New Toolkit Helps Members Address Chronic Pain
The AAFP has published a new Chronic Pain Toolkit, providing family physicians with the latest resources and information to help them effectively assess, diagnose and manage chronic pain.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210301cptoolkit.html
Research Finds Less STI Testing, More Cases During Pandemic
An analysis of sexually transmitted infection test results found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant declines in testing but an increase in positivity for chlamydia and gonorrhea. A family physician offers suggestions for using the findings in patient discussions.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210701sticovid.html
Social Determinants Grab Spotlight in New Obesity Report
The latest findings of an annual obesity report shed new light on how social determinants of health and COVID-19 have contributed to the obesity crisis in the United States.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20211028stateofobesity.html
Survey Finds COVID-19 Misinformation Continues to Spread
Findings from a new Kaiser Family Foundation report indicate that a substantial number of people either believe or are unsure about false statements regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines used to prevent it. The AAFP offers several resources to help FPs educate patients.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20211130vaccmisinfo.html
Screen for Syphilis in Those at Increased Risk
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is accepting comments on a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on screening for syphilis in people who are at increased risk.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/uspstf-syphilis-screening-draft.html
Pre-conference Workshop Aims to Advance Health Equity
The Family Medicine Advancing Health Equity workshop aimed to help participants become change agents who lead the way to health equity.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20180427equityworkshop.html
Four Projects Aim to Shape Future of Family Medicine
The AAFP has launched new work that aims to move the needle for family medicine by focusing on administrative burden, public perception, advocacy and improving member interactions with the Academy.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20190517specialprojects.html
The Never-ending Quest to Achieve Health for All
Forty years ago, the nations of the world put out a call for health care for all. This week, nearly 200 countries renewed their commitment to primary care.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/20181025guested-almaata.html
Your Patient Bucks Parents on Vaccine Request. Now What?
With a growing number of measles cases being reported, some children of vaccine-resistant parents are seeking immunizations. Julie Graves, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., looks at the challenges and opportunities the situation presents.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/20190313guested-vaccines.html
Integrating Primary Care, Public Health for Health Equity
Laura Chanchien Parajón, M.D., M.P.H., winner of the 2021 AAFP Public Health Award, discusses her journey in primary care and public health while recognizing many of the women leaders she has worked with in her career.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/integrating-primary-care-health-equity.html
New Study, Guidance Affirm Transgender Patients' Care Needs
A recent study and updated clinical guidance remind physicians that treating transgender patients starts with providing solid primary care services along with nonjudgmental communication.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20190724lgbtcare.html
Resiliency Program Reduces Burnout Symptoms in FM Residents
Results of a small trial showed a resiliency program was effective in reducing burnout symptoms in family medicine residents. In addition to reducing some symptoms in the short term, researchers noted that there were no significant increases in any burnout measurements in the long term.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20190730resiliencystudy.html
FAQ, Webinar Aim to Clarify How to Apply New E/M Guidelines
Six months have passed since the 2021 office visit/outpatient evaluation and management guidelines took effect, but many physicians still have questions about how to apply them. A new FAQ and upcoming webinar from the AAFP promise to provide answers.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210616e-mresources.html
Lady Gaga, Primary Care for Mental Health Is Part of the Cure
Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., M.H.S., writes in this Fresh Perspectives blog post that Lady Gaga's recent unfounded comments about mental health and primary care can be harmful to patients, pointing out why -- and how -- the AAFP supports mental health care in the primary care setting.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20200122fp-mentalhealth.html
Carpe Diem: It's Time to Fix Our Broken Health Care System
AAFP Senior VP for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin writes in this In the Trenches blog post that the current health crisis presents an opportunity to drastically improve the U.S. health care system.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200414itt-fixsystem.html
Moving in the Right Direction on Menthol
A proposed federal ban on menthol and other cigarette flavors is a big win for AAFP advocacy — and essential to achieving health equity.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20210512itt-menthol.html
Birth, Death, Hope and Money: Stories of Family Medicine
A diverse panel of five family physicians offered students and residents their perspectives on family medicine -- stories of triumphant hope and success -- during the 2018 National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20180808nc-facesoffm.html
ACOs, Value-based Care Hang in COVID-19 Balance, AAFP Warns
To safeguard the future of value-based care, relief is needed for Medicare Shared Savings Program participants affected by COVID-19, the AAFP told HHS in a May 14 letter.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20200514covidacos.html
Lock In Telehealth Flexibility, Protections, Says AAFP
In two recent letters, the AAFP and other groups asked Congress for permanent telehealth flexibility and laid out principles to ensure ongoing virtual care success.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20200702telehealthletters.html
Health Groups Sue FDA Over Deeming Rule Implementation Delay
A group of public health organizations has filed suit against the FDA regarding extensive delays in the regulation of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20180416fdalawsuit.html
Research Finds Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain
A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain found that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20180521acupuncture.html
USPSTF: Don't Use ECG to Screen Low-risk Adults for CVD Events
On June 12, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a final recommendation statement on screening for cardiovascular disease risk with electrocardiography. Based on the available evidence, the task force recommends against such screening in asymptomatic, low-risk individuals.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20180614uspstfecgcvd.html
ACIP Reaffirms LAIV Recommendation for 2018-19 Flu Season
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has reaffirmed its October 2017 recommendation to include live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV; FluMist) in its guidance for the 2018-19 influenza season.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20180627acipjunemtg.html
ACIP Recommends Hep A Vaccine for Homeless Patients
During the Oct. 24-25 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the group discussed topics including recommending the hepatitis A vaccine for people who are homeless.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181031acipmeeting.html
Research Shows Nation's Opioid Epidemic Is Far From Over
A mathematical model that charted recent trends in opioid misuse and projected future usage patterns suggests that opioid deaths will continue to increase for the next few years before eventually leveling off.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190220opioidprojections.html