Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2022
Healthcare Access in Rural Alabama: Patients' Perspective on Access and Utilization.
Increasing healthcare access is a Healthy People 2030 priority. This study examined healthcare access from the residents' perspective in the two most rural counties in the United States and compared the findings with data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in rural and urban counties in Alabama. ⋯ Healthcare access, as indicated by health insurance coverage and healthcare utilization, among residents in the two most rural US counties is comparable to access among rural and urban Alabamians. Primary care is a highly used resource in rural areas, and further research should characterize other social/behavioral factors that may explain the poor health outcomes seen in rural areas. In addition, BRFSS data continue to offer a reliable picture of healthcare access in rural areas.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2022
Evaluation of the Effect of Biochemistry Parameters on the Clinical Course in COVID-19 Patients Who Received Tocilizumab Treatment.
Patients who develop cytokine storm while they have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience more severe symptoms. This article aims to evaluate the effect of biochemical parameters on the clinical course of the disease in patients treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) due to cytokine storm. ⋯ Following up closely electrolyte disturbances may support patient survival and decrease the probability of ICU necessity. This approach should be taken before the development of important disorders to be effective in the treatment process of the main disease.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2022
Readmissions among People Living with HIV Admitted for Hypertensive Emergency.
People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive emergency (HTNE), a complication of hypertension with potentially serious health implications, has high healthcare utilization. We attempted to determine the association between HIV status and risk for 30-day readmission after index hospitalization for HTNE. ⋯ HIV-positive status is associated with an increased risk for 30-day readmission after index hospitalization for HTNE.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2022
Preparing Residents for Fellowship: A Novel Mock Interview Program.
Although high-stakes interviews are critically important for residents to obtain competitive fellowships, few formalized programs targeting interviewing skills exist. Previous studies demonstrate that mock interviews increase medical students' and healthcare professionals' confidence and improve match rates, but little research has been conducted among medical residents. The objective of our study was to increase trainees' confidence entering fellowship interviews and prepare them for commonly encountered questions via a mock interview program. ⋯ Residents perceived that this high-fidelity mock interview program successfully prepared them at a critical career juncture. This program is feasible, sustainable, adaptable, and scalable, and may be adopted to benefit trainees in any graduate medical education program.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2022
Hepatitis C and HIV Screening, Testing, and Risk Perceptions among South-Central Appalachian County Health Department Staff.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are significant public health concerns, especially given the risks for disease interactions. Rates of HCV and HIV are increasing, especially in rural areas. Local health departments (LHDs) play an important role in rural health care, offering screening, testing, and treatment for HCV and HIV. Gaps persist in LHD resources for meeting these demands, especially in Appalachia and the US South. ⋯ This study highlights the impact of LHD behaviors and perceptions on screening and testing, and offers recommendations to improve HCV/HIV screening and testing accessibility in south-central Appalachia, a high-risk region.