Annals of family medicine
-
Annals of family medicine · Jan 2021
The COVID-19 Pandemic in Nijmegen, the Netherlands: Changes in Presented Health Problems and Demand for Primary Care.
We studied the changes in presented health problems and demand for primary care since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Netherlands. We analyzed prominent symptom features of COVID-19, and COVID-19 itself as the reason for encounter. ⋯ We observed a dramatic increase of telephone/e-mail/Internet consultations in the months after the outbreak. Contacts for other health problems such as prevention and acute and chronic conditions plummeted substantially (P <0.001); mental health problems stabilized.
-
Annals of family medicine · Jan 2021
Evaluation of opioid disposal process for home hospice patients.
Context: Considering the national opioid epidemic and its impact on thousands of lives, the importance of appropriate management of controlled substances in the home hospice setting is paramount. Family members tend to be the primary caregivers for home hospice patients, and hospice nurses are the front line for providing education on opioid disposal. As such, the importance of effective and consistent education is essential in minimizing the risks of misuse and diversion. ⋯ On death calls/visits, 13 (81.2%) reported consistently providing the appropriate education regarding opioid disposal. Conclusion: Our results suggests that nursing staff do provide the appropriate education regarding the use and administration of opioids, as well as appropriate disposal practices, but do not do so consistently. The project highlighted the importance of continued nursing education regarding safe opioid use, disposal, and awareness of drug diversions.
-
Annals of family medicine · Jan 2021
Pregnancy Medicaid Improvements in a Nonexpansion State After the Affordable Care Act.
One-half of women in the United States use Medicaid during pregnancy. Women living in states that did not expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) are at risk of losing coverage post partum. ⋯ After implementation, enrollment in full Medicaid during pregnancy almost doubled, and enrollment in Medicaid for pregnant women decreased. Full Medicaid offers more comprehensive coverage and does not expire at 60 days post partum, allowing for access to crucial preventive health services including contraception and primary care.
-
Annals of family medicine · Jan 2021
A Tale of 3 Asian Cities: How is Primary Care Responding to COVID-19 in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing.
Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing have some of the highest numbers of international arrivals and densest living spaces globally, yet these cities have reported low numbers of deaths amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Primary care has played different roles in each of the health systems in combatting the pandemic. Both Hong Kong and Singapore have a 2-tiered health system with the majority of primary care provided in the private sector. ⋯ Beijing's unique response has consisted of using online platforms for general practitioners to facilitate monitoring among community residents, as well as public health education and a mobilized pharmacy refill program to reduce risk of transmission. Established challenges, however, include shortages of personal protective equipment and the heavy workload for health care staff. Regardless, all 3 cities have demonstrated enhanced preparedness since experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic, and the responses of their primary care systems therefore may offer learning points for other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Annals of family medicine · Jan 2021
Observational StudyDiagnostic Agreement Between Telemedicine on Social Networks and Teledermatology Centers.
With increasing delays in obtaining a dermatological consultation, general practitioners (GPs) are using social networks for telemedicine to obtain advice on dermatological images. The objective was to analyze diagnostic agreement between telemedicine on social networks (Twitter and MedPics) and standard teledermatology services (TDS). ⋯ Diagnostic agreement using social network images showed that use of this telemedicine tool could be a reliable means to alleviate the difficulties of accessing dermatology consultations although data safety probably needs to be improved.