Self-administered gerocognitive examination (SAGE) aids early detection of cognitive impairment at primary care provider visits.

Introduction: Current estimates indicate that up to 50-75% of dementia cases are undiagnosed at an early stage when treatments are most effective. Conducting robust accurate cognitive assessments can be time-consuming for providers and difficult to incorporate into a time-limited Primary Care Provider (PCP) visit. We wanted to compare PCP visits with and without using the self-administered SAGE to determine differences in identification rates of new cognitive disorders.

Comparison of outcomes for routine versus American Heart Association-recommended technique for blood pressure measurement (CORRECT BP): a randomised cohort study.

Background: Optimal clinical care, diagnosis and treatment requires accurate blood pressure (BP) values. The primary objective was to compare BP readings taken while adhering to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines to those typical of routine clinical care. Specifically studied: the combined effect of feet flat on the floor, back supported, and arm supported with cuff at heart level, while adhering to other guideline recommendations.

Differences in Adherence to American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, Diet Quality, and Weight Loss Strategies Between Those With and Without Recent Clinically Significant Weight Loss in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults.

Background The American Heart Association defines ideal cardiovascular health based on 8 risk factors (Life's Essential 8 [LE8]); a high LE8 score (range 0-100) reflects greater adherence to their recommendations. Weight status influences cardiovascular health, yet individuals may use detrimental diet and weight loss strategies to improve weight status. We assessed differences in LE8 adherence, diet quality, and weight loss strategies between those with and without a recent history of clinically significant weight loss (CSWL).

Nutrition Counseling for Hypertension Within a Grocery Store: An Example of the Patient-Centered Medical Neighborhood Model.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition counseling for patients with hypertension, provided in a grocery store setting.

Design: Single-arm pretest-posttest design implementing a 12-week dietary intervention.

Setting: Grocery store.

Palpitations: Evaluation in the Primary Care Setting.

Palpitations are a common problem in the ambulatory primary care setting, and cardiac causes are the most concerning etiology. Psychiatric illness, adverse effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and substance use should also be considered. Distinguishing cardiac from noncardiac causes is important because of the risk of sudden death in those with an underlying cardiac etiology.

Voices that may not otherwise be heard: a qualitative exploration into the perspectives of primary care patients living with chronic pain.

Background: Although psychometrically sound pain assessment tools are available, there is a paucity of research that comprehensively defines chronic pain from the perspective of patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of a combination of qualitative methods (Photovoice, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups) in examining the daily experiences of primary care patients living with chronic pain.

Methods: A sample of English-speaking primary care patients aged 30 years or older, who had been prescribed an opioid for long-term, noncancer pain management, participated in the study.

Development and validation of the Patient Opioid Education Measure.

Background: Although there are screening tools to aid clinicians in assessing the risk of opioid misuse, an instrument to assess opioid-related knowledge is not currently available. The purpose of this study was to develop a content-valid, understandable, readable, and reliable Patient Opioid Education Measure (POEM).

Methods: Using concept mapping, clinicians caring for patients with chronic pain participated in brainstorming, sorting, and rating need-to-know information for patients prescribed opioids.

Patient opinion regarding patient-centered medical home fundamentals.

Objectives: Although conceptually there is agreement on how the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) should be organized, there is little information regarding which PCMH components are the most important to patients.

Methods: An anonymous, voluntary survey was administered to patients at three US academic medical centers. Questions sought opinions regarding the National Committee for Quality Assurance's key components and essential elements of the PCMH.

Outpatient approach to palpitations.

Palpitations are a common problem seen in family medicine; most are of cardiac origin, although an underlying psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, is also common. Even if a psychiatric comorbidity does exist, it should not be assumed that palpitations are of a noncardiac etiology. Discerning cardiac from noncardiac causes is important given the potential risk of sudden death in those with an underlying cardiac etiology.

Cardiomyopathy: an overview.

Cardiomyopathy is an anatomic and pathologic diagnosis associated with muscle or electrical dysfunction of the heart. Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of diseases that often lead to progressive heart failure with significant morbidity and mortality. Cardiomyopathies may be primary (i.

Management strategies for stage-D patients with acute heart failure.

Heart Failure (HF) accounted for 3.4 million ambulatory visits in 2000. Current guidelines from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation recommend aggressive pharmacologic interventions for patients with HF.

Renal laceration in a high school football player.

Renal laceration, though uncommon, is a danger for any active person, particularly in collision or contact sports. A traumatic blow to the abdomen or flank can cause kidney damage, and, if left untreated, renal injury may lead to hypertension. Hematuria is often the most obvious sign that alerts clinicians to a renal laceration.

Evaluation and treatment of heat-related illnesses.

The body's ability to regulate core temperature depends on both host (internal) and environmental (external) factors. Although athletes are commonly thought to be most at risk for heat illnesses, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Heat cramps, which are caused by fluid and electrolyte imbalances, are treated with massage, and fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Lower extremity injuries in runners.

Preview Recreational and competitive runners alike are vulnerable to lower extremity injuries, depending on such factors as how much ground they cover weekly. Knowing how to recognize and treat common running injuries is important to prevent further injury and severe long-term complications. Dr Wexler discusses the primary causes and mechanisms involved in such injuries and the appropriate methods for achieving optimal rehabilitation.