From the Guidelines
Family medicine has evolved to prioritize comprehensive, coordinated care, with a focus on managing chronic conditions in a primary care setting, as evidenced by a growing body of research, including a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. This approach recognizes that patients with access to such care have better outcomes, as family doctors treat the whole person, not just the condition. Key aspects of this evolution include:
- A growing understanding that chronic medical conditions are best managed in primary care, with studies showing improved outcomes for patients with coordinated, comprehensive care 1.
- The importance of family doctors seeing patients as whole individuals and providing quality, coordinated care, rather than just treating specific conditions.
- Recent reports, such as the one from the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, highlighting the need for comprehensive care in managing conditions like infantile hemangiomas.
- The role of family medicine in addressing social determinants of health, recognizing that these factors significantly impact patient outcomes beyond traditional medical interventions. As family medicine continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more emphasis on preventive care, mental health integration, and addressing the social determinants of health, all of which are critical to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
From the Research
Recent Developments in Family Medicine
- The field of family medicine is constantly evolving, with a focus on preventing illness and disease progression 2.
- Recent studies have explored various aspects of family medicine, including the management of hypertension and diabetes.
Management of Hypertension and Diabetes
- A study published in 2008 found that adding amlodipine to the treatment regimen of patients with hypertension and diabetes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events 3.
- Another study published in 2014 found that combination antihypertensive therapy with lisinopril and amlodipine can improve circadian blood pressure and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 4.
- A systematic review published in 2015 found that amlodipine is an effective treatment option for patients with hypertension and concomitant diabetes mellitus and/or renal dysfunction 5.
- A study published in 2019 found that different combinations of antihypertensive therapy, including amlodipine, can be effective in reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension 6.
Key Findings
- Amlodipine has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with hypertension and diabetes 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Combination antihypertensive therapy can be effective in improving blood pressure control and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events 3, 4, 6.
- Family medicine plays a critical role in preventing illness and disease progression, and recent studies have highlighted the importance of managing hypertension and diabetes in this context 2.