Family practice
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Testing for influenza in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is common and in some cases is performed for all patients with LRTI. A more selective approach to testing could be more efficient. ⋯ The FluScore could streamline patient categorization, identifying patients who could be exempted from testing, while identifying candidates for rapid influenza tests. This has the potential to be more efficient than a "one size fits all" test strategy, as it strategically targets the use of tests on patients most likely to benefit. It is potentially usable in a telehealth setting.
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This paper presents a rare case of subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) following a herpes zoster (HZ) episode, with no prior records found in the existing literature. ⋯ HZ episodes have not conventionally been linked in the medical literature to the occurrence of SBE. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that HZ infections have been associated with the development of other consequential bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and necrotizing fasciitis.This case underscores the necessity for medical practitioners to recognize the possibility of HZ symptoms obscuring indications of critical underlying conditions and infections. The implications of this report highlight the significance of maintaining heightened vigilance for signs of other severe infections when managing patients presenting with HZ symptoms.
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There is a need for a deeper understanding of the barriers to research in family medicine (FM) and to consider the perceptions and perspectives of professionals. Our study aims to provide a strategic view for research capacity building in FM. We included the perspective of family physician researchers (FPR) on the existing barriers to investigation in this context. ⋯ Our study highlights the identification of 7 main barriers. Structuring them into sub-themes not only improved the organization of our results but also provided robust support for the next phase, namely the application of a survey with the aim of gaining a deeper insight into the repercussions that these barriers to FPR have at a national level. This research is crucial to laying the foundations for a policy document that offers well-defined and tailored recommendations to address the barriers we have uncovered.
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Viral infections are the main original cause of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), but their complications and recurrences are due to bacteria as well. While some operational definitions and epidemiology of RRTIs are reported in paediatrics, no similar definitions have been proposed for adults. ⋯ We provided evidence on the epidemiology and concurrent/predisposing factors of RRTIs in adults. These data should support health authorities and general practitioners for the application of the most appropriate preventive and/or treatment strategies.