Role Of Primary Care Providers Research Articles

Physician perspectives on statin continuation and discontinuation in older adults in primary cardiovascular prevention: a qualitative methods study

ObjectivesIn the context of limited evidence on statin use in primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults, we assessed physician perspectives on decision-making about statin continuation or discontinuation in this population.DesignQualitative...

The role of primary care providers in lung cancer screening: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundMultidisciplinary lung cancer screening (LCS) programs that perform shared decision-making visits (SDMV) and follow up annual low dose computed tomography (LDCT) have been emerging. We hypothesize that primary care providers (PCPs) prefer to refer patients to LCS programs instead of facilitating the screening process themselves. MethodsThis is a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study in which an online survey was administered to PCPs between April-June 2023. Results58 PCPs in the same hospital network participated in the study with a median age of 43 (34-51), predominance of women (77.6%), and clinicians of white and Asian race (44.8% and 48.3%). Respondents estimated that 26.1% (SD 32.4%) of their eligible patients participate in LCS screening. PCPs thought that an LCS program was equally convenient to performing screening themselves for identifying eligible patients and ordering LDCT. However, 63.8% of participants preferred an LCS program for performing SDMVs, 62.1% for ensuring annual follow-up on negative LDCTs, 70.7% for deciding next steps on positive LDCTs, and 60.4% for performing smoking cessation counseling. PCPs agreed that an LCS program saves time (69%), allows patients to receive specialty care (65.6%), addresses patient concerns (70.7%), ensures annual follow-up (77.6%), and manages abnormal findings (79.3%). However, they also expressed concerns about an additional visit for the patient (48.2%) and patient cost (46.5%). ConclusionsMost PCPs believe that formal LCS programs have many benefits including providing specialized care and follow up, although there were concerns about patient time and cost. MicroabstractMost primary care providers (PCPs) believe that formal lung cancer screening programs (LCS) have many benefits over performing screening themselves. PCPs agreed that an LCS program saves time, allows patients to receive specialty care, addresses patient concerns, ensures annual follow-up, and manages abnormal findings. However, they also expressed concerns about an additional visit for the patient and patient cost.

School refusal: Considerations for the primary care NP.

School refusal refers to child- or adolescent-motivated refusal to attend school or remain in school for the duration of the school day. Importantly, the child or adolescent does not conceal their absence from school from their caregivers. Root causes for school refusal include anxiety, mood disorders, untreated learning disorders, and social difficulties. Long-term outcomes of school refusal include further social withdrawal, ongoing mental health issues, and unemployment. This article reviews the differences between school refusal and other types of chronic absenteeism, and it describes behaviors that may manifest in a child or adolescent who avoids attending school. The primary care provider's role in evaluation and treatment of this population is discussed.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for PCPs regarding heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity: results of an online internet-based survey

BackgroundObesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) is a major risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and affects most patients with HFpEF. Patients living with obesity may experience delays in HFpEF diagnosis and management. We aimed to understand the clinical journey of patients with obesity and HFpEF and the role of primary care providers (PCPs) in diagnosing and managing patients with both conditions.MethodsAn anonymous, US population-based online survey was conducted in September 2020 among 114 patients with self-reported HFpEF and obesity and 200 healthcare providers, 61 of whom were PCPs who treat patients with HFpEF and obesity.ResultsHalf of patients (51%) with HFpEF reported waiting an average of 11 months to discuss their symptoms with a PCP; 11% then received their diagnosis from a PCP. PCPs initiated treatment and oversaw the management of HFpEF only 35% of the time, and 44% of PCPs discussed obesity treatment medication options with their patients. Only 20% of PCPs indicated they had received formal obesity management training, and 79% of PCPs indicated they would be interested in obesity management training and support.ConclusionPCPs could play a valuable role in addressing obesity and referring patients with obesity and signs and symptoms of HFpEF to cardiologists. Increased awareness of HFpEF and its link to obesity may help PCPs more quickly identify and diagnose their patients with these conditions.Graphical

