Programme evaluation of the general internal medicine training programme.

General internal medicine (GIM) has predominantly been perceived as a joint specialty to be completed alongside specialty training in the United Kingdom. The Internal Medicine (IMT) Stage 2 curriculum was released in August 2022;1 in October 2022 the Round 2 Specialty Training recruitment included applications for the pilot GIM training programme, and in February 2023 NHS England commenced the 3-year programme. The GIM programme aims to provide run-through training for GIM to Certificate of Completion of Training (CTT). This report establishes the initial recruitment demographics of trainees, as well as an analysis of the successful applicants' perspectives on the programme and their motivations for applying.

An Atypical Presentation of Fabry Disease in a Patient With Nephrotic Syndrome: A Case Report.

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that leads to the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) across various tissues, stemming from a deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). This condition is characterized by a spectrum of clinical manifestations that can significantly complicate diagnosis. Classical symptoms typically include neuropathic pain, angiokeratomas, and significant involvement of the renal and cardiac systems. However, atypical presentations may obscure the underlying diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion. This case report details the diagnostic journey of a 24-year-old female who initially presented with nephrotic syndrome, a presentation not commonly associated with Fabry disease. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a pathogenic variant in the GLA gene, confirming Fabry disease and highlighting the critical need for genetic analysis in cases of unexplained renal pathology. This case underscores the variability of Fabry disease presentations and the pivotal role of comprehensive diagnostic strategies in uncovering this complex disorder.

Towards inclusive healthcare: evaluating knowledge, confidence and awareness of LGBTQ + health among Internal Medicine Trainees in London.

BACKGROUND: Patients from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus (LGBTQ +) community face various health inequalities and report poor healthcare experiences. Little is known about how knowledgeable and confident UK doctors are around LGBTQ + health, and previous research demonstrates that UK medical schools rarely deliver teaching in this area. This research evaluated the level of knowledge, awareness and confidence of LGBTQ + health among Internal Medical Trainees (IMTs) in London. METHODS: London IMTs were invited to complete an online questionnaire evaluating knowledge, awareness and confidence in LGBTQ + health. Stratified analysis of results by demographics was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifteen surveys were analysed from 796 eligible trainees (40%). Confidence in caring for LGBTQ + patients was variable. Confidence in discussing gender identity was lower than for sexual orientation. Knowledge of health issues affecting LGBTQ + patients varied. Most participants had never received training on LGBTQ + health at undergraduate (n = 201, 64%) or postgraduate level (n = 252, 80%), but the majority of participants felt that training would be useful (n = 233, 74%). Stratified analysis revealed that IMTs who received previous LGBTQ + teaching at undergraduate or postgraduate level were considerably more confident discussing sexual orientation with patients, compared to those who received no previous teaching. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need for education on LGBTQ + health, given the varied levels of knowledge and confidence identified. A significant majority of IMTs in London have never received teaching on LGBTQ + health, although there exists a strong desire for this. LGBTQ + health topics should be integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate training and examinations for IMTs. This would support IMTs in delivering high quality and inclusive care for all patients, particularly those of sexual orientation and gender identity minorities. There are relatively few published studies exploring competency in LGBTQ + health among doctors, and this is the first among UK Internal Medicine Trainees.

Position paper ITACARE-P/FADOI on the referral from internal medicine to cardiac rehabilitation: Executive summary and factsheet.

The Italian Association for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P) and the Italian Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors on Internal Medicine (FADOI) released a joint position paper to guide referrals of cardiovascular patients discharged from Internal Medicine (IM) wards to Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) facilities. The document provides rationale and operative recommendations for appropriateness (i.e. qualifying diagnoses) and priority criteria to overcome the mismatch between potential demand and effective supply of CR programmes. In case of no-referral due to logistic barriers, the document recommends the adoption of best alternatives to CR for disability reduction, better prognosis, and improvement of quality of life. The joint position paper is also aimed to promote the consideration of IM as a potential stakeholder of CR.

Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program Website Traffic Patterns Across Two Institutions and Five Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) Cycles.

Background Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, medical residency program recruitment has become increasingly web-based due to the transition to virtual interviews. Although social media use by residency programs has soared during this time, applicant surveys show that official program websites remain the most used online resource. According to survey-based studies, the content that applicants favor on program websites tends to mirror their priorities in choosing programs. However, it is unclear whether applicant-reported priorities in program choice and website content truly drive program website traffic. In this analysis, we will elucidate website traffic patterns from two Internal Medicine residency programs and two Internal Medicine-Pediatrics programs, both in terms of the thematic content of high-traffic pages and changes in traffic patterns throughout the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application cycle. We will provide novel, data-driven guidance to residency program leadership regarding website content. Methodology For each of the four programs included in the analysis, total pageviews on a monthly basis were obtained for the annual ERAS application cycles taking place from 2017 through 2022. For one Internal Medicine program, data was only available for its current website from 2020 to 2022. The mean monthly pageviews were calculated for each page within each website. The total site traffic trends across each year and within high-traffic months were totaled as well. Results As expected, the highest traffic period for all programs in all years was the days before the application deadline, with a secondary, smaller spike in traffic around Match Day. In general, the most popular pages for all four programs were thematically in line with the top five applicant priorities in the 2022 National Resident Matching Program applicant survey, namely, geographic location, goodness of fit, program reputation, work/life balance, and current program residents. Three of the websites featured unique content that unexpectedly proved to be as popular as the top survey-reported topics, such as pages related to a new major clinical site, a new integrated subspecialty pathway, and, most profoundly, a pipeline program for certain applicants from groups that are underrepresented in medicine. Alumni career content was also heavily trafficked across all four programs. Conclusions Program directors should plan twice-yearly updates to residency program websites, timed to be finished by the start of the ERAS cycle in the fall, and again just before Match Day in March. Program directors should include specific, up-to-date information about unique program features. Future research should incorporate a more diverse variety of programs, software-based page content analysis, and traffic source data.

Fever, Leukocytosis, and Ulcerated Vulvar Lesions: An Atypical Presentation Concerning Behcet's Disease.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a variable-vessel vasculitis commonly presenting in early adulthood with painful oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, pathergy, and skin lesions. The diagnosis of BD is made clinically based on criteria from the International Study Group (ISG) and the International Criteria for Behcet's Disease (ICBD). Due to the wide constellation of symptoms BD can cause, it can be challenging to diagnose in an acute setting. Here, we discuss a patient who presented with a clinical picture of sepsis, with profound ulcerated vulvar and herpetiform oral mucosal lesions, that led us to a presumptive diagnosis of Behcet's disease.

Internal medicine in the 21st century: Back to the future.

Healthcare systems face multiple challenges arising from demographic factors (population aging) and epidemiological factors (rise of chronic diseases and patients with multimorbidity) as well as threats to their financial sustainability when maintaining equitable access to medical and technological advances. Current healthcare models, based on specialized medical care, lead to fragmented care that can be harmful to the patient and is inefficient for the system due to the overuse of redundant, low-value medical acts. Internal medicine is the hospital-centered general medical specialty par excellence, providing a comprehensive and holistic vision that is centered on the patient and not on the disease. Internists should be the leading physicians in the hospital setting for complex patients with or those with an uncertain diagnosis. Internists must play a key role, as hospitalists do, in the continued care of acute patients hospitalized for medical or surgical diseases, establishing shared care models in multidisciplinary teams. Likewise, to guarantee continuity of care for chronic patients, internists must establish mechanisms for collaboration with primary care and nursing, participating in the development of new out-of-hospital care models that use the available technological resources. Internal medicine should play a leading role in graduate and postgraduate medical education to promote a holistic vision among medical students and residents in medical subspecialties.

Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy on Patient-Selected Lesions Concerning for Skin Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Access to dermatologists is limited in parts of the US, making primary care clinicians (PCCs) integral for early detection of skin cancers. A handheld device using elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) was developed to aid PCCs in their clinical assessment of skin lesions. METHODS: In this prospective study, 3 PCCs evaluated skin lesions reported by patients as concerning and scanned each lesion with the handheld ESS device. The comparison was pathology results or a 3-dermatologist panel examining high resolution dermatoscopic and clinical images. PCCs reported their diagnosis, management decision, and confidence level for each lesion. Evaluation of results included sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and Area Under the Curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 155 patients and 178 lesions were included in the final analysis. The most commonly patient-reported concerning feature was "new or changing lesion" (91.6%). Device diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% and 60.7%, respectively, based on biopsy result or dermatologist panel reference standard; comparatively, PCC sensitivity was 40.0% and 84.8% specificity without the use of the device. Device NPV was 98.9%, and device PPV was 13.6%. The device recommended patient referral to dermatology with 88.2% concordance with the dermatologist panel. AUC for the device and PCCs were 0.815 and 0.643, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ESS device by PCCs can improve diagnostic and management sensitivity for select malignant skin lesions by correctly classifying most benign lesions of patient concern. This may increase skin cancer detection while improving access to specialist care.

[Role of university hospital doctors specialized in internal medicine in health professions training and institutions in France: Survey of the National College of Teachers of Internal Medicine (CEMI)]. / Rôle des médecins hospitalo-universitaires de médecine interne dans la formation aux métiers de la santé et au sein des institutions en France : enquête du Collège National des Enseignants de Médecine Interne (CEMI).

RATIONALE: On the occasion of the General stage meeting of Internal Medicine, the National College of Internal Medicine Teachers (CEMI) conducted a survey on teaching activity among all French university hospital (HU) internal medicine specialists. METHOD: The survey was carried out in September 2023 by sending an email to 101 hospital practitioners university professors (PU-PH) and 18 hospital practitioners assistant professors (MCU-PH) of internal medicine in subsection 53-01 of the National council of universities (CNU), as well as to the 11 HU internists working in immunology (subsection 47-01) or therapeutics (subsection 48-04). RESULTS: Seventy-three HUs (56.1%) responded to the survey, including 65 PU-PH, 7 MCU-PH and 1 university hospital practitioner (PHU). Internal medicine HUs participate in faculty teaching: 80% are responsible for teaching, 30% are responsible for the year or cycle or lead committees and 40% have had or have an elected mandate at the faculty or at university. Internal medicine HU are involved in the teaching of semiology during the first cycle of medical studies, but also in pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, midwifery and in paramedical training. They are very invested in the implementation of the second cycle reform and 80% are involved in the preparation of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (ECOS), mainly as examiners (90%). They also participate in teaching using simulation (60%), teaching advanced practice nurses (IPA) (25%), and writing CEMI books (75%). For ECOS, 90% participate as examiners, 60% participate in teaching using simulation, 25% are involved in teaching advanced practice nurses (IPA), 75% participated in the writing of CEMI works. Eight (12%) internal medicine HUs co-facilitate training with patients and 26 (38%) participate in master's courses at the Faculty of Sciences. Finally, 94% are affiliated with a research unit and 48% supervise university theses students. CONCLUSION: Internal medicine universities teachers have a strong educational commitment, particularly in semiology and in the reform of the second cycle of medical studies with ECOS and simulation.

