General Internal Medicine Physicians Research Articles

Direct Primary Care in 2015

Direct primary care (DPC), a fee for membership type of practice, is an evolving innovative primary care delivery model. Little is known about current membership fees, insurance billing status, physician training, and patient panel size in DPC practices. This study aimed to obtain current data for these variables, as well as additional demographic and financial indicators, and relate the findings to the Healthy People 2020 goals. It was predicted that DPC practices would (1) submit fewer claims to insurance, (2) have decreased membership fees, (3) be primarily family medicine trained, and (4) have increased the projected patient panel size since 2005. An electronic survey was sent to DPC practices (n = 65) requesting location, membership fees, projected patient panel size, insurance billing status, training, and other demographic and financial indicators. Data were aggregated, reported anonymously, and compared to two prior characterizations of DPC practices done in 2005. Thirty-eight of 65 (59%) practices responded to the 2015 survey. The majority of respondents (84%) reported using an EMR, offering physician email access (82%), 24-hour access (76%), same day appointments (92%), and wholesale labs (74%). Few respondents offered inpatient care (16%), obstetrics (3%), or financial/insurance consultant services. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of practices reported annual individual adult membership rates between $500 and $1,499, decreased from 2005 where 81% reported greater than a $1,500 annual fee. The proportion of practices who submit bills to insurance decreased from 75% in 2005 to 11% in 2015. Fifty-six percent (56%) of practices reported projected patient panel size to be greater than 600, increased from 40% in 2005. Family medicine physicians represented 87% of respondents, markedly different from 2005 when 62 - 77% of DPC respondents were general internal medicine physicians. Most DPC practices no longer submit to insurance and are family medicine trained. Compared with the previous sampling, DPC practices report decreased membership fees and increased projected panel size. These trends may signify the DPC movement's growth in application and scope.

Procedures performed by general practitioners and general internal medicine physicians - a comparison based on routine data from Northern Germany

BackgroundIn response to a rising shortage of general practitioners (GPs), physicians in general internal medicine (GIM) have become part of the German primary care physician workforce. Previous studies have shown substantial differences in practice patterns between both specialties. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the application of procedures by German GPs and GIM physicians based on routine data.MethodsThe Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in the federal state Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany) provided invoicing data of the first quarters of 2013 and 2015. Differences between GPs and GIM physicians in the implementation rate of 46 selected primary care procedures were examined by means of the Pearson χ2-test. The selection of procedures was based on international and own preliminary studies on primary care procedures.ResultsIn the first quarter of 2013/2015 respectively, 1228/1227 GPs and 447/484 GIM physicians provided services in Schleswig-Holstein. Significant differences were found for 20 of the 46 procedures. GPs had higher application rates of procedures concerning health screening (e.g. adolescent health examination, well-child visits) and minor surgery. GIM physicians more often applied technology-oriented procedures, such as ultrasound scans, electrocardiograms (ECG), and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements. The treatment patterns of both specialities did not vary much during the study period. Cardiac stress testing was the only significantly increased GP procedure in that time.ConclusionsOur results suggest substantial differences in the application of procedures between GPs and GIM physicians with potential consequences for the overall primary healthcare provision. The findings could foster a discussion about training needs for procedures in primary care to ensure its comprehensiveness. The results reflect scope for changes in vocational training in the future for an effective and efficient re-allocation of primary healthcare.

Prospective evaluation of cardiac ultrasound performance by general internal medicine physicians during a 6-month faculty development curriculum

BackgroundPoint-of-care (POCUS) education is rapidly expanding within medical schools and internal medicine residency programs, but lack of trained faculty is a major barrier. While POCUS training can improve short-term outcomes, knowledge and skills rapidly decay without deliberate practice and feedback. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) by volunteer general internal medicine (GIM) faculty participating in a longitudinal POCUS curriculum.MethodsParticipants: Nine GIM clinician-educators participated in a 6-month POCUS curriculum. Faculty performance was compared to three cardiology fellows. Three diagnostic cardiac sonographers (DCS) were also evaluated and served as the gold standard. Evaluation: the primary outcome was a FCU efficiency score, calculated by dividing image quality score by exam duration. FCU exams were conducted on three standardized patients after completion of an introductory workshop, at 3 months, and at 6 months. Two blinded cardiologists scored the exams. Analysis: mean efficiency scores were compared using a linear mixed effects model, followed by pairwise comparisons using Tukey’s test.ResultsGIM faculty’s FCU efficiency scores were maintained over the 6-month period (2.2, SE 1.0 vs. 3.8, SE 1.0, p = 0.076). Their scores at each session were similar to cardiology fellows (p > 0.69), but inferior to DCSs (p < 0.0001).ConclusionGIM faculty participating in a POCUS curriculum maintained their FCU performance over 6 months with efficiency scores comparable to experienced cardiology fellows.

