Implementation of a Physical Activity Vital Sign in Primary Care: Associations Between Physical Activity, Demographic Characteristics, and Chronic Disease Burden.

Introduction: Physical activity is important to prevent and manage multiple chronic medical conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of a physical activity vital sign (PAVS) in a primary care setting and examine the association between physical activity with demographic characteristics and chronic disease burden.

Methods: We extracted data from the electronic medical records of patients who had visits from July 2018 through January 2020 in a primary care clinic in which PAVS was implemented as part of the intake process.

Physical Activity in Adults With an Amputation as Assessed With a Self-Reported Exercise Vital Sign.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is important for the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic medical conditions. Individuals with a limb amputation face unique challenges for staying physically active. There are few studies evaluating PA of civilians with amputation in the United States.

Reducing 30-day readmission rates in a high-risk population using a lay-health worker model in Appalachia Kentucky.

This exploratory study aimed to address the effectiveness of a lay-health worker (LHW) model in addressing social needs and readmissions of high-risk patients admitted in a rural community hospital. A quasi-experimental study design assessed implementation of a LHW model for assisting high-risk patients with their post-discharge social needs. Outcome measures included 30-day hospital readmissions rates during a 4-month baseline period compared with a 6-month post-implementation period.

Preceptor teaching tips in longitudinal clerkships.

Background: In longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs), the continuous preceptor and student relationship over time creates opportunities for more in-depth teaching approaches than shorter preceptorships allow. We identify student perceptions of the most effective teaching practices and develop tips for LIC preceptors.

Methods: The first four third-year medical student classes completing the Asheville LIC of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNC SOM) formed the subject group.

Interprofessional care for patients with osteoporosis in a continuing care retirement community.

Objectives: To assess the quality of care provided to patients with osteoporosis in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) after implementation of an interprofessional osteoporosis clinic (OPC). Specifically, quality measures were evaluated, including dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and prescription treatment of osteoporosis and low bone mass in an ambulatory independent living community.

Setting: Large family medicine teaching practice that provides primary care for residents in one main practice, 5 rural satellite practices, and 2 CCRCs.

Assessing pharmacist-led annual wellness visits: Interventions made and patient and physician satisfaction.

Objectives: To quantify the nature and frequency of interventions made by pharmacists during a Medicare annual wellness visit (AWV), to determine the association between the number of medications taken and the interventions made, and to assess patient and physician satisfaction with pharmacist-led AWVs.

Setting: Large, teaching, multidisciplinary family medicine practice in North Carolina.

Practice Description: Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) is a large academic practice that serves rural, western North Carolina.

Financial implications of pharmacist-led Medicare annual wellness visits.

Objective: To determine if pharmacist-led Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) are a feasible mechanism to financially support a pharmacist position in physicians' offices.

Setting: Large, teaching, ambulatory clinic in North Carolina.

Practice Description: The Mountain Area Health Education Family Health Center is a family medicine practice that houses a large medical residency program.

Integration of pharmacists into a patient-centered medical home.

Objectives: To define the joint principles of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and describe the integration of pharmacists into a PCMH.

Setting: Family medicine residency training program in North Carolina from 2001 to 2011.

Practice Description: Mountain Area Health Education Family Health Center is a family medicine residency training program that is part of the North Carolina Area Health Education Center system.

Preventing Growth of Potentially Toxic Molds Using Antifungal Agents .

Mold inhibitors such as sorbates, propionates and benzoates have been used commercially for some time. Recently these and other potential inhibitors have been studied from the standpoint of their effects on growth of potentially toxic molds and mycotoxin production. In addition, other substances such as the antifungal antibiotic natamycin (pimaricin) and plant-derived products such as components of the essential oils of certain herbs and spices have recently been studied for their antifungal properties and effects on mycotoxin production.