Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C M Valente.
By identifying and counseling substance abusers within their own practices, primary care physicians can play a major role in reducing levels of substance abuse. How proficient area physicians are in identifying substance abuse is examined by comparing physician estimates of substance abuse in their patient populations with local and national statistics.
A profile of referrals can help to define the characteristics of a physician's practice. Self-reported referral patterns in the practices of Family/General Practitioners (FP/GP), Internists (IM), and Obstetricians/Gynecologists (OB/GYN) in Maryland were assessed with a questionnaire mailed to an area sample of 1,715 physicians. A 65% response rate was obtained after three mailings (weighted N = 1,487). Self-reported referrals received per month averaged 16% of patients seen (six percent FP/GP, 13% OB/GYN, 23% IM), and were more frequent among self-employed, younger, metropolitan and female physicians who spent less time in patient care. Self-reported referrals made per month averaged ten percent (10% FP/GP), 11% IM, and eight percent OB/GYN), and were higher for physicians in metropolitan areas. The correlation between percentage referrals received and percentage referrals made was r = .19 (r = .03 FP/GP, r = .21 IM, r = .25 OB/GYN). Self-reported practice referral patterns are similar to referrals reported in prior studies, and can be used to consider specialty differences in referral behavior of physicians.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A mail survey of 1,040 primary care physicians in Maryland examined their beliefs about the importance of 25 behaviors for promoting the health of the average person. Physician consensus existed across specialties in rating most health behaviors as very important and few as very unimportant. Eliminating smoking was most important and taking vitamin supplements least important.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
There is a paucity of research describing the health-promotion beliefs, attitudes, and practices of physicians. Self-reported data from a survey of 1,040 primary care physicians showed that a majority of physicians (97 percent) believed they should modify patients' behaviors to minimize risk factors and rated a variety of health behaviors as important in promoting health. While most physicians gathered information about risk factors and believed they were prepared to counsel patients, only a small percentage (3-18 percent) reported being very successful in helping patients achieve behavioral change. However, given appropriate support, physicians reported that they could be up to six times more successful in influencing behavioral change. This study indicated that physicians have strong beliefs and interests in health promotion, are interested in continuing education about health promotion topics, and desire a variety of new skills to help patients modify their health behaviors.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.