Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialComparative Effectiveness RCT of Two Weight Loss Strategies in Primary Care Patients: MyPlate.gov vs Calorie Counting.
Context: Since 2011, the U. S. government has supported two approaches to achieve healthier body fat composition: the Diabetes Prevention Program calorie counting (CC) approach, and adherence to federal nutrition guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov (MyPlate). Objective: Compare the effect of the CC versus MyPlate approach on satiety/satiation and on achieving healthier body fat composition in the primary care setting. ⋯ Conclusions: A MyPlate-based intervention may be a practical alternative to the more traditional CC approach to promoting satiety and facilitating reduction in central adiposity among low-income mostly Latina overweight primary care patients. Our results align with recommendations favoring a diet rich in diverse, fiber-rich foods. More research is warranted to investigate satiety-enhancing approaches to desirable weight control in diverse populations and the use of community health workers as change agents.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialEvaluating the Feasibility of Enhanced Care Planning and Clinical-Community Linkages for Primary Care Teams to Better Address.
Context: Patients with MCC have a range of needs that extend beyond traditional medical care including behavioral, mental health, and social needs. While primary care does its best to address these needs, few practices can undertake a systematic approach without broader health system and coordinated community support. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare a package of four tools (an online health risk assessment called My Own Health Report (MOHR), patient navigator, community health worker, and linkage to community programs) versus usual care to better address these root causes of poor health. ⋯ Conclusions: Helping patients create care plans and connecting them with a patient navigator for the short-term may have long-term benefits for patients and care teams. Yet, this model of team-based care is not currently feasible for many practices. Primary care will benefit from increased health system and community support to make this model more viable to better support the complex needs of patients with MCCs.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2023
Patients' Experiences With Therapeutic Approaches for Post-COVID Syndrome: Results of a Crowdsourced Research Survey.
Some patients develop multiple protracted sequelae after infection with SARS-CoV-2, collectively known as post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. To date, there is no evidence showing benefit of specific therapies for this condition, and patients likely resort to self-initiated therapies. ⋯ Responses of 499 participants suggested few approaches (eg, mind-body medicine, respiratory therapy) had positive effects and showed a great need for patient-centered communication (eg, more recognition of this syndrome). Our findings can help design clinical studies and underscore the importance of the holistic approach to care provided by family medicine.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2023
Building a Data Bridge: Policies, Structures, and Governance Integrating Primary Care Into the Public Health Response to COVID-19.
The effective integration of primary care into public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through data sharing, has received some attention in the literature. However, the specific policies and structures that facilitate this integration are understudied. This paper describes the experiences of clinicians and administrators in Alberta, Canada as they built a data bridge between primary care and public health to improve the province's community-based response to the pandemic. ⋯ Primary care systems looking to draw lessons from the data bridge's construction may consider ways to: leverage care model commitments to integration and adjust or create organization and governance structures which actively draw together primary care and non-primary care stakeholders to work on common projects. Such policies and structures develop trusting relationships, open the possibility for champions to emerge, and create the spaces in which integrative improvisation can take place.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2023
Primary Care Patients' and Staff's Perceptions of Self-Rooming as Alternative to Waiting Rooms.
Most patients are escorted to exam rooms (escorted rooming) although patients directing themselves to their exam room (self-rooming) saves patient and staff time while increasing patient satisfaction. This study assesses patient and staff perceptions after pragmatic implementation of self-rooming. ⋯ Self-rooming is a patient-centered innovation that is also acceptable to staff. We demonstrated that pragmatic implementation is feasible across primary care without expensive technology or specially designed buildings.