Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Utilization of an Internal Medicine Triaging Resident in the Emergency Department Reduces Preventable Admissions and Improves Trainee Experiences.
Increasing patient care requirements and suboptimal communication between emergency department (ED) and Internal Medicine (IM) services may lead to inefficient hospital utilization, lapses in transitions of care, and reduced trainee satisfaction in the inpatient setting. Furthermore, a lack of triaging roles for IM trainees has been a common limitation in graduate medical education. We aimed to demonstrate that the addition of an IM triaging resident (TR) in the ED may represent an innovative solution to these problems. ⋯ Expansion of this model in select integrated health systems may improve graduate medical education and healthcare system performance. Future iterations of this study can aim to improve transitions of care between ambulatory and inpatient providers and limit the overuse of antimicrobial agents, radiography, and consultative services.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Does Finding Cecal Adenoma Increase the Risk of Discovering More and Advanced Adenomas in the Remainder of the Colon?
Adenomatous polyps are common, occurring in up to 25% of the population older than 50 years of age in the United States. Conflicting data are present in the literature about the impact of specific adenoma locations and the prediction on the number and advanced histology of adenomas elsewhere. With this study we aimed to review the association between cecal adenoma and the risk of discovering more and advanced adenomas in the remainder of the colon. ⋯ Cecal adenoma is associated with an increased risk of finding more and advanced adenomas in the remainder of the colon, especially on the right side; therefore, the discovery of a cecal adenoma should prompt a more thorough evaluation of the entire colon, particularly the right colon.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Predictors of Nonadherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Hospitalized Women.
Despite proven mortality benefit, disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening utilization persist, especially among younger women, minorities, and low-income women, even those who are insured. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and estimate the effects of sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with nonadherence to CRC screening among hospitalized women. ⋯ Both younger age and behavior toward screening remain barriers to CRC screening. Hospitalization creates an environment where patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, and strategies could be used to capitalize on this opportunity to counsel, educate, and motivate patients toward this screening that is necessary for health maintenance. Seizing on this opportunity may help improve CRC screening adherence.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Exploring the Patient Experience with Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Qualitative, Multistakeholder Study.
Although the literature provides guidance regarding patient-reported outcome (PRO) implementation barriers, patients' perspectives are underreported. This study aimed to improve the understanding of patient experiences with PRO tools through examining perceptions of and attitudes toward PROs and expectations of data use after collection. ⋯ Design and implementation of PRO assessments into patient care should include the patients as key end users. Transparency of the purpose for data collection is critical for broader patient adoption. Ensuring that only necessary and sufficient data are collected for clinical action, and associated research may help minimize burden and maximize patient participation.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Factors Affecting Neurological Presentation and Severity in Pediatric Off-Highway Vehicle Accidents in Texas.
The purpose was to evaluate the characteristics of off-highway vehicle (OHV) crashes correlated with neurological injury and accident severity in the pediatric population in El Paso, Texas. ⋯ OHVs are associated with both TBIs and severe injuries. Stricter laws requiring helmets and forbidding children younger than 6 to ride are required, as modifying these factors could reduce the incidence of OHV crashes and their complications.