Jaclyn M Demeter, Kevin Bogenschutz, Andrew Chastain
{"title":"Diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis.","authors":"Jaclyn M Demeter, Kevin Bogenschutz, Andrew Chastain","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000263","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Low back pain is among the most common conditions treated by physician associates in family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine clinics. Inflammatory low back pain is the most frequent manifestation of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). AxSpA has a prevalence of 1.0% to 1.4% in the United States. The diagnosis of axSpA includes both clinical and radiographic components. With the advancement of biologic pharmacologic agents, the American College of Rheumatology, Spondylitis Association of America, and Spondyloarthritis Treatment Network have provided updated recommendations for the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of axSpA. The recognition of axSpA and comorbid peripheral spondyloarthropathies is important, as the management of axSpA differs from routine musculoskeletal back pain. Treatment guidelines focus on symptom management, functionality, and disease progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"22-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145293720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Agreement between APPs and physicians in interpreting 12-lead ECGs for STEMI in the correctional setting: An analysis.","authors":"Nick Entsminger","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000264","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000264","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This pilot study assesses diagnostic agreement between correctional advanced practice providers (APPs) and physicians in interpreting 12-lead ECG results for STEMI diagnosis, with the aim of determining whether APPs offer comparable care to adult correctional populations that decreases ED burden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of APPs with that of physicians in identifying STEMI through an online 12-lead ECG assessment based on current guideline criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were calculated for each profession. Unadjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were used to compare groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 37 total completed submissions, no statistically significant difference was observed in overall 12-lead ECG STEMI diagnostic accuracy among the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Correctional APPs and physicians had comparable accuracy in using 12-lead ECGs to identify STEMI, and evaluation by an APP in the correctional setting does not increase the likelihood of ED evaluation. However, a quality improvement study entailing use of larger sample sizes and proctor-controlled assessments is needed to accurately determine APP 12-lead ECG STEMI competency.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"30-34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145293790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What is causing this patient's vulvar ulcerations?","authors":"Alannah Zheng, Brittany Strelow","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000268","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 11","pages":"45-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145379445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An update on osteoporosis management and fracture prevention strategies.","authors":"Ashlyn Smith","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000273","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Every 3 seconds worldwide, a fracture due to osteoporosis occurs. Yet approximately 80% of individuals who have sustained a fragility fracture are not identified as having osteoporosis or treated for the condition. Many misconceptions and barriers plague care for this \"silent\" condition, contributing to a health care gap with catastrophic consequences. Importantly, clear guidance on screening, prevention, and treatment is available, paving the way for clinicians who are willing to \"own the bone\" and narrow the gap. Most recently, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published updated guidance for osteoporosis screening in early 2025. This guidance largely supports previous recommendations, strengthening the firm foundations clinicians use to address this critical need.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"15-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145293752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Early MMR vaccination during measles outbreaks: Reconsidering routine timing.","authors":"Chelsey Meachum","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000269","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Measles cases are increasing across the United States, with infants under age 12 months at increased risk as they are not yet eligible for routine measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. The current MMR vaccination schedule is based on decades-old data from an era of widespread natural maternal immunity and low measles prevalence. Today, most mothers have vaccine-derived immunity, and recent studies show these maternal antibodies wane by 3 to 6 months of age, leaving many infants vulnerable to infection until they receive their first MMR vaccine at the currently recommended age of 12 to 15 months. Evidence demonstrates, however, that MMR vaccination between ages 6 and 11 months provides partial protection during outbreaks and does not impair the immune response to later doses. Safety data also support vaccination in younger infants. Although early MMR vaccination is currently recommended before international travel, it should also be offered domestically during outbreaks as a risk-based strategy. National guidance should be updated to reflect current epidemiology and close this gap in infant protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 11","pages":"39-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145379412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina Krasnavage, Christopher Kudrich, Edwin Salsitz
