Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2020
Effect of Payor-Mandated Review of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on Opioid Prescriber Rates.
To evaluate the effect of a 2016 South Carolina payor mandate to query the state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances on the rate of opioid prescribers in South Carolina. ⋯ The slope of the South Carolina high-dose opioid prescriber rate significantly decreased after the 2016 South Carolina payor mandate, while the slope of the South Carolina opioid prescriber rate did not. The long-term outcomes related to the change in opioid prescriber rates are unknown and warrant further study.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2020
Self-Directed Learning among Internal Medicine Residents in the Information Age.
The revolution in information technology and a rapidly expanding evidence base are changing residency training. Understanding the habits and preferences of trainees' self-directed learning (SDL) has never been more important. Our goal was to provide a contemporary description of residents' SDL practices. ⋯ Although the resident learning environment and resource use are changing, residents engage in as much or more time in SDL as in previous studies, with a large proportion occurring during clinical service. Understanding residents' current SDL habits will better prepare educators to support and guide our trainees.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2020
Prediction of Functional Limitations in Balance after Tests of Tandem Walking and Standing Balance in Older Adults.
Older adults who may not complain of balance problems may nevertheless be developing subtle balance problems that may affect future functioning. This study sought to determine whether subtle problems could be predicted by standard balance testing. ⋯ The data suggest that some older adults may have subtle musculoskeletal impairments that may be indicated by simple balance tests. A finding on these tests may indicate the need for further workup for balance-related problems. These quick, inexpensive tests can be administered by ancillary staff and may add important information to the initial visit and annual follow-up visits.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2020
US Dermatology Resident Responses about the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Nationwide Survey.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically changed resident training in the United States. Here, we explore the early perceived effects of COVID-19 on dermatology residents through an electronic sample survey and identify possible areas for targeted improvement in lieu of a possible second wave of COVID-19 cases. ⋯ Dermatology residents were affected negatively by COVID-19 in regard to their well-being, clinical training, and education. Several areas of improvement were identified that could improve our preparedness for a second wave of the virus.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2020
Travel Histories in Children: How Well Do Interns and Medical Students Do?
To evaluate the knowledge of obtaining travel histories in medical students and interns. ⋯ This study highlights the lack of knowledge regarding the importance of travel histories as part of basic history taking. Medical students and interns had low levels of comfort in obtaining adequate travel histories and diagnosing conditions acquired from international travel.