The European journal of general practice
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Background: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), general practitioners (GPs) often find it challenging to decide to prescribe antibiotics or not. C-reactive protein (CRP) point of care test (POCT), and chest X-ray are diagnostic tests that can optimize the treatment decision. However, their usefulness in clinical practice is unknown. ⋯ GPs overestimate the chance that pneumonia will be present on the radiograph. Seventy percent consider the possibility of abnormalities other than pneumonia as the main reason for requesting a chest X-ray. Conclusion: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection, GPs report that CRP results affect their behaviour regarding the request of a chest X-ray in patients with lower respiratory tract infection and therefore research is needed to substantiate the use of these diagnostic tools for this purpose.
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Background: For effective prevention and intervention, and reduction of dependency, it is essential to determine the presence of frailty in the community. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of frailty among elderly persons living independently, in two primary healthcare areas in Spain; to identify factors correlated with its presence. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2015 and July 2016 among non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥70 years living in the primary healthcare areas of Gipuzkoa and Costa del Sol (Spain). ⋯ In the multivariable model, 'geographical area' differences persisted, with an OR of 3.51 (95%CI: 2.29-5.36) for the Costa del Sol area, using Gipuzkoa as reference. Conclusion: In this population of community-dwelling persons aged 70 years and over, the prevalence of frailty was 26%. Factors correlated with frailty were female sex, comorbidity, poorer self-perceived lifestyle and health status, and dissatisfaction with the domestic environment.
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A qualitative study examining everyday frailty management strategies adopted by Polish stakeholders.
Background: Frailty is a multidimensional clinical state that is common in older age and can be managed through intervention. Strategies to manage frailty have not been previously explored with stakeholders in Poland. This may stem from misperceptions about the nature and malleability of frailty, which has resulted in it being viewed as a lower priority healthcare concern. ⋯ Conclusion: Raising awareness of the malleability of frailty amongst health and social care professionals is critical. Further, information provision and personal support should be essential elements of health interventions aimed at older adults and family caregivers. Interventions to support resilience building in older adults should also be framed within a model of fostering self-efficacy.[Box: see text].
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Background: Common cold and influenza result in an increased number of primary care consultations, significant work/school absences and cause a socio-economic burden. Laypeople's perceptions and knowledge regarding common cold and influenza prevention is poorly understood and under-researched. Objectives: Our study explores laypeople's knowledge of prevention of common cold and influenza across three European countries. ⋯ There were very few cross-country differences in results. Conclusion: The perception of health risk of contracting influenza and a primary healthcare physicians' recommendation played an important role in shaping participants' decisions towards vaccination. Primary healthcare physicians are invited to assess and if necessary adjust inappropriate prevention behaviour through their everyday patient consultations as well as add to the knowledge about influenza severity and influenza vaccination benefits to their patients.
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Background: The implementation of primary care for mental health is often insufficient, which leaves its mark on staff. A team-based approach of mental healthcare prevents poor staff morale. A community health centre (CHC), therefore, set up a project promoting interprofessional collaboration with a mental health team (MHT). ⋯ Underlying mechanisms were recognition, altered attitudes towards patients and role clarity. Facilitating factors were