Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2014
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEffect of stratified care for low back pain in family practice (IMPaCT Back): a prospective population-based sequential comparison.
We aimed to determine the effects of implementing risk-stratified care for low back pain in family practice on physician's clinical behavior, patient outcomes, and costs. ⋯ Stratified care for back pain implemented in family practice leads to significant improvements in patient disability outcomes and a halving in time off work, without increasing health care costs. Wider implementation is recommended.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2014
Staffing patterns of primary care practices in the comprehensive primary care initiative.
Despite growing calls for team-based care, the current staff composition of primary care practices is unknown. We describe staffing patterns for primary care practices in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative. ⋯ At baseline, most CPC initiative practices used traditional staffing models and did not report having dedicated staff who may be integral to new primary care models, such as care coordinators, health educators, behavioral health specialists, and pharmacists. Without such staff and payment for their services, practices are unlikely to deliver comprehensive, coordinated, and accessible care to patients at a sustainable cost.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of raw milk on lactose intolerance: a randomized controlled pilot study.
This pilot study aimed to determine whether raw milk reduces lactose malabsorption and/or lactose intolerance symptoms relative to pasteurized milk. ⋯ Raw milk failed to reduce lactose malabsorption or lactose intolerance symptoms compared with pasteurized milk among adults positive for lactose malabsorption. These results do not support widespread anecdotal claims that raw milk reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialFive-week outcomes from a dosing trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain.
This trial was designed to evaluate the optimal dose of massage for individuals with chronic neck pain. ⋯ After 4 weeks of treatment, we found multiple 60-minute massages per week more effective than fewer or shorter sessions for individuals with chronic neck pain. Clinicians recommending massage and researchers studying this therapy should ensure that patients receive a likely effective dose of treatment.