Family practice
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patients who present with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) in primary care and no obvious symptoms can be difficult to manage. ⋯ All LFTs were predictive markers for liver disease as well as general ill health, although sensitivity was poor. Most patients with abnormal LFTs had no later formal diagnosis of liver disease within the study period. The time taken to develop liver disease in these patients provides opportunity to intervene.
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Family physicians in Taiwan have expressed low willingness to provide palliative home care. ⋯ Through palliative home care with the participation of family physicians, patients' preference could be a significant determinant of home death. Our finding can be helpful to the establishment of an ethical care model for terminal cancer patients.
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According to current guidelines, spirometry should be performed in patients suspected of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by the results of history taking and physical examination. However, little is known about the diagnostic value of patient history and physical examination for COPD. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to assess the value of history taking and physical examination for diagnosing COPD.