Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2008
What role may symptoms play in the diagnosis of airflow limitation? A study in an elderly population.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an under-diagnosed condition. General practitioners meet and examine the patients in early stages of the disease, and symptoms represent the starting point of the diagnostic process. ⋯ Respiratory symptoms are valuable predictors of airflow limitation and should be emphasized when selecting patients for spirometry.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of anti-secretory factor (ASF) on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A double-blind, randomized study.
To evaluate the role of the endogenous protein anti-secretory factor (ASF) on the symptoms, especially loose stools, in irritable bowel ayndrome (IBS). ⋯ Both study groups improved significantly on the VAS but no additive effect was seen for the active treatment. In the sub-group with loose stools, the SPC diet induced ASF plasma levels in IBS patients and was correlated to significant symptom improvement in the individual patient.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2007
Interdisciplinary cooperation of GPs in palliative care at home: a nationwide survey in The Netherlands.
To investigate the occurrence and predictors of interdisciplinary cooperation of GPs with other caregivers in palliative care at home. ⋯ In palliative care patients, GP interdisciplinary cooperation with other caregivers is highly prevalent, especially with informal caregivers and other primary care collaborators. Cooperation is most prevalent in younger patients, patients with cancer as underlying disease, and if psychosocial care is important.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2007
The lesser evil? Initiating a benzodiazepine prescription in general practice: a qualitative study on GPs' perspectives.
Chronic benzodiazepine (BZD) use is widespread and linked with adverse effects. There is consensus concerning the importance of initiating BZD as a crucial moment. Nevertheless specific research in this field is lacking. This paper addresses the views of GPs on why they start prescribing BZDs to first-time users. ⋯ The main concern of GPs is to help the patient. GPs should be aware of the addictive nature of BZD even in low doses and a non-pharmacological approach should be seen as the best first approach. If GPs decide to prescribe a BZD they should make plain to the patient that the medication is only a "temporary" solution with clear agreements with regard to medication withdrawal.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2007
The dilemma of patient responsibility for lifestyle change: perceptions among primary care physicians and nurses.
To explore physicians' and nurses' views on patient and professional roles in the management of lifestyle-related diseases and their risk factors. ⋯ The primary care professionals experienced a dilemma in patients' role in the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases: the patient was recognized as central in disease management but also, if reluctant to change, a major potential barrier to treatment.