Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2013
ReviewChallenging and complex decisions in the management of the BRCA mutation carrier.
Women afflicted by the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome face complex decisions regarding medical interventions aimed at reducing their risk of ovarian and breast cancer, interventions which in turn may interfere with their fertility and cause early menopause. This review addresses selected topics of importance and controversy in the management of the BRCA mutation carrier, such as psychological well-being and quality of life, breast and ovarian cancer screening, risk-reducing interventions for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, the issue of hysterectomy at the time of the risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, health consequences of early surgical menopause, and safety of hormonal therapy after oophorectomy. The information presented is based on an extensive review of the literature on the selected topics and on the expertise of our multidisciplinary team.
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2013
Counseling about medication-induced birth defects with clinical decision support in primary care.
We evaluated how computerized clinical decision support (CDS) affects the counseling women receive when primary care physicians (PCPs) prescribe potential teratogens and how this counseling affects women's behavior. ⋯ Physician counseling can reduce risk of medication-induced birth defects. However, efforts are needed to ensure that PCPs consistently inform women of teratogenic risks and provide access to highly effective contraception.
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2013
The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey.
Uterine fibroids have a disproportionate impact on African-American women. There are, however, no data to compare racial differences in symptoms, quality of life, effect on employment, and information-seeking behavior for this disease. ⋯ African-American women have more severe symptoms, unique concerns, and different information-seeking behavior for fibroids.
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2013
A clinician performance initiative to improve quality of care for patients with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a widespread but largely preventable disease. Improved adherence to screening and treatment recommendations is needed to reduce fracture and mortality rates. Additionally, clinicians face increasing demands to demonstrate proficient quality patient care aligning with evidence-based standards. ⋯ Gains in patient screening, treatment, and adherence were associated with an initiative promoting self-evaluation and goal setting. Clinicians must assess their performance to improve patient care and maintain certification. PI CME is a valid, useful educational tool for accomplishing these standards.