Primary care
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Adequate treatment of low back pain is essential, but has been challenging for many primary care physicians. Most patients with low back pain can be treated in the primary care environment, provided the physician has enough knowledge of the medications used to treat low back pain. ⋯ For patients with chronic back pain, the goal is continual pain management and prevention of future exacerbations. This article reviews current pharmacological options for the treatment of low back pain, and possible future innovations.
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Pain by definition is subjective. A variety of neural pathways are involved in the generation and propagation of pain. Pain is emotional. ⋯ Many potential pain generators are present in the low back. The most likely source of pain is the intervertebral disc. Treating pain requires a multifactorial approach, because pain is very complex.
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Effective management of depression in the primary care setting requires a systematic, population-based approach, which entails systematic case finding and diagnosis, patient engagement and education, use of evidence-based treatments, including medications and/or psychotherapy, close follow-up to ensure patients are improving, and a commitment to adjust treatments or consult with mental health specialists until depression is significantly improved. Programs in which primary care providers and mental health specialists collaborate effectively using principles of measurement-based stepped care and treatment to target can substantially improve patients' health and functioning while reducing overall health care costs.
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The concept of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has been widely embraced as a foundation for the transformation of health care delivery. Recent evaluations of PCMH pilots validate the initial hypothesis that care provided in the PCMH has the potential to result in better health outcomes at lower cost. However, earning recognition or certification as a PCMH can be a daunting task. This article discusses the process of developing the potential to function as a PCMH, earning formal recognition, and implementing a system of continuous quality improvement to enable the establishment of a mature, sustainable PCMH.
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Adoption of health information technology (HIT) is a key effort in improving care delivery, reducing costs of health care, and improving the quality of health care. Evidence from electronic health record (EHR) use suggests that HIT will play a significant role in transforming primary care practices and chronic disease management. This article shows that EHRs and HIT can be used effectively to manage chronic diseases, that HIT can facilitate communication and reduce efforts related to transitions in care, and that HIT can improve patient safety by increasing the information available to providers and patients, improving disease management and safety.