Patient safety superheroes in training: using a comic book to teach patient safety to residents.

Problem: Medical errors are a health burden. Residents must be aware of patient safety threats and have confidence reporting concerns. Creative modalities for teaching such content (eg, simulation) are resource intensive, while lectures do not assimilate clinical practice.

Quality of Diabetes Care Among Recent Immigrants to the USA.

Background: This study investigated the relationship between immigration status and quality of care for patients with diabetes.

Methods: We used the Medical Expenditure Panel (MEPS) dataset between 2002 and 2011 to examine the association between quality of care and immigration status. Quality of care was measured by report of dilated eye exam, foot exam, A1C test, an annual doctor's visit, and having blood pressure checked.

Pathways between food insecurity and glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Food insecurity is reported in approximately 28 % of individuals with diabetes in the USA and is associated with poor glycaemic and lipid control. The present study aimed to understand the direct and indirect pathways through which food insecurity impacts glycaemic control in individuals with diabetes.Design/Setting/SubjectsAdults (n 615) with type 2 diabetes completed validated questionnaires after recruitment from two primary care clinics.

Pathways for the relationship between diabetes distress, depression, fatalism and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism by which depressive symptoms, diabetes distress, and diabetes fatalism together influence diabetes outcomes using structured equation modeling.

Methods: 615 adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited from two primary care clinics in the southeastern United States. Psychosocial factors found to be associated with diabetes outcomes were measured using validated questionnaires.

Influence of Race, Ethnicity and Social Determinants of Health on Diabetes Outcomes.

Background: There is strong evidence that race, ethnicity and social determinants of health significantly influence outcomes for patients with diabetes. A better understanding of the mechanisms of these relationships or associations would improve development of cost-effective, culturally tailored programs for patients with diabetes.

Methods: This article reviews the current state of the literature on the influence of race and ethnicity and social determinants of health on process of care, quality of care and outcomes for diabetes, with particular emphasis on the rural South to give an overview of the state of the literature.

Meaning of Illness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between meaning of illness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: The sample population was recruited from primary care clinics in the southeastern United States. The meaning of illness was assessed by a validated questionnaire with 5 subscales.

Achieving Equity in an Evolving Healthcare System: Opportunities and Challenges.

For decades, disparities in health have been well documented in the United States and regrettably, remain prevalent despite evidence and appeals for their elimination. Compared with the majority, racial and ethnic minorities continue to have poorer health status and health outcomes for most chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer and end-stage renal disease. Many factors, such as affordability, access and diversity in the healthcare system, influence care and outcomes, creating challenges that make the task of eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity daunting and elusive.

Meaning of illness and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Investigations into personal factors influencing quality of life are important for those developing strategies to support patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the influence of meaning of illness on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Veterans from primary care clinics in the southeastern United States completed a questionnaire including questions from the validated 5-scale Meaning of Illness Questionnaire (MIQ).

Meaning of illness and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between meaning of illness, diabetes knowledge, self-care understanding, and behaviors in a group of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires with measures for diabetes knowledge, self-care understanding, diet adherence, and control problems based on the validated Diabetes Care Profile, as well as a 5-factor Meaning of Illness Questionnaire (MIQ) measure. Linear regression investigated the associations between self-care outcomes and the 5 MIQ factors.

Gender differences in composite control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Disparities in outcomes for cardiovascular disease (CVD) exist between men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined gender differences in composite control of cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of adults with T2DM.

Subjects And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 680 people recruited from three primary care settings.

Impact of social determinants of health on outcomes for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review.

Social determinants of health include the social and economic conditions that influence health status. Research into the impact of social determinants on individuals with type 2 diabetes has largely focused on the prevention of or risk of developing diabetes. No review exists summarizing the impact of social determinants of health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.