0
selected
-
1.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Common Questions and Answers.
Galima, SV, Vogel, SR, Kowalski, AW
American family physician. 2020;(11):668-672
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder that is a subtype or qualifier of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is characterized by depressive symptoms that occur at a specific time of year (typically fall or winter) with full remission at other times of year (typically spring or summer). Possible risk factors include family history, female sex, living at a more northern latitude, and young adulthood (18 to 30 years of age). With the temporal nature of the mood episodes, diagnosis requires full remission when the specified season ends and two consecutive years of episodes in the same season. First-line therapy for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy, antidepressants, and cognitive behavior therapy, alone or in combination. Commercial devices are available for administering light therapy or dawn simulation. The light intensity and duration of treatment depend on the device and the patient's initial response, but 2,500 to 10,000 lux for 30 to 60 minutes at the same time every day is typically effective. Lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and exposure to natural light, are also recommended. If seasonal affective disorder recurs, long-term treatment or preventive intervention is typically indicated, and bupropion appears to have the strongest evidence supporting long-term use. Continuing light therapy or other antidepressants is likely beneficial, although evidence is inconclusive. Evidence is also inconclusive for psychotherapy and vitamin D supplementation.
-
2.
[Intensive treatment in family medicine : use of pumps and continuous glucose measurement systems].
Gastaldi, G, Pautex, S, Jelk-Morales, L, Léocadie, F, Sierro, C, Sommer, J
Revue medicale suisse. 2020;(694):1022-1025
Abstract
New technologic devices are presented: insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices as well as morphine pumps to help general practitioners to deal different intensive situations. Insulin pumps and CGM devices are revolutionary for the management of diabetes. However, their use requires strong patient involvement, the opposite of automated diabetes management. Morphine pumps are a great help when patients in end-of-life stage cannot swallow oral morphine anymore. This article summarizes the main principles of use of these technological devices, common problems and situations at risk primary care practice.
-
3.
An FP's guide to AI-enabled clinical decision support.
Halamka, J, Cerrato, P
The Journal of family practice. 2019;(9):486;488;490;492
Abstract
To better understand the capabilities and challenges of artificial intelligence and machine learning, we look at the role they can play in screening for retinopathy and colon cancer.
-
4.
The practical update for family physicians in the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms.
Barkin, J, Habert, J, Wong, A, Lee, LYT
The Canadian journal of urology. 2017;(5S1):1-11
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide family physicians with an up-to-date, practical overview of the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder (OAB) alone or with bladder outlet obstruction. MAIN MESSAGE OAB is urinary urgency with or without incontinence, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia, in the absence of urinary tract infection and can affect both men and women. Men often have co-existing OAB associated with bladder outlet obstruction, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. OAB can interfere with sleep, social activities, and sexual encounters, and it increases the risk of falls. CONCLUSION Many patients with OAB seek initial evaluation and treatment from their family physicians. Optimal management of OAB by family physicians will improve patients' quality of life. More severe cases or 'red flags' uncovered while making the diagnosis, might warrant referral to a urologist.
-
5.
Impact of a Novel Wellness Group Visit Model on Obesity and Behavior Change.
Axten, K, Hawkins, K, Tybor, DJ, Bernoff, J, Altman, W
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM. 2017;(6):715-723
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing weight-related illness in the United States has led to 120,000 preventable deaths annually and soaring medical costs. Treating patients in a group setting may be more effective than traditional care (TC) in achieving behavioral change. We studied a wellness-group (WG) model to determine whether it could generate sustained behavioral change and weight loss in a subset of patients. METHODS 99 patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 from 1 family practice volunteered to participate in a 15-visit WG co-led by a family physician and dietitian. We compared these WG patients with 190 patients who had a BMI >30 kg/m2 and who received TC in the form of an annual physical during the same time period. The patients were mostly white, highly educated, and of middle-to-high-income households. All patients were surveyed on their ability to sustain 12 wellness behaviors 3 months after completing their WG or physical. Patients were not paid to complete the survey. We reviewed medical charts for weight, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and glycohemoglobin before and at least 1 year after the WG or physical. WG patients' weights were recorded at the beginning and end of the WG as was the weight from their most recent office visit. RESULTS WG patients were more likely to report sustaining 12 of 12 wellness behaviors than patients who received TC with an annual physical. At 1 year, WG patients also lost more weight than TC patients (-13.21 pounds for WG vs +1.94 pounds for TC) and achieved greater reduction in their systolic blood pressure (-6.96 mm Hg for WG vs -1.13 mm Hg for TC). Average weight gained after the WG was 6.9 pounds. Among WG patients, 61% lost a clinically relevant amount of weight (>5%). Of the WG patients who lost clinically relevant weight, 71% were able to maintain at least half of their weight loss 3 years later. CONCLUSIONS An observational study of a novel WG model showed that WG patients sustained wellness behaviors and weight loss over time when compared with patients who received TC.
-
6.
Issues in Nutrition: Nutritional Assessment of Adults.
Thompson, ME, Noel, MB
FP essentials. 2017;:11-17
Abstract
The assessment of nutritional status in adults should begin with a complete history, including intake of fruits and vegetables, sources of fat, and added sugar (eg, sugar-sweetened beverages). The history should include social factors that may impede a patient's ability to obtain food, as well as any factors that might interfere with preparing, chewing, and digesting food and absorbing nutrients. The physical examination should include measurement of height and weight and calculation of body mass index. It also may include measurements of waist circumference and waist to hip ratio, and an evaluation of strength. Laboratory evaluation should include measurement of albumin, prealbumin, and other markers of total body protein stores. No biomarker is completely sensitive or specific. With a range of dietary patterns, it is possible for nutritional gaps specific to those patterns to develop. Identification of a single nutrient deficiency typically reflects an overall weakness in the diet. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have the most evidence to support them as healthy diets.
