Engagement Of Primary Care Providers Research Articles

Primary Care Provider Visits Among Cancer Survivors 5-7 Years Postdiagnosis.

Cancer survivors experience better outcomes when primary care providers (PCPs) are engaged in their care. Nearly all survivors have a PCP engaged in their care in the initial 5 years postdiagnosis, but little is known about sustained PCP engagement. We assessed PCP engagement in survivors' care 5-7 years postdiagnosis and characterized survivors most vulnerable to loss to PCP follow-up. We linked electronic health record ambulatory care and cancer registry data from an National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center to identify eligible survivors (≥18 years; diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer; had an in-network PCP). We used multiple logistic regression to assess associations between survivor demographics, clinical factors, and health care utilization and odds of sustained PCP engagement. In 5-7 years postdiagnosis, PCPs were engaged in care for 43% of survivors. Survivors with sustained PCP-engagement were on average 4.6 years older than those without (P < .0001); survivors had 1.36 greater odds of having regular PCP visits for each decade increase in age on cancer diagnosis (P = .0030). Survivors were less likely to be lost to PCP follow-up if diagnosed at an earlier stage with odds at 0.57 and 0.10 for stage I and stage IV, respectively (P = .0005), and had 2.70 greater odds of engagement in care with at least one oncology visit annually 5-7 years postdiagnosis (P < .0001). Sustained PCP engagement is endorsed as critical by survivors, PCPs, and oncologists. We found most survivors were lost to PCP follow-up 5-7 years postdiagnosis. Our study is among the first to contribute empirical evidence of survivors being lost in transition. Findings from this study demonstrate the need to bridge gaps in long-term care for cancer survivors.

Acceptability of Personalized Lung Cancer Screening Program Among Primary Care Providers.

Personalized LCS facilitated by a risk model and/or a biomarker test is proposed as an alternative to existing programs. Acceptability of personalized approach among PCPs is unknown. The goal of this study is to assess the acceptability of personalized LCS among PCPs.

Loss to primary care provider follow-up among survivors five to seven years post-diagnosis.

331 Background: Cancer survivors experience better outcomes when primary care providers (PCPs) are engaged in their care. Several studies indicate that nearly all survivors have ≥1 PCP visits per year in the initial five years post-diagnosis; however, little is known about sustained PCP engagement in survivors’ care. Our objective was to assess PCP engagement in survivors’ care 5-7 years post-diagnosis, and to characterize survivors who are most vulnerable to loss to PCP follow-up. Methods: We linked electronic health record ambulatory care visit data to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (AHWFBCCC) registry data to identify survivors who were (1) ages ≥18 years, (2) diagnosed with a breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015, (3) treated at AHWFBCCC as of September 1, 2019, and (4) had a PCP in the WF Health Network. We used multiple logistic regression to assess associations between survivor demographics, clinical factors, and healthcare utilization and odds of sustained PCP engagement in care, defined as having at least one ambulatory visit per year with a family or internal medicine provider. Results: There were 638 survivors who met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 122 died within the six-year post-diagnosis period and were excluded from analysis. Our analytic sample included 516 survivors who were primarily female (88.4%), white (75.0%), non-Hispanic (95.7%) stage 1 (50.6%) breast cancer survivors (69.2%) with a mean age of 60.7 years. Most (84.7%) survivors lived in an urban area at the time of diagnosis. In years 5-7 post-diagnosis, PCPs were engaged in care for 43% of survivors. Survivors with sustained PCP-engagement were on average 4.6 years older than those without (p&lt;0.0001); survivors had 1.36 greater odds of having regular PCP visits for each decade increase in their age upon cancer diagnosis (p=0.0030). Survivors were less likely to be lost to PCP follow-up in if they were diagnosed at an earlier stage (p=0.0005) and had at least one visit annually with an oncologist 5-7 years post-diagnosis (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Sustained PCP engagement has been endorsed as critical by survivors, PCPs, and oncologists. In this study, we found that in the 5-7 years post-diagnosis, most (57%) survivors were lost to PCP follow-up. Older survivors, those currently engaged in oncology care, and survivors with earlier stage cancer were less likely to be lost to PCP follow-up, perhaps attributable to higher overall healthcare utilization. Our study may overestimate loss to PCP follow-up since we were unable to assess PCP visits outside of the AHWFB network; however, our findings offer evidence in support of calls for interventions to promote sustained PCP engagement among survivors, including the information, care coordination, and self-management support that survivors and PCPs have consistently reported needing for improved survivorship care and outcomes.

