Appointment reminder systems and patient preferences: Patient technology usage and familiarity with other service providers as predictive variables.

This study had two aims: to measure patient preferences for medical appointment reminder systems and to assess the predictive value of patient usage and familiarity with other service providers contacting them on responsiveness to appointment reminder systems. We used a cross-sectional design wherein patients' at an urban, primary-care clinic ranked various reminder systems and indicated their usage of technology and familiarity with other service providers contacting them over text messages and e-mails. We assessed the impact of patient usage of text messages and e-mails and patient familiarity with other service providers contacting them over text messages and e-mails on effectiveness of and responsiveness to appointment reminder systems.

Does continuity of care have an effect on diabetes quality measures in a teaching practice in an urban underserved community?

Teaching clinics are an important source of care for urban, minority, underserved communities and face great challenges to improve quality of care for diabetics. This study examined the impact of continuity with the same primary care provider on health care process and outcome measures for patients with diabetes treated at an urban, family medicine resident teaching practice. The Modified Modified Continuity of Care Index was used to measure care continuity.

Managing eczema in children--a treatment update.

What's the best way to manage pediatric atopic dermatitis? Do alternative remedies work? This evidence-based review--and easy-to-use treatment formula--answers these questions.