The most popular posts of 2012

- Kenny Lin, MD

Although page views are only a surrogate measure of reader engagement, in a year that saw American Family Physician review the "Top 20 Research Studies of 2011 for Primary Care Physicians," I thought it appropriate to share the top 10 most popular AFP Community Blog posts of 2012. The top post, on screening intervals for osteoporosis, has been viewed more than 600 times.

1. How often should you screen for osteoporosis? (January 25)

Armed with this new information, family physicians and other primary care clinicians can now work to redirect testing resources to where they are needed most.

2. The spiritual assessment in family medicine: unnecessary or essential? (September 20)

Since 80 percent of patients and family physicians perceive religion to be important, acknowledging and supporting spiritual beliefs is a key component of holistic, patient-centered care.

3. Curbing overuse of CT scans (January 11)

Use computed tomography only when it is likely to enhance patient health or change clinical care.

4. Prescribing opioids for chronic pain: avoiding pitfalls (August 22)

National surveys show that chronic pain is undertreated, but opioids often have serious adverse effects and can lead to dependence, addiction, and abuse.

5. Doctors should trust their clinical judgments (March 5)

What drives doctors to order tests that, in their hearts, they must know have a remote chance of being helpful?

6. Electronic health records may improve preventive care (July 11)

After 4 months, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening rates had increased by an impressive 13 to 19 percent among personal health record users.

7. Rhythm or rate control for atrial fibrillation? (June 28)

Management of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation should be individualized, and the risks and benefits of different strategies discussed in detail before making treatment decisions.

8. Cancer screening in men: flexible sigmoidoscopy works, PSA does not (May 21)

How long will take to change both of these practices to reflect the best evidence?

9. The state of family medicine is ... ? (February 13)

There aren't nearly enough of us to handle the projected millions of new patients who will be seeking primary care as the result of health reform.

10. Counterintuitive findings on quality incentives and patient satisfaction (April 9)

Is it possible that patient satisfaction is driven by receiving more care, but not better care?