The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Dysmenorrhoea affects up to 94% of adolescents who menstruate; approximately one third miss school and activities. Dysmenorrhoea can occur without identified pelvic pathology (primary dysmenorrhoea) or in association with other conditions (secondary dysmenorrhoea). In adolescence, the commonest cause of secondary dysmenorrhoea is endometriosis. The incidence of symptoms in adolescence suggesting possible endometriosis has not been previously documented in GP records. ⋯ Prevalence of coded dysmenorrhoea in GP records is significantly lower than community surveys suggest; however, adolescent menstrual symptoms are commonly encountered in primary care, and deserve specific guidance and resources. There are demographic patterns, likely structural, that warrant further exploration.
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Older adults with multimorbidity are at high risk of mortality following COVID-19 hospitalisation. However, the potential benefit of timely primary care follow-up on severe outcomes post-COVID-19 has not been well established. ⋯ Timely primary care consultations after discharge may improve survival following COVID-19 hospitalisation among older adults aged ≥85 years, with multimorbidity. Expanding primary care services and implementing follow-up mechanisms are crucial to support this vulnerable population's recovery and well-being.
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Following Kabul's fall in August 2021, there was influx of Afghan refugees in the UK. Southampton's Bridging Hotel provided temporary shelter to 22 families, totaling 116 individuals. The Living Well Partnership (LWP); assumed primary care provision for these vulnerable residents facing health inequalities. ⋯ A multifaceted approach is vital for addressing language and access barriers for refugees. Providing educational resources through facilitated groups empowered refugees and improved healthcare access. This initiative highlights the importance of organised support for vulnerable populations during crises and can be applied more widely.
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Frequent attenders (defined as the top 10% of health care users or those making ≥10 visits per year) account for 30-50% of GP consultations. This has significant resource implications. ⋯ Frequent attenders presented due to their medical complexity or mental health disorders rather than medically unexplained symptoms. Most interactions with a GP are understandable.
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Recent evidence demonstrates persistence of the inverse care law (ICL), with fewer GPs and less funding in more deprived areas. ⋯ To address the ICL, a key recommendation is for greater investment in general practice as part of the overall NHS spend, with graded additional resources for more deprived areas depending on local population need (a 'proportionate universalism' approach).