Annals of family medicine
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The output of family medicine research in developing countries varies vastly from country to country and also within countries. Most research originates from academic departments of family medicine or from collaborative initiatives with researchers in developed countries. ⋯ Solutions require financial resources and international goodwill. Wonca could play a major role in enhancing research in family medicine in the developing world.
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Family medicine has matured as an academic and scientific discipline with its own core concepts, knowledge, skills, and research domains. It has acquired much expertise in studying common illnesses; the integration of medical, psychological, social, and behavioral sciences; patient-centered care; and health services delivery. Many health care challenges in the 21st century will place a great demand on primary care, which can serve its purpose only if it is of high quality and evidence based. ⋯ Family medicine can play a leading role in shifting the paradigm of medical research from the laboratory to the person. The 21st century should be a golden age of family medicine research because the time is right for the discipline, the health care environment is most suitable, and stakeholders are supportive. Family medicine must prepare for it by building up its research track record and capacity.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2004
ReviewWhat can family physicians offer patients with carpal tunnel syndrome other than surgery? A systematic review of nonsurgical management.
We undertook a literature review to produce evidence-based recommendations for nonsurgical family physician management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ⋯ For those who are not able to get surgery or for those who do not want surgery, there are some conservative modalities that can be tried. These modalities include ones for which there is good evidence. It would be reasonable to try some of the techniques with less evidence if the better ones are not successful. Reconsideration of surgery must always be kept in mind to avoid permanent nerve damage.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2004
ReviewWhat can family physicians offer patients with carpal tunnel syndrome other than surgery? A systematic review of nonsurgical management.
We undertook a literature review to produce evidence-based recommendations for nonsurgical family physician management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ⋯ For those who are not able to get surgery or for those who do not want surgery, there are some conservative modalities that can be tried. These modalities include ones for which there is good evidence. It would be reasonable to try some of the techniques with less evidence if the better ones are not successful. Reconsideration of surgery must always be kept in mind to avoid permanent nerve damage.
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Mixed methods or multimethod research holds potential for rigorous, methodologically sound investigations in primary care. The objective of this study was to use criteria from the literature to evaluate 5 mixed methods studies in primary care and to advance 3 models useful for designing such investigations. ⋯ We recommend instrument-building, triangulation, and data transformation models for mixed methods designs as useful frameworks to add rigor to investigations in primary care. We also discuss the limitations of our study and the need for future research.