Lung cancer screening status and acceptability of a personalized approach in Texas.

e22516 Background: Current lung cancer screening (LCS) guidelines rely on age and smoking history. Despite its proven benefit, only 5-15% of eligible patients receive LCS, with Texas having one of the lowest rates among states in the US. Personalized screening strategies select people for LCS based on their personal lung cancer risk and may increase LCS’s effectiveness and efficiency. We assess current LCS practices and the acceptability of personalized LCS among primary care providers (PCP) in Texas. Methods: We surveyed 32,983 Texas-based PCPs including primary care physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners on an existing network (Protocol 2019-1257; PI: Dr. Shete), and 400 attendees of the 2022 Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) conference. Deidentified demographics, current LCS practices, and acceptability of personalized LCS were obtained. We analyzed the responses by subgroups of interest using comparative statistics. Using nonparametric bootstrap, we derived an enriched dataset and utilized it to develop logistic regression models to further understand respondent tendencies related to current LCS practices and acceptability of personalized LCS. Results: Response rates were 0.3% (n=91) and 15% (n=60) for the 2019-1257 and TAFP surveys, respectively. Respondent demographics are provided in the table. Most (84%) respondents regularly assess LCS in their practice, with those in the following categories more likely to assess for LCS eligibility: 40-49 years old, female, non-Black, physicians, with &lt;10 years in practice, seeing &gt;50 patients per week, and work at a non-residency training site (all p-values &lt; 0.05). Half of the respondents were interested in adopting personalized LCS while an additional 40% wanted to learn more information. Respondents in the following categories were associated with increased interest in personalized LCS: younger than 60 years, non-White, non-physicians, seeing 100 or more patients per week, at a non-residency training site, and at a decentralized practice (all p values &lt; 0.05). Majority (66%) of respondents expressed concerns regarding time availability with the personalized LCS. Conclusions: There is a great need to enhance the awareness and engagement of Texas-based PCPs about LCS. Most of the respondents expressed interest in personalized LCS. Time availability was the main concern related to personalized LCS. Findings from this project highlight the need for better education of Texas-based PCPs on the benefits of LCS, and the development of efficient decision tools to facilitate shared decision-making sessions to ensure successful implementation of personalized LCS. [Table: see text]

Does Primary Care Fill the Gap in Access to Specialty Mental Health Care? A Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundBroad consensus supports the use of primary care to address unmet need for mental health treatment.ObjectiveTo better understand whether primary care filled the gap when individuals were unable to access specialty mental health care.Design2018 mixed methods study with a national US internet survey (completion rate 66%) and follow-up interviews.ParticipantsPrivately insured English-speaking adults ages 18–64 reporting serious psychological distress that used an outpatient mental health provider in the last year or attempted to use a mental health provider but did not ultimately use specialty services (N = 428). Follow-up interviews were conducted with 30 survey respondents.Main MeasuresWhether survey respondents obtained mental health care from their primary care provider (PCP), and if so, the rating of that care on a 1 to 10 scale, with ratings of 9 or 10 considered highly rated. Interviews explored patient-reported barriers and facilitators to engagement and satisfaction with care provided by PCPs.Key ResultsOf the 22% that reported they tried to but did not access specialty mental health care, 53% reported receiving mental health care from a PCP. Respondents receiving care only from their PCP were less likely to rate their PCP care highly (21% versus 48%; p = 0.01). Interviewees reported experiences with PCP-provided mental health care related to three major themes: PCP engagement, relationship with the PCP, and PCP role.ConclusionsPrimary care is partially filling the gap for mental health treatment when specialty care is not available. Patient experiences reinforce the need for screening and follow-up in primary care, clinician training, and referral to a trusted specialty consultant when needed.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-021-07260-z.

