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Jeffrey L Jackson

Publications and source records attributed to Jeffrey L Jackson.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Meta-analysis: outcomes in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism managed with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Spiral computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is increasingly being used in the evaluation of patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). However, CTPA as a definitive diagnostic test may be limited by inadequate sensitivity, especially in instances of isolated subsegmental emboli. PURPOSE: To assess the safety of withholding anticoagulation in patients with suspected PE and negative results on CTPA. DATA SOURCES: All relevant studies identified in MEDLINE (1966 to March 2004) and EMBASE (1974 to 2004) and in bibliographies of key articles. The search was not limited to the English language. STUDY SELECTION: The authors selected all published studies that used CTPA to evaluate suspected PE and reported at least 3 months of follow-up in patients not receiving anticoagulation on the basis of a negative CTPA result. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently rated study quality on the basis of predetermined criteria. Data were extracted on participants, CTPA technique, diagnostic studies performed, prevalence of PE, number of patients with negative or indeterminate CTPA results who were followed, and subsequent rates of venous thromboembolism and fatal PE. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-three studies reported on 4657 patients with negative CTPA results who did not receive anticoagulation. The 3-month rate of subsequent venous thromboembolic events was 1.4% (95% CI, 1.1% to 1.8%), and the 3-month rate of fatal PE was 0.51% (CI, 0.33% to 0.76%). LIMITATIONS: The CTPA technology used varied across studies and was not applied uniformly in the same step of diagnostic algorithms. Only 1 study used CTPA as the sole diagnostic test. CONCLUSION: The rate of subsequent venous thromboembolism after negative results on CTPA is similar to that seen after negative results on conventional pulmonary angiography. It appears to be safe to withhold anticoagulation after negative CTPA results.

Angiography↗

Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effectiveness of cyclobenzaprine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. METHODS: Articles describing randomized, placebo-controlled trials of cyclobenzaprine in people with fibromyalgia were obtained from Medline, EMBase, Psyclit, the Cochrane Library, and Federal Research in Progress Database. Unpublished literature and bibliographies were also reviewed. Outcomes, including global improvement, treatment effects on pain, fatigue, sleep, and tender points over time, were abstracted. RESULTS: Five randomized, placebo-controlled trials were identified. The odds ratio for global improvement with therapy was 3.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.6-5.6) with a pooled risk difference of 0.21 (95% CI 0.09-0.34), which calculates to 4.8 (95% CI 3.0-11) individuals needing treatment for 1 patient to experience symptom improvement. Pain improved early on, but there was no improvement in fatigue or tender points at any time. CONCLUSION: Cyclobenzaprine-treated patients were 3 times as likely to report overall improvement and to report moderate reductions in individual symptoms, particularly sleep.

Amitriptyline↗

Postmenopausal bone density referral decision rules: correlation with clinical fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To test decision rules for bone mineral density (BMD) against fractures. METHODS: We surveyed postmenopausal women in a military primary care clinic and tested three national clinical decision rules (Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument; age, body size, no estrogen; weight) for correlation with fracture history. Outcome measures included relative risk (RR), area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (aROC), sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: Patients were 69 years old on average, 53% were Caucasian, 38% were African American, and 15% had a history of fractures. Caucasian women (RR, 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.1) and those older than 65 years (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5) had higher prevalence of fractures. The Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument decision rule had the highest aROC (0.65; 95% CI, 0.57-0.731 and sensitivity (sensitivity, 0.83; specificity, 0.31). Age, Body Size, No Estrogen had the next highest aROC (0.63; 95% CI, 0.54-0.71) and sensitivity (sensitivity, 0.74; specificity, 0.46). Weight criterion was the most specific (aROC, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.52-0.68; sensitivity, 0.64; specificity, 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Current postmenopausal bone density referral decision rules only modestly correlate with clinical fractures.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Perceived versus actual medication regimens among internal medicine patients.

