Journal of general internal medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Randomized trial of case-finding for depression in elderly primary care patients.
To determine the effect of case-finding for depression on frequency of depression diagnoses, prescriptions for antidepressant medications, prevalence of depression, and health care utilization during 2 years of follow-up in elderly primary care patients. ⋯ We were unable to demonstrate any benefit from case-finding for depression during 2 years of follow-up in elderly primary care patients. Studies are needed to determine whether case-finding combined with more intensive patient education and follow-up will improve outcomes of primary care patients with depression.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Does informed consent alter elderly patients' preferences for colorectal cancer screening? Results of a randomized trial.
To assess the impact of informed consent on elderly patients' colorectal cancer (CRC) screening preferences. ⋯ Elderly patients appeared to understand CRC screening information and use it to gauge the efficacy of screening, but provision of information had no impact on their preferences for screening. In view of the large proportion who preferred not to be screened, we conclude that elderly patients should be involved in the screening decision. However, factors other than provision of information must determine their CRC screening preferences.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Educational content and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination reminders.
To determine if a mailed patient education brochure (addressing demonstrated reasons for vaccination refusal) would result in a higher rate of influenza vaccination than a mailed postcard reminder without educational content. ⋯ A mailed educational brochure is more effective than a simple reminder in increasing influenza vaccination rates among inner-city, elderly patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A multimedia intervention on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advance directives.
To assess the effects of a multimedia educational intervention about advance directives (ADs) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the knowledge, attitude and activity toward ADs and life-sustaining treatments of elderly veterans. ⋯ We developed a convenient means of educating elderly male patients regarding CPR and advance directives that improved short-term knowledge but did not stimulate advance care planning.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Validation of the pneumonia severity index. Importance of study-specific recalibration.
To evaluate the predictive validity and calibration of the pneumonia severity-of-illness index (PSI) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ⋯ We found that the PSI had good discriminatory ability. The original PSI overestimated absolute risk of death in our population. We describe a simple approach to recalibration, which corrected the overestimation in our population. Recalibration may be needed when transporting this prediction rule across populations.