Understanding the Role of Primary Care Physicians in Managing ADHD

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Power ◽  
Nathan J. Blum ◽  
Jennifer A. Mautone ◽  
Patricia H. Manz ◽  
Leslee Frye
PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-793
Author(s):  
Den A. Trumbull ◽  
DuBose Ravenel ◽  
David Larson

The supplement to Pediatrics entitled "The Role of the Pediatrician in Violence Prevention" is timely, given the increasingly serious violence problem in the United States.1 Many of the supplement's recommendations are well-conceived and developed. However, the recommendation to "work toward the ultimate goal of ending corporal punishment in homes" (page 580)2 is unwarranted and counterproductive. Before one advises against a practice approved by 88% of American parents3 and supported by 67% of primary care physicians,4 there should be sufficient scientific evidence to support the proposed change in social policy.


2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Morrow ◽  
Marcelo Kremenchutzky

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disabling neurologic disease with an overall prevalence in Canada of 240 in 100,000. Multiple sclerosis clinics are located at tertiary-care centers that may be difficult for a patient to access during an acute relapse. Many relapses are evaluated by primary-care physicians in private clinics or emergency departments, but these physicians' familiarity with MS is not known. Therefore, a survey was undertaken to determine the knowledge and experience of primary-care physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MS relapses. A total of 1282 licensed primary-care physicians in the catchment area of the London (Ontario, Canada) Multiple Sclerosis Clinic were identified and mailed a two-page anonymous survey. A total of 237 (18.5%) responses were obtained, but only 216 (16.8%) of these respondents were still in active practice. Of these 216 physicians, only 9% reported having no MS patients in their practice, while 70% had one to five patients, 16.7% had six to ten, and 1.9% had more than ten (3.7% did not respond to this question). Corticosteroids were recognized as an MS treatment by 49.5% of the respondents, but only 43.1% identified them as a treatment for acute relapses. In addition, 31% did not know how to diagnose a relapse, and only 37% identified new signs or symptoms of neurologic dysfunction as indicating a potential relapse. Despite the high prevalence of MS in Canada, primary-care physicians require more education and support from specialists in MS care regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MS relapses.


1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Brody ◽  
David B. Larson

1986 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 372-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
James J. Strain ◽  
Harold A. Pincus ◽  
Leslie H. Gise ◽  
Jeffrey L. Houpt

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 2902-2907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Barnes ◽  
John Hanson ◽  
Catherine M. Neumann ◽  
Cheryl L. Nekolaichuk ◽  
Eduardo Bruera

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction and information needs of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding communication with radiation oncologists (ROs), with respect to patients who receive palliative radiotherapy (RT). A selected objective was to evaluate the agreement between PCPs’ expectations and the content of the RO letter sent after completion of RT. PCPs’ knowledge of the role of palliative RT and their awareness of available patient support services were also determined. METHODS: The PCPs of patients discharged from the Cross Cancer Institute after receiving palliative RT were surveyed using a mail-out questionnaire. Questions regarding communication, RT knowledge, and awareness of support services were asked. The corresponding RO letter was reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 148 PCPs were identified and were mailed questionnaires, with 114 (77%) responding. Overall, 80% (87 of 109) of PCPs found the RO letter to be useful in patient management. However, there was poor (< 53%) agreement between PCPs’ expectations and the actual content of the RO letter. Knowledge of the indications and effectiveness of palliative RT was limited, with PCPs obtaining a median score of 4 of a possible 8. Only 27% (31 of 114) of PCPs were aware of all five of the patient support services listed. CONCLUSION: Results show that although the majority of PCPs found the RO letter useful, they believed that the letter lacked important information while containing unnecessary details. Communication between PCPs and ROs needs improvement, especially considering that PCPs seem to have limited knowledge of palliative RT.


2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Kunin ◽  
Dan Engelhard ◽  
Shane Thomas ◽  
Mark Ashworth ◽  
Leon Piterman

Background. During the influenza pandemic 2009/A/H1N1, the main burden of managing patients fell on primary care physicians (PCP). This provided an excellent opportunity to investigate the implications of pandemic policies for the PCP role. Aim. To examine policies affecting the role of PCP in the pandemic response in Australia (in the state of Victoria), Israel and England. Methods. Content analysis of the documents published by the health authorities in Australia, Israel and England during the pandemic 2009/A/H1N1. Results. The involvement of PCP in the pandemic response differed among the countries in timing and allocated responsibilities. The Israeli approach during the containment phase was to maximise the protection of PCP at the expense of putting pressure on hospitals where the suspected cases were tested and treated. In Australia and England, PCP managed the suspected patients from the beginning of the pandemic. The work of PCP in England was supported by the introduction of the National Pandemic Flu Service during the mitigation phase, whereas Australian PCP had no additional support structures and their role was constant and intensive throughout the pandemic period. Conclusion. Health authorities need to engage with representatives of PCP to evaluate policies for pandemic planning and management. Adequate support and protection for PCP during different stages of pandemic management should be provided. What is known about the topic? During the influenza pandemic 2009/A/H1N1, the main burden of diagnosing and managing the patients fell on PCP. The prominent role of PCP in the 2009/A/H1N1 pandemic presents an excellent opportunity to investigate implications of pandemic policies for primary care and to tackle the possible problems that these policies may impose on the ability of PCP to effectively participate in the public health response. What does this paper add? This paper examines policies that affected the roles of PCP in managing the influenza pandemic 2009/A/H1N1 in three countries: Australia, Israel and England. Although general evaluations of the pandemic response in different countries have previously been reported, this is the first study that focuses on policies for pandemic management at the primary care level. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners (PCP and primary care workers in general) would benefit if pandemic preparedness plans were constructed to provide an adequate system of support and protection to primary care workers during different stages of pandemic management. For policy makers, this analysis may help to overhaul the strategies for primary care engagement in the pandemic response.


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