House staff-led interdisciplinary morbidity and mortality conference promotes systematic improvement.

Background: Improvements in patient safety are critical to improving clinical outcomes. We present a resident-led interdisciplinary morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference utilizing postconference task forces to identify unique system issues, classify key contributors to interdisciplinary complications, and implement systems solutions. The conference also served to facilitate resident involvement in quality improvement projects.

Successful long-term weight loss among participants with diabetes receiving an intervention promoting an adapted Mediterranean-style dietary pattern: the Heart Healthy Lenoir Project.

Objective: To examine weight change by diabetes status among participants receiving a Mediterranean-style diet, physical activity, and weight loss intervention adapted for delivery in the southeastern USA, where rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are disproportionately high.

Research Design And Methods: The intervention included: Phase I (months 1-6), an individually tailored intervention promoting a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and increased walking; Phase II (months 7-12), option of a 16-week weight loss intervention for those with BMI≥25 kg/m offered as 16 weekly group sessions or 5 group sessions and 10 phone calls, or a lifestyle maintenance intervention; and Phase III (months 13-24), weight loss maintenance intervention for those losing ≥8 pounds with all others receiving a lifestyle maintenance intervention. Weight change was assessed at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up.