Targeted BRCA1/2 population screening among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals using a web-enabled medical model: An observational cohort study

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate uptake and follow-up using internet-assisted population genetic testing (GT) for BRCA1/2 Ashkenazi Jewish founder pathogenic variants (AJPVs). MethodsAcross 4 cities in the United States, from December 2017 to March 2020, individuals aged ≥25 years with ≥1 Ashkenazi Jewish grandparent were offered enrollment. Participants consented and enrolled online with chatbot and video education, underwent BRCA1/2 AJPV GT, and chose to receive results from their primary care provider (PCP) or study staff. Surveys were conducted at baseline, at 12 weeks, and annually for 5 years. ResultsA total of 5193 participants enrolled and 4109 (79.1%) were tested (median age = 54, female = 77.1%). Upon enrollment, 35.1% of participants selected a PCP to disclose results, and 40.5% of PCPs agreed. Of those tested, 138 (3.4%) were AJPV heterozygotes of whom 21 (15.2%) had no significant family history of cancer, whereas 86 (62.3%) had a known familial pathogenic variant. At 12 weeks, 85.5% of participants with AJPVs planned increased cancer screening; only 3.7% with negative results and a significant family history reported further testing. ConclusionAlthough continued follow-up is needed, internet-enabled outreach can expand access to targeted GT using a medical model. Observed challenges for population genetic screening efforts include recruitment barriers, improving PCP engagement, and increasing uptake of additional testing when indicated.

Improving Outpatient Provider Communication for High-Risk Discharges From the Hospitalist Service.

Patients are at risk for adverse events during inpatient-to-outpatient transitions of care. Previous improvement work has been targeted at this care transition, but gaps in discharge communication still exist. We aimed to increase documentation of 2-way communication between hospitalists and primary care providers (PCPs) for high-risk discharges from pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) services from 7% to 60% within 30 months. A3 improvement methodology was used. A list of high-risk discharge communication criteria was developed through engagement of PCPs and hospitalists. A driver diagram guided interventions. The outcome measure was documentation of successful 2-way communication with the PCP. Any documented 2-way discharge communication attempt was the process measure. Via a survey, hospitalist satisfaction with the discharge communication expectation served as the balancing measure. All patients discharged from PHM services meeting ≥1 high-risk criterion were included. Statistical process control charts were used to assess changes over time. There were 3241 high-risk discharges (442 baseline: November 2017 to January 2018; 2799 intervention and sustain: February 2018 to June 2020). The outcome measure displayed iterative special cause variation from a mean baseline of 7% to peak of 39% but regressed and was sustained at 27%. The process measure displayed iterative special cause variation from a 13% baseline mean to a 64% peak, with regression to 41%. The balancing measure worsened from baseline of 5% dissatisfaction to 13%. Interventions temporally related to special cause improvements were education, division-level performance feedback, standardization of documentation, and offloading the task of communication coordination from hospitalists to support staff. Improvement methodology resulted in modestly sustained improvements in PCP communication for high-risk discharges from the PHM services.

