Transforming Communication Between Patients and Clinicians

Patient portal messaging continues to expand across health systems, and it has become an increasingly important method for patient-clinician communication. Authors Michal Mankowski, PhD, assistant professor, and Jane Long, MD, research resident, both from the Department of Surgery at NYU, discuss their new research letter with JAMA Deputy Editor Joseph Ross, MD, MHS. Related Content: Trends in Patient Portal Messages, Office Visits, and Telephone Encounters National Trends in Patient Messaging—The Growing Electronic Inbox

Nonspecific low back pain is a leading cause of disability, with most cases lacking a clear anatomic cause. This episode reviews  risk factors, diagnosis, and current  evidence-based treatments for acute and chronic low back pain. JAMA Deputy Editor Mary M. McDermott, MD, interviews author James McAuley, PhD, of the University of New South Wales. Related Content: Low Back Pain What Is Low Back Pain?

Cyanotic congenital heart diseases occur in approximately 0.2% of live births in the US, but survival to adulthood is common with current surgical interventions. JAMA Associate Editor David Simel, MD, MHS, speaks with author Michael Landzberg, MD, who coauthored a recent review in JAMA on this topic. Related Content: Survivors of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) accounts for 1.4 million emergency department visits and 740 000 hospitalizations annually in the US. Author Andre Kumar, MD, MEd, of Stanford University School of Medicine joins JAMA Deputy Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, to discuss the use of point-of-care ultrasound for diagnosis of CAP. Related Content: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pneumonia Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) for Evaluation of Dyspnea

Cesarean delivery on maternal request requires individualized counseling. Reduced risks of pelvic floor disorders should be weighed against surgical risks and future risks including abnormal placentation. Author Marianna Alperin, MD, MS, from UC San Diego School of Medicine, discusses this and more with JAMA Deputy Editor Linda Brubaker, MD. Related Content: Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request Cesarean Delivery—Reply Cesarean Delivery

The GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce appetite and greatly facilitate weight loss. Robert Kushner, MD, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine joins JAMA Deputy Editor Mary M. McDermott, MD, to discuss appropriate diet and exercise recommendations for patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss. Related Content: Lifestyle Modification and Incretin-Based Therapy for Obesity The Conundrum of Exercise for Weight Management in the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Era

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which affects about 25 000 individuals in the US, causes progressive weakness but has varied presentations. Several FDA-approved medications are now available for ALS. Author John Ravits, MD, of UC San Diego School of Medicine joins JAMA Deputy Editor Mary M. McDermott, MD, to discuss current evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment of ALS. Related Content: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pridopidine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis What Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? CNM-Au8 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Safety and Efficacy of PrimeC in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects around 254 million people worldwide and causes more than 1 million deaths annually. Author Anna Lok, MD, from the University of Michigan discusses HBV transmission, screening, and treatment with JAMA Associate Editor Beverly Forsyth, MD. Related Content: Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Virus Treatment Gaps in the US Tenofovir and Hepatitis B Virus Transmission During Pregnancy US Newborn Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination Rates

Heart failure (HF) affects more than 64 million individuals worldwide, and 20% to 30% of patients with HF and systolic dysfunction have cardiac dyssynchrony due to conduction system disease. JAMA Review author Mihail Chelu, MD, PhD, of Baylor College of Medicine discusses cardiac resynchronization therapy with JAMA Associate Editor David Simel, MD, MHS. Related Content: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Leadless Ultrasound-Based Cardiac Resynchronization System in Heart Failure

In the US, approximately 66% of reproductive-aged women have at least 1 modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Authors and ob-gyns Kylie Cooper, MD, and Daniel Breitkopf, MD, both from the Mayo Clinic, discuss ways to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and improve neonatal outcomes with JAMA Senior Editor Karen Lasser, MD, MPH. Related Content: Prepregnancy Care and Counseling