Is It Safe to Treat Stable Patients with Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infections with High-Resistant-Rate Antibiotics?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In most areas of the world, urine bacteria have high resistance rates to third-generation cephalosporins, and it is unclear if it is safe to treat stable patients with bacteremic urinary tract infections (UTI) with those antibiotics. There are recommendations that empiric therapy for a suspected UTI should include only antibiotics with resistance rates less than 10%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this historical observational single center study, we selected 180 stable internal medicine patients hospitalized between January 2019 and December 2021, with identical bacteria isolated from blood and urine cultures. Charts were reviewed to determine if deaths and readmissions up to 30 days after discharge were due to bacterial resistance to initial antibiotic therapy (BRIAT). RESULTS: The patient's median age was 82 years (1st-3rd quartiles, 73-87 years). A total of 54.4% were female. There were 125 patients treated with ceftriaxone. A total of 38 (30.3%) had BRIAT. Four patients died, but none were because of a delay in appropriate treatment. The median days of hospitalization for all patients was 7 days, and 9 days versus 6 days in those with and without BRIAT. There were no re-hospitalizations for a UTI in patients with BRIAT. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, despite high resistance rates, empiric ceftriaxone in stable hospitalized patients with a bacteremic UTI is safe. There was no urosepsis-related mortality during the hospitalization or on follow-up. The treatment of all patients with wider-spectrum antibiotics might have decreased the median hospital stay by only one day. The potential effect would be even lower if all patients with a suspected systemic UTI were treated with wide-spectrum antibiotics, because some patients do not have an infection of the urinary tract. A reassessment of the recommendation that empiric therapy for a suspected systemic urinary tract infection should include only wider-spectrum antibiotics is warranted.

Shifting tides in cardiology fellowship: an analysis of trends and the virtual interview revolution, 2017 to 2021.

Introduction: This investigation aimed to delineate the trends in cardiology fellowship applications and match rates between 2017 and 2021, with a particular focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Resident Matching Program and the American Board of Internal Medicine covering 6693 applicants, we conducted chi-square tests to assess match rate variations. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study noted an increase in matched US MD applicants (from 482 in 2017 to 549 in 2021, P = 0.0001) but a decrease in their match rate (from 89.8% to 83.1%). Matched US DO applicants rose significantly from 60 in 2017 to 103 in 2021 (P = 0.0001). A decline in first-choice matches and an increase in matches beyond the third choice were observed after the shift to virtual interviews. Conclusions: The study's analysis of cardiology fellowship trends from 2017 to 2021 underscores the escalating competitiveness in this field and signals a critical need for further research.

A Medical Resident's Dilemma: Clinical Proficiency vs Research Publication.

As an international medical graduate doing internal medicine residency in the United States, the challenges faced by residents aspiring to secure highly competitive fellowships, particularly in the field of cardiovascular disease, are highlighted in this correspondence. There is a delicate balance between maintaining clinical proficiency and building a robust research portfolio, emphasizing the unique struggles encountered by individuals in similar situations. Throughout my residency journey, I have navigated the intricate path of managing the demands of medical education, clinical responsibilities, and research pursuits.

Mirtazapine Therapy for a Patient With Weight Loss and Gastroparesis Associated With Limited Systemic Sclerosis.

Objective: Gastroparesis may be present in individuals with systemic sclerosis. In the United States, metoclopramide is the only medication approved for treating gastroparesis. Our case involves using mirtazapine therapy to help with weight loss and gastroparesis associated with systemic sclerosis. Case: A 70-year-old female with limited systemic sclerosis and sicca syndrome began experiencing weight loss, dysphagia, nausea, and abdominal fullness. Neither an esophageal dilation procedure nor six weeks of metoclopramide therapy alleviated her symptoms. However, 15 mg of mirtazapine once daily provided some symptomatic relief. A gastric emptying scan confirmed gastroparesis. The dose of mirtazapine was later increased to 30 mg once daily. With the mirtazapine therapy, the patient experienced both symptomatic improvement and weight gain benefits. Discussion/Conclusion: Mirtazapine therapy has anti depressive, appetite stimulating, anti-emetic, and prokinetic benefits. Consideration of mirtazapine therapy for patients with weight loss and gastroparesis associated with systemic sclerosis may be beneficial.