Transfusion practice in anemic, non-bleeding patients: Cross-sectional survey of physicians working in general internal medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland.

BackgroundTransfusion practice might significantly influence patient morbidity and mortality. Between European countries, transfusion practice of red blood cells (RBC) greatly differs. Only sparse data are available on transfusion practice of general internal medicine physicians in Switzerland.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, physicians working in general medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland were investigated regarding their self-reported transfusion practice in anemic patients without acute bleeding. The definition of anemia, transfusion triggers, knowledge on RBC transfusion, and implementation of guidelines were assessed.Results560 physicians of 71 hospitals (64%) responded to the survey. Anemia was defined at very diverging hemoglobin values (by 38% at a hemoglobin <130 g/L for men and by 57% at <120 g/L in non-pregnant women). 62% and 43% respectively, did not define anemia in men and in women according to the World Health Organization. Fifty percent reported not to transfuse RBC according to international guidelines. Following factors were indicated to influence the decision to transfuse: educational background of the physicians, geographical region of employment, severity of anemia, and presence of known coronary artery disease. 60% indicated that their knowledge on Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) did not influence transfusion practice. 50% of physicians stated that no local transfusion guidelines exist and 84% supported the development of national recommendations on transfusion in non-acutely bleeding, anemic patients.ConclusionThis study highlights the lack of adherence to current transfusion guidelines in Switzerland. Identifying and subsequently correcting this deficit in knowledge translation may have a significant impact on patient care.

Institutional Substance Use Disorder Intervention Improves General Internist Preparedness, Attitudes, and Clinical Practice.

To assess the impact of hospital substance use disorder (SUD) initiative, which, beginning in October 2014, implemented an inpatient addiction consult team, a postdischarge addiction clinic, recovery coaches, and SUD treatment within primary care on general internists' attitudes, clinical practice, and preparedness to care for SUD. Pre and postintervention survey of general internal medicine physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts, in September 2014 (n = 290) and 2015 (n = 296) was conducted. There were 149 respondents for the pre and 143 respondents for the post survey. There were no significant differences between groups. In the follow-up group, 66% of physicians had a patient receive care from the initiative. These physicians were significantly more likely to have favorable attitudes towards SUD; 44% report caring for patients with SUD is as satisfying as other clinical activities versus 9% of physicians without experience with the initiative. These physicians were significantly more likely to feel very prepared to screen for SUD (27% vs 9%), diagnose SUD (23% vs 9%), deliver a brief intervention (16% vs 5%), refer to treatment (36% vs 14%), discuss medication treatments (22% vs 5%), discuss overdose prevention and naloxone (33% vs 5%), and discuss harm reduction (22% vs 7%). They were also significantly more likely to frequently prescribe naloxone (11% vs 0%), prescribe addiction pharmacotherapy (15% vs 2%), and provide addiction treatment themselves (18% vs 5%). General internists' attitudes, preparedness, and clinical practice related to SUD significantly improved after having a patient receive care from new clinical services implemented through a hospital-wide SUD initiative.

PAEDIATRICIANS: ARE THEY JUST LITTLE ADULTS?

Objectives & BackgroundBeing well acquainted with the oft-repeated premise that “children are not little adults”, we set out to test the hypothesis that paediatricians are little adults.MethodsDesign International cross-sectional study.Setting...

Vaccination practices in patients with inflammatory bowel disease among general internal medicine physicians in the USA

BackgroundIncreasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses significant challenges to medical community. Preventive medicine, including vaccination against opportunistic infections, is important in decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with...