Exchange of accurate information between patients and medical providers is imperative for appropriate medication prescribing. We performed an evaluation of medication regimens of patients with information obtained independently from patient-completed surveys and nursing and provider interviews. The actual medication regimen was determined after the clinic encounter via mail-in forms or telephone interviews with patients reporting current medications directly from prescription bottles. Two hundred thirteen patients taking an average of 3.8 prescription medications were enrolled. Patients, nurses, and primary care providers were modestly accurate in reporting the number of medications being taken (kappa, 0.57,0.51, and 0.58, respectively); however, they performed poorly in reporting complete medication regimens as defined by the correct names, doses, and frequencies with 100% accuracy (34%, 26.7%, and 29.3%, respectively). Patients who created their own lists were more accurate than those who relied on memory, lists provided by providers, or discharge summaries. These findings indicate a significant difference between intended versus actual medication regimens at home.

Adult↗

Evaluation of acute knee pain in primary care.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of acute knee pain often includes radiography of the knee. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the literature to determine the role of radiologic procedures in evaluating common causes of acute knee pain: fractures, meniscal or ligamentous injuries, osteoarthritis, and pseudogout. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search from 1966 to October 2002. STUDY SELECTION: We included all published, peer-reviewed studies of decision rules for fractures. We included studies that used arthroscopy as the gold standard for measuring the accuracy of the physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for meniscal and ligamentous knee damage. We included all studies on the use of radiographs in pseudogout. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted all data in duplicate and abstracted physical examination and MRI results into 2 x 2 tables. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among the 5 decision rules for deciding when to use plain films in knee fractures, the Ottawa knee rules (injury due to trauma and age >55 years, tenderness at the head of the fibula or the patella, inability to bear weight for 4 steps, or inability to flex the knee to 90 degrees) have the strongest supporting evidence. When the history suggests a potential meniscal or ligamentous injury, the physical examination is moderately sensitive (meniscus, 87%; anterior cruciate ligament, 74%; and posterior cruciate ligament, 81%) and specific (meniscus, 92%; anterior cruciate ligament, 95%; and posterior cruciate ligament, 95%). The Lachman test is more sensitive and specific for ligamentous tears than is the drawer sign. For meniscal tears, joint line tenderness is sensitive (75%) but not specific (27%), while the McMurray test is specific (97%) but not sensitive (52%). Compared with the physical examination, MRI is more sensitive for ligamentous and meniscal damage but less specific. When the differential diagnosis for acute knee pain includes an exacerbation of osteoarthritis, clinical features (age >50 years, morning stiffness <30 minutes, crepitus, or bony enlargement) are 89% sensitive and 88% specific for underlying chronic arthritis. Adding plain films improves sensitivity slightly but not specificity. Plain films for pseudogout are not sensitive or specific, according to limited-quality studies. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the Ottawa knee rules to decide when to obtain plain films for suspected knee fracture. A careful physical examination should be sufficient to decide whether to refer patients with potential meniscal and ligament injuries, and we prefer clinical criteria rather than plain films for evaluating osteoarthritis. We do not recommend using plain films to diagnose pseudogout.

Arthralgia↗

Osteoporosis management in the new millennium.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in all US postmenopausal women is 17%, and it is as high as 30% in women older than 65. All postmenopausal women should be encouraged to have adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake, to exercise regularly, and to avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Although the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis screening tools remain to be established, a rational approach based on current evidence involves using National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines, Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation, or Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument clinical decision rules to decide when a postmenopausal woman should undergo further evaluation.

Alendronate↗

Interactive faculty development seminars improve the quality of written feedback in ambulatory teaching.

We performed a pre-post study of the impact of three 90-minute faculty development workshops on written feedback from encounters during an ambulatory internal medicine clerkship. We coded 47 encounters before and 43 after the workshops, involving 9 preceptors and 44 third-year students, using qualitative and semiquantitative methods. Postworkshop, the mean number of feedback statements increased from 2.8 to 3.6 statements (P =.06); specific (P =.04), formative (P =.03), and student skills feedback (P =.01) increased, but attitudinal (P =.13) and corrective feedback did not (P =.41). Brief, interactive, faculty development workshops may refine written feedback, resulting in more formative specific written feedback comments.

