The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Dementia is a rapidly growing problem projected to rise steepest in ethnic minority communities; nearly 600% over 40 years compared to the UK population. Despite this, patients from ethnic minorities are referred less to memory clinics, diagnosed at more advanced stages, and present more often in crisis. ⋯ Participatory action research project using Photovoice qualitative methodology was co-designed with communities. Stakeholders to co-produce complex intervention prototype seeking to improve dementia services for ethnic minority communities.
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Cancer risk algorithms were introduced to clinical practice in the last decade, but they remain underused. ⋯ Cancer risk algorithms have the potential to impact risk assessment and decision making and may have a role as learning tools. Informing clinicians about their proven usefulness to colleagues may maximise impact.
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Since autumn 2022, 6.5% of the newly assigned medical students in Hessia, Germany (Universities of Marburg, Frankfurt, and Gießen) receive admission to medical studies under the condition to pursue their future careers in the field of general practice in a rural area. Students are bound by contract to work in general practice for at least 10 years and will receive special extracurricular training during their studies at the university. Nationally, this system is without comparison. ⋯ We have mainly found similarities on the three main factors in all interviewed groups, yet different perspectives result in varying prioritisations.
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Mounting evidence for poorer seroconversion and accelerating vaccine waning in clinical risk groups (CRGs) suggests that, even if vaccinated, monoclonals and antivirals may still be required. However, the efficacy of said alternatives are highly time sensitive. As such, a clinical workflow that unlocks access to these treatments in both a timely and antimicrobially-responsible manner is essential. In-practice point-of-care testing (POCT) may offer a solution to this dual challenge. ⋯ This work highlights the value of POCT for vulnerable patients.
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Domestic abuse (DA) is underdiagnosed by the medical community. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend DA screening in primary care. The enduring use of remote consultations since COVID-19, coupled with the sensitive nature and increasing prevalence of DA, necessitates review of the NICE guideline, which was developed pre-pandemic primarily for face-to-face consultations. ⋯ The routine use of the already established WAST-short in primary care could help identify and potentially tackle DA. Training health and social care professionals in administering the brief, non-threatening DA screening questionnaire would help raise awareness, and identify and support victims.