Annals of internal medicine
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Pain is a debilitating symptom generally caused by injuries or various conditions. It can be acute, subacute, or chronic and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The goal of managing pain is to relieve or reduce suffering and improve patient functioning. ⋯ This paper aims to present a review of current performance measures for pain to inform physicians, payers, and policymakers in their selection and use of performance measures. The PMC reviewed 6 performance measures for pain relevant to internal medicine physicians, of which 3 were considered valid at their intended levels of attribution ("Use of Imaging for Low Back Pain," "Use of Opioids at High Dosage in Persons Without Cancer," and "Use of Opioids From Multiple Providers in Persons Without Cancer"). This paper also proposes a performance measure concept to address a quality-of-care gap based on the current clinical guideline from ACP and the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Management of Acute Pain From Non-low Back, Musculoskeletal Injuries in Adults."
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Dementia, or major neurocognitive disorder, is defined as a decline in 1 or more cognitive domains that causes impairment in everyday function. Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia in the United States, with an estimated 6.9 million adults who have Alzheimer disease and are 65 years or older. This article discusses the latest findings in preventing cognitive decline. It also discusses dementia screening, diagnosis, treatment, and the quality of life for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
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Meta Analysis
In HF, T2D, CKD, or atherosclerotic CVD, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce HF hospitalizations and CV mortality.
Usman MS, Bhatt DL, Hameed I, et al. Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on heart failure outcomes and cardiovascular death across the cardiometabolic disease spectrum: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024;12:447-461. 38768620.
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There are considerable challenges when using difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis of ecological data to estimate the effectiveness of public health interventions in rapidly changing situations. ⋯ None.
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Nearly all medical devices reviewed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are authorized via the 510(k) clearance process. ⋯ Advocates of the 510(k) clearance process tout its support for device innovation and rapid market access, and critics of the 510(k) clearance process express that it may inadequately protect patient safety. In September 2023, the FDA issued 3 guidance documents that, if finalized, would significantly change medical device regulation. This article provides clinical and regulatory context for the proposed guidance documents, which focus on predicate selection, clinical testing requirements, and implantable devices, and identifies opportunities for further reforms that promote transparency and patient safety.