Case management in primary healthcare for people with complex needs to improve integrated care: a large-scale implementation study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Case management (CM) is among the most studied effective models of integrated care for people with complex needs. The goal of this study is to scale up and assess CM in primary healthcare for people with complex needs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The research questions are: (1) which mechanisms contribute to the successful scale-up of CM for people with complex needs in primary healthcare?; (2) how do contextual factors within primary healthcare organisations contribute to these mechanisms? and (3) what are the relationships between the actors, contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes when scaling-up CM for people with complex needs in primary healthcare? We will conduct a mixed methods Canadian interprovincial project in Quebec, New-Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It will include a scale-up phase and an evaluation phase. At inception, a scale-up committee will be formed in each province to oversee the scale-up phase. We will assess scale-up using a realist evaluation guided by the RAMESES checklist to develop an initial programme theory on CM scale-up. Then we will test and refine the programme theory using a mixed-methods multiple case study with 10 cases, each case being the scalable unit of the intervention in a region. Each primary care clinic within the case will recruit 30 adult patients with complex needs who frequently use healthcare services. Qualitative data will be used to identify contexts, mechanisms and certain outcomes for developing context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Quantitative data will be used to describe patient characteristics and measure scale-up outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained. Engaging researchers, decision-makers, clinicians and patient partners on the study Steering Committee will foster knowledge mobilisation and impact. The dissemination plan will be developed with the Steering Committee with messages and dissemination methods targeted for each audience.

Shock Simulation Day: Medical Decision-Making and Communication Skills for Managing a Hypotensive Adult in a Rapid Response.

Introduction: Shock is a life-threatening condition amongst hospitalized patients and requires urgent management to avoid mortality. Early exposure is vital for educational and patient safety purposes. Methods: We developed a 90-minute shock day session that provided internal medicine interns with a cognitive framework for the initial diagnosis and management of shock, which they applied to two simulations. The first simulation involved a patient with septic shock, and the second involved a patient with cardiogenic shock. Critical action checklists were used to assess learners and guide structured debriefs after each simulation. Medical decision-making and communication frameworks were presented through a presession video and a chalk talk. The curriculum was evaluated using pre- and postintervention surveys to assess knowledge and confidence. Results: Forty-eight interns participated in the session in 2022 and 2023. We observed an increase in the percentage of learners correctly answering a knowledge-based question regarding the amount of fluid administered to a patient in septic shock (pre: 33%, post: 62%, p < .01), as well as increases in learner-reported confidence in leading a rapid response (pre: 9%, post: 62%) and in managing undifferentiated shock (pre: 13%, post: 56%), septic shock (pre: 20%, post: 83%), cardiogenic shock (pre: 2%, post: 54%), hemorrhagic shock (pre: 20%, post: 73%), and anaphylactic shock (pre: 22%, post: 54%, all ps < .01). Discussion: Employing a variety of pedagogical methods, we demonstrated that intern knowledge and confidence regarding the management of a hypotensive patient during a rapid response can be increased through participation in our curriculum.

Severe Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Treated With Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide, Rituximab, Glucocorticoids, and Plasma Exchange: A Case Report.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects blood vessels and presents with vague constitutional symptoms, but more serious manifestations can develop, including pulmonary complications and glomerulonephritis. Currently, there are no definitive treatment guidelines. We present a case of a 66-year-old male with no previous medical history who was admitted for generalized constitutional symptoms for the past month. Imaging of the patient's brain revealed dural enhancement. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done and revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). A kidney biopsy revealed granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The patient's hospital course was complicated by acute renal failure and required hemodialysis. Due to the patient's multi-organ involvement, the patient was treated aggressively with cyclophosphamide, rituximab, plasma exchange (PE), and steroids. GPA is a systemic vasculitis that can present with multi-organ involvement. A prompt diagnosis is necessary to initiate treatment and preserve organ function. More research is needed to determine which combination therapies are the best treatment modalities in cases of severe multi-organ system involvement.

[Value-based healthcare as an opportunity for patient management at the individual and system level]. / "Value-based healthcare" als Möglichkeit zur PatientInnensteuerung auf individueller und Systemebene.

