Family practice
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Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most preferred analgesics for pain and fever management in children. Prescribing of these drugs in supratherapeutic doses may predispose to their toxicity. We aimed to compare prescribing patterns and potential overdosing of paracetamol and ibuprofen in primary care for <12-year-old children. ⋯ Paracetamol and ibuprofen were generally used in primary care for similar clinical conditions with subtle differences. However, more pronounced in younger children and girls, potential overdosing seems to be more practiced for paracetamol than ibuprofen both in terms of maximal daily and single-use setting.
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Loneliness is a global issue, and primary care physicians play an important role in assessing and intervening with loneliness. This study aimed to examine the association between having a usual source of care (USC) or a good quality of primary care, and loneliness. ⋯ Having USC and a better quality primary care were associated with a lower loneliness score. The quality of primary care could be a factor to mitigate patient loneliness.
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Recent evidence suggests that the first consultation with a general practitioner (GP) for symptoms of depression may be more than just a vehicle for assessment and management planning (as current guidelines imply). ⋯ These results suggest that the therapeutic benefit of the GP consultation is under-recognized in current guidelines. The results of our study will provide crucial information as to how such consultations can be tailored to improve patient satisfaction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Continuity of primary care among homeless adults with mental illness who received a housing and mental health intervention.
Continuity of primary care (CPC) is associated with reduced mortality and improved health status. This study assessed the level of CPC and changes in CPC over 6 years among adults with experience of homelessness and mental illness who received a Housing First intervention. ⋯ Among this group of individuals with mental illness who were experiencing homelessness, CPC remained low over 6 years of follow-up. This study highlights that housing and mental health interventions may need to place greater emphasis on improving CPC using effective strategies that are specifically geared towards this important goal among their clients.
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Conflicting international guidelines exist on the management of sore throat by antibiotics. ⋯ Major discrepancies emphasise the need for only high-quality guidelines, based on adequately assessed evidence. Restricted antibiotic prescriptions to severe cases or high-risk patients would avoid antibiotic resistance.