Family Medicine Update

Related Articles

“I could never just take blood pressures all day long like you do in family medicine”.

Fam Med. 2008 Mar;40(3):161-2

Authors: Markham F

PMID: 18320389 [PubMed - in process]

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Using interpersonal therapy (IPT) to treat depression in older primary care patients.

Geriatrics. 2008 Mar;63(3):18-28

Authors: Post EP, Miller MD, Schulberg HC

Depression in older adults is associated with substantial morbidity as well as mortality related to both suicide and nonsuicide causes. Lessening the burden of untreated depression in the elderly requires a flexible approach to treatment that incorporates the patient’s life circumstances and treatment preferences. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based psychosocial intervention used to treat depression either alone or in combination with medication. Familiarity with its features and use can assist geriatric clinicians in optimizing outcomes for their patients with depression.

PMID: 18312024 [PubMed - in process]

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Supporting the diagnosis of non-specific respiratory symptoms in primary care: the role of exhaled nitric oxide measurement and spirometry.

Prim Care Respir J. 2008 Apr 18;

Authors: Hewitt RS, Modrich CM, Medlicott T, Cowan JO, Taylor DR

AIMS: To assess whether exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements improve management and clinician confidence in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory symptoms. METHODS: This observational study was based in a large primary care practice (15,500 patients, 14 GPs). Patients had non-specific respiratory symptoms for at least six weeks. FENO and spirometry measurements were performed at initial assessment. An algorithm was employed to assist interpretation of FENO and spirometry results. GPs evaluated the diagnostic contribution of FENO and spirometry at 3- month follow-up. RESULTS: In 48/51 (94%) of cases FENO was considered significant in formulating a diagnosis. Spirometry was deemed helpful in 27/51 (54%). CONCLUSION: FENO measurements improved diagnostic confidence when assessing non-specific respiratory symptoms. This may be because, in contrast to spirometry, both low and high FENO values have clinical significance. Trial registration: Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN012605000354684.

PMID: 18425298 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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