Attitudes of women participating in a clinical trial on point-of-care testing and home testing for STIs.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis infections are a public health concern and cost the United States' healthcare system 16 billion dollars annually. By minimizing barriers to testing, an increased number of infections can be detected and treated. A home-based point-of-care (POC) sexually transmitted infection (STI) test may reduce personal, structural, social and system-level barriers to STI testing. This study assesses patient preferences and acceptance of home-based POC STI testing. We performed a cross-sectional, single-visit study of women aged 18 years and older at a single site. Women completed an anonymous online survey evaluating interest in POC STI testing, comfort in self-collecting vaginal swabs and participant reaction to a positive STI result. 138 participants completed the anonymous online survey. The survey results indicate high acceptability with self-collection of samples and home POC STI testing. A majority of participants were interested or very interested in a home POC STI device-especially amongst women with a past history of a STI. If receiving a positive test result, participants indicated they would want to have someone to discuss their results with, most preferring to speak with their primary care provider. Women on lower incomes were less comfortable and less interested with home testing. Women are likely to be receptive to home POC STI testing. Adapting to home-based testing will require engagement of primary care providers for management and surveillance of STIs.

The BRCA founder outreach study: Initial results of a digital health model.

2007 Background: NCCN now endorses BRCA founder mutation genetic testing (GT) via longitudinal studies in all Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) individuals. The BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study offers pre-GT online education with posttest engagement of primary care providers (PCPs). Methods: The study in 4 US cities enrolls those age &gt; 25 with &gt; 1 AJ grandparent. Participants enroll online with chatbot and video education, have GT at local centers, receive results from their PCP or BFOR staff, and are surveyed 12 weeks post disclosure and annually for 5 years. Univariate analyses and multivariable (MV) logistic regression models were used to evaluate characteristics associated with not completing GT, selecting PCP to disclose GT, and positive GT. Results: As of January 2020, 4754 participants consented (77.5% female, median age 51); 37.7% never previously considered GT. Cancer family histories (FHx) were 56.4% low risk (LR), 36.4% high risk (HR), and 7.2% had a familial mutation (FM). To date, 3658 participants (76.9%) completed and 677 (14.2%) did not complete GT; the remainder are pending. Only 34.8% of participants selected PCP to disclose GT, and 42.6% of PCPs agreed. Of the 124 mutation carriers (3.4%) identified, 60.5% had a FM. At the 12-week survey, 65.4% of mutation carriers planned to proceed with recommended screening or scheduled risk reducing surgery; 3.5% of those with negative GT and HR FHx reported further GT. Satisfaction was high (mean 9.58/10, SD 1.12) and unrelated to result (p&gt;.05). Conclusions: A digital model for founder mutation testing engaged those with LR FHx and no prior experience with GT. Older participants were more likely to complete the study. Males were less likely to enroll but more likely to carry mutations. The majority of those who tested positive had a FM. A minority of results were disclosed by PCPs. Continued follow up is needed to determine long term outcomes. [Table: see text]

Exploring Workplace Communication Contributors to Primary Care Provider Experiences of Role Engagement

ABSTRACT The current and anticipated shortage of primary care providers (PCPs) has increased scholarly and health system leader attention on how to attract and retain qualified PCPs. To date, the research literature in medicine and in health communication has not fully considered the ways in which role communication may shape PCP engagement. Drawing upon role theory and role communication research, this qualitative study explores varied workplace interactions that contribute to PCPs’ experience of engagement. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 21 PCPs employed in family medicine practices at a Midwestern health system. We used a grounded, iterative approach consisting of multiple stages of analysis to identify emergent themes. Communication with patients, interactions with health leaders, and electronic communication via the MyChart patient portal and electronic health record system function as major contributors to PCP engagement. Findings extend role theory scholarship by identifying specific communicative phenomena that makes up engaging working conditions and add to the role communication research literature by drawing connections between engagement and social support. We offer ideas for practical interventions at the study health system and other, similar organizations that desire to improve provider engagement and well-being.

Care Coordination for Breast Cancer Survivors in Urban Underserved Communities: Will Treatment Summaries and Survivorship Care Plans Be Enough?

