Behavior changes in patients with diabetes and hypertension after experiencing shared medical appointments.

Purpose: This project examined recently implemented shared medical appointments (SMAs) at a free clinic for patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Changes in patients' self-managing behaviors, specifically exercise and goal-setting activity, were explored after participating in SMAs for 4 months.

Data Sources: The study employed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design.

Analysis: the impact of needle, syringe, and lancet disposal on the community.

There are over 7.5 billion needles and syringes used outside of the health care system each year by individuals with diabetes, migraines, allergies, infertility, arthritis, HIV, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, psoriasis, or other conditions. Disposal of needles, syringes, lancets, and other medical products are not regulated in the home, while these same products used in health care facilities are strictly regulated.

Crossing the quality chasm: creating the ideal patient care experience.

To create a health system that better meets patients' needs requires a fundamental redesign of our care delivery system and a new framework. Without a payment mechanism to reflect the value of care provided other than the face-to-face visit, adoption of advanced medical home principles will be challenging. The hand-off of the patient between providers and settings of care is a critical time for the patient and its effectiveness impacts patient care outcomes.

Dangers of used sharps in household trash: implications for home care.

Between 8 and 9 million Americans are self-injecting medication at home, and the majority of the needles used are being thrown into the household trash. It is up to all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, to help change the way these dangerous needles and other sharps are discarded. Are you giving your patients the correct information?