EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EDT, TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1998
April 15, 1998, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), an organization of more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. The full text of selected articles can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals on April 15, 1998.
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Families' Wishes Mirror Dying Patients' Wishes for End-of-Life Care 66% of the Time
When patients are unable to speak for themselves, surrogates are often asked to make treatment decisions. Using three hypothetical case scenarios, researchers spoke with patients and their surrogates and found that, overall, the surrogates made correct predictions in 66 percent of instances. (Article, p. 621.) Several factors help predict the accuracy of surrogates' judgments and thus indicate situations in which education or further discussion between patient and surrogate will be useful, the researchers say.
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Early HIV Infection Varies Widely; Early Virus-Host Interactions Predict Disease
(Article, p. 613.)
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Small, Local Test Research Works in Physician Offices as Well as in Large Organizations
The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, in which one conducts small-scale tests in ongoing practices, is a simple and scientifically valuable method of improving the way medical care is delivered, says a physician manager. (Academia and Clinic, p. 651.) This is the third article in a new Annals series to help identify problems in complex medical systems and improve the way those systems work.
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Non-Invasive Testing Usually Successfully Manages Suspected Deep Vein Blood Clots
A critical literature review found that noninvasive testing, particularly compression venous ultrasonography, can usually manage suspected deep vein blood clots. (Review, p. 663.)
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Summary of Federal Fraud and Abuse Laws Can Help Physicians Avoid Errors
A new paper explains federal fraud and abuse laws. (Medicine and Public Issues, p. 678.) An editorial says the 'mind-numbing array' of laws and regulations reflect America's loss of confidence in medicine's ability to restrain itself when tempted by money. (Editorial, p. 688.)
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