Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among family practice outpatients.

Background: Because the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is extremely heterogeneous in its impact on various subpopulations, it is important to carry out HIV seroprevalence studies in different subpopulations using standardized techniques. The present study is the first to report seroprevalence rates of HIV in family medicine outpatient populations.

Methods: To estimate the prevalence and demographic distribution of HIV, 3874 sera samples were collected anonymously at six family medicine clinics in San Bernardino County during a 1-year period.

Patient and provider satisfaction with medical care.

Background: This study compares patient and provider satisfaction with medical care and waiting time in a large family medicine residency program. Few published studies have dealt with both patient and provider perceptions.

Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted with 156 adult, English-speaking patients who were randomly selected from daily appointment schedules.

AIDS in California family medicine. Changing experiences, knowledge, and geographic distribution.

Information regarding practice patterns specific to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was obtained in 1988 from 1774 family physicians in California using a mail survey. Data were analyzed across the following county groupings: Los Angeles County, other counties in standard metropolitan statistical areas, and counties outside standard metropolitan statistical areas. Comparisons were made with the data from a telephone survey conducted in 1986.

Perinatal outcomes in obstetric and family medicine services in a county hospital.

The relations between perinatal outcomes and physician specialty were examined in a retrospective study. Data pertaining to demographics, labor and delivery events, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were examined for 125 family medicine and 125 obstetric patients. Bivariate analyses showed no differences between the groups for demographics.

A contractual model for accountability and financial stability in a community-based family practice residency.

A contractual model is described that defines the relationship between the hospital and the Department of Family Practice. The model provides institutions supporting graduate training in family practice with a method that is accountable and cost effective. Application of this model at a community hospital over a five-year period is presented.

Second-generation video sigmoidoscopy.

A newly developed 60-cm video sigmoidoscope has no image bundle or eyepiece. During scope manipulation, the instrument provides a real-time color endoscopic image on a video monitor as well as a permanent videotape record of the procedure. In a series of examinations performed by residents in family medicine, no complications occurred and patient acceptance was good.

A structured experiential curriculum in community medicine.

In order to provide experimental training in community medicine, a structured curriculum has been developed. Specific methodological skills in community medicine are identified and nine content areas are presented in seminar form during the three-year training program. Each resident is expected to participate in a community health care project and demonstrate one or more of the methodological skills identified.

Chronic pain: a review for the family physician.

The challenge of effective management of chronic pain frequently confronts the family physician. Successful management relies on the physician's skill in integrating fundamental concepts in the pathophysiology, psychodynamics, and diagnostic and therapeutic modalities associated with chronic pain syndromes. The use of time-contingent rather than pain-contingent therapy in the prevention of the chronic pain state is advocated.

A university/community hospital family practice residency program.

A residency program associated with a major university has many obvious advantages. On the other hand, a residency program located in an area of health manpower shortage is a major advantage to that community. This paper describes the development of a university affiliated family practice residency in the Mojave Desert of Southern California.

A competency-based curriculum in business practice management.

Business management skills are an essential part of an efficient medical practice, but they are largely neglected or ignored in residency training programs. In order to realistically prepare physicians for their future community practices, the Family Practice Residency Training Program at the University of California, Los Angeles, includes a business practice management curriculum based on 12 behavioral objectives. Through observation, seminars, consultation, and practice design, the resident becomes competent in the skills and behaviors necessary for effective management.

The CR Alpha Diagnostic Coding System for ambulatory care.

A three-digit code system for patient encounters in ambulatory care was constructed to meet the criteria of integrity, retrievability, flexibility, and acceptability. The system is distinguished from other comparable codes by the use of an alphabetical letter as a category designator, the provision of "open" areas within each category for the addition of new rubrics in appropriate sequence, and the availability of "open" categories for use in research or expansion. The system has the capacity to expand from 22 primary categories to 97 subheadings and to a maximum of 3,200 rubrics.