scholarly journals A case series and review on pediatric thyroid nodules

Author(s):  
Anju Sukumaran ◽  
Valiparambil B Praveen Kumar

Thyroid nodules have a higher risk of malignancy in children and hence need close monitoring. Primary care providers often obtain the initial thyroid work up. Once there patients are referred to specialists, primary providers are unsure about subsequent management and follow up. We present here three cases of thyroid nodules with different initial presentation, diagnosis and management. This article provides a good brief summary about thyroid nodule and reiterates the importance of long term follow up of these patients by primary care provider and endocrinologists.

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillian R. Meacham ◽  
Paula J. Edwards ◽  
Brooke O. Cherven ◽  
Michael Palgon ◽  
Sofia Espinoza ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Zevin ◽  
Mary Imelda Martin ◽  
Nancy Dalgarno ◽  
Linda Chan ◽  
Nardhana Sivapalan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI).Methods: We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity. Results: Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n=538 family physicians; n=53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 103 (17.4%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2±10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9±8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p=.049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past five years. Conclusion: The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Zevin ◽  
Mary Martin ◽  
Nancy Dalgarno ◽  
Linda Chan ◽  
Nardhana Sivapalan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI). Methods We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity. Results Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n = 538 family physicians; n = 53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 92 (15.6%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2 ± 10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9 ± 8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p = .049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past 5 years. Conclusion The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Zevin ◽  
Mary Imelda Martin ◽  
Nancy Dalgarno ◽  
Linda Chan ◽  
Nardhana Sivapalan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI).Methods: We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity. Results: Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n=538 family physicians; n=53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 103 (15.6%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2±10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9±8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p=.049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past five years. Conclusion: The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Zevin ◽  
Mary Imelda Martin ◽  
Nancy Dalgarno ◽  
Linda Chan ◽  
Nardhana Sivapalan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI)Methods: We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity. Results: Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n=538 family physicians; n=53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 103 (15.6%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2±10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9±8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p=.049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past five years. Conclusion: The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laney K. Jones ◽  
Megan McMinn ◽  
David Kann ◽  
Michael Lesko ◽  
Amy C. Sturm ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Individuals with complex dyslipidemia, or those with medication intolerance, are often difficult to manage in primary care. They require the additional attention, expertise, and adherence counseling that occurs in multidisciplinary lipid clinics (MDLCs). We conducted a program evaluation of the first year of a newly implemented MDLC utilizing the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework to provide empirical data not only on program effectiveness, but also on components important to local sustainability and future generalizability. Methods The purpose of the MDLC is to increase the uptake of guideline-based care for lipid conditions. Established in 2019, the MDLC provides care via a centralized clinic location within the healthcare system. Primary care providers and cardiologists were invited to refer individuals with lipid conditions. Using a pre/post-study design, we evaluated the implementation outcomes from the MDLC using the RE-AIM framework. Results In 2019, 420 referrals were made to the MDLC (reach). Referrals were made by 19% (148) of the 796 active cardiology and primary care providers, with an average of 35 patient referrals per month in 2019 (SD 12) (adoption). The MDLC saw 83 patients in 2019 (reach). Additionally, 50% (41/82) had at least one follow-up MDLC visit, and 12% (10/82) had two or more follow-up visits in 2019 (implementation). In patients seen by the MDLC, we found an improved diagnosis of specific lipid conditions (FH (familial hypercholesterolemia), hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia), increased prescribing of evidence-based therapies, high rates of medication prior authorization approvals, and significant reductions in lipid levels by lipid condition subgroup (effectiveness). Over time, the operations team decided to transition from in-person follow-up to telehealth appointments to increase capacity and sustain the clinic (maintenance). Conclusions Despite limited reach and adoption of the MDLC, we found a large intervention effect that included improved diagnosis, increased prescribing of guideline-recommended treatments, and clinically significant reduction of lipid levels. Attention to factors including solutions to decrease the large burden of unseen referrals, discussion of the appropriate number and duration of visits, and sustainability of the clinic model could aid in enhancing the success of the MDLC and improving outcomes for more patients throughout the system.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110278
Author(s):  
Katie Cueva ◽  
Melany Cueva ◽  
Laura Revels ◽  
Michelle Hensel ◽  
Mark Dignan

Background Culturally relevant education is an opportunity to reduce health disparities, and online learning is an emerging avenue for health promotion. In 2014–2019, a team based at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium developed, implemented, and evaluated culturally relevant online cancer education modules with, and for, Alaska’s tribal primary care providers. The project was guided by Indigenous Ways of Knowing and the principles of community-based participatory action research and was evaluated in alignment with empowerment theory. About 265 unique learners completed 1,898 end-of-module evaluation surveys between March 2015 and August 2019, and 13 people completed a follow-up survey up to 28 months post module completion. Key Findings Learners described the modules as culturally respectful and informative and reported feeling more knowledgeable and comfortable talking about cancer as a result of the modules. About 98% of the learners planned to reduce their cancer risk because of the modules, and all follow-up survey respondents had reduced their risk, including by quitting smoking, getting screened for cancer, eating healthier, and exercising more. About 98% of the learners planned to share information with their patients, families, friends, and community members because of the modules, with all follow-up survey respondents indicating that they had shared information about cancer from the modules. Implications for Practice and Further Research Culturally relevant online modules have the capacity for positive behavioral change and relatively high correlations between intent and behavior change. Future research could determine which aspects of the modules catalyzed reduced cancer risk and increased dissemination of cancer information.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren White ◽  
Ali Azzam ◽  
Lauren Burrage ◽  
Clare Orme ◽  
Barbara Kay ◽  
...  

BackgroundAustralia has unrestricted access to direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. In order to increase access to treatment, primary care providers are able to prescribe DAA after fibrosis assessment and specialist consultation. Transient elastography (TE) is recommended prior to commencement of HCV treatment; however, TE is rarely available outside secondary care centres in Australia and therefore a requirement for TE could represent a barrier to access to HCV treatment in primary care.ObjectivesIn order to bridge this access gap, we developed a community-based TE service across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay areas of Queensland.DesignRetrospective analysis of a prospectively recorded HCV treatment database.InterventionsA nurse-led service equipped with two mobile Fibroscan units assesses patients in eight locations across regional Queensland. Patients are referred into the service via primary care and undergo nurse-led TE at a location convenient to the patient. Patients are discussed at a weekly multidisciplinary team meeting and a treatment recommendation made to the referring GP. Treatment is initiated and monitored in primary care. Patients with cirrhosis are offered follow-up in secondary care.Results327 patients have undergone assessment and commenced treatment in primary care. Median age 48 years (IQR 38–56), 66% male. 57% genotype 1, 40% genotype 3; 82% treatment naïve; 10% had cirrhosis (liver stiffness >12.5 kPa). The majority were treated with sofosbuvir-based regimens. 26% treated with 8-week regimens. All patients had treatment prescribed and monitored in primary care. Telephone follow-up to confirm sustained virological response (SVR) was performed by clinic nurses. 147 patients remain on treatment. 180 patients have completed treatment. SVR data were not available for 19 patients (lost to follow-up). Intention-to-treat SVR rate was 85.5%. In patients with complete data SVR rate was 95.6%.ConclusionCommunity-based TE assessment facilitates access to HCV treatment in primary care with excellent SVR rates.


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