Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Oct 2024
Multicenter StudySkin Biopsies and Diagnostic Outcomes at a Multisite Family Medicine Residency Network.
Physicians other than dermatologists evaluate nearly 60% of all skin diseases, and 22% of these physicians are family physicians. Dermatology education is therefore an important aspect of Family Medicine training. Dermatologic procedural training in Family Medicine residency is not standardized, however, so family physicians graduate with highly variable skills. This study describes the scope and diagnostic outcomes of skin biopsies performed by residents at a multisite Family Medicine residency network in comparison with those performed by attendings at a Family Medicine faculty community practice. ⋯ Family Medicine residents at this residency network receive training in a variety of skin biopsy types. Distinct skin biopsy practices and outcomes between residents and attendings may reflect differences in patient populations, clinical expertise, and dermatology referral patterns.
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In response to worldwide shortages of N95 masks during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 pandemic, various strategies have been used. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several strategies, including simple isolation to reprocessing methods using vaporized hydrogen peroxide to guide reuse of masks up to five times. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) quantitative fit testing was performed after five trials of donning and doffing in one cohort of new masks and two cohorts of repeatedly sterilized "duckbill"-type N95 masks. ⋯ These data show the variability of NIOSH fit testing results of both new and sterilized masks. The mask recycling program of our partner health systems thus discarded these types of masks due to the variable failure rate. Health systems should consider individual evaluation to inform their overall policies on mask reuse and recycling.
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Southern medical journal · Oct 2024
A Qualitative Study of Transportation-Related Barriers to HIV Care in South Carolina.
Addressing structural barriers to care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the southern United States is critical to increase rates of viral suppression and to reduce existing HIV disparities. This qualitative study aimed to describe transportation-related barriers experienced by people living with HIV in South Carolina, understand perceived effects of transportation vulnerability on HIV care, and explore strategies used by individuals to overcome transportation-related challenges. ⋯ This study offers insight for the development of transportation interventions to improve equitable access to HIV care for people living with HIV in South Carolina. It also calls attention to the ways in which transportation vulnerability, HIV-related stigma, and disability status intersect to create unique challenges for some people living with HIV.
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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Disparities in treatment and access to care can result in poor disease control and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine whether race and ethnicity affect treatment and healthcare utilization for pediatric atopic dermatitis in central Florida. ⋯ This study indicates that racial and ethnic disparities exist in healthcare utilization in pediatric AD. The underlying factors contributing to these disparities need to be further studied and addressed to reach health equity within pediatric AD.
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Coins occasionally cause health problems. These problems have a wide range of presentations and can affect multiple organ systems. This article updates a 2009 review of the medical literature addressing health problems caused by coins in several ways. ⋯ Metal toxicity from coins remains rarely reported. The evidence that systemic allergic reactions can result from ingested coins is strengthened by new case reports. Maintaining the perspective that coin ingestion can cause obscure symptoms may lead to both a diagnosis of the cause of such symptoms and the description of clinical findings not yet reported.