Ambulatory Care↗

The reliability and validity of the American Board of Internal Medicine Monthly Evaluation Form.

PURPOSE: To report indicators of reliability and validity of the American Board of Internal Medicine Evaluation Form (ABIM-MEF) at one institution (Wright-Patterson Medical Center). METHOD: Completed ABIM-MEFs from 1990-1999 were reviewed. Reliability measures included Cronbach alpha, interrater reliability, and rating consistency between different types of staff and rotations. Construct validity was investigated by tracking ABIM-MEF scores over time and with factor analysis. Predictive validity was assessed by correlating ABIM-MEF scores with the In-training Examination and ABIM Certifying Examination results RESULTS: The 71 residents averaged 12 ABIM-MEFs per year. The forms had a Cronbach alpha of 0.96 and high interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.80). Ratings did not differ by type of attending or rotation, except that noninternists rated residents lower on procedural skills. ABIM-MEF questions about judgment, knowledge, and clinical skills showed significant improvement from month to month during each academic year as well as year to year. In contrast, questions on professional attitudes, humanism, and procedural skills sections improved between postgraduate year 1 and postgraduate year 2 only. ABIM-MEF questions collapsed into two domains in factor analysis: judgment-knowledge-skills and attitude-humanism. ABIM-MEF questions from judgment and knowledge sections modestly predicted In-training Examination and ABIM Certifying Examination results. In contrast, professional attitude, humanism, and clinical as well as procedural skill questions had little discriminative ability. CONCLUSIONS: The ABIM-MEF appears to be reliable and valid. Further, factor analysis results support the ABIM's movement to simplify the monthly evaluation form to the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Postmenopausal osteoporosis risk management in primary care: how well does it adhere to national practice guidelines?

OBJECTIVE: The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) practice guideline provides explicit recommendations for postmenopausal osteoporosis risk assessment and management. This study evaluated primary care adherence to the recommendations and factors associated with such adherence. METHOD: Postmenopausal women 40 years old and older were sampled in the primary care clinic of a US tertiary hospital. We received 469 completed questionnaires that measured the respondent's demographics and osteoporosis risk factors; current and historical osteoporosis counseling, testing, and treatment; and whether or not she had a primary care clinician. Based on information provided, we determined whether each woman was receiving care that followed the NOF guideline. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with guideline adherence. RESULTS: Mean age was 69 years; 53% were white and 38% black; 15% had prior fractures. Using NOF criteria, 19.8 % were at moderate risk and 80.2 % were at high risk for osteoporosis. Overall, 57.6% (95% confidence interval 53.1, 62.1) of patients received risk management in accordance with the NOF guideline. The adherence rate was higher in the high-risk group (60.9% v 44.1%, p=.003), in those who had primary care clinicians (62.0% v 43.5%, p=.006), and in nonblack patients (white v black 67.1% v 43.0%, p<.001; other v black 65.0% v 43.0%, p=.012). These associations remained statistically significant after multivariate adjustments. Adherence was not associated with the sex of the primary care clinician. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of postmenopausal women in our study were receiving osteoporosis risk management that followed the NOF practice guideline. Those who were at higher risk, who were not black, or who had primary care clinicians were more likely to receive care in accordance with the NOF guideline, regardless of the sex of the clinician.