{"title":"Beyond fentanyl: The emergence of xylazine in illicit opioids.","authors":"Christina Krasnavage, Christopher Kudrich, Edwin Salsitz","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Xylazine is a veterinary drug that has become a common adulterant in opioids, particularly heroin and fentanyl. This article provides a comprehensive review of the drug, including its history, pharmacology, toxicology, pathophysiology, withdrawal, medical management, associated wound care, and harm reduction strategies, so that physician associates and other clinicians may be better equipped to recognize possible xylazine misuse in their patients and provide adequate treatment for xylazine-related harms.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":"38 11","pages":"35-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145379436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liam Allan, Sophie MacDonald, Sue Donaldson, Alastair Murray
{"title":"PA profession in Scotland: Current landscape and future direction.","authors":"Liam Allan, Sophie MacDonald, Sue Donaldson, Alastair Murray","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000266","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Physician associates (PAs) have featured among multidisciplinary care teams in the Scottish health care system for the last 19 years and have gradually become an established profession. Despite this, there remains no clear pathway for career progression for experienced PAs. This study used an original questionnaire, in addition to publicly available workforce and education data, to gain insight into the current education, deployment, and career development aspirations of this professional group in Scotland. The questionnaire was sent to all contactable PAs in Scotland before data were thematically analyzed.We found that Scottish PAs are experienced and keen to develop within the National Health Service Scotland workforce; however, they require a better career structure and improved support to allow them to work to their full potential. The establishment of a career progression framework, along with the infrastructure to support it, is urgently needed to support the development of this profession.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"e2-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation and management of hemoptysis.","authors":"Clay W Walker, Thomas Hartman, Brittney Hulsey","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000252","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Hemoptysis, defined as the expectoration of blood originating from the lower respiratory tract, is a clinical symptom with a wide differential diagnosis that ranges from benign to life-threatening causes. Common causes vary by geographic region and care setting, with respiratory infections, malignancy, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being predominant in resource-rich countries and tuberculosis remaining the leading cause in resource-limited areas. Though most cases are mild and self-limited, hemoptysis can be a life-threatening medical emergency; these cases are associated with a mortality exceeding 50%, primarily due to asphyxia. Management strategies are informed by severity, with outpatient care appropriate for stable patients with non-life-threatening hemoptysis and intensive interventions-such as bronchial artery embolization or surgical resection-reserved for those with high-risk features or life-threatening hemoptysis. This article provides an evidence-based approach to hemoptysis evaluation and management, emphasizing the importance of early risk stratification, identification of underlying causes, and timely intervention. By integrating a structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach, clinicians can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence and complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"17-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pelvic floor physical therapy: Enhancing patient outcomes.","authors":"Mollie Francis, Michaela Thielen, Cailin Austin, Brittany Strelow","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000259","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Pelvic floor disorders are a wide-ranging group of conditions arising due to abnormalities of the musculature of the pelvic floor. These conditions can include constipation, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and dyspareunia. This article first provides an overview of key anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles before discussing pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT), highlighting the goals of treatment and tactics used by physical therapists to achieve these goals. The article then explores the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of constipation, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. It is meant to help reduce the gap in this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition and identify key patient populations that may significantly benefit, including through improvements to quality of life, from PFPT.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"23-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samantha Saggese, Alexander Hembrey, Dorothy Shapiro, Tina Murphy, Tiffani Darling, Gaurava Agarwal
{"title":"Impact of adverse event exposure on PA and APRN well-being.","authors":"Samantha Saggese, Alexander Hembrey, Dorothy Shapiro, Tina Murphy, Tiffani Darling, Gaurava Agarwal","doi":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000255","DOIUrl":"10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to measure the impact of adverse events (AEs) on advanced practice provider (APP) well-being and to describe symptoms of second victim syndrome (SVS) among this group of healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was designed to measure the incidence of AEs among APPs employed at a large healthcare system and AE impact on emotional, physical, and professional well-being. It also measured burnout, callousness, and the desire for peer support among APPs who had experienced AEs and those who had not.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 350 APPs who completed the survey, 55.4% had experienced an AE. APPs exposed to an AE had a higher rate of burnout ( p = .027) than those who had not. Following an AE, 97% of APPs experienced one or more symptoms of SVS; additionally, 87% sought peer support after an AE, with 96% finding it helpful.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings demonstrate that AEs have a negative emotional impact on APP well-being and are associated with burnout and callousness. Peer support is desired by APPs after AEs and may enhance recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":48728,"journal":{"name":"Jaapa-Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants","volume":" ","pages":"32-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}