The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
-
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.
-
A polygenic risk score (PRS) quantifies the aggregated effects of common genetic variants in an individual. A 'personalised breast cancer risk assessment' combines PRS with other genetic and non-genetic risk factors to offer risk-stratified screening and interventions. Large-scale studies are evaluating the clinical utility and feasibility of implementing risk-stratified screening; however, GPs' views remain largely unknown. ⋯ The results suggest limited knowledge of PRS and risk-stratified screening among GPs. Training - preferably using online learning formats - was identified as the top priority for future implementation. GPs felt positive about the potential impact of risk-stratified screening; however, there was hesitance and disagreement towards a low-risk screening pathway.
-
A range of measures to improve service delivery have been introduced among persisting concerns about staff shortages in general practice. Innovations include practice networks, multidisciplinary roles, and use of digital technologies. Yet challenges remain that affect both patient care delivery and staff. Therefore, identifying what matters from a workforce perspective will help identify what matters to those delivering services. ⋯ The top 10 service delivery priorities require future policy solutions that are holistic and address underlying causes. Future research needs to explore interdependencies across the patient-workforce-service delivery nexus.
-
Increasing the GP workforce will not automatically level up healthcare provision; instead, increasing GP training numbers could worsen health inequity and inequalities. This is especially of concern if there are fewer opportunities to learn, train, and build confidence in under-served, socioeconomically deprived areas. ⋯ Postgraduate training practices had a statistically significant lower deprivation score and did not fully reflect the socioeconomic make-up of wider NI general practice. The results, however, are more favourable than the representation in other areas of the UK and better than undergraduate teaching opportunities in general practice. As GP recruitment is increased, representation of general practice in areas of high need and high socioeconomic deprivation is essential, otherwise it risks widening health inequalities.
-
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.