Abstract PO5-10-04: Rare to Care: Assessing Awareness and Health Disparity Factors Related to Inflammatory Breast Cancer in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is life-changing as it is a rare, highly aggressive breast cancer variant designated by NIH as a cancer health disparity. Given the unique presentation of diffuse tumor cell spread in the absence of a solid mass, which is not easily detected by self-breast exams or mammograms, IBC patients often face delays in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, an individualized and a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique needs of the patient with input from both providers and the community is an unmet need. To address this, we are investigating the current knowledge and perspectives of providers and public related to rare cancers like IBC in primary care practices. Methods: Researchers and advanced practice providers collaboratively drafted and piloted the initial surveys with guidance from a Community Advisory Board, comprising of members from academic institutions, primary care practices in urban and rural setting, topical experts, and patient advocates, in order to assess primary care providers (PCPs) and general public knowledge, attitudes and health seeking practices related to rare cancer like IBC. Results: The surveys are currently being administered statewide specific to PCPs or public via cognitive interviews and/or using an online survey tool within North Carolina as a model of a large state (100 counties) with a range of population densities, race, ethnicities, and environmental burdens. Challenges elaborated at the PCP level include communicating rare cancer information, gaps in confidence in diagnosing IBC, timely follow-up with patients, and accessing specialty care and an unmet need for developing PCP educational modules to improve guideline-concordant care. Public data analyzed to date is from a Duke Outpatient Clinic, an urban ambulatory care teaching practice serving primarily low-income, medically complex patients in Durham (n=14) included 69% Black, 93% female, with 68% in households earning under $50,000 annually). 71% had not heard of IBC; 64% did not identify high BMI as a risk factor; 36% did not know there is differential race-related incidence; 74% did not recognize IBC-specific symptoms. 50% noted lack of insurance, transportation, religious reasons, or difficulty or fear of talking to a physician contributed in general delay in seeking health care. Most importantly, 93% expressed feeling comfortable sharing information about IBC with others. Majority expressed that adding visual aids and providing educational materials about IBC at the time of survey would be helpful. Conclusions: The results highlight the role of PCPs, including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, who are often the first point of contact when patients begin to notice signs or symptoms. The general public and the patients with common breast cancer subtypes can provide valuable insight into their own health care experiences, what works for them and what barriers they face in their communities, which can be used to compare with experience of patients with IBC and other rare cancers. Overall, the lessons from this study inform the development of effective tools to educate PCPs and patients for this understudied cancer that contributes to disparities in clinical and survival outcomes in minoritized and marginalized populations. Support in part from the Duke Cancer Institute pilot as part of the P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (P30CA014236) and Duke School of Medicine Behavioral Health and Survey Research Core Facility Award (GRD, ANT); Duke Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Institute scholarship (VK, GRD), Department of Surgery (GRD); Duke Ahead Education grant; NIH/NCI RO1CA264529-01 (GRD); ACS Mission Boost grant MBG-20-141-01-MBG (GRD), Nakayama Public Service Scholar Award (AB). Citation Format: Gayathri R Devi, Lawrence Greenblatt, Rashmi Saincher, Valerie Keck, Beau Blass, Sarah Weaver, Alexandra Bennion, Anh Tran. Rare to Care: Assessing Awareness and Health Disparity Factors Related to Inflammatory Breast Cancer in the Primary Care Setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-10-04.

Managing female stress urinary incontinence in a post mesh era: What to do and when to refer.

Urinary incontinence is a common presentation in general practice and can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined by the International Continence Society as 'the complaint of any involuntary loss of urine on effort or physical exertion (egsporting activities), or on sneezing or coughing'. There is a key role for primary care providers in the assessment and management of female SUI. To highlight the key diagnostic and management principles of female SUIingeneral practice and discuss management options. SUI can usually be diagnosed based upon clinical history and targeted physical examination. Pelvic floor physiotherapy and lifestyle interventions, including weight modification and management of co-morbidities, are important first-line therapies. Surgical options for both persistent or complex SUI include urethral bulking agents, Burch colposuspension and pubovaginal fascial slings. Synthetic (mesh) mid-urethral slings remain a viable surgical option for women suffering SUI.

Continuity of care in suicide prevention: current status and future directions.

