Use of a shared medical record with secure messaging by older patients with diabetes.

Objective: Evaluate use of a web-based shared medical record (SMR) between older patients with diabetes and providers.

Research Design And Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Health records and SMR use patterns of 6,185 enrollees aged ≥65 years with diabetes were analyzed from implementation of a SMR in August 2003 through December 2007.

How the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) influenced physicians' practice and attitudes.

Background: The landmark Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Trial published in 2002 showed that the health risks of combination hormone therapy (HT) with estrogen and progestin outweighed the benefits in healthy postmenopausal women. Dissemination of results had a major impact on prescriptions for, and physician beliefs about HT. No study has fully examined the influence of the widely publicized WHI on physicians' practice and attitudes or their opinions of the scientific evidence regarding HT; in addition, little is known about how physicians assist women in their decisions regarding HT.

Night sweats, sleep disturbance, and depression associated with diminished libido in late menopausal transition and early postmenopause: baseline data from the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause Trial (HALT).

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of depression, sleep disturbance, and menopausal symptoms with diminished libido.

Study Design: Data from a 2001-2002 baseline survey of 341 peri- and postmenopausal women, aged 45-55 years, participating in a randomized trial, was analyzed. Eligibility included at least 2 hot flashes and/or night sweats per day and no hormone therapy for at least the prior 3 months.

Variability in asthma care and services for low-income populations among practice sites in managed Medicaid systems.

Objective: To characterize and describe variability in processes of asthma care and services tailored for low-income populations in practice sites participating in Medicaid managed care (MMC).

Study Setting: Eighty-five practice sites affiliated with five not-for-profit organizations participating in managed Medicaid (three group-model health maintenance organizations [HMOs] and two Medicaid managed care organizations [MCOs]).

Study Design/data Collection: We conducted a mail survey of managed care practice site informants using a conceptual model that included chronic illness care and services targeting low-income populations.