Few studies have examined cancer care coordination at federally qualified health centers (FHQCs). The Commission on Cancer's (CoC) standard 3.3, i.e., treatment summaries and survivorship care plans (TS-SCPs), is aimed at improving communication between cancer specialists and primary care providers (PCPs) across all healthcare systems. Whether this will improve care at FQHCs is unclear. We sought to understand breast cancer care coordination at FQHCs before the stepwise implementation of standard 3.3. In 2014, we conducted a retrospective chart review at five Chicago FQHCs. We used ICD-9 codes to identify 109 breast cancer cases diagnosed within 5years of the chart review. We examined charts for (1) external cancer records, (2) PCP documentation of breast cancer histories, and (3) documentation of PCP engagement in cancer-relevant follow-up care. Less than 50% of the charts had PCP documentation of more than one area of cancer-relevant follow-up care. Availability of external records did not increase PCP engagement in cancer-relevant follow-up care. Instead, PCPs who documented information about their patient's breast cancer treatments also documented more cancer-relevant follow-up care. Before the stepwise implementation of TS-SCPs, less than 50% of the charts had PCP documentation of more than one area of cancer-related follow-up care. The TS-SCP is designed to facilitate care coordination between specialists and PCPs through increased communication. Our results suggest the availability of external cancer information did not necessarily translate into care delivery. This suggests communication of information alone is insufficient.

Engagement with Health Risk Assessments and Commitment to Healthy Behaviors in Michigan's Medicaid Expansion Program.

Health risk assessments (HRAs) and healthy behavior incentives are increasingly used by state Medicaid programs to promote enrollees' health. To evaluate enrollee experiences with HRAs and healthy behavior engagement in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP), a state Medicaid expansion program. Telephone survey conducted in Michigan January-October 2016. A random sample of HMP enrollees aged 19-64 with ≥ 12months of enrollment, stratified by income and geographic region. Self-reported completion of an HRA, reasons for completing an HRA, commitment to a healthy behavior, and choice of healthy behavior. Among respondents (N = 4090), 49.3% (95% CI 47.3-51.2%) reported completing an HRA; among those with a primary care provider (PCP) (n = 3851), 85.2% (95% CI 83.5-86.7%) reported visiting their PCP during the last 12months. Most enrollees having a recent PCP visit reported discussing healthy behaviors with them (91.1%, 95% CI 89.6-92.3%) and were more likely to have completed an HRA than enrollees without a recent PCP visit (52.7%, 95% CI 50.5-52.8% vs. 36.2%, 95% CI 31.7-41.1%; p < 0.01). Among enrollees completing an HRA, nearly half said they did it because their PCP suggested it (45.9%, 95% CI 43.2-48.7%), and most reported it helped their PCP understand their health needs (89.7%). Awareness of financial incentives was limited (28.1%, 95% CI 26.3-30.0%), and very few reported it as the primary reason for HRA completion (2.5%, 95% CI 1.8-3.4%). Most committed to a healthy behavior (80.7%, 95% CI 78.5-82.8%), and common behaviors chosen were nutrition/diet (57.2%, 95% CI 54.2-60.2%) and exercise/activity (52.6%, 95% CI 49.5-55.7%). In the Healthy Michigan Plan, PCPs appeared influential in enrollees' completion of HRAs and healthy behavior engagement, while knowledge of financial incentives was limited. Additional study is needed to understand the relative importance of financial incentives and PCP engagement in impacting healthy behaviors in state Medicaid programs.

The Michigan Child Collaborative Care Program: Building a Telepsychiatry Consultation Service

This column describes the establishment of the Michigan Child Collaborative Care (MC3), a statewide telepsychiatry consultation program that provides support to primary care providers (PCPs) in meeting the mental health needs of youths and perinatal women. The MC3 program provides cost-effective, timely, remote consultation to primary care providers in an effort to address the lack of access and scarcity of resources in child, adolescent, and perinatal psychiatry. Data from 10,445 service requests are summarized. Common diagnoses included attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and autistic spectrum disorders, with many cases (58%) deemed moderate to severe. Co-occurring psychological trauma was suspected in 9% of service requests. Partnerships, stakeholder roles, PCP engagement, and workflow integration are highlighted as keys to the program's success.

