Journal of general internal medicine
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The objective of the study is to understand patient factors contributing to the chronicity of benzodiazepine use by older adults as a first step in the development of acceptable intervention strategies for taper/discontinuation or prevention of chronic use. ⋯ The reluctance of older chronic benzodiazepine users to taper or discontinue use highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention strategies to avoid the development of chronic use. Suggestions for curbing chronic use are presented.
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Complementary degree programs and research training are important alternative tracks in medical school that typically interrupt the traditional MD curriculum. ⋯ Delays of > or = 3 years between the second and third years of medical school are associated with lower grades and scores on clinical knowledge tests. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of research training and develop effective interventions to facilitate reentry into the medical school curriculum.
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The relationship between appointment-keeping behavior, medication adherence (ADH), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) was assessed in 153 hypertensive African Americans followed in a community-based practice. ⋯ Appointment-keeping behavior was not related to ADH or BP among hypertensive African Americans. It should not be used as a proxy for ADH in this patient population.
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To determine what roles patient-provider and patient-staff racial concordance play on patients' perceptions within the health care setting. ⋯ Patients' perceptions of health care relationships may partially depend on racial concordance with providers and staff. The nature of the association between racial concordance and perceived disrespect varies by racial group, indicating that other race-specific factors may also need to be examined.
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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves a population at high risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality. The national public health response to the vaccine shortage of the 2004-2005 season resulted in prioritization of recipients and redistribution of available supply. ⋯ The national influenza vaccine shortage of 2004-2005 primarily affected VHA users aged 50-64, consistent with the tiered prioritization guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Despite the shortage, vaccination prevalence among VHA users > or = 65 remained high.