Hospitalization for congestive heart failure: explaining racial differences
Article Abstract:
Most of the difference in the rates of hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF) between African Americans and whites appears to be due to a higher prevalence of known risk factors for CHF among African Americans. Nationally, male African Americans are 33% more likely to be hospitalized for CHF than their white counterparts, and African American women are 50% more likely to be hospitalized than white women. The medical history of 64,877 members of a single HMO, 73% of whom were white and 27% African American, showed that hypertension, diabetes, smoking, body mass index and frequent chest pain, among other factors, were associated with CHF hospitalization for both races and sexes. Amongst African American males of all ages and African American women over 60, differences in CHF-related hospitalization rates amongst the races are likely due to a higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes amongst African Americans. For women below the age of 60, higher average body mass index and rates of left ventricular hypertrophy amongst African American women are also factors.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Physicians and Nonphysician Clinicians Complements or Competitors?
Article Abstract:
Health professionals need to develop models of health care that include nonphysician clinicians (NPCs). NPCs include nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other allied health personnel. Between 1992 and 1997, the number of graduates in NPC training programs increased 2- to 4-fold each year. Consequently, the supply of NPCs will increase dramatically. This may result in competition as NPCs try to enlarge their responsibilities to include work formerly performed only by physicians. Patients could benefit from more options in health care but the cost of medical care could increase.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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