-
7.
Health profiles of overweight and obese youth attending general practice.
Paulis, WD, Palmer, M, Chondros, P, Kauer, S, van Middelkoop, M, Sanci, LA
Archives of disease in childhood. 2017;(5):434-439
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature suggests that overweight and obese young people use healthcare services more often, but this awaits confirmation in primary care. OBJECTIVE To identify health profiles of underweight, overweight and obese young people attending general practice and compare them to normal-weight youth and also to explore the weight-related health risks of eating and exercise behaviour in the four different weight categories. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional design with baseline data from a trial including 683 young people (14-24 years of age) presenting to general practice. Through computer-assisted telephone interviews data were obtained on number and type of health complaints and consultations, emotional distress, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and eating and exercise behaviour. RESULTS General practitioners (GPs) were consulted more often by overweight (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.28, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.57)) and obese youth (IRR: 1.54, 95% CI (1.21 to 1.97), but not for different health problems compared with normal-weight youth. The reason for presentation was seldom a weight issue. Obese youth reported lower physical HRQoL. Obese and underweight youth were less likely to be satisfied with their eating behaviour than their normal-weight peers. Exercise levels were low in the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the need for effective weight management given that overweight and obese youth consult their GP more often. Since young people do not present with weight issues, it becomes important for GPs to find ways to initiate the discussion about weight, healthy eating and exercise with youth. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN16059206.
-
8.
Anticoagulant treatment in German family practices - screening results from a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Ulrich, LR, Mergenthal, K, Petersen, JJ, Roehl, I, Rauck, S, Kemperdick, B, Schulz-Rothe, S, Berghold, A, Siebenhofer, A
BMC family practice. 2014;:170
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral anticoagulation (OAC) with coumarins and new anticoagulants are highly effective in preventing thromboembolic complications. However, some studies indicate that over- and under-treatment with anticoagulants are fairly common. The aim of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of treatment in patients with a long-term indication for OAC, and to describe the corresponding characteristics of such patients on the basis of screening results from the cluster randomized PICANT trial. METHODS Randomly selected family practices in the federal state of Hesse, Germany, were visited by study team members. Eligible patients were screened using an anonymous patient list that was generated by the general practitioners' software according to predefined instructions. A documentation sheet was filled in for all screened patients. Eligible patients were classified into 3 categories (1: patients with a long-term indication for OAC and taking anticoagulants, 2: patients with a long-term indication for OAC but not taking anticoagulants, 3: patients without a long-term indication for OAC but taking an anticoagulant on a permanent basis). IBM SPSS Statistics 20 was used for descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS We screened 2,036 randomly selected, potentially eligible patients from 52 family practices. 275 patients could not be assigned to one of the 3 categories and were therefore not considered for analysis. The final study sample comprised 1,761 screened patients, 1,641 of whom belonged to category 1, 78 to category 2, and 42 to category 3. INR values were available for 1,504 patients of whom 1,013 presented INR values within their therapeutic ranges. The majority of screened patients had very good compliance, as assessed by the general practitioner. New antithrombotic drugs were prescribed in 6.1% of cases. CONCLUSIONS The screening results showed that a high proportion of patients were receiving appropriate anticoagulation therapy. The numbers of patients with a long-term indication for OAC therapy that were not receiving oral anticoagulants, and without a long-term indication that were receiving OAC, were considerably lower than expected. Most patients take coumarins, and the quality of OAC control is reasonably high. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41847489.
-
9.
Effects of a general practice guided web-based weight reduction program--results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
Mehring, M, Haag, M, Linde, K, Wagenpfeil, S, Frensch, F, Blome, J, Schneider, A
BMC family practice. 2013;:76
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary findings suggest that web-based interventions may be effective in achieving significant weight loss and weight loss maintenance. To date only few findings within primary care patients and especially the involvement of general practitioners are available. The aim of this trial was to examine the short-term effectiveness of a web-based coaching program in combination with an accompanied telephone counselling regarding weight reduction in a primary care setting. METHODS The study was a cluster-randomized trial with an observation period of 12 weeks. Individuals recruited by general practitioners randomized to the intervention group participated in a web-based coaching program based on education, motivation, exercise guidance, daily SMS reminding, weekly feedback through internet and active monitoring by general practitioners. Participants in the control group received usual care and advice from their practitioner without the web-based coaching program. The main outcome was weight change between admission and after 12 weeks. RESULTS 186 participants (109 intervention group, 77 control group) were recruited into study. For 76 participants from the intervention group and 72 participants from the control group weight measurements were available both at baseline and 12 weeks. Weight decreased on average by 4.2 kg in the intervention group and 1.7 kg in the control group (mean group difference 2.5 kg; 95%CI 1,1; 3,8; p < 0.001). Reductions for waist circumference and BMI were also significantly larger within intervention. CONCLUSION Findings of the present trial suggest that the tested web-based coaching program for weight loss is effective in short-term. Further RCTs are desirable in order to confirm present findings in larger populations and to investigate long-term outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Register for Clinical Trials: DRKS00003067.
-
10.
Calling time on the 10-minute consultation [letter].
Hartshorn, C
The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 2012;(600):349