Physician-pharmacist comanagement of hypertension: a randomized, comparative trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of an evidence-based, systematic approach to hypertension care involving comanagement of patients by primary care physicians and clinical pharmacists versus usual care in reducing blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods: Patients in a staff model medical group with uncontrolled hypertension were randomized to either a usual care (UC) or a physician-pharmacist comanagement (PPCM) group. All physicians in the study received both group and individual education and participated in the development of an evidence-based hypertension treatment algorithm.

Perceptions of physicians and pediatric patients about atopic dermatitis, its impact, and its treatment.

The National Eczema Association for Science and Education surveyed 429 patients with atopic dermatitis or their parents and 303 physicians about atopic dermatitis, its effect on quality of life (QOL), and the adequacy of available treatments. The physician survey focused on disease severity and management; the patient survey, on disease severity, impact on QOL, and treatment preferences. Physician and patient/parent respondents generally agreed about their assessments of disease severity, poor effectiveness of over-the-counter products, and the need for more patient support groups and toll-free phone information.

Patient and physician perspectives vary on atopic dermatitis.

We compared the written responses of physicians (n=303) and patients (n=961) from a nationwide US survey concerning atopic dermatitis (AD). Physicians, primarily dermatologists, responded to 32 questions, and patients responded to 44 questions about AD and its management. Most physicians and patients were in agreement regarding disease severity, the relative lack of effectiveness of over-the-counter products, concerns about drug adverse effects, and the need for more patient support groups.