Family practice
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The usefulness of uroflowmetry and ultrasound bladder scanning as diagnostic tools in primary care for new male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms; a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Uroflowmetry and ultrasound scanning of the post-void residual volume are diagnostic instruments in specialist urological care of men referred with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We hypothesized that implementing uroflowmetry and post-void ultrasound bladder scanning in primary care for men with LUTS will reduce the number of referrals to urologists. ⋯ Performing uroflowmetry and ultrasound bladder scanning in primary care as additional diagnostic tools do not reduce the number of referrals to urologists. We do not recommend using these diagnostic tools in general practice in the diagnostic work-up of these patients.
-
Patient complaints about care in general practice are underutilized as a source of safety improvement data. ⋯ This study reports the adaptation of the HCAT(GP) and has established that the tool has sufficient validity, reliability and usability. This adapted tool can be applied to general practice complaints to identify areas for improvement.
-
Acute pharyngitis is common in the ambulatory setting. The Modified Centor score uses five criteria to predict Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection and can be used to guide management. ⋯ A higher Centor score was associated with a higher risk of GAS infection, increased antibiotic prescribing and use of corticosteroids. Many patients with low Centor scores were prescribed antibiotics and had throat cultures. Further work is required to understand clinical decision-making for the management of acute pharyngitis.
-
Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) is generally considered a common cause of chronic cough but remains poorly recognised in Japan. ⋯ UACS may be the most common cause of chronic cough in Japan and may be effectively treated with nasal corticosteroids. Diagnosing UACS might be possible by selecting appropriate interview and examination items.
-
Muscle strength is associated with adverse mental health outcomes in adults; however, few studies have examined this association among adolescents. This study investigated the association between handgrip strength and mental health in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents. ⋯ Low handgrip strength was associated with poor mental health among boys. Future research is required to validate our findings and to establish whether interventions to increase muscular strength can reduce the prevalence of perceived stress and depressive mood in boys.