PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Heidrich

Publications and source records attributed to F Heidrich.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Successful implementation of an evidence-based clinical practice guideline: acute dysuria/urgency in adult women.

This paper describes the development and successful implementation of an evidence-based clinical practice guideline dealing with uncomplicated urinary tract infection in adult women (acute dysuria guideline). This guideline was based on an evaluation and synthesis of the medical literature using the best available evidence. Following guideline implementation, clinical practice changes recommended by the guideline were observed, including a significant decrease in laboratory testing and clinic visits for acute dysuria. Successful implementation of this guideline is attributed to the use of an explicit, evidence-based guideline development process, a combination of implementation strategies including decision support for providers, and a change in the roles of registered nurses.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Osteoporosis prevention: strategies applicable for general population groups.

Osteoporosis is a common condition of the elderly population that entails considerable morbidity and mortality. Although prevention recommendations often focus on perimenopausal women, the condition begins well before the age of menopause and also affects men. Prevention techniques include hormonal replacement therapy, optimization of calcium intake and absorption, weight-bearing exercise, cessation of tobacco and alcohol abuse, fall prevention, and management of predisposing medical conditions. All of these techniques are analyzed by commonly accepted criteria. Recommendations for osteoporosis prevention that are applicable to general population groups are presented.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Lay understanding of medical terminology.

One hundred sixty-six adult patients of a community family practice program were questioned about their understanding of the terms hypertension, virus, strep throat, herpes, tumor, Pap smear, and uterus. Significant misconceptions were common among patients of all ages and educational backgrounds, although a positive association of education and knowledge was demonstrated. In using these and similar terms, clinicians must be cautious to ensure that the patient is receiving the intended message.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Vaginal spermicides and gonorrhea.

All positive cultures for neisseria gonorrhoeae recorded from Dec 20, 1978, through Dec 31, 1980, for women born between 1940 and 1960 were identified among members of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, and rates of gonorrhea were calculated for recent oral contraceptive users, recent vaginal spermicide users, and women with surgical sterilization. The risk ratio (RR) estimate, based on the included population, for spermicide users compared with all others was 0.23 (90% confidence interval [Cl], 0.10, 0.50). When women with positive cultures for N gonorrhoeae were compared with women with negative cultures, the RR estimate comparing spermicide users with all others was 0.13 (90% Cl, 0.05, 0.34). The results are consistent with the protective effect of vaginal spermicides against gonorrhea.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Do postcard reminders improve influenza compliance? A prospective trial of different postcard "cues".

A randomized trial of various postcard reminder "cues" was performed to improve understanding of health-related behavior and to find better strategies for improving influenza vaccination compliance. Data were gathered on 283 high-risk patients (92 per cent response rate) who received: 1) a "neutral" cue simply announcing the availability of vaccine; 2) a "Health-Belief-Model" card written to take advantage of the association between certain health beliefs and vaccination behavior; 3) a "personal" card signed by the patient's physician; or 4) no postcard. The highest rate of vaccination occurred among recipients of the Health-Belief-Model postcard (51.5 per cent vs. 20.2 per cent for control, p less than 0.001). Linear logistic regression analysis found that age, prior vaccination history and experimental group had a significant effect on likelihood of being vaccinated. After adjusting for age and prior vaccination experience, the vaccination rate was found to be significantly higher for persons receiving the Health-Belief-Model postcard compared with persons receiving no postcard or a neutral postcard. We conclude that reminder postcards emphasizing elements of the health belief model may help increase vaccination rates.

Aged↗