Provider Involvement in Care During Initial Cancer Treatment and Patient Preferences for Provider Roles After Initial Treatment.

Patients report strong preferences regarding which provider-oncologist or primary care provider (PCP)-handles their primary care after initial cancer treatment (eg, other cancer screenings, preventive care, comorbidity management). Little is known about associations between provider involvement during initial cancer treatment and patient preferences for provider roles after initial treatment. Women who received a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer in 2014 to 2015 were identified from the Georgia and Los Angeles County SEER registries and surveyed (N = 2,502; 68% response rate). Women reported the level of their providers' involvement in their care during initial cancer treatment. Associations between level of medical oncologist's participation and PCP's engagement during initial cancer treatment and patient preferences for oncologist led ( v PCP led) other cancer screenings after initial treatment were examined using multivariable logistic regression models. During their initial cancer treatment, 20% of women reported medical oncologists participated substantially in delivering primary care and 66% reported PCPs were highly engaged in their cancer care. Two-thirds (66%) of women preferred medical oncologists to handle other cancer screenings after initial treatment. Women who reported substantial medical oncologist participation in primary care were more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.91) and those who reported high PCP engagement in cancer care were less likely (adjusted odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.53) to prefer oncologist-led other cancer screenings after initial treatment. Providers' involvement during initial cancer treatment may affect patient preferences regarding provision of follow-up primary care. Clarifying provider roles as early as during cancer treatment may help to better delineate their roles throughout survivorship.

A randomized trial of decision support for tobacco dependence treatment in an inpatient electronic medical record: clinical results

BackgroundSmokers usually abstain from tobacco while hospitalized but relapse after discharge. Inpatient interventions may encourage sustained quitting. We previously demonstrated that a decision support tool embedded in an electronic health record (EHR) improved physicians’ treatment of hospitalized smokers. This report describes the effect on quit rates of this decision support tool and order set for hospitalized smokers.MethodsIn a single hospital system, 254 physicians were randomized 1:1 to receive a decision support tool and order set, embedded in the EHR. When an adult patient was admitted to a medical service, an electronic alert appeared if current smoking was recorded in the EHR. For physicians receiving the intervention, the alert linked to an order set for tobacco treatment medications and electronic referral to the state tobacco quitline. Additionally, “Tobacco Use Disorder” was added to the patient’s problem list, and a secure message was sent to the patient’s primary care provider (PCP). In the control arm, no alert appeared. Patients were contacted by phone at 1, 6, and 12 months; those reporting tobacco abstinence at 12 months were asked to return to measure exhaled carbon monoxide. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the data.ResultsFrom 2013 to 2016, the alert fired for 10,939 patients (5391 intervention, 5548 control). Compared to control physicians, intervention physicians were more likely to order tobacco treatment medication, populate the problem list with tobacco use disorder, refer to the quitline, and notify the patient’s PCP. In a subset of 1044 patients recruited for intensive follow-up, one-year quit rates for intervention and control patients were, respectively, 11.5% and 11.6%, (p = 0.94), after controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and insurance. Similarly, there were no differences in 1- and 6-month quit rates.ConclusionsAlthough we were able to improve processes of care, long-term tobacco quit rates were unchanged. This likely reflects, in part, the need for sustained quitting interventions, and higher-than-expected quit rates in controls. Future enhancements should improve prescription of medications for smoking cessation at discharge, engagement of primary care providers, and perhaps direct engagement of patients in a more longitudinal approach.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01691105. Registered on September 12, 2012

Hepatitis C Management Simplification From Test to Cure: A Framework for Primary Care Providers

