Patient preferences and physician practices for laboratory test results notification.

Introduction: This study assessed patient preferences and physician practices for laboratory test results notification in ambulatory care.

Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older (n=728) who were scheduled to see their primary care physician at 5 clinics were offered the opportunity to participate in an anonymous survey during their clinic visit. Their primary care physicians were also invited to participate in a separate online survey.

End-of-Life Review.

Context: The term "End-of-Life Review" is often used by hospice workers in the context of spiritual apparitions or visitations prior to a patient's death. A review of the literature reveals no clear definition or categorization of this expression.

Objective: The aim of this study is to define the term "End-of-Life Review".

Medications for COPD: a review of effectiveness.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common problem among patients presenting to primary care. This condition has multiple individual and combined treatment regimens. The goals of treatment are to improve quality of life, exercise tolerance, sleep quality, and survival; and to reduce dyspnea, nocturnal symptoms, exacerbations, use of rescue medications, and hospitalizations.