Verbal Aggressiveness Among Physicians and Trainees

To better understand verbal aggressiveness among physicians and trainees, including specialty-specific differences. The Infante Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (IVAS) was administered as part of a survey to 48 medical students, 24 residents, and 257 attending physicians. The 72 trainees received the IVAS and demographic questions, whereas the attending physicians received additional questions regarding type of practice, career satisfaction, litigation, and personality type. The IVAS scores showed high reliability (Cronbach α = 0.83). Among all trainees, 56% were female with mean age 28 years, whereas among attending physicians, 63% were male with mean age 50 years. Average scores of trainees were higher than attending physicians with corresponding averages of 1.88 and 1.68, respectively. Among trainees, higher IVAS scores were significantly associated with male sex, non-US birthplace, choice of surgery, and a history of bullying. Among attending physicians, higher IVAS scores were significantly associated with male sex, younger age, self-reported low-quality of patient-physician relationships, and low enjoyment talking to patients. General surgery and general internal medicine physicians were significantly associated with higher IVAS scores than other specialties. General practitioners (surgeons and medical physicians) had higher IVAS scores than the specialists in their corresponding fields. No significant correlation was found between IVAS scores and threats of legal action against attending physicians, or most personality traits. Additional findings regarding bullying in medical school, physician-patient interactions, and having a method to deal with inappropriate behavior at work were observed. Individuals choosing general specialties display more aggressive verbal communication styles, general surgeons displaying the highest. The IVAS scoring system may identify subgroups of physicians with overly aggressive (problematic) communication skills and may provide a backdrop for educating physician communicators. The relationship between verbal aggressiveness and efficacy of clinical communication merits inquiry.

Primary Care Physicians' Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment.

We explored primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) beliefs and practices about e-cigarettes. Cross-sectional, semi-structured interviews with PCPs in 2014 were conducted and audio-recorded. Participants were 15 general internal and family medicine physicians practicing in two settings in Virginia, USA. Interview recordings were transcribed, and the content analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method to identify key themes regarding PCPs’ reported current practices and beliefs. Five themes were identified: (1) existing clinic processes do not include mechanisms to screen for noncombustible tobacco products (such as e-cigarettes); (2) e-cigarette discussions are becoming commonplace with patients initiating the discussions and seeking physician guidance regarding e-cigarette use; (3) a lack of knowledge regarding the potential harms and benefits of e-cigarettes, yet a willingness to support their patients’ desire to use e-cigarettes (4) believing e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking combustible tobacco products; and (5) abandoning concerns regarding the potential harms of e-cigarettes in the context of highly addicted patients and those with extensive comorbidities. Despite acknowledging limited knowledge regarding e-cigarettes, findings suggest that some PCPs are currently recommending e-cigarettes to their patients for smoking cessation and relative harm reduction, often personalizing recommendations based on the patient’s perceived addiction level and current health status. Physicians need to be informed about the evolving evidence regarding the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.

Interhospital transfer patients discharged by academic hospitalists and general internists: Characteristics and outcomes.

Prior work suggests interhospital transfer (IHT) may be a risky event. Outcomes for patients transferred from another acute care institution and discharged by hospitalists and general internists at academic health systems are not well described. Investigate the characteristics and outcomes of IHT patients compared with patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) to academic health systems. Retrospective cohort study. A total of 885,392 adult inpatients discharged by hospitalists or general internal medicine physicians from 158 academic medical centers and affiliated hospitals participating in the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Database and Resource Manager from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. Patient cohorts were defined by admission source: those from another acute care institution were IHTs, and those coming through the ED whose source of origination was not another hospital or ambulatory surgery site were ED admissions. In-hospital mortality was our primary outcome. We analyzed our data using descriptive statistics, t tests, χ(2) tests, and logistic regression. Compared with ED admissions, IHT patients had a longer average length of stay, higher proportion of time spent in the intensive care unit, higher costs per hospital day, lower frequency of discharges home, and higher inpatient mortality (4.1% vs 1.8%, P < 0.01). After adjusting for patient characteristics and risk of mortality measures, IHT patients had a higher risk of in-hospital death (odds ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-1.43). In this large national sample, IHT status is independently associated with inpatient mortality.

Shifting Patterns of Physician Home Visits.

