The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Arts-On-Prescription (AOP) programmes are growing in popularity in European primary care. To meet social distancing rules of the COVID-19 pandemic, AOP workshops were moved onto online video conferencing platformism. It is unknown whether the format (in-person versus online) affects how patients perceive these programmes and their overall success. ⋯ Participants valued the workshops as a space for peer support and patient empowerment. These findings must be viewed in the context of social isolation arising from lockdown. Online delivery offers potential for widening access to arts interventions. Further research should explore the opinions of vulnerable groups.
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The practice of vaping has become increasingly prevalent in recent years not only as a means for smoking cessation but also carrying the perception of being a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. ⋯ Vaping is an unsafe habit with addictive consequences. Vaping is facilitated by false perceptions of safety and satisfying flavours. Health education and public awareness are key to combating misinformation and addiction. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of vaping.
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On 2 August 2022, it was announced by the NHS that all patients suffering from type 1 diabetes (T1DM) would be eligible for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Patients previously would have needed to scan or take a finger prick test at fixed time intervals to monitor their blood glucose. ⋯ Patients no longer need to live in fear of hyperglycaemia and maintain need for routine glucose measurements, allowing patients to live a more convenient and stress-free lifestyle.All of the T1DM patients (100%) registered at Broom Lane Medical Centre are eligible to be switched over to the CGM.
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Advance care planning (ACP) is rare among ethnic minorities for social, cultural, and religious reasons. ⋯ Despite an initial lack of knowledge about ACP, many older adults with Moroccan backgrounds were willing to talk about it after receiving information in their native language. GPs should facilitate ACP discussions for these patients, paying attention to individual needs and preferences.