scholarly journals Advancing bibliometric assessment of research productivity: an analysis of US Departments of Family Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Winston Liaw ◽  
Andrew W. Bazemore ◽  
Bernard Ewigman ◽  
Tanvir Chowdhury Turin ◽  
Daniel McCorry ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONMeasurement of family medicine research productivity has lacked the replicable methodology needed to document progress. AIMIn this study, we compared three methods: (1) faculty-to-publications; (2) publications-to-faculty; and (3) department-reported publications. METHODSIn this cross-sectional analysis, publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals for faculty in 13 US family medicine departments in 2015 were assessed. In the faculty-to-publications method, department websites to identify faculty and Web of Science to identify publications were used. For the publications-to-faculty method, PubMed’s author affiliation field were used to identify publications, which were linked to faculty members. In the department-reported method, chairs provided lists of faculty and their publications. For each method, descriptive statistics to compare faculty and publication counts were calculated. RESULTSOverall, 750 faculty members with 1052 unique publications, using all three methods combined as the reference standard, were identified. The department-reported method revealed 878 publications (84%), compared to 616 (59%) for the faculty-to-publications method and 412 (39%) for the publication-to-faculty method. Across all departments, 32% of faculty had any publications, and the mean number of publications per faculty was 1.4 (mean of 4.4 per faculty among those who had published). Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors and Chairs accounted for 92% of all publications. DISCUSSIONOnline searches capture a fraction of publications, but also capture publications missed through self-report. The ideal methodology includes all three. Tracking publications is important for quantifying the return on our discipline’s research investment.

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winston Liaw ◽  
Stephen Petterson ◽  
Vivian Jiang ◽  
Andrew Bazemore ◽  
James Pecsok ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: While prior efforts have assessed the scope of family medicine research, the methods have differed, and the efforts have not been routinely repeated. The purpose of this analysis was to quantify publications, journals, citations, and funding of US family medicine faculty and identify factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: We identified faculty in US departments of family medicine through website searches and performed a cross-sectional study. We included 2015 publications in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Web of Science (a database that aggregates a wide range of catalogs). We calculated descriptive statistics assessing the publications, journals, and citations for family medicine faculty. We conducted bivariate analyses by department region, department size, public/private status, faculty title, and faculty degree. Results: We identified 6,738 faculty at 134 departments, with 15% of faculty having any publications. Family medicine faculty published 3,002 times (mean of 2.9 among those with any publications). The mean number of publications was highest for faculty in departments in the West (3.7), in the third quartile for size (3.6), with a professor title (4.0), and with combined MD or DO/PhD degrees (4.3). Faculty published 84% of the time in non-family medicine journals and were cited 13,548 times. Faculty listed federal funding for over half (52%) of the times they published. Conclusions: Publications from family medicine faculty are not concentrated in family medicine journals and are being referenced by others. These figures are larger than prior estimates and should be tracked over time.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-103
Author(s):  
Amanda Weidner ◽  
Lars E. Peterson ◽  
Arch G. Mainous ◽  
Bernard Ewigman

Background and Objectives: The capacity for research within family medicine has historically been low despite its importance. The aim of this study was to learn more about the perceptions of family medicine department chairs regarding research and its role in their departments and institutions. Methods: We analyzed a 2016 cross-sectional survey with responses from 109/142 (77% response) US chairs of allopathic departments of family medicine (DFMs) regarding departmental research capacity, research experience, and perceptions of research in the department and institution. Results: Most chairs agreed that research is important (91%, n=92) and raises the prestige of the DFM (90%, n=91), though perceptions differ by chair research experience and DFM capacity for research. The mean ideal focus on research (21%, 8% SD) is greater than the actual (12%, 8% SD). Compared to the mean of all departments, those in DFMs with a high capacity for research estimated a higher actual (76% vs 26% and 7%, P<.0001) and ideal (73% vs 30% and 18%, P<.0001) departmental focus on research, as well as a higher ideal institutional focus on research (69% vs 35% and 28%, P=.001), significantly more often than chairs in moderate or minimal capacity DFMs. Those in lower capacity DFMs estimated a greater ideal research focus for their departments than they perceived their institution have. Conclusions: Research is important to chairs of DFMs. DFMs that do not currently have major research enterprises may have the will and training required of their leader to grow. With the right support and resources, these DFMs may increase their research capacity, and subsequently their research productivity to support the needs of the discipline for more family medicine research.