Home visits have been shown to improve quality of care and lower medical costs for complex elderly patients. We investigated trends in physician home visits and domiciliary care visits as well as physician characteristics associated with providing these services. Longitudinal analysis of Medicare Part B claims data for a national sample of direct patient care physicians in 2006 and 2011. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the physician sample and to determine numbers of home visits and domiciliary visits in total and by physician specialty. Patient homes, nursing homes, and domiciliary care facilities. Direct patient care physicians (n = 22,186). Physician demographics, specialty, practice characteristics (practice type, geographic location), number of home visits, and domiciliary visits in 2006 and 2011. We found a small increase (n = 63,501) in total number of home visits made to Medicare beneficiaries between 2006 and 2011 performed by a decreasing percentage of physicians (5.1%, n = 18,165 in 2006; 4.5%, n = 15,296 in 2011). There was substantial growth in domiciliary care visit numbers (n = 218,514) and a small increase in percentage of physicians delivering these services (2.0% in 2006, 2.3% in 2011). Physicians who performed home visits were more likely to be older, in rural locations, specialists in primary care, and more likely to provide nursing home and domiciliary care compared with physicians who did not make any home visits (P < .05). Home visits and domiciliary visits to Medicare beneficiaries are increasing. General internal medicine physicians provided the highest number of home and domiciliary care visits in 2006, and family physicians did so in 2011. Such delivery models show promise in lowering medical costs while providing high-quality patient care.

Decision support for chronic pain care: how do primary care physicians decide when to prescribe opioids? a qualitative study.

BackgroundPrimary care physicians struggle to treat chronic noncancer pain while limiting opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion. The objective of this study was to understand how primary care physicians perceive their decisions to prescribe opioids in the context of chronic noncancer pain management. This question is important because interventions, such as decision support tools, must be designed based on a detailed understanding of how clinicians use information to make care decisions.MethodsWe conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with family medicine and general internal medicine physicians until reaching saturation in emergent themes. We used a funneling approach to ask a series of questions about physicians’ general decision making challenges and use of information when considering chronic opioids. We then used an iterative, open-coding approach to identify and characterize themes in the data.ResultsWe interviewed fifteen physicians with diverse clinical experiences, demographics, and practice affiliations. Physicians said that general decision making challenges in providing pain management included weighing risks and benefits of opioid therapies and time and resource constraints. Also, some physicians described their active avoidance of chronic pain treatment due to concerns about opioid risks. In their decision making, physicians described the importance of objective and consistent information, the importance of identifying “red flags” related to risks of opioids, the importance of information about physical function as an outcome, and the importance of information that engenders trust in patients.ConclusionsThis study identified and described primary care physicians’ struggles to deliver high quality care as they seek and make decisions based on an array of incomplete, conflicting, and often untrusted patient information. Decision support systems, education, and other interventions that address these challenges may alleviate primary care physicians’ struggles and improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain and other challenging conditions.

Continuing Medical Education Learning Module for the Primary Care and Emergency Medicine Physicians: Musculoskeletal Assessment of the Knee and Shoulder Joints

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often responsible for evaluating, treating and further referring musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and injuries. The objective of this learning module is to provide PCP and Emergency Medicine physicians with an online training resource regarding the assessment and treatment of common and important knee and shoulder injuries. A web‐based survey was sent to general internal medicine, family medicine and emergency medicine physicians via email. A total of 66 responses were received. Results revealed that 32‐50% of the physicians felt ‘not at all confident’ or 'somewhat confident’ in evaluating, treating and referring a variety of knee and shoulder disorders and injuries. The physicians' responses revealed they were the least confident in evaluating meniscal tears, patellofemoral pain, adhesive capsulitis and shoulder impingement. Additionally there is an overall interest in a learning module addressing these conditions. This needs assessment will provide information to drive the development of an online training module to supplement providers' current level of training, and increase confidence in approaching MSK disorders and injuries.

Internal medicine resident training and provision of diabetes quality of care indicators.

Existing research is inconsistent on whether clinical experience is associated with improved management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We sought to determine whether meeting diabetes quality indicators improves as general internal medicine physicians progress from first to last year of residency. We performed a chart abstraction of electronic health records data covering the period from September 2008 to August 2011. In all, 352 patient records were abstracted and linked to year of resident provider. Type 2 diabetes quality indicators included glycated hemoglobin (A1C), low-density lipoprotein, diastolic and systolic blood pressure control, obtaining urine microalbumin or prescription for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and documented foot and eye examinations. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to determine whether year of residency was associated with quality of care indices before and after adjusting for patient age, gender, race, body mass index and cigarette smoking. Urine microalbumin was the most often met indicator (76.9%), and the least often met indicator was documented eye examination (37.4%). Results of adjusted analysis indicated that the odds of A1C, low-density lipoprotein control, obtaining urine microalbumin and documented eye and foot examinations were greater among patients of second- and third-year residents compared with those of first-year residents (odds ratios range, 1.26-5.12). Urine microalbumin was the indicator most often in optimal control and least often met indicators were eye and foot examinations. We observed improvement in quality of diabetes care throughout residency. However, the low prevalence of several quality indicators indicates a need for additional training and quality improvement.