Adult↗

Ethnic disparity in the treatment of women with established low bone mass.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of bone-health treatment and to test for racial differences in that treatment among black and white women with documented low bone mass. METHODS: All women who underwent central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry testing at the Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) from January 1, 1998 through October 15, 2001 were identified via the VAMC's computerized patient record system. Self-administered questionnaires measuring patient demographics, fracture history, and presence of appropriate bone-health treatments were mailed to those with T scores < or = -1.0 (n=110). RESULTS: Seventy-five women (68%) completed the survey (mean 61 years old, 55% white and 35% black). There were no statistically significant differences between black and white women in smoking (71% nonsmokers), avoiding excess alcohol (95%), or exercising regularly (68%). Eighty-one percent reported taking calcium supplements, 71% vitamin D supplements, and 56% antiresorptive medications; whites were significantly more likely than blacks to be taking calcium supplements (90% v 69%, p=.048) and antiresorptive drugs (71% v 35%, p=.004). The racial difference in antiresorptive medication use remained significant after adjusting for bone loss severity and prior fractures (odds ratio 3.71; 95% confidence interval 1.24, 11.0). CONCLUSION: Women with low bone mass treated at the Washington, DC VAMC reported high rates of bone-building behaviors and the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements and somewhat lower rates of antiresorptive drug use. Whites were more likely than blacks to be taking calcium supplements and antiresorptive drugs. The causes of these disparities should be identified in future studies.

Black or African American↗

Exchange transfusion as an adjunct therapy in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a meta-analysis.

The efficacy of exchange transfusion as an adjunct treatment for severe falciparum malaria is controversial. No sufficiently powered, randomized, controlled study has been reported. We analyzed 8 studies that compared survival rates associated with adjunct exchange transfusion with those associated with antimalarial chemotherapy alone. Exchange transfusion was not associated with a higher survival rate than was antimalarial chemotherapy alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-2.1). However, patients who received transfusions had higher levels of parasitemia and more-severe malaria. Sensitivity analysis found that survival rates were higher among patients with partial immunity to malaria (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-1.2) than they were among patients with no immunity (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.9-4.8; P=.007). Exchange transfusion does not appear to increase the survival rate; however, there were significant problems with the comparability of treatment groups in the studies reviewed, and a randomized controlled trial is necessary to determine whether exchange transfusion is beneficial.

Adolescent↗

The effect of antidepressant treatment on chronic back pain: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is one of the most common problems in primary care. Antidepressant medication is often prescribed, especially for chronic back discomfort, to alleviate pain and restore the patient's ability to conduct activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of antidepressants in treating back pain in adults. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE (1966-2000), PsycLit, Cinhal, EMBASE, AIDSLINE, HealthSTAR, CANCERLIT, the Cochrane Library (clinical trials registry and the Database of Systematic Reviews), Micromedex, and Federal Research in Progress databases and references of reviewed articles. Included articles were written in English and dealt with randomized placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant medication use among adults with chronic back pain. Two reviewers abstracted data independently. Two continuous outcomes, change in back pain severity and ability to perform activities of daily living, were measured. Study quality was assessed with the methods used by Jadad and colleagues, and data were synthesized using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials with 10 treatment arms and 504 patients were included. Seven treatment arms included patients with major depression. Patients had chronic back pain, averaging 10.4 years. Patients treated with antidepressants were more likely to improve in pain severity than those taking placebo (standardized mean difference, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.61) but not in activities of daily living (standardized mean difference, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, -0.21-0.69). Patients treated with antidepressants experienced more adverse effects (22% vs 14%, P =.01) than those receiving placebo. CONCLUSION: Antidepressants are more effective than placebo in reducing pain severity but not functional status in chronic back pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Faculty development seminars based on the one-minute preceptor improve feedback in the ambulatory setting.

