Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2024
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPatient experiences and clinical outcomes of admissions to municipal acute wards versus a hospital: a multicentre randomised controlled trial in Norway.
In Norway, municipal acute wards (MAWs) were implemented as alternatives to hospitalisation. Evaluations of the quality of MAW services are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to compare patient experiences after admission to a MAW versus to a hospital. The secondary objective was to compare 'readmissions', 'length of stay', 'self-assessed health-related quality of life' as measured by the EuroQol 5 items 5 level (EQ-5D-5L) index, and 'health status' measured by the RAND-12, in patients admitted to a MAW versus a hospital. ⋯ In this study, patient experiences and readmissions were similar, whether patients were admitted to a MAW or a hospital. The significant differences in health status and quality of life favouring the MAWs suggest that these healthcare services may be better for elderly patients. However, unfortunately we did not reach the planned sample size due to challenges in the data collection posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Sep 2024
Multicenter StudyImplementation of lung ultrasonography by general practitioners for lower respiratory tract infections: a feasibility study.
To evaluate the feasibility of lung ultrasonography (LUS) performed by novice users' general practitioners (GPs) in diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in primary health care settings. ⋯ LUS by GPs using handheld devices is a feasible diagnostic tool in primary health care for LRTI symptoms, demonstrating both effectiveness and positive patient reception.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Sep 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyWhite-coat hypertension detected during opportunistic blood pressure screening in a dental healthcare setting.
To study white-coat hypertension (WCHT, blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg in a clinic and normal blood pressure <135/85 mmHg at home), with blood pressure screening of a healthy population during their dental healthcare visit and the associated risk factors. ⋯ The prevalence of WCHT in a healthy population was 17.7%. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, WCHT seems to be in the middle of NT and HT. Individuals with WCHT can be identified and given lifestyle advice in connection with a dental check-up, but follow-up and assessment of their cardiovascular risk should take place in primary care.Key pointsScreening in dental practice can detect white-coat hypertension (WCHT) (17.7%) and suspected hypertension (HT) (12.4%).Individuals with WCHT have more cardiovascular risk factors than normotensive individuals.Individuals with WCHT could be given lifestyle advice in dental clinics according to current guidelines.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2020
Multicenter StudyTailored physical activity on prescription with follow-ups improved motivation and physical activity levels. A qualitative study of a 5-year Swedish primary care intervention.
To explore how physically inactive patients, with metabolic risk factors, experienced long term treatment with physical activity on prescription. ⋯ Conclusion Physical activity on prescription in a Swedish primary care setting was successful when the recommended physical activity and follow up was individually adapted. KEY POINTS Individually adapted physical activity on prescription gave insight to increase physical activity levels in a 5-year Swedish primary care intervention directed towards inactive patients with the metabolic syndrome Motivation increased for patients designing their own routines for physical activity. Experiences of positive health effects helped maintain or increase physical activity levels, and follow-up and support from healthcare professionals helped to prioritise life style changes.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jun 2020
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTwo-year weight, risk and health factor outcomes of a weight-reduction intervention programme: Primary prevention for overweight in a multicentre primary healthcare setting.
Objective: To study the long-term effects of weight reduction, quality of life and sense of coherence in a primary health care (PHC)-based programme with two different intensities. Design: Prospective two-armed randomised intervention. Setting: Three PHC centres in south west of Sweden. ⋯ High intensity did not lead to a significant difference in weight reduction between the groups. The high-intensity group reported more health effects, such as better quality of life, reduced anxiety, and increased greenery intake. It is unknown how much support patients in a weight- reduction programme in PHC require to succeed with weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.