Continuity of Care (CoC) is central to suicide prevention. The present study aims to review contemporary definitions, operationalization in research, and key components of CoC in the prevention of suicide. The present study is a narrative review. A thorough search of available literature on CoC and suicidality was conducted. Studies published between 1995 and 2021 were reviewed and selected based on relevance to CoC and suicidality. Selected research was subsequently summarized to outline definitions of CoC, its operationalization in research, and key components for suicide prevention. The definition, measurement, and operationalization of CoC in suicide prevention varies tremendously, derailing clinical practice. Key elements of CoC identified across the literature include (1) CoC across multiple levels of care, (2) the role of primary care providers and case managers in CoC of suicidal patients, (3) the importance of follow up contact with suicidal patients post-treatment, and (4) the role of national and institutional guidelines for CoC of suicidal patients. Limitations: There is a dearth of randomized controlled trials and insufficient evidence on specific populations. CoC refers to a wide, complex concept that must be broken down into specific categories that can provide more nuanced guidance of research and clinical implications.

Dementia and comorbidities in primary care: a scoping review

BackgroundPeople with dementia (PwD) are known to have more chronic conditions compared to those without dementia, which can impact the clinical presentation of dementia, complicate clinical management and reduce overall quality of life. While primary care providers (PCPs) are integral to dementia care, it is currently unclear how PCPs adapt dementia care practices to account for comorbidities. This scoping review maps recent literature that describes the role for PCPs in the prevention, detection/diagnosis and management of dementia in the context of comorbidities, identifies critical knowledge gaps and proposes potential avenues for future research.MethodsWe searched for peer-reviewed literature published between 2017–2022 in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus using key terms related to dementia, primary care, and comorbidity. The literature was screened for relevance by title-abstract screening and subsequent full-text screening. The prioritized papers were categorized as either ‘Risk Assessment and Prevention’, ‘Screening, Detection, and Diagnosis’ or ‘Management’ and were further labelled as either ‘Tools and Technologies’, ‘Recommendations for Clinical Practice’ or ‘Programs and Initiatives’. ResultsWe identified 1,058 unique records in our search and respectively excluded 800 and 230 publications during title-abstract and full-text screening. Twenty-eight articles were included in our review, where ~ 50% describe the development and testing of tools and technologies that use pre-existing conditions to assess dementia risk. Only one publication provides official dementia screening guidelines for PCPs in people with pre-existing conditions. About 30% of the articles discuss managing the care of PwD, where most were anchored around models of multidisciplinary care and mitigating potentially inappropriate prescribing. ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first scoping review that examines the role for PCPs in the prevention, detection/diagnosis and management of dementia in the context of comorbidities. Given our findings, we recommend that future studies: 1) further validate tools for risk assessment, timely detection and diagnosis that incorporate other health conditions; 2) provide additional guidance into how comorbidities could impact dementia care (including prescribing medication) in primary care settings; 3) incorporate comorbidities into primary care quality indicators for dementia; and 4) explore how to best incorporate dementia and comorbidities into models/frameworks of holistic, person-centred care.

Electronic Health Record Tools to Facilitate Diagnosis of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care

AbstractWith novel biomarkers and treatments for dementia on the horizon, the need to detect cognitive impairment at early stages is urgent. The role of primary care providers (PCPs) in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and dementia is essential in meeting this need. Cognition in Primary Care (CPC) is a quality improvement program developed at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, which includes a three‐part Continuing Medical Education (CME), clinical workflow, and electronic health record toolset to support PCPs in early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This program was developed using input from UW providers in primary care practice and elements from the KAER (Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer) Toolkit developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Our pragmatic approach involved the development of tools integrated into Epic, the electronic health record system in place at UW, that can be used during a patient visit to guide PCPs through the process of evaluating cognitive function. The toolset includes 1) a list of signs that may trigger the need for a dedicated follow‐up visit to evaluate cognition; 2) a cognitive checklist for related conditions affecting cognition (e.g., potentially harmful medications, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and obstructive sleep apnea); 3) a structured framework for cognitive evaluation including validated instruments (e.g., MoCA and AD8); 4) referrals to specialty care; 5) billing guidelines; and 6) community resources and materials that patients and care partners can use both pre‐ and post‐diagnosis. We have pilot‐tested these tools in UW primary care clinics and found high utilization both within and outside of targeted clinics indicating a halo effect of usage beyond those who attended the CME training. In this presentation, we will provide detailed descriptions of these Epic tools focusing on clinical application to total patient care. We plan to publish these workflow tools onto the Epic Digital Library to be downloaded and used by other health systems. Future plans include producing on‐demand CME training modules, a post‐diagnosis checklist, and applications for use of these tools in systems outside of Epic.

