Physician knowledge about and perceptions of obesity management.

Objective: Approximately 35% of US adults are obese. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs), endocrinologists (ENDOs), cardiologists (CARDs) and bariatricians (BARIs) regarding obesity.

Methods: A case vignette survey was distributed to 1625 US-based PCPs, ENDOs, CARDs, and BARIs via email and fax in February 2013.

Current Practice Patterns and Educational Needs of Rheumatologists Who Manage Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction: As the therapeutic landscape for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) continues to change, it is relevant to examine current treatment patterns among rheumatologists. The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes and practices of US rheumatologists with respect to RA.

Methods: Nine-hundred and one US-practicing rheumatologists were sent electronic invites (via email or fax) to participate in a case-vignette survey in April 2013.

The Educational Needs of Clinicians Regarding Anticoagulation Therapy for Prevention of Thromboembolism and Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

The objective is to identify practice patterns and attitudes of and barriers faced by US physicians assessing thromboembolism/stroke risk and managing anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) to determine educational needs. Case-based surveys were used to assess practice patterns, guideline use, barriers, and attitudes; 51 cardiologists and 50 primary care physicians (PCPs) were surveyed. Most cardiologists use validated risk scoring systems to assess thromboembolism/stroke risk, and more than half of PCPs use clinical experience.

Health care provider management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: analysis of trends in attitudes and practices.

Objective: To identify attitudes and practices of endocrinologists (ENDOs), family practitioners (FPs), internists (IMs), primary care nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), certified diabetes educators (CDEs), retail pharmacists (R-PHs), and hospital pharmacists (H-PHs) with respect to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management; to compare current study data with results from a similar 2011 study.

Methods: A nominal group technique focus group identified barriers to optimal management of patients with T2DM. Five case-vignette surveys were created, 1 for each group of health care professionals (HCPs): ENDOs; FPs and IMs; NPs and PAs; CDEs; and R-PHs and H-PHs.

Current pathology practices in and barriers to MDS diagnosis.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem cell malignancies that represent a diagnostic challenge for pathologists. Accurate classification and prognostic scoring are essential to treating MDS. To understand factors that affect MDS management, a case-based survey was distributed to hematopathologists (n=53) and general pathologists (n=72) to identify perceived barriers, attitudes, and practices in MDS diagnosis.

Assessing the effectiveness of a Grand Rounds CME activity for health-care professionals.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation offers Grand Rounds continuing medical education (CME) activities on specific issues related to advances in the management of patients with lymphoma. The 2012 activity comprised interactive case studies presented by local lymphoma experts. A case-based survey was designed to assess whether the management choices of program participants are consistent with the evidence-based content of the CME activity.

Identifying psychiatrists' practice patterns when managing depression in patients with bipolar I disorder: a descriptive study to inform education needs.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe practice patterns of US psychiatrists with regard to the diagnosis and management of depression in adults with bipolar I disorder and to identify relevant gaps in clinical knowledge and competence.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted using nominal group technique via a web interface and teleconference to elicit barriers that psychiatrists face in managing depression in patients with bipolar I disorder. These results framed a case-based survey that was administered to 200 US-based psychiatrists to explore and quantitatively assess their knowledge and practice patterns with respect to the diagnosis and management of depression in patients with bipolar I disorder.

Communication gaps between physicians and patients with postherpetic neuralgia: results from a national study on practice patterns.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in perceptions of care regarding postherpetic neuralgia, including communication patterns between patients and physicians and levels of satisfaction with therapies and care.

Methods: A survey was developed for physicians (neurologists, internists, and family physicians) and patients with postherpetic neuralgia in order to determine their perspectives on its management.

Results: A total of 142 eligible patient respondents were included in the study, and responses were compared with those of 150 primary care physicians and 76 neurologist respondents.

Primary care physician attitudes and practice patterns in the management of obese adults: results from a national survey.

Purpose: Obesity remains a serious public health problem. The purpose of this study was to identify the current attitudes and practices of primary care physicians (PCPs) with respect to obesity.

Methods: A survey was systematically developed and administered electronically to PCPs, who received a small honorarium for their time.

Management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis: a study of the primary care perspective.

Objectives: Examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of primary care clinicians regarding the management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (OA).

Design: Case vignette-based survey.

Methods: A survey was distributed to 251 physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) in the primary care setting.