Author(s):  
M Alluqmani ◽  
M Alqermli ◽  
G Blevins ◽  
B Alotibi ◽  
F Giuliani ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits a spectrum of clinical findings, especially in relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS). To assess the effects of geographic location and ethnicity on RR-MS phenotype, we investigated RR-MS patients in Canada and Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients receiving active care in MS Clinics was performed in Medina, Saudi Arabia and Edmonton, Alberta. Demographic and clinical data was collected for each patient. Results: 98 patients with treated RR-MS were recruited (n=51, Medina; n=47, Edmonton); 40 patients were Caucasian (Edmonton) while 46 patients were Bedouin (Medina). Although the disease duration was longer in the Edmonton (5.7+2.3 yr) compared to the Medina group (4.4+1.4 yr) (p<0.05), the mean age of RR-MS onset, relapse rate and EDSS change were similar. The female:male ratio was comparable in Edmonton (35:12) and Medina (32:19), as was the risk of optic neuritis. The likelihood of an infratentorial lesion-associated presentation differed (Edmonton, n=23; Medina; n=13) among groups (p<0.05). Spinal cord lesions on MRI were more frequent in Edmonton (n=18) compared to Medina (n=1) patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: Despite differences in location, ethnicity, and a predominance of infratentorial lesion burden the Edmonton group, the RR-MS phenotype displayed similar disease severity and trajectory in these cohorts.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (04) ◽  
pp. 1450022 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Monica Hussein ◽  
Zhong-Guo Zhou

This paper investigates the monthly initial return and its conditional return volatility for Chinese IPOs. We find that the mean initial return (IR) and cross-sectional return volatility are highly auto- and cross-correlated, and time-varying. We propose a system of two simultaneous equations: a GARCH-in-mean (GARCH-M) process with an ARMA(1,1) adjustment in the residuals for the IR and an EGARCH process for the conditional return volatility, assuming that the IR and its conditional return volatility are linear functions of the same market, firm- and offer-specific characteristics. We find that the model captures both time-series and cross-sectional correlations at the mean and variance levels. Our findings suggest that the conditional return volatility affects the IR positively and significantly, in addition to the traditional market, firm- and offer-specific characteristics. IPOs with higher conditional return volatility, as a proxy for information asymmetry, tend to be underpriced more. The paper demonstrates the merit of using a conditional variance model, along with time series and cross-sectional analysis to price Chinese IPOs.


Author(s):  
Efrén Murillo-Zamora ◽  
Oliver Mendoza-Cano ◽  
Benjamín Trujillo-Hernández ◽  
Xóchitl Trujillo ◽  
Miguel Huerta ◽  
...  

Background: We aimed to screen for depressive mood experienced during acute chikungunya (CHIKV) infection, and to evaluate the association of several exposures with the risk of depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter cohort study took place and data from 354 adult individuals with confirmed CHIKV infection were analyzed. Participants were recruited in primary health care settings and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) was used. Prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated by means of logistic models were used. Results: Depressive mood (PHQ-2 score 3 or higher) was reported by 44.1% of individuals. Subjects with articular effusion (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.77–8.11), gastrointestinal manifestations (diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain, OR = 1.97, 95 CI 1.21–3.19), and higher length of severe arthralgia (reference ≤ 14 days: 15–30 days, OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.78–6.41; ≥ 30 days, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.95–3.01) were more likely to self-report depressive mood. Increasing age (≥ 40 years old, OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.95) and rash (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.98) were associated with a decreased risk of depressive mood. Conclusions: Depressive mood seemed to be a frequent event among analyzed individuals, and markers associated with its risk were identified.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy E. Balliet ◽  
Shenelle Edwards-Hampton ◽  
Jeffery J. Borckardt ◽  
Katherine Morgan ◽  
David Adams ◽  
...  