The role of primary care providers in testing for sexually transmitted infections in the MassHealth Medicaid program.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) under an accountable care model of health care delivery. Data sources were claims and encounter records from the Massachusetts Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (MassHealth) for enrollees aged 13 to 64 years in 2019. This cross-sectional study examines the one-year prevalence of STI testing and evaluates social determinants of health and other patient characteristics as predictors of such testing in both primary care and other settings. We identified visits with STI testing using procedure codes and primary care settings from provider code types. Among 740,417 members, 55% were female, 11% were homeless or unstably housed, and 15% had some level of disability. While the prevalence of testing in any setting was 20% (N = 151,428), only 57,215 members had testing performed in a primary care setting, resulting in an 8% prevalence of testing by primary care clinicians (PCCs). Members enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) were significantly less likely to be tested by a primary care provider than those enrolled in accountable care organization (ACO) plans that have specific incentives for primary care practices to coordinate care. Enrollees in a Primary Care ACO had the highest rates of STI testing, both overall and by primary care providers. Massachusetts' ACO delivery systems may be able to help practices increase STI screening with explicit incentives for STI testing in primary care settings.

Role of primary care in enhancing continuity of care for adolescents and young adults with chronic kidney disease undergoing transition to adult health services.

The transition from pediatric to adult health care is a vulnerable period for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions as it involves a multitude of changes and challenges while they enter adulthood. The transition to adult care can be particularly challenging for AYA living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the complex care needed for treatment. Continuity of care is crucial for a successful transition to adult health care. The aim of this educational review is to discuss the potential role of primary care providers in the transition from pediatric to adult health services for AYA with CKD and kidney failure treated with dialysis and/or transplant. We address the significance of the medical home model and how it can provide continuity of care for AYA with CKD. Primary care providers can enhance care for AYA with chronic conditions by providing continuity of care, reducing exacerbation of chronic health conditions, providing holistic care, and fostering collaboration with specialists. Despite their vital role, primary care providers face barriers in maintaining this continuity, necessitating further attention and support in this area. By addressing these barriers and encouraging primary care providers to work alongside pediatric and adult nephrologists during the transition to adult health care, there are significant opportunities to improve the care and health outcomes of AYA with CKD.

Multi-level Factors Influencing Decisions About Stopping Surveillance Colonoscopy in Older Adults: a Qualitative Study.

Little is known about patient or provider experience and perceptions of stopping surveillance among older adults with a history of colon polyps. While guidelines recommend ceasing routine colorectal cancer screening in adults > 75years and those with limited life expectancy, guidance for ceasing surveillance colonoscopy in those with prior colon polyps suggests individualizing recommendations. Identify processes, experiences, and gaps around individualizing decisions to stop or continue surveillance colonoscopy for older adults and areas for improvement. Phenomenological qualitative study design using recorded semi-structured interviews from May 2020 through March 2021. 15 patients aged ≥ 65 in polyp surveillance, 12 primary care providers (PCPs), and 13 gastroenterologists (GIs). Data were analyzed using a mixed deductive (directed content analysis) and inductive (grounded theory) approach to identify themes related to stopping or continuing surveillance colonoscopies. Analysis resulted in 24 themes and were clustered into three main categories: health and clinical considerations; communication and roles; and system-level processes or structures. Overall, the study found support for discussions around age 75-80 on stopping surveillance colonoscopy with considerations for health and life expectancy and that PCPs should take a primary role. However, systems and processes for scheduling surveillance colonoscopies largely bypass PCPs which reduces opportunities to both individualize recommendations and facilitate patients' decision-making. This study identified gaps in processes to implement current guidelines for individualizing surveillance colonoscopy as adults grow older, including opportunities to discuss stopping. Increasing the role of PCPs in polyp surveillance as patients grow older provides more opportunities for individualized recommendations, so patients can consider their own preferences, ask questions, and make a more informed choice for themselves. Changing existing systems and processes and creating supportive tools for shared decision-making specific to older adults with polyps would improve how surveillance colonoscopy is individualized in this population.