Differences in prescribing patterns for anxiety and depression between General Internal Medicine and Family Medicine

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are routinely managed by physicians in Family Medicine (FM) or General Internal Medicine (GIM). Because FM requires more behavioral health training than GIM, we sought to determine if prescribing patterns for patients with anxiety, depression, or both differed between FM vs. GIM providers. MethodsIn a cross-sectional design, patient data and provider type were obtained from 2008 to 2013 electronic medical record patient data registry (n=27,225 (FM=10,994, GIM=16,231)) Prescription orders were modeled for specific benzodiazepines and antidepressants and by drug class. Covariates included gender, age, race, marital status and comorbidity index. Separate logistic regression models were computed, before and after adjusting for covariates, to estimate the odds of FM vs. GIM providers prescribing benzodiazepine or antidepressant medication to patients with anxiety, depression, and both disorders. ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, patients with anxiety alone, depression alone, and both had significantly greater odds of receiving an antidepressant (OR=2.08;95%CI:1.46–2.96, OR=2.13;95%CI:1.48–3.06, and OR=2.26;95%CI:1.09–4.66, respectively) if treated by FM vs. GIM. Benzodiazepine prescription did not differ by physician type. LimitationsIt is not known if results will generalize to other regions of the United States. ConclusionsPatients with anxiety, depression, and both seen by FM providers, as compared to GIM providers, are more likely to receive antidepressant medications. Further investigation into the determinants of these differences is warranted. Under-treatment in GIM may result in less advantageous outcomes.

A National Survey of Physician Knowledge Regarding the Benefits of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in Advanced Dementia

Introduction: The continued use of PEG in patients with advanced dementia and feeding difficulties might be due to poor physician knowledge. The literature suggests that PEG feeding does not improve survival, pressure ulcers, weight, or aspiration risk in this group, and that 1-year mortality post-insertion is 50-70%. Our goal was to evaluate the knowledge of gastroenterology (GI) and general internal medicine (IM) physicians regarding the benefits of PEG in advanced dementia. Methods: The program directors of 58 GI fellowships and 30 IM residencies agreed to distribute an e-mail to all faculty/trainees within their respective academic divisions inviting them to complete a webbased survey. The anonymous survey inquired about the benefits of PEG in advanced dementia (survival, ulcer formation/healing, weight gain, aspiration risk). Respondents also self-assessed their knowledge of the relevant literature. Results: There were 670 respondents (135 GI attendings, 195 IM attendings, 95 GI fellows, 245 IM residents). More GI attendings (54%) felt well-versed in the literature about the outcomes of PEG in advanced dementia than IM attendings (34%; p<0.05) and residents (17%; p<0.05); there was no difference compared to GI fellows. There was significant difference in knowledge between those who felt well-versed in the literature to those who did not (Table 1). Misconception that PEG results in weight gain and ulcer healing was pronounced (Table 1). Knowledge of 1-year mortality rate post PEG insertion was poor (Table 2).Table 1: Physicians' Knowledge About the Benefits of PEG Feeding in Advanced Dementia*Table 2: Physicians’ Estimation of 1-Year Mortality Post Insertion of PEG in Advanced DementiaConclusion: Many physicians do not feel knowledgeable about the outcomes of PEG in advanced dementia. There is misconception about the benefits of PEG feeding and underestimation of mortality post-PEG. This deficiency of knowledge might contribute to PEG tubes being recommended for patients with advanced dementia. Disclosure - Dr. Colin Howden: Consultant: Takeda, Otsuka, Ironwood, Salix, Pfizer Consumer Health. Dr. Colin Howden: Speaking honoraria from Takeda, Otsuka, Ironwood, Forest, GlaxoSmithKline International. Dr. Alan Wong: none.

(444) Informing clinical decision support for chronic pain in primary care: how do physicians decide when to initiate opioids?

In this study, our objective was to identify and describe different decision making strategies that primary care physicians use when deciding whether or not to initiate opioids in patients with chronic pain. This formative understanding may inform the design of electronic health record-based decision support tools that help primary care physicians decide if and when opioids are most appropriate. We conducted a qualitative interview study of family medicine and general internal medicine physicians.

Physician Attitudes toward Adopting Genome-Guided Prescribing through Clinical Decision Support.

