Multiple Research Methodologies Can Advance the Science of Family Medicine

Abstract

This issue of the Journal evidences the wide variety of research methods that can effectively answer questions important to the practice of family medicine. For example, this issue includes 4 highly informative reports from qualitative or mix-methods research, plus surveys, a meta-analysis, a case report, and more. Mixed-methods were used to look at practice changes and to compare advance directive tools. Surveys were used to identify practical, but addressable, issues for mailed colon cancer screening tests, and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis, and emollient use in young children. Secondary analyses of national surveys were used to identify low-value patient requests, and how diabetes and prediabetes are being treated. Retrospective chart analysis of patients with frequent hospital admissions identified important characteristics of the patients and their problems. Meta-analysis methodology was used to stratify risks for pneumonia. And, a randomized trial was used to compare ways to train patients to use medical record patient portals. (J Am Board Fam Med 2019;32:123-125.)

Barreras para el desarrollo de investigación en medicina familiar en Iberoamérica: Revisión sistemática

“…La identificación de barreras que impactan en la generación de conocimiento es un tema de interés actual, debido a la importancia que tiene en la atención a la salud 43,44 . Realizar investigación en medicina familiar representa un reto frente a la alta demanda asistencial que implica la profesión; no obstante, su desarrollo es crucial en la generación de conocimiento para implementar políticas y programas de salud sustentados en la evidencia, por lo que su promoción debe ser prioritaria y convertirse en un eje dentro de los sistemas de salud 43,[45][46][47]…”