This article proposes a strategy for primary care providers to begin treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We are motivated by the need to expand HCV treatment and by developments that have simplified treatment for most patients. This article presents 5 steps to achieving quality HCV treatment in the primary care setting: (1) accurate diagnosis via reflex testing; (2) risk stratification and identifying comorbidities via pretreatment evaluation; (3) simple, once-daily, pan-genotypic HCV treatment regimens; (4) minimized on-treatment monitoring: and (5) posttreatment monitoring and high-quality care for comorbidities such as cirrhosis and injection drug use. We provide indications for referral to specialists: notably children, patients with genotype 3 and cirrhosis, advanced liver or kidney disease, previous treatment failures, drug interactions with recommended regimens, and hepatitis B co-infection. Finally, potential barriers for providers are discussed, as well as further research findings and policy interventions that can promote HCV treatment in the primary care setting. We believe that a substantial portion of patients with HCV can be treated safely and effectively by nonspecialists and that the engagement of primary care providers is critical to efforts to end the HCV epidemic.

Primary care providers\u2019 lived experiences of genetics in practice

To effectively translate genetic advances into practice, engagement of primary care providers (PCPs) is essential. Using a qualitative, phenomenological methodology, we analyzed key informant interviews and focus groups designed to explore perspectives of urban and rural PCPs. PCPs endorsed a responsibility to integrate genetics into their practices and expected advances in genetic medicine to expand. However, PCPs reported limited knowledge and difficulties accessing resources, experts, and continuing education. Rural practitioners’ additional concerns included cost, distance, and poor patient engagement. PCPs’ perspectives are crucial to develop relevant educational and systems-based interventions to further expand genetic medicine in primary care.

Use of Transition Resources by Primary Care Providers for Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience difficulties with successful transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. A consultative Transition Clinic for youth with IDD was piloted as a quality improvement project, and assessed the engagement of primary care providers (PCPs) for transition planning after patients were seen in clinic. Although many PCPs found the clinic and resources useful, individual and systemic barriers often prohibited them from participating in transition planning for this patient population. These findings highlight systemic barriers that need to be addressed to ensure successful transition, as well as the need for a specialized Transition Clinic with involvement of specialists with expertise in IDD, such as Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, to assist throughout transition process.

Pharmacotherapy for Weight Management in the VHA.

Weight management medications (WMM) are underutilized as an adjunct to behavioral and lifestyle interventions. In fiscal years 2014-2015, a total of approximately 2500 veterans-a mere 2% of veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)-eligible for a WMM received a prescription for one. A State of the Art Conference on Weight Management workgroup, focused on pharmacotherapy, developed evidence-based recommendations and strategies to foster the appropriate use of WMM in the VHA. The workgroup identified patient, prescriber, and health system barriers to and facilitators for prescribing WMM. Barriers included patient and provider concerns about medication safety and efficacy, limited involvement of primary care, restrictive medication criteria for use (CFU), and skepticism among providers regarding the safety and efficacy of WMM and the perception of obesity as a disease. Potential facilitators for removing barriers included patient and provider education about WMM and the health benefits of weight loss, increased engagement of primary care providers in weight management, relaxation of the CFU, and creation of a system to help patients navigate through weight management treatment options. Several research questions were framed with regard to WMM in general, and specifically to the care of obese veterans. While some of the workgroup's conclusions reflect issues specific to the VHA, many are likely to be applicable to other health organizations.

The Past Is Prologue: The Future of Sleep Medicine.

The field of sleep medicine has gone through tremendous growth and development over a short period of time, culminating in recognition of the field as an independent medical subspecialty by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). However, the fellowship training requirement that is now mandatory for sleep medicine board certification eligibility has had the unintended consequence of restricting the influx of young physicians to the field. In response to the potential workforce shortage confronting the field of sleep medicine, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) board of directors has developed a comprehensive plan to strengthen the field by growing sleep fellowship programs, exploring novel sleep medicine training opportunities, creating and fostering the sleep team (with special emphasis on engagement of primary care providers), embracing the role of consumer sleep technologies, and expanding the reach of sleep specialists through telemedicine. The AASM plans summarized in this special article represent efforts to confront serious workforce challenges and turn them into opportunities that will improve the health of both our patients and our field.