Physician Perspectives on Long-Term Relationships and Friendships with Patients: A National Assessment.

Objectives: Shifts in the healthcare environment have introduced challenges to the long-term continuity of the doctor-patient relationship. This study examines whether certain demographic or religious characteristics of physicians are associated with maintaining long-term relationships (LTRs) and/or friendships with their patients and describes physicians' opinions regarding the influence of such patient relationships on health outcomes.

Methods: In 2011, survey responses were obtained from 1289 US physicians from various specialties.

Characterizing Readmissions After Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Readmissions are an important quality metric for surgery. Here, we compare characteristics of readmissions across laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and adjustable gastric band (LAGB).

Methods: Demographic, intraoperative, anthropometric, and laboratory data were prospectively obtained for 1775 patients at a single academic institution.

The Influence of Resected Gastric Weight upon Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Bariatric surgery is an effective and enduring treatment for obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has emerged as an increasingly prevalent surgical intervention. Further investigation is required to determine optimal standardization of SG.

Understanding the roles of faith-based health-care providers in Africa: review of the evidence with a focus on magnitude, reach, cost, and satisfaction.

At a time when many countries might not achieve the health targets of the Millennium Development Goals and the post-2015 agenda for sustainable development is being negotiated, the contribution of faith-based health-care providers is potentially crucial. For better partnership to be achieved and for health systems to be strengthened by the alignment of faith-based health-providers with national systems and priorities, improved information is needed at all levels. Comparisons of basic factors (such as magnitude, reach to poor people, cost to patients, modes of financing, and satisfaction of patients with the services received) within faith-based health-providers and national systems show some differences.