OBJECTIVE: While several models of medical student instruction in the ambulatory setting exist, few have been formally studied. We wished to assess the impact of a faculty development workshop based on the One-Minute Preceptor model on the amount and quality of feedback in the outpatient setting. DESIGN: Ambulatory teaching behaviors were studied during consecutive outpatient precepting sessions before and after 3 faculty development workshops. Student-teacher interactions were assessed using audiotapes of teaching encounters coded through qualitative techniques, and surveys of teacher, learner, and patient satisfaction. SETTING: Ambulatory internal medicine clinic in a tertiary care medical center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Nine board-certified internist faculty preceptors and 44 third-year medical students. INTERVENTIONS: Three 90-minute faculty development seminars based on the One-Minute Preceptor teaching model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-four encounters with 18577 utterances were recorded, half before and half after the seminars. After the workshops, the proportion of utterances that contained feedback increased from 17% to 22% (P =.09) and was more likely to be specific (9% vs 15%; P =.02). After the workshops, teachers reported that the learning encounters were more successful (P =.03) and that they were better at letting the students reach their own Conclusions (P =.001), at evaluating the learners (P =.03), and at creating plans for post-encounter learning (P =.02). The workshops had no effect on the duration of the student-teacher encounter or on student or patient satisfaction with the encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, interactive, faculty development workshops based on the One-Minute Preceptor model of clinical teaching resulted in modest improvements in the quality of feedback delivered in the ambulatory setting.

Ambulatory Care↗

The teacher and learner interactive assessment system (TeLIAS): a new tool to assess teaching behaviors in the ambulatory setting.

BACKGROUND: There are no objective tools to assess ambulatory teaching, an increasingly important component of medical education. PURPOSE: To develop and describe an objective ambulatory teaching tool. METHODS: Exactly 30 consecutive ambulatory teaching encounters were audio taped. Audio tapes were transcribed and teacher-learner utterances were qualitatively analyzed by 3 coders using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: A total of 4,560 utterances were coded: 1/3 were devoted to case presentations, and the remainder to case discussion. Most learner utterances conveyed factual patient information; only 7% conveyed learner thoughts on diagnosis or management. Attending utterances were equally divided between questions, statements of fact, and management statements. Most attending questions (75%) asked patient or medical facts; few were of a higher-level asking learners to analyze, synthesize, or apply content. Feedback, although common (10%), consisted of mostly minimal statements such as "right" or "I agree." At the bedside, 80% of utterances were by the teacher. CONCLUSIONS: This is a feasible tool that reliably documents ambulatory teacher and learner behaviors and may be useful for educational research and faculty development.

Ambulatory Care↗

Effect of oral pseudoephedrine on blood pressure and heart rate: a meta-analysis.

Oral pseudoephedrine is commonly used to treat symptoms of rhinitis and rhinorrhea, but its effect on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) remains uncertain. We assessed whether pseudoephedrine causes clinically meaningful elevations in HR or BP. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for English-language, randomized placebo-controlled trials of oral pseudoephedrine treatment in adults. The primary data extracted were systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and HR. Study quality was assessed using the methods of Jadad, and data were synthesized using a random-effects model and weighted mean differences. Twenty-four trials had extractable vital sign information (45 treatment arms; 1285 patients). Pseudoephedrine caused a small but significant increase in SBP (0.99, mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.90) and HR (2.83 beats/min; 95% CI, 2.0 to 3.6), with no effect on DBP (0.63 mm Hg, 95% CI, -0.10 to 1.35). The effect in patients with controlled hypertension demonstrated an SBP increase of similar magnitude (1.20 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.84 mm Hg). Higher doses and immediate-release preparations were associated with greater BP increases. Studies with more women had less effect on BP or HR. Shorter duration of use was associated with greater increases in SBP and DBP.

Blood Pressure↗

Gender and symptoms in primary care practices.

The authors sought to explore gender differences among patients with physical symptoms who came to see internists. The women were younger, more likely to report stress, endorsed more "other, currently bothersome" symptoms, were more likely to have a mental disorder, and were less likely to be satisfied with their care. The men were slower to improve, but there was no difference between the sexes after 3 months. There were no differences in the number, type, duration, or severity of symptoms or in the expectation of care, costs of visits, intervention received, use of health care services, or likelihood of being considered difficult by their physician. The gender of the clinician had no effect on any outcome.

Adult↗