Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2006
ReviewConcepts underlying outcome measures in studies of consultations in general practice.
To give an overview of the concepts used to describe and evaluate the outcome of general practice consultations. ⋯ The concepts reflect very diverse aspects of general practice. Some of the concepts come from other domains of research, while others have been developed within general practice. Disease is not exclusively in focus. The experience, competence, and life situation of the patient are as well dealt with as they should be in accordance with a patient-centred profession. However, the concepts spring from the researchers' ideas about what is important to patients. The patients' priorities were not sought.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2006
Interviewing one's peers: methodological issues in a study of health professionals.
Although health professionals are increasingly undertaking qualitative interviews with professional peers, there is little literature regarding the methodological implications of this process. The aim of the study was to elicit from informants their views on being interviewed by a fellow health professional. ⋯ The nature of the relationship in interviews involving professional peers creates specific methodological issues, which have important implications for qualitative research in primary healthcare. There are both advantages and disadvantages to interviewing professional peers, which should be considered in the light of the objectives of a particular study.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Sep 2006
Microalbuminuria in treated hypertensives: only a mirror image of cardiovascular risk? The HUNT Study, Norway.
Microalbuminuria as an independent marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive individuals is under debate. The aim of this study was to study the possible associations between microalbuminuria on one hand and known cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease on the other hand, in a large, unselected population of treated hypertensives without diabetes. ⋯ The present study indicates that microalbuminuria mainly represents a mirror image of hypertension (BP > 160/90) and prior or present cardiovascular disease. We therefore question whether the treatment quality would improve if yet another risk factor, microalbuminuria, were introduced as a routine test in treated hypertensives.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2006
Comparative StudyVariation in spirometry utilization between trained general practitioners in practices equipped with a spirometer.
To explore spirometry utilization among general practitioners and identify practitioner and practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization. ⋯ Practitioner- as well as practice-related factors were associated with the extent of spirometry utilization. In particular, it is essential to improve practice-related factors (e.g. presence of a practice nurse, more delegation of medical tasks to the practice assistant).
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialClinical course of suspected viral sore throat in young adults: cohort study.
To evaluate the natural clinical course of suspected viral sore throat. ⋯ Almost all the patients had recovered by day 8. A high correlation was found between sickness and sore throat. These data will assist clinicians and others promoting self-care to set realistic expectations regarding recovery from URTI in young adults.