Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2022
Substance Use Disorder among Hospitalized Adolescents in North Carolina.
Individuals who began using alcohol or other drugs before the age of 15 are 7 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) in adulthood. This study sought to determine the common characteristics of SUD-related hospitalizations and patterns of discharge diagnoses among adolescents in North Carolina. ⋯ The literature reflects the connection between adolescent use and the propensity for diagnosis with a SUD in adulthood; it is evident that this is a growing public health crisis. This study identified patterns of adolescent substance use that, based on the current literature, are indicative of problematic futures for these individuals. The concerning data and literature identify a significant need to address prevention, treatment, and recovery services for adolescents, not only in North Carolina but throughout the United States. The need for focused interventions, access to care, and funding of substance-specific adolescent education and services is greatly needed to change the trajectory of these adolescents' lives.
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Medicaid recipients are vulnerable to increased morbidity and mortality secondary to high tobacco use prevalence and barriers to accessing tobacco treatment. The purpose of the pilot study was to explore managed care administrators' perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to tobacco treatment for Medicaid recipients. ⋯ The analysis provided data to support the development of a policy brief and recommendations to the Department for Medicaid Services for enhancing tobacco dependence treatment.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2022
Eligible Prescriber Experiences with Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Perceptions of Pharmacy Barriers to Buprenorphine.
The primary aim of this study was to better understand North Carolina providers' specific substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder treatment practices and buprenorphine prescribing. Furthermore, this study aimed to provide novel information regarding US South and rural providers' opioid use disorder treatment behaviors and perceptions of patient experience at community pharmacies. ⋯ Early detection of SUDs can help prevent negative health outcomes for patients. Regardless of patient rurality, providers should screen for SUDs and familiarize themselves with the patient's experience when filling a buprenorphine prescription, along with possible barriers. Furthermore, providers should incorporate questions about their patient's ability to receive buprenorphine to help ensure that patients are receiving proper and necessary treatment.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2022
Telesimulation to Improve Critical Decision-Making in Prehospital Airway Management: A Feasibility Study.
Telesimulation, in which learners and evaluators use technology to connect remotely to simulation-based learning activities, is effective for skills and decision-making review. Historical models in which learners are colocated with the simulation equipment have inherent issues, especially for emergency medical services (EMS) providers. This feasibility study placed the evaluators in the simulation center, whereas the learners were at a distance steering the scenario evolution through telehealth technologies. ⋯ This method of telesimulation appears to be a viable addition to continuing EMS education and may address access issues for some providers.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2022
Change in Physician Burnout between 2013 and 2020 in a Major Health System.
Assessing changes in physician burnout over time can offer insight into the causes of burnout. Existing studies are limited by using different samples of physicians at each time point. Our objective was to assess changes in burnout between 2013-2014 and 2019-2020 overall and within a cohort of physicians who took the survey twice. ⋯ We found a substantial increase in burnout over time, which was particularly pronounced for non-White and female physicians. Assessment over time is essential for understanding problematic trajectories of burnout that may be obscured by cross-sectional studies.