BACKGROUND: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) aims to increase patient outcomes in relation to the costs incurred, with a focus on measuring these outcomes using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The German healthcare system faces the challenge of quality disparities in care amidst rising costs, making VBHC of interest. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to illustrate how VBHC principles are currently being implemented in the field of internal medicine in Germany and to identify the potential that can be derived from VBHC pioneering examples from the Netherlands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected case studies are presented to illustrate how VBHC principles are already being applied in internal medicine, focusing on where PROMs are utilized and how value-based reimbursement supports VBHC implementation-both in Germany and the Netherlands. RESULTS: In Germany, various cross-provider initiatives and individual providers implement the VBHC element of PROMs measurement. In addition, the Baden-Württemberg selective contract in cardiology demonstrates how financing VBHC elements in regular care was already made possible in Germany. Pioneers such as the Dutch center of excellence Diabeter and the multidisciplinary care network Netherlands Heart Network provide further inspiration for the implementation of VBHC in internal medicine. CONCLUSION: While various initiatives support the measurement of PROMs in the German context, the use of these results in care practice is not apparent. The utilization of PROMs and strategies identified in Dutch examples could be initial steps toward fostering VBHC in Germany.

Evaluating the Impact of Gender, Race, and Training Year on Internal Medicine Residents' Experiences Across the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have highlighted experiences of bias within resident training based on trainees' gender and race and high rates of burnout. However, few studies have addressed the intersection between bias and wellness for residents in internal medicine (IM) programs. This study explores how race, gender, and training year affect IM residents' bias experiences and well-being. METHODS: An anonymous survey with questions evaluating demographics and resident experiences of bias and perceptions of wellness and self-efficacy was distributed to 596 IM programs across the United States. Sixty-nine programs sent out the survey to their IM residents. Respondents to the survey included 176 residents. Descriptive analyses and χ2 tests were performed. RESULTS: Responses demonstrated that gender and race impacted residents' experiences with bias and misidentification. Eighty-eight percent of women compared to 1% of men, and 89% of Black residents compared to 3% of White residents reported being misidentified as a nonphysician due to gender and race, respectively. Degrees to which residents felt they were thriving in residency, experiencing burnout, and utilizing their strengths varied significantly by gender. Residents' self-perceived burnout levels were associated with being misidentified as not being a physician due to race. Experiences with bias also increased significantly with training year. DISCUSSION: This study provides important insights into the impact of gender, race/ethnicity, and training year on IM residents' experiences with bias and self-perception. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the need for structural changes within IM residency programs to reduce experiences of bias and to better cultivate the wellness of residents.

Sedentary behavior and associated factors on admissions to internal medicine wards.

The relationship between sedentary lifestyle and chronic diseases is well known. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with reduced physical activity (PA) among internal medicine inpatients on admission. In this single-center, cross-sectional study, inpatients aged 50 years or older were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary care facility in Ankara, Türkiye. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Care and performance indicators, quality of life (EQ-5D 3L), nutritional status, timed up-and-go test, muscle strength, and cognitive status were assessed. Participants were classified into 3 groups of PA levels as low, moderate, and high. Study end points were the prevalence of low PA level and associated factors. Of the 240 participants (mean age: 62.7 ± 8.0 years; women: 50%), 47.1% (n = 113), 40.8% (n = 98) and 12.1% (n = 29) had low, moderate, and high PA, respectively. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (45.1%), hypertension (66.4%), coronary artery disease (41.6%), dementia (8.8%), and multimorbidity (53.1%) were more common in the low PA group. Outdoor walking < 3 days per week (OR: 4.44, 95% CI 1.55 to 12.74, p = 0.006, functional dependence in and outside home (OR: 4.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 15.92, p = 0.032) and EQ-5D VAS score (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p = 0.011) were independently associated with low PA level on multivariable logistic regression analysis. This study found low or medium levels of PA in almost nine out of ten admissions to an internal medicine clinic. On the other hand, low PA level was not associated with most classical comorbidities but with altered performance and care indicators.