National assessment of physicians' breast-feeding knowledge, attitudes, training, and experience

Article Abstract:

Many practicing physicians and residents in pediatrics, obstetrics gynecology, and family medicine may not be prepared to promote breast feeding among their patients. Researchers surveyed 3,275 physicians and residents in pediatrics, obstetrics gynecology, and family medicine to evaluate the physicians' basic knowledge, attitudes, experience, and training in breast feeding. Seventy-one percent of practicing physicians reported that their training inadequately emphasized physician involvement in breast feeding. Most residents were educated about breast feeding via classroom lectures rather than through patient experience. Between 18% and 54% of residents and practicing physicians lacked knowledge of a health benefit of breast feeding and many provided incorrect advice to mothers with common breast feeding problems. Ninety percent of physician recognized the responsibility of their speciality to promote breast feeding among expectant mothers.

Education, Physicians, Medical professions

---

Breast-feeding education of obstetrics-gynecology residents and practitioners

Article Abstract:

Obstetrician-gynecologists may not be knowledgeable or be able to encourage their patients about breastfeeding. Researchers conducted a survey of 625 residents and 422 practitioners in obstetrics and gynecology to determine their knowledge about and attitudes towards breastfeeding and how these relate to their promotion of breastfeeding to patients. Residents did not receive enough training on how to educate patients about breastfeeding benefits or techniques. They also lacked personal experience with breastfeeding. Lack of knowledge may prevent doctors from encouraging their patients to breastfeed, and may contribute to doctors giving wrong information to patients. Obstetrician-gynecologists may need to receive better training and continuing education about breastfeeding so they can encourage their patients to try it.

Gynecologists, Obstetricians

---

Safety of vaccinations: Miss America, the media, and public health

Article Abstract:

Physicians need to make sure parents understand that the benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh the risks. Public concern about vaccines re-surfaced in 1994 when the first deaf Miss America was chosen. The media erroneously reported that Heather Whitestone's deafness was a result of an adverse reaction to the DPT vaccine she received as a child. Many neurologic diseases can occur during childhood even in the absence of vaccination. Childhood vaccination has substantially reduced the incidence of many common childhood infections.

Complications and side effects, Children, Public health, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, Vaccines, Media coverage

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Nutrition knowledge and attitudes of New Zealand registered midwives. Complaints to NMC continue to drop
• Abstracts: Peripheral venous cannulation. Patient assessment: part 2 - measuring oral temperature
• Abstracts: Friend in court. Young physicians press for solutions to doctor glut. AMA going to bat for doctors at all levels, leaders say
• Abstracts: A special brand of know-how. AMA '97 legislative agenda speaks for you
• Abstracts: Ready to fight for physician rights. Strategy session: AMA provides the forum for women physician leaders to address issues such as gender bias, mentoring, advocacy and professionalism in work settings

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.