Family practice
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Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can enable workers to structure work in novel ways, allow for better time management, and increase work scheduling autonomy. Time management and work scheduling are important factors in the field of clinical practice in primary care. Time limits on consultation are a key constraint on the delivery of good care since the length of patient-physician consultation impacts its quality. ⋯ For PCPs, TTs can be beneficial for managing time in the clinic, which can contribute to better healthcare. This article, concerning TTs as a type of ICT, contributes to the existing literature which suggests that ICTs can allow for better time management and increase work scheduling autonomy. It also presents several recommendations for better implementation of TTs in healthcare organizations.
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Multiple studies have shown that physical activity improves cancer survivorship, by decreasing risk of second primary cancers and chronic conditions. However, cancer survivor physical activity levels remain low. General practice presents more opportunities for lifestyle interventions, such as increasing physical activity. We conducted a realist review of physical activity interventions relevant to general practice. ⋯ Our realist review has highlighted opportunities for general practices to promote physical activity among cancer survivors through collaborative goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring, social support, and shaping of knowledge.
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Shoulder pain is common amongst adults, but little is known about patients' preferences. ⋯ This study showed that most patients with shoulder pain prefer to opt-out, unless treatment attributes are highly favorable. Characteristics of influence on this decision was whether the patient had received an injection or physiotherapy before.
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In primary care, health professionals use blood tests to investigate nonspecific presentations to inform referral decisions. Reference ranges for the commonly used blood tests in western countries were developed in predominately White populations, and so may perform differently when applied to non-White populations. Knowledge of ethnic variation in blood test results in healthy/general populations could help address ethnic inequalities in cancer referral for diagnosis and outcomes. ⋯ There is evidence of ethnic differences in average values of haemoglobin, MCV, CRP, and albumin in healthy/general populations. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences. Systematic review registration: CRD42021274580.
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Meta Analysis
Self-help interventions for the prevention of relapse in mood disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Self-help interventions may offer a scalable adjunct to traditional care, but their effectiveness in relapse prevention is not well-established. Objectives: This review aimed to assess their effectiveness in preventing relapses among individuals with mood disorders. ⋯ Self-help interventions demonstrate a modest preventative effect on relapse in mood disorders, despite low to very low certainty. Future research is essential to identify which elements of self-help interventions are most effective.