St. Luke’s Health System of Kansas City is working on an array of tiny hospitals that will have just eight to 10 beds for overnight stays as well as round-the-clock emergency rooms equipped and staffed like the ERs in their big parent hospitals.The micro trend, gaining traction nationally, provides one more option for patients beside… Read More
This JAMA viewpoint article examines how Medical Boards may look at physicians who recommend marijuana and the inconsistencies between state and federal laws. There are some interesting facts on usage and indications. During the past 2 decades, attitudes and laws have become more tolerant toward marijuana, with the prevalence of adults reportedly using the substance… Read More
There has been tremendous disagreement in healthcare policy as to whether gun laws have any effect. This study looked at Australia which introduced some major gun reforms. In 1996, Australia’s state and federal governments introduced sweeping uniform gun laws that were progressively implemented in all 6 states and 2 territories between June 1996 and August… Read More
This JAMA Viewpoint article discusses difficulties of using testosterone and other physiologic testing to confirm sex and event eligibility in phenotypically female athletes competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil. Source: Olympic Games and Athletic Sex Assignment | Sports Medicine | JAMA | The JAMA Network… Read More
This JAMA article goes contrary to the thinking that post resuscitation hypothermia is good. The Key Points Question Is therapeutic hypothermia associated with better survival outcomes for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest? Findings In this cohort study using a US national registry, survival outcomes were compared for 26 183 patients who were treated vs not treated… Read More
Interesting JAMA article by Emergency Physician Esther Choo regarding the likely transition of opiate use/abuse to marjiuana use/abuse. With the current nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse, dependence, and fatalities, clinicians are being asked by federal agencies and professional societies to control their prescribing of narcotic medications for pain. Federal guidelines emphasize tapering, discontinuing, and limiting… Read More
Opiate abuse is a nationwide epidemic. We are constantly looking for solutions One might be using buprenorphine implants. This study in JAMA found that the implants were as successful as sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone in maintaining clinical stability in opioid-dependent patients. During the 6-month study period, 63% of patients in the buprenorphine implant group and 54% of… Read More
