Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2024
Quality improvement work in general practice; a Norwegian focus group study.
Quality improvement work is an essential feature of healthcare services, including general practice. In this study, we aimed to gain more knowledge regarding general practitioners' (GPs) motivation for such work in their practices, as well as what kind of measures were considered motivating and feasible. ⋯ GPs were motivated for quality improvement measures provided feasibility within the framework of general practice. Well-functioning professional communities, including involvement of nurses and health-secretaries, were emphasised as requisite for quality improvement. Small scale quality improvement programs suited for the needs of general practice were well received and should be further developed.
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Increases in opioid prescriptions have been described; however, recent trends and prescribing patterns of analgesics in Dutch general practice are largely unknown. ⋯ Considering the increase in strong opioid prescriptions for benign conditions, GPs need to be vigilant for patients who are at risk for chronic use. Regular monitoring and awareness for psychosocial factors in treatment of chronic pain may be key in preventing harms associated with persistent opioid use.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2024
Diagnostic methods and written advice for acute otitis media in primary health care.
Otomicroscopy and pneumatic methods are superior to otoscopy alone in diagnosing acute otitis media (AOM). There is a lack of knowledge regarding the use of different diagnostic methods for AOM in primary health care in Sweden and Norway. ⋯ Swedish physicians both used and had greater access to the significantly better diagnostic methods compared with Norwegian physicians while the opposite applied to the use of written information. The GPs used pneumatic otoscopy and pneumatic otomicroscopy to a greater extent than STs. Compared with 2012, the Swedish physicians now more frequently used pneumatic otoscopy.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2024
Comparative StudyPhysicians' intentions to use digital tools - a comparative survey, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in Southern Sweden.
To describe changes in Swedish primary care physicians' use of, attitudes and intentions toward digital tools in patient care between 2019 and 2022. ⋯ The slow adoption of patient-related digital tools in Swedish primary health care does not seem to be explained by a low intention to use them among physicians. Future research on implementation of digital tools should include a focus on contextual factors such as organizational, technical and cultural barriers.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2024
Experiences of rehabilitation coordination among people on sick leave with mental health problems.
Return to work often requires collaboration between different stakeholders. Rehabilitation coordination is a resource in coordinating efforts during sick leave to facilitate return to work. The purpose of the present study was to describe how people at risk for sick leave or on sick leave with mental health problems experienced rehabilitation coordination. ⋯ People with mental health problems experienced rehabilitation coordination as a meaningful link between healthcare and work. However, rehabilitation coordination needs to be more recognised within healthcare to increase accessibility. It seems important that interventions are directed not only towards the person, but also include the workplace for a sustainable return to work.