Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2020
Meta AnalysisGroup C beta hemolytic Streptococci as a potential pathogen in patients presenting with an uncomplicated acute sore throat - a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
Objective: The pathogenicity of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group C (GCS) in patients attending for an uncomplicated acute sore throat is unknown and it was the objective to clarify this. Design: Systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Setting Medline and Scopus were searched from inception to February 2019, with searches of reference lists, Subjects case-control studies stating prevalence of GCS in patients as well as healthy controls presented for children and adults separately. ⋯ This systematic literature review concludes it is unlikely that GCS is involved in the uncomplicated sore throat in otherwise healthy children. This meta-analysis found a moderate link between GCS and the uncomplicated sore throat in adults. The link in adults between GCS and the sore throat is much weaker than the corresponding link for group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialPersonalized text message and checklist support for initiation of antihypertensive medication: the cluster randomized, controlled check and support trial.
Objective: To assess whether the use of a checklist combined with text message support improves systolic blood pressure (SBP) control. Design and setting: A cluster randomized controlled trial in Finnish primary care. Interventions: Personalized text message support and a checklist for initiation of antihypertensive medication. ⋯ Conclusion: Only a small proportion of patients in the intervention and control groups reached their treatment target despite multiple health care contacts and medication changes. The study interventions did not improve SBP control. However, this study demonstrates new information about hypertension control, antihypertensive medication and health service utilization during the first treatment year.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2020
Should GPs ask patients about their financial concerns? Exploration through collaborative research.
Objective: Health services should arguably be concerned about the financial situation of patients since health problems can cause financial concerns, which in turn can cause health problems. In this study, we explored the role of the general practitioner (GP) as a potential early discoverer of financial problems who can refer at-risk patients to financial counselling services. Design: A collaborative health service research experiment. ⋯ In a collaborative health services research experiment 11% of the patients at a Norwegian GP office had health problems that caused them financial concerns, or vice versa. GPs found it helpful to ask patients about their financial concerns when no clear medical explanations for their health problems was found. Then free financial counselling services could be offered.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2020
Staff experiences of a new tool for comprehensive geriatric assessment in primary care (PASTEL): a focus group study.
Objective: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended for the management of frailty. Little is known about professionals' experiences of CGA; therefore we wanted to investigate the experiences of staff in primary care using a new CGA tool: the Primary care Assessment Tool for Elderly (PASTEL). Design: Focus group interviews. ⋯ Conclusion: The participants reported that PASTEL, a tool for CGA, gave a holistic picture of the older person and was helpful in care planning. Key pointsTo manage frailty using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in primary care, there is a need for tools that are efficient, user-friendly and which support patient involvement and teamwork•This study found that the Primary care Assessment tool for Elderly (PASTEL) is regarded as both valuable and feasible by primary care professionals•Use of carefully selected items in the tool and allowing enough time for dialogue may enhance patient-centeredness•The PASTEL tool supports the process of identifying actions to manage frailty in older adults. Teamwork related to the tool and CGA in primary care needs to be further investigated and developed.