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Medical Practice
US neurosurgeons embrace defensive medicine
More than three-fourths US neurosurgeons practice some form of defensive medicine – performing additional tests and procedures out of fear of malpractice lawsuits, reports a recent study.
Complaints investigations hurt doctors' health
Regulatory investigations and complaints procedures have a serious impact on doctors" health and affect clinical care in the UK, research suggests. Doctors subject to investigation have high rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Nurses could ease US healthcare worker shortage
In US states where advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) were allowed to practice independently to perform primary care duties, researchers found significant improvement in quality of care and health outcomes.
Elderly in care at risk of dehydration
A British study on 20,000 old and infirm people found them to be at increased risk of dehydration, leading to high sodium levels, an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.
Detailed discharge summary a lifesaver
For heart failure patients transitioning from hospital to home, a discharge summary that gets to their primary doctors quickly and contains detailed and useful information can mean the difference between quick recovery or readmission, according to two studies from Yale University.
Beware Dr Oz and Partners
Programmes such as The Dr Oz Show and The Doctors have attracted massive followings but 'the research supporting any of the recommendation mades is frequently absent, contradictory or of poor quality,' says Christina Korownyk, of the University of Alberta.
Study finds primary care doctor visits after surgery beneficial
People who visit their primary care doctors shortly after high-risk surgeries are less likely to end up back in hospital during the next month....
Seeing the same GP at multiple visits boosts patients’ health
Attendances at emergency departments can be reduced by enabling patients to see the same GP every time they visit their doctor’s surgery. Science Newsline...
Patients benefit from standardised medication instruction sheet
A University of Alabama study shows that patients who receive a simple, multicolour, standardised medication instruction sheet before surgery are more likely to comply...
US warnings on suicide risk may have backfired
US warnings about the risk of suicide in young people prescribed antidepressant medication may have backfired. BBC News reports that a study has shown...
Potential for herbal medications to damage the liver
Many patients try herbal and non-prescription medications when they have an ailment and do not want to pay their doctor a visit. But says...
Innovative tool measures cancer patients’ financial risk’
Cancer spec ialists from the University of Chicago have developed an innovative new tool to measure a cancer patient's risk for and ability to...
Improved clinician-patient relationships bring health benefits
A meta-analysis of studies that investigated measures designed to improve health professionals’ interactions with patients confirms that these can produce health benefits equivalent to...
Transplant surgeons at risk of burnout
Despite saving thousands of lives yearly, nearly half of US organ transplant surgeons report a low sense of personal accomplishment and 40% feel emotionally...
Business hours is optimal time to have a heart attack
People who arrive at the hospital with a heart attack during business hours are more likely to survive than those who show up on...
Walk-in clinics shed the ‘Doc-in-a-Box’ image
Patients in the US are turning to one of the fastest-growing segments of US health care: urgent care, the walk-in clinic. The New York...