Journal of general internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Utilization of Text Messages to Supplement Rounding Communication: a Randomized Feasibility Study.
Fragmented communication with patients and families during hospitalizations often leaves patients confused about the daily plan. ⋯ Our text message-based communication intervention was feasible and acceptable to all involved participants, with preliminary signals of efficacy. The intervention may contribute to improved understanding of medication changes and new consultations, as well as help in making decisions. A large, randomized efficacy trial of this intervention is warranted. Graphical abstract.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Integrating Financial Coaching and Referrals into a Smoking Cessation Program for Low-income Smokers: a Randomized Waitlist Control Trial.
Financial distress is a barrier to cessation among low-income smokers. ⋯ Among low-income smokers recruited from medical centers, the intervention produced higher abstinence rates and reductions in some markers of financial distress than usual care. The intervention was not efficacious with people recruited from the community.
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Medication for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine and methadone, is considered the gold standard treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). As the number of patients receiving buprenorphine has grown, clinicians increasingly care for patients prescribed buprenorphine who present for surgery and require management of perioperative pain. ⋯ We identified high rates of perioperative buprenorphine dose holds. As holding buprenorphine perioperatively does not align with emerging clinical recommendations and carries significant risks, educational campaigns or other provider-targeted interventions may be needed to ensure patients with OUD receive recommended care.
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Women Veterans with amputation are a group with unique needs whose numbers have grown over the last 5 years, accounting for nearly 3% of all Veterans with amputation in 2019. Although identified as a national priority by the Veterans Health Administration, the needs of this population have remained largely underrepresented in amputation research. ⋯ Women Veterans with LEA articulated themes reminiscent of those previously reported by male Veterans with LEA, such as the importance of prostheses and the central role of the provider-patient relationship. However, they also articulated unique needs that could translate into specific strategies to improve prosthetic care, such as integrating formal opportunities for social support and peer interaction for women Veterans with LEA, advocating for administrative changes and research efforts to expand available prosthetic component options, and ensuring that clinical interactions are gender-sensitive and free of bias.
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Depression is most often treated by primary care providers (PCPs), but low self-efficacy in caring for depression may impede adequate management. We aimed to identify which elements of integrated behavioral health (BH) were associated with greater confidence among PCPs in identifying and managing depression. ⋯ PCPs who had access to BH treatment plans, a system for tracking patients with depression, screening protocols, and a sufficient number of psychiatrists were more confident identifying and managing depression. Efforts are needed to address disparities and support PCPs caring for vulnerable patients with depression.