Synthesis of Existent Oncology Curricula for Primary Care Providers: A Scoping Review With a Global Equity Lens

Global increases in cancer, coupled with a shortage of cancer specialists, has led to an increasing role for primary care providers (PCP) in cancer care. This review aimed to examine all extant cancer curricula for PCPs and to analyze the motivations for curriculum development. A comprehensive literature search was conducted from inception to October 13, 2021, with no language restrictions. The initial search yielded 11,162 articles and 10,902 articles underwent title and abstract review. After full-text review, 139 articles were included. Numeric and thematic analyses were conducted and education programs were evaluated using Bloom's taxonomy. Most curricula were developed in high-income countries (HICs), with 58% in the United States. Cancer-specific curricula focused on HIC priority cancers, such as skin/melanoma, and did not represent the global cancer burden. Most (80%) curricula were developed for staff physicians and 73% focused on cancer screening. More than half (57%) of programs were delivered in person, with a shift toward online delivery over time. Less than half (46%) of programs were codeveloped with PCPs and 34% did not involve PCPs in the program design and development. Curricula were primarily developed to improve cancer knowledge, and 72 studies assessed multiple outcome measures. No studies included the top two levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning (evaluating; creating). To our knowledge, this is the first review to assess the current state of cancer curricula for PCPs with a global focus. This review shows that extant curricula are primarily developed in HICs, do not represent the global cancer burden, and focus on cancer screening. This review lays a foundation to advance the cocreation of curricula that are aligned to the global cancer burden.

Capturing What Matters with Patients' Bypass Behavior? Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in China.

In China, bypassing is becoming increasingly prevalent. Such behavior, as going directly to upper-level health-care facilities without a primary care provider (PCP) referral when facing non-critical diseases, contrasts to "expanding the role of PCPs as the first-contact of care", may cause unneglectable damage to the healthcare system and people's physical health. To examine the relationship between patient experience in primary health-care clinics (PHCs) and their bypass behavior. A cross-sectional study was designed for data collection. From July 2021 to August 2021, we conducted a questionnaire survey nationally. Fifty-three investigators were dispatched to 212 pre-chosen PHCs, around which 1060 interviewees were selected to gather information, using a convenience sampling. The primary independent variable was scores measured by Chinese Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT-C) to quantify patients' experience at PHCs. The dependent variable was a binary variable measured by a self-developed instrument to identify whether participants actually practiced bypassing. Covariates were well-screened determinants of patients' bypass behavior including socio-demographic factors, policy factors, and health-care suppliers. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association of patients' experience with their bypass behavior. A total of 928 qualified questionnaires were obtained. The first contact dimension (OR 0.961 [95% CI 0.934 to 0.988], P = 0.005) and continuity dimension (OR 1.034 [95% CI 1.000 to 1.068], P = 0.047) of patients' experience were significantly associated with patients' bypass behavior (P < 0.05). In addition, age (OR 1.072, [95% CI 1.015-1.132], P = 0.013) and gender (OR 2.044, [95% CI 1.139-3.670], P = 0.017) also made a statistically significant difference. Enhancement in patient experience at PHCs may help reduce their bypass behavior. Specifically, efforts are needed to improve primary care accessibility and utilization. The positive correlation between bypassing rates and continuity scores may require more attention on strengthening PCPs' technical quality besides the quality of interpersonal interactions.

The essential role of primary care providers in obesity management.

The essential role of primary care providers in obesity management.

