healthcare providers and medical professionals in the NTR must be well equipped with the required training and resources to respond adequately to the increasing prevalence of AD.