Biomedical subjects

M P Eiff

Publications and source records attributed to M P Eiff.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Role of primary care providers in the delivery of genetics services.

Fruits of the Human Genome Project are already transforming health care. Primary care providers, regardless of specialty, will need to integrate new genetics knowledge into routine practice in order to fulfill their role in genetics services delivery. Unfortunately, few are prepared for this revolution, and current educational efforts are inadequate. To effect the changes that are needed, we must teach genetics as an integrative discipline at all stages of professional education and emphasize the value of this knowledge to practice.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Management of clavicle fractures.

Fractures of the clavicle are among the most common fractures seen by family physicians. Common mechanisms of injury include a fall on an outstretched hand or direct trauma to the bone. Fractures of the middle third of the clavicle are the most common and usually heal without complication when managed with immobilization using a sling or figure-of-8 bandage. Fractures of the distal clavicle often are overlooked and may be difficult to distinguish from an acromioclavicular separation. These fractures are classified into three types. Types I and III fractures of the distal clavicle usually heal with symptomatic treatment. Type II fractures are displaced as a result of ligamentous disruption and usually require surgical repair. Fractures of the proximal third of the clavicle are uncommon. Nondisplaced proximal fractures are successfully treated with sling immobilization. Orthopedic referral is indicated for significant displacement or sternoclavicular dislocation. By following appropriate management guidelines, family physicians can successfully treat most clavicle fractures.

Clavicle↗

PubMed1994

Characteristics and perceptions of nicotine patch users.

BACKGROUND: Although transdermal nicotine patches are frequently prescribed to aid in smoking cessation, little information exists about their use in general medical practice. In clinical studies, nicotine patches have been found to be effective when used in conjunction with nonpharmacologic interventions, such as physician counseling and follow-up visits. This study examines the characteristics and perceptions of patients regarding treatment with nicotine patches. METHODS: Patients filling or refilling prescriptions for a nicotine patch at 17 pharmacies were asked to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-six questionnaires were returned. Thirty-six percent of the respondents first learned about the nicotine patch from the media, 32% from friends, family, or co-workers, and 25% from their physicians. Most respondents (87%) had requested the patch, whereas only 9% had been asked by their prescriber to try the patch. Most of the surveyed smokers were highly motivated to quit, and 86% smoked at least one pack per day. Eighty percent indicated they had received a clear message from their physicians to quit, 56% said their physician had counseled them about relapse, and 55% had follow-up arranged. A quit date had been set by 37%, and only 24% reported the use of self-help materials. Approximately one half of smokers (54%) who had started using the patch indicated that they continued to smoke. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents were good candidates for the nicotine patch based on how much they smoked and their motivation to quit. Direct-to-consumer advertising may have influenced many smokers to request treatment with the patch. Physicians should recognize that some persons may use the patch as a "quick fix," as very few respondents used the number of nonpharmacologic interventions that have proved useful in nicotine patch clinical trials. Physicians should follow the progress of patch users to ensure that they completely stop smoking during treatment.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Primary care physicians' utilization and perceptions of genetics services.

PURPOSE: To document primary care physicians' utilization and perceptions of genetics services. METHODS: A randomized survey of physicians in the Pacific Northwest. RESULTS: The greatest factor prompting a genetics referral was the patient's interest in the evaluation, and the most common reason not to obtain a consultation was the perception that it was of no benefit to the patient. Genetics consultation was rarely sought for a family history of cancer or for deafness, polycystic kidney disease, or congenital heart disease. Even when uncertain about relative risk, physicians usually counseled a patient themselves rather than referring to a specialist. CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians need more education about the genetic component of many diseases to provide directly and to refer appropriately for genetics services.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Early mobilization versus immobilization in the treatment of lateral ankle sprains.

We conducted a prospective trial at a military medical center to determine which treatment for first-time ankle sprains, early mobilization or immobilization, is more effective. Eighty-two patients with a lateral ankle sprain were randomly selected for one of two treatment groups. The Early Mobilization Group received an elastic wrap for 2 days followed by functional bracing for 8 days. Two days after injury, this group began weight-bearing and an ankle rehabilitation program. Patients in the Immobilization Group were placed in a nonweight-bearing plaster splint for 10 days followed by weight-bearing and the same rehabilitation program. Patients in the Early Mobilization Group had less pain at 3 weeks (57% versus 87%, P = 0.02); otherwise, there were no significant differences between groups in the frequency of residual symptoms. Only one patient in each group had residual symptoms 1 year after injury. Three patients (8%) in each group resprained their ankles. Ten days after injury, patients in the Early Mobilization Group were more likely to be back to full work (54% versus 13%, P < 0.001). We conclude that in first-time lateral ankle sprains, although both immobilization and early mobilization prevent late residual symptoms and ankle instability, early mobilization allows earlier return to work and may be more comfortable for patients.

Absenteeism↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fracture care by family physicians.

This report helps characterize fracture management by family physicians. The findings suggest that family physicians can care for a broad range of acute fractures with healing times at least comparable with the standard of care described by orthopedists. A prospective trial would be necessary to assess fully clinical outcomes resulting from specific fracture management. That distal extremity fractures predominated should guide educators in their decision regarding orthopedic training.

Adult↗