The European journal of general practice
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In Slovenia, primary care is the backbone and gatekeeper to the health care system. During the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care had to be reorganised to manage suspected COVID-19 patients, safely care for other patients, and manage the consequences of the pandemic. ⋯ Based on participants' experiences and suggestions, the most important areas to address in similar pandemic situations are clear organisation of work in primary care (adequate funding, staff allocation, distribution of personal protective equipment), psychological solid support for health workers, and effective and timely support from health authorities.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effectiveness of the spirometry-based motivational intervention to quit smoking: RESET randomised trial.
The effectiveness of providing feedback on spirometry results for smoking cessation remains inconclusive according to the current evidence. ⋯ A primary care-delivered intervention involving brief counselling and detailed spirometry information proves effective in increasing abstinence rates among active smokers without known respiratory disease. Additionally, smoking cessation is also influenced by the individual's stage of change.
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Most symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections produce mild to moderate symptoms. Although most patients are managed in the outpatient setting, little is known about the effect of general practitioners' (GP) management strategies on the outcomes of COVID-19 outpatients in Italy. ⋯ GPs effectively managed an increasing number of outpatients during the first waves of the pandemic. Active monitoring and home visits were associated with reduced hospitalisation in COVID-19 outpatients.
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'Gut feelings' are frequently used by general practitioners in the clinical decision-making process, especially in situations of uncertainty. The Gut Feelings Questionnaire (GFQ) has been developed in the Netherlands and is now available in English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, and Catalan, enabling cross-border studies on the subject. However, a Turkish version of the GFQ is lacking. ⋯ With these validated GFQs, Turkish GPs can facilitate studies of the role of 'gut feelings' in clinical reasoning.
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Access to testing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was limited, impacting patients with COVID-19-like symptoms. Current qualitative studies have been limited to one country or were conducted outside Europe. ⋯ Patients experiencing novel and severe symptoms, particularly those with comorbidities, experienced a significant emotional and psychological burden due to concerns about COVID-19. Testing provided reassurance over health status and helped patients identify which guidance to follow. Testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 led to some patients thinking they were immune from future infection, thus influencing subsequent behaviour.