This study assessed physician attitudes toward adopting genome-guided prescribing through clinical decision support (CDS), prior to enlisting in the Clinical Implementation of Personalized Medicine through Electronic Health Records and Genomics pilot pharmacogenomics project (CLIPMERGE PGx). We developed a survey instrument that includes the Evidence Based Practice Attitude Scale, adapted to measure attitudes toward adopting genome-informed interventions (EBPAS-GII). The survey also includes items to measure physicians’ characteristics (awareness, experience, and perceived usefulness), attitudes about personal genome testing (PGT) services, and comfort using technology. We surveyed 101 General Internal Medicine physicians from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS). The majority were residency program trainees (~88%). Prior to enlisting into CLIPMERGE PGx, most physicians were aware of and had used decision support aids. Few physicians, however, were aware of and had used genome-guided prescribing. The majority of physicians viewed decision support aids and genotype data as being useful for making prescribing decisions. Most physicians had not heard of, but were willing to use, PGT services and felt comfortable interpreting PGT results. Most physicians were comfortable with technology. Physicians who perceived genotype data to be useful in making prescribing decisions, had more positive attitudes toward adopting genome-guided prescribing through CDS. Our findings suggest that internal medicine physicians have a deficit in their familiarity and comfort interpreting and using genomic information. This has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback and guidance from our enrolled physicians when designing genome-guided CDS and the importance of prioritizing genomic medicine education at our institutions.

Studying Physician Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding the Herpes Zoster Vaccine to Address Perceived Barriers to Vaccination

To increase usage of the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine at an academic medical center by studying physicians' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers and analyze the findings by practice setting. A cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to all 266 general internal medicine physicians in 4 clinical settings at an academic medical center between October 6 and December 12, 2011. Outcomes measures included knowledge questions regarding the disease and vaccine recommendations, Likert-type items about physician attitudes and practices, and questions about barriers and proposed interventions to improve utilization. Response rate was 33.5% (89 of 266). Responders did not answer all questions. Only 66% (42 of 64) responded that HZ vaccination was an important clinical priority, and 48% (38 of 79) reported that less than 10% of their patients received the HZ vaccine. 95% responded that the influenza (61 of 64) and 92% that the pneumococcal (59 of 64) vaccines were important. Approximately 53% (42 of 79) and 51% (40 of 78) reported that more than 75% of their patients received these vaccines, respectively. Top barrier to vaccination was cost to patients (51 of 66; 77%). Lack of awareness of national recommendations (46 of 65, 71%) varied by setting. Physicians' preferred interventions included nurse-initiated prompting about vaccination (36 of 75, 48%) and chart reminders (34 of 74, 46%). Not only increased knowledge but also a change in attitudes and practice are needed to enhance implementation of national recommendations. To improve use of this vaccine, physicians including ophthalmologists need to recommend it more strongly.

Variations in antibiotic prescribing of acute rhinosinusitis in United States ambulatory settings.

To identify variations in antibiotic treatment of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) on a national level. Cross-sectional study of a national database. Otolaryngology and primary care ambulatory settings. A nationally representative sample of adult outpatient visits was extracted from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey data for 2006 to 2009. Antibiotic prescriptions associated with ARS were tabulated. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify variations in antibiotic prescribing by patient and physician characteristics. Antibiotics were prescribed in 82.3% ± 2.6% of 18.7 million visits for ARS (mean age, 46.2 years; 65.9% female). The ratio of primary care physician (PCP) to otolaryngologist (ENT) ARS visits was 18.6:1. Antibiotic prescription rates were inversely related to increasing age groups of 18 to 39, 40 to 64, and ≥ 65 years (87.8%, 81.2%, and 71.0%, respectively; P = .02). Physicians in general medicine outpatient departments, internal medicine, and family medicine were more likely to prescribe antibiotics compared with ENTs (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.5-17.8]; 6.9 [2.5-19.2]; and 3.9 [2.0-7.7], respectively). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were azithromycin, amoxicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate acid (27.5%, 15.5%, and 14.6%, respectively). The ENTs selected broad-spectrum antibiotics more often than PCPs (94.3% vs 75.7% of visits with antibiotics were broad-spectrum agents; P = .01). Antibiotics were prescribed frequently despite recent consensus guidelines that discourage antibiotic use in mild cases. Furthermore, antibiotic prescription was more likely for younger patients and in primary care settings. This highlights the need to promote awareness of practice guidelines.