The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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UK Asian and black patients experience longer cancer diagnostic intervals - period between initial symptomatic presentation in primary care and cancer diagnosis. ⋯ We found evidence of ethnic differences in diagnostic intervals, with prolonged secondary care intervals for four common cancers and prolonged primary care intervals for two. Although these differences are relatively modest, they are unjustified and may indicate shortcomings in healthcare delivery that disproportionately affect ethnic minorities.
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Presenting to primary care with fatigue is associated with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, although their relative likelihood is unknown. ⋯ This study ranked the likelihood of possible diagnoses in patients who presented with fatigue, to inform diagnostic guidelines and doctors' decisions. Age-specific findings support recommendations to prioritise cancer investigation in older men (aged ≥70 years) with fatigue, but not in women at any age, based solely on the presence of fatigue.
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Better continuity in primary and secondary care is linked to improved health outcomes, but it is unclear whether the sociodemographic determinants of continuity are the same in both settings and whether continuity measures in each setting are associated. ⋯ We found a lack of strong association between continuity of care in GP and outpatient settings. This suggests that fragmented hospital care is not mitigated by increased continuity in GP.
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Background Despite epidemiological data on anaemia being available on a global scale, its prevalence in the United Kingdom is not well described. Aim To investigate anaemia prevalence and testing patterns for haemoglobin and other blood parameters. Design and Setting A population-based cohort study using data drawn from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database in 2019. ⋯ Conclusion Anaemia is prevalent in the UK with large disparities between levels of demographic variables. Investigation and follow-up of anaemia is suboptimal in many patients. Health interventions aimed at improving anaemia investigation and treatment are needed, particularly in these at-risk groups.
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Presenting to primary care with fatigue is associated with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, although their relative likelihood is unknown. ⋯ This study ranked the likelihood of possible diagnoses in patients who presented with fatigue, to inform diagnostic guidelines and doctors' decisions. Age-specific findings support recommendations to prioritise cancer investigation in older men (aged ≥70 years) with fatigue, but not in women at any age, based solely on the presence of fatigue.