Do older colon cancer patients suffer more adverse effects from adjuvant chemotherapy?
Older patients with stage III colon cancer are less likely than younger patients to receive an effective treatment known as adjuvant chemotherapy, perhaps because of concern about adverse effects; however, this study found that older patients who received this treatment had fewer adverse events than younger patients.
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Physician-patient communication in the context of life-threatening illness
This study found that patients with life-limiting illness who had a poor understanding of prognosis were less likely to discuss care preferences with family members, suggesting the importance of provider communication with patients regarding prognosis.
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More end-of-life care research
Is medicalization driving up the costs of care?
This study estimated that medicalized conditions, i.e., non-medical problems that become defined and treated as medical problems, accounted for $77 billion in medical spending in 2005, 3.9% of total domestic expenditures on health care.
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More health economics and financing research
Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and pediatric exams: The role of physician commentary
This study found that pediatricians who engaged in ongoing commentary to parents during children's physical exams were more likely to overprescribe antibiotics in cases involving viral illnesses (which typically are not treated with antibiotics).
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More maternal, child, and adolescent health research
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More health information technology research
Assessing quality of psychotherapy for depression requires new tools
Assessments from more than 700 clinicians helped to develop a practical tool for describing the quality of cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
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More mental health research
Perceived problems with drinking water in a California school district
This study of perceptions of drinking water in a California school district found that school staff and public health officials have a range of concerns about water quality and availability; as some schools move to replace sugary drinks in schools and develop policies to promote water consumption, they should explore ways of addressing these concerns.
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More public health research
Why are patients seeking care at retail clinics?
This study found that patients were satisfied with the overall experience and were attracted to retail clinics because of their convenient locations and fixed, transparent pricing.
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More quality of care research
When do you really need that cigarette?
Smokers' diaries show that craving is higher when they are eating or drinking, are with other people, during work, and during activities.
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More substance abuse research
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Low rates of condom use among HIV+ individuals in Uganda
In Uganda, the most significant factor in whether HIV+ couples in stable relationships use condoms is their sense of self-efficacy about condom use.
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More HIV, STDs, and sexual behavior research
More global health research
Comparing quality of care across borders
This report describes indicators that could be used to compare healthcare quality in different countries and discusses specific problems in making comparisons at this level of detail.
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More global health research
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