Objective. The present study was conducted to determine if depressive symptoms were associated with variability in pain perception and quality of life among patients with nonalcohol-related chronic pancreatitis. Methods. The research design was cross-sectional, and self-report data was collected from 692 patients with nonalcohol-related, intractable pancreatitis. The mean age of the sample was 52.6 (); 41% of the sample were male. Participants completed the MOS SF12 Quality of Life Measure, the Center for Epidemiological Studies 10-item Depression Scale (CESD), and a numeric rating scale measure of “pain on average” from the Brief Pain Inventory. Results. Depressive symptoms were significantly related to participants’ reports of increased pain and decreased quality of life. The mean CESD score of the sample was 10.6 () and 52% of the sample scored above the clinical cutoff for the presence of significant depressive symptomology. Patients scoring above the clinical cutoff on the depression screening measure rated their pain as significantly higher than those below the cutoff () and had significantly lower physical quality of life () and lower mental quality of life (). Conclusion. Although causality cannot be determined based on cross-sectional, correlational data, findings suggest that among patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis, the presence of depressive symptoms is common and may be a risk factor associated with increased pain and decreased quality of life. Thus, routine screening for depressive symptomology among patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis may be warranted.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 219-224
Author(s):  
Kenya Ie ◽  
Maria Felton ◽  
Sydney Springer ◽  
Stephen A. Wilson ◽  
Steven M. Albert

Background: Prescription-related problems among older adults have been of great interest. However, few data are available regarding the prevalence of these problems in US family medicine residency practices (FMRPs). Objective: The aim of this research was to examine the prevalence of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use among older adults who visited 5 FMRPs more than once a year. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital record review for patients 65 years or older who visited 1 of the 5 university-affiliated FMRPs at least twice during January 1 to December 31, 2014, was conducted. The prevalence of multimorbidity (24 chronic index conditions), polypharmacy, and PIMs use was examined. Results: A total of 1084 patients were included in the analyses. The most common chronic conditions were hypertension (87.8%), hyperlipidemia (69.7%), and osteoarthritis (56.1%). The mean number of chronic conditions was 5.3 (SD 2.6). The prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) was 95.6%. Among these multimorbid older adults (N = 1036), the mean number of medication orders was 9.04 (SD 4.36) and 1.57 (SD 0.92) for PIMs, 86.1% met polypharmacy standards (≥5 medications), and 33.4% were prescribed one or more PIMs. The proportion of patients with fewer prescriptions at the last visit was 45.4% in the polypharmacy group and 38.0% in the PIMs group. Conclusion: Our results suggest a high level of morbidity and complexity among older adults receiving care in FMRPs. Improving the continuity of care as well as promoting interdisciplinary collaboration would have potential to reduce these prescription-related problems. Further research and education to address polypharmacy and PIMs among this population at FMRPs are required.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J Beagle ◽  
Geoffrey H Tison ◽  
Kirstin Aschbacher ◽  
Jeffrey E Olgin ◽  
Gregory M Marcus ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Commercially acquired wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit provide objective, accurate measurements of physically active time and step counts, but it is unclear whether these measurements are more clinically meaningful than self-reported physical activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare self-reported physical activity to Fitbit-measured step counts and then determine which is a stronger predictor of BMI by using data collected over the same period reflecting comparable physical activities. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data collected by the Health eHeart Study, a large mobile health study of cardiovascular health and disease. Adults who linked commercially acquired Fitbits used in free-living conditions with the Health eHeart Study and completed an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) between 2013 and 2019 were enrolled (N=1498). Fitbit step counts were used to quantify time by activity intensity in a manner comparable to the IPAQ classifications of total active time and time spent being sedentary, walking, or doing moderate activities or vigorous activities. Fitbit steps per day were computed as a measure of the overall activity for exploratory comparisons with IPAQ-measured overall activity (metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-h/wk). Measurements of physical activity were directly compared by Spearman rank correlation. Strengths of associations with BMI for Fitbit versus IPAQ measurements were compared using multivariable robust regression in the subset of participants with BMI and covariates measured. RESULTS Correlations between synchronous paired measurements from Fitbits and the IPAQ ranged in strength from weak to moderate (0.09-0.48). In the subset with BMI and covariates measured (n=586), Fitbit-derived predictors were generally stronger predictors of BMI than self-reported predictors. For example, an additional hour of Fitbit-measured vigorous activity per week was associated with nearly a full point reduction in BMI (–0.84 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –1.35 to –0.32) in adjusted analyses, whereas the association between self-reported vigorous activity measured by IPAQ and BMI was substantially smaller in magnitude (–0.17 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –0.34 to –0.00; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 versus Fitbit) and was dominated by the Fitbit-derived predictor when compared head-to-head in a single adjusted multivariable model. Similar patterns of associations with BMI, with Fitbit dominating self-report, were seen for moderate activity and total active time and in comparisons between overall Fitbit steps per day and IPAQ MET-h/wk on standardized scales. CONCLUSIONS Fitbit-measured physical activity was more strongly associated with BMI than self-reported physical activity, particularly for moderate activity, vigorous activity, and summary measures of total activity. Consumer-marketed wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit may be useful for measuring health-relevant physical activity in clinical practice and research.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah S. Alqahtani ◽  
Rachel Evley