Prevention and screening during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative findings from the BETTER WISE project

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare systems worldwide and disrupted primary care, particularly prevention, screening, and lifestyle counselling. BETTER WISE is a comprehensive and structured approach that proactively addresses cancer and chronic disease prevention and screening (CCDPS), including cancer survivorship and screening for poverty and lifestyle risks for patients aged 40 to 65. Patients from 13 primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada were invited for a 1-hour visit with a prevention practitioner (PP), a member of the primary care team with specialized training in CCDPS to provide patients an overview of eligible screening and assist with lifestyle counselling. This qualitative sub-study describes how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted BETTER WISE in a constantly changing medical landscape.MethodsWe conducted 17 focus groups and 48 key informant interviews with a total of 132 primary care providers (PPs, physicians, allied health professionals, and clinic staff) over three different time points to better understand their perspectives on the BETTER WISE project. We also received 585 patient feedback forms of the 1005 patients who agreed to participate in the study. We also collected field notes and memos and employed thematic analysis using a constant comparative method focused on the impact of the pandemic on BETTER WISE.ResultsWe identified four themes related to how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the BETTER WISE study: 1) Switch of in-person visits to visits over the phone; 2) Lack of access to preventive care and delays of screening tests; 3) Changes in primary care providers’ availability and priorities; 4) Mental health impacts of the pandemic on patients and primary care providers.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had and, at the time of writing, continues to have an impact on primary care, particularly on prevention, screening, and lifestyle counselling. Despite structural, procedural, and personal challenges throughout different waves of the pandemic, the primary care clinics participating in BETTER WISE were able to complete the study. Our results underscore the importance of the role of primary care providers in adapting to changing circumstances and support of patients in these challenging times.Trial registrationThis qualitative study is a sub-component of the BETTER WISE pragmatic, cRCT, trial registration ISRCTN21333761 (date of registration 19/12/2016).

Establishing a Breastfeeding Consortium for Clinicians in Pediatric Outpatient Care.

Creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers in the primary care setting has been shown to improve breastfeeding rates and duration. An important aspect of establishing a breastfeeding-friendly practice is to engage and educate health care providers. To increase consistency of breastfeeding care and interventions across a large primary care network, we established an Ambulatory Breastfeeding Consortium (ABC) focused on information sharing and discussion centered on care of breastfeeding and lactating families. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need to share up-to-date education and guidance, and the importance of the role of primary care providers in breastfeeding support. The ABC has been effective in engaging primary care nurses and other clinicians and disseminating information while encouraging discussion on the importance of providing informed care to breastfeeding families. Although more breastfeeding-specific education is recommended for clinicians, the ABC serves as a model for primary care clinicians to improve their knowledge and provide support for families through education, shared experience, and awareness across many pediatric primary care network sites.

The global agenda on obesity: what does this mean for Singapore?

The global agenda on obesity: what does this mean for Singapore?

Screening Patterns of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children with Obesity in Canadian Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common pediatric chronic liver disease, and children with a body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile are recommended to be screened for NAFLD by liver enzymes. This study aimed to determine the frequency and predictors of screening for NAFLD among children with obesity in Canada and to evaluate a sample of children with suspected NAFLD. This cross-sectional study used data from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network, a repository of electronic medical record data from Canadian primary care practices. Of n = 110,827 children aged 9-18 years, 13.9% (n = 9,888) had a BMI ≥95th percentile. Only 8.7% (n = 859) of these patients were screened for NAFLD in the last year, and 23.6% (n = 2336) were ever screened. Using logistic regression, screening in the last year was associated with demographic and clinical characteristics, including previous liver enzyme assessment, prior antidiabetic prescription, and prior anxiolytic prescription. Among children with suspected NAFLD (n = 1,046), 34.7% had a BMI ≥99th percentile and approximately 8% were at increased risk of significant liver disease. The study revealed low screening rates for NAFLD in Canadian primary care and highlighted the important role of primary care providers in identifying and managing pediatric NAFLD.

Treatment for Childhood Obesity: Using a Biological Model to Inform Dietary Targets

The rapidly rising prevalence of childhood obesity has been a concern since the 1980s,1,2 particularly among certain ethnic-racial and low-income groups.3,4 This public health crisis was greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.5 the average monthly increase in body mass index (BMI) approximately doubled from March to November 2020 among a geographically diverse cohort of children in the U.S., with the greatest effect observed among those with moderate or severe obesity.5 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the important role of primary care providers in screening for obesity and offering tailored interventions.