Objectives The objective of this study was to examine individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome who are confined to their homes due to severe symptomatology. The existing literature fails to address differences between this group, and less severe, nonhousebound patient populations. Methods Participants completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, a measure of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome symptomology, and the SF-36, a measure of health impact on physical/mental functioning. ANOVAs and, where appropriate, MANCOVAS were used to compare housebound and nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome across areas of functioning, symptomatology, and illness onset characteristics. Results Findings indicated that the housebound group represented one quarter of the sample, and were significantly more impaired with regards to physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, fatigue, postexertional malaise, sleep, pain, neurocognitive, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune functioning compared to individuals who were not housebound. Discussion Findings indicated that housebound patients have more impairment on functional and symptom outcomes compared to those who were not housebound. Understanding the differences between housebound and not housebound groups holds implications for physicians and researchers as they develop interventions intended for patients who are most severely affected by this chronic illness.

Social isolation has been associated with many adverse health outcomes in older adults. We describe a phone call outreach program in which health care professional student volunteers phoned older adults, living in long-term care facilities and the community, at risk of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversation topics were related to coping, including fears or insecurities, isolation, and sources of support; health; and personal topics such as family and friends, hobbies, and life experiences. Student volunteers felt the calls were impactful both for the students and for the seniors, and call recipients expressed appreciation for receiving the calls and for the physicians who referred them for a call. This phone outreach strategy is easily generalizable and can be adopted by medical schools to leverage students to connect to socially isolated seniors in numerous settings.

Key Points Question Does data-driven phenotyping based on the trajectories of organ dysfunction in the acute phase of critical illness among children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome uncover phenotypes with prognostic and therapeutic relevance? Findings In this 2-center cohort study of 20 827 pediatric intensive care encounters, a data-driven approach to phenotyping patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome using the trajectories of 6 organ dysfunctions uncovered 4 reproducible and distinct phenotypes with prognostic and potential therapeutic relevance. Meaning In this study, data-driven phenotyping based on the type, severity, and trajectory of 6 organ dysfunctions showed promising results in critically ill children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

most pronounced in obstetrics and gynecology, where there were 81.8% of female residents and 64.7% of women in academia but only 28.2% of women among chairs. Female representation among acting and interim chairs was as follows: 25% (in 2010), 24% (in 2019), and 30% (peak in 2014). Similarly, findings among acting and interim deans were as follows: 22% (in 2010), 17% (in 2019), and 30% (peak in 2017).

Social media is an important tool for disseminating accurate medical information and combating misinformation (ie, the spreading of false or inaccurate information) and disinformation (ie, spreading misinformation with the intent to deceive). The prolific rise of inaccurate information during a global pandemic is a pressing public health concern. In response to this phenomenon, health professional amplifiers such as IMPACT (Illinois Medical Professional Action Collaborative Team) have been created as a coordinated response to enhance public communication and advocacy around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Woitowich had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Background: Individuals of minority race/ethnicity have lower rates of participation in genomic research. This study evaluated sociodemographic characteristics associated with decisions to enroll in a pediatric critical care biorepository. Methods: Parents of children admitted to the PICU between November 2014 and May 2017 were offered to enroll their child in a biorepository using a single page opt-in consent. Missed enrollment was assessed by failure to complete the form or declining consent on the form. We conducted a retrospective chart review for sociodemographic and clinical information. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed. Results: In 4055 encounters, representing 2910 patients with complete data, 1480 (50%) completed the consent form and 1223 (83%) enrolled. We found higher odds of incomplete consent for non-English speaking parents (OR = 2.1, p < 0.0001) and parents of children of all races except non-Hispanic White (OR = 1.27–1.99, p < 0.0001). We found higher odds of declined consent in patients with Medicaid (OR = 1.67, p = 0.003) and parents of children of all races except non-Hispanic White (OR = 1.32–2.9, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Inability to enroll patients in a critical care biorepository may be associated with several sociodemographic factors at various points in recruitment/enrollment.

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