Demographic, clinical, and functional determinants of antithrombotic treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Background: This study assessed the sociodemographic, functional, and clinical determinants of antithrombotic treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) attended in the internal medicine setting.

Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in NVAF patients who attended internal medicine departments for either a routine visit (outpatients) or hospitalization (inpatients).

Results: A total of 961 patients were evaluated.

Clinical profile of patients treated with evolocumab in lipid/internal medicine units of Spain. Observational study (RETOSS-IMU).

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, the reasons for initiating therapy, and the effects of treatment in the initial phase of evolocumab availability in lipid/internal medicine units in Spain.

Methods: Retrospective, observational study, based on the medical records of consecutive patients initiating treatment with evolocumab (from February 2016 to July 2017) in 20 internal medicine units in Spain. A review was made of the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the lipid lowering treatment, and the evolution of the lipid profiles between 12weeks pre-initiation and 12±4weeks post-initiation of evolocumab.

A Family Systems Curriculum: Back to the Future?

Background And Objectives: Although both residents and teaching faculty endorse its value, a recent review of family medicine residency programs confirms minimal formal family systems theory training. We consider the historical context of family systems training in family medicine and other competing priorities in practice and residency curricula.

Methods: We developed a longitudinal family systems curriculum, delivered in the third year of a 4-year residency program, and evaluated 2 years of the program using scales to assess self-reported confidence, knowledge and skills.

A review of video review: new processes for the 21st century.

Reviewing with resident physicians their preciously recorded video of patient encounters is an effective method for teaching not only communications and interpersonal skills but also such subjects as agenda negotiation, visit efficiency, shared decision making, and overall medical care. Video allows for effective coaching while minimizing observer effect. Many residency programs use video review processes for evaluation and coaching, yet there is paucity of literature on the subject, and no consensus on best processes or equipment.