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Purpose: Chronic fatigue (CF) is a common complaint in ambulatory settings. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by profound fatigue associated with other symptoms that is rarely reported in racial/ethnic minorities. Our objectives were to determine if differences exist between Caucasian and minority patients presenting with CF, particularly in the frequency meeting criteria for CFS. Patients: 690 patients with CF seen in a university-based referral clinic. Design/Methods: Demographic, historical, physical examination, laboratory, and psychosocial information was prospectively collected and compared. Psychosocial assessment consisted of a structured psychiatric interview, the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey to assess functional status, the General Health Questionnaire to ascertain psychological distress, and measures of health locus of control, illness attribution, social support, and coping. Results: With the exception of less social support from friends, no significant race/ethnicity-related differences were identified. Minority patients tended less commonly to report a moderate level of fatigue, and to have poorer social function, less social support from families, and lower rates of lifetime major depression and alcohol abuse. Conclusions: Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors do not distinguish Caucasian from minority CF patients. Help-seeking behaviors, access to care, and the significance attributed to the central complaints should be examined as potentially competing explanations for these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine how often housestaff notified primary care providers (PCPs) of admissions, whether notification prompted a visit, and whether PCP input impacted care, 210 medical inpatients were asked about their PCPs, and at discharge, housestaff completed a questionnaire on the patient's PCP, and whether he or she was contacted, came to the hospital, and influenced care. Of 105 patients with a PCP, 74 were contacted and 26 visited their patients. The PCPs spoken with personally more often made hospital visits than those contacted only by message (p < 0.0001). PCP input frequently contributed to patient care by providing continuity, clarifying history/diagnosis, managing chronic problems, and elucidating psychosocial/cultural factors. Having a PCP did not influence length of stay or readmission rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]