Social media, surgeons, and the Internet: an era or an error?

According to the National Research Corporation, 1 in 5 Americans use social media sites to obtain healthcare information. Patients can easily access information on medical conditions and medical professionals; however physicians may not be aware of the nature and impact of this information. All physicians must learn to use the Internet to their advantage and be acutely aware of the disadvantages.

Venous thromboembolic events in hospitalized trauma patients.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in injured patients. Absolute risk factors for VTE development are poorly defined. This study aimed to elucidate and evaluate risk factors in a large, population-based trauma registry.

Effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis.

Background: The current study sought to determine effective methods for disclosing breast cancer diagnosis and to identify epidemiologic patterns in patient preference for method of information disclosure.

Methods: Surveys were sent to 691 breast cancer patients over 10 years. Questions evaluated the best methods for telling a woman of her diagnosis.

Venous thromboembolic events in pediatric trauma patients: is prophylaxis necessary?

Background: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, are major morbidities in adult trauma patients. Invasive and noninvasive prophylactic therapies are used to prevent VTE in trauma patients. The risk of VTE in pediatric patients is not well known.