AbstractPurposeTo achieve a positive safety culture, staff perception of safety must be frequently measured. There are several active and reactive methods to use to measure safety cultures such as near-miss occurrence, accidental data collection, measuring behavior, self-report method, and safety questionnaires. The safety attitudes questionnaire (SAQ) tool was used to measure safety culture. This tool is widely used in literature and among researchers and has been used and validated in middle eastern cultures. In addition, it has a validated Arabic version.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymous and random sampling. I surveyed all ICU staff working in all the adult ICUs in two of the major hospitals in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The short version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire was used to assess participants’ attitudes towards safety culture. The study involved all healthcare providers working in Adult ICU.ResultsThe study occurred over a three-week period in March 2019. A total of 82 completed questionnaires were returned which represented a response rate of 82%. On average, the domain that scored the highest number of positive responses was Job satisfaction with 68.5%, followed by teamwork climate 67.8%, then working conditions 60.1%, 57.1% safety climate, then preparation of management with 53.4%, and finally 46% in Stress recognition. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean SAQ score and the educational level of the participants. Participants with bachelor’s degrees scored a mean of 50.17 compared to participants hold diploma degrees who scored a mean of 68.81 (P=0.02). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the mean SAQ score and participants’ specialties. Attending/Staff Physician mean score was 36.40, Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse scored 39.78, and Respiratory therapist mean score was 47.88, compared to mean score of 62.27 for Registered Nurse, and Respiratory supervisor 67.0 (P=0.04). In addition, 79.2% of the respondents did not report any incidents in the last 12 months.ConclusionsThe result of the study shows an unsatisfying level of safety culture among healthcare staff in ICUs. The importance of this study is to establish a baseline for safety climate in these hospitals and specifically ICUs. In addition, by exposing the system weaknesses it helps the administration to strengthen and improve patient care. By decreasing workload and job stress, studies show they have a positive association with increasing job performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Maciel Caldas dos Reis ◽  
Deivid Ramos dos Santos ◽  
Inez Ohashi Torres ◽  
Nelson De Luccia

Abstract Background There is a dearth of studies conducted to understand the socio-professional profile of the vascular surgery specialty and the population demands of specific regions, which are needed to support creation of care policies and direct infrastructure improvements in healthcare. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the socio-professional profile of vascular surgeons in the state of Pará, Brazil, to guide creation of tools for professional improvement. Methods A cross-sectional, self-report survey was conducted in Pará using a questionnaire comprising 30 questions covering six main topics. Results All vascular surgeons actively practicing in the state participated in this study. The total number of specialists was 59, with 71.2% working in the greater Belém area and 16.9% exclusively practicing in the interior of the state. The mean age of these professionals was 48 ± 11.1 years, 86.4% of respondents were men, 64.4% of surgeons had completed medical residency, and 96.6% (n=57) of the surgeons would like to improve their skills in venous surgery, echo-guided vascular access, and endovascular surgery. The method of professional improvement of greatest interest was simulation courses (hands-on), endorsed by 93% of the participants. Conclusions Pará has 59 vascular surgeons. These professionals mainly work in the greater Belém (71.2%), in hospitals (100%) or in private clinics or offices (94.9%), performing a wide range of procedures, including venous and arterial surgery, amputations, and provision of hemodialysis access. More than 90% of these surgeons were satisfied professionally and reported that they would choose the specialty again. However, 22% had a pessimistic view of the specialty’s future. The vast majority of professionals (96.6%) consider that training or a continuing education program are necessary.


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