Disparities of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Vaccinations among Young Men who Have Sex with Men

This study looks at the socio-demographic factors that are associated with vaccination and infection prevalence in a sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Data were collected through a cross sectional questionnaire that surveyed 200 men between the ages of 16 and 24. Results indicated that there was a clustering of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the sample, with STIs significantly associated with one another. Also, the demographics of homelessness during the past 12 months and African American showed significant positive associations between STIs and negative associations between vaccinations. Results suggest the need for better access to healthcare among sub-groups of YMSM and further research on sexual networks among this population

An efficacy trial of an electronic health record-based strategy to inform patients on safe medication use: The role of written and spoken communication

We tested the feasibility and efficacy of an electronic health record (EHR) strategy that automated the delivery of print medication information at the time of prescribing

An efficacy trial of an electronic health record-based strategy to inform patients on safe medication use: The role of written and spoken communication

OBJECTIVE: We tested the feasibility and efficacy of an electronic health record (EHR) strategy that automated the delivery of print medication information at the time of prescribing. METHODS: Patients (N = 141) receiving a new prescription at one internal medicine clinic were recruited into a 2-arm physician-randomized study. We leveraged an EHR platform to automatically deliver 1-page educational ‘MedSheets’ to patients after medical encounters. We also assessed if physicians counseled patients via patient self-report immediately following visits. Patients’ understanding was objectively measured via phone interview. RESULTS: 122 patients completed the trial. Most intervention patients (70%) reported receiving MedSheets. Patients reported physicians frequently counseled on indication and directions for use, but less often for risks. In multivariable analysis, written information (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.10–7.04) and physician counseling (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.26–6.91) were independently associated with patient understanding of risk information. Receiving both was most beneficial; 87% of those receiving counseling and MedSheets correctly recalled medication risks compared to 40% receiving neither. CONCLUSION: An EHR can be a reliable means to deliver tangible, print medication education to patients, but cannot replace the salience of physician-patient communication. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Offering both written and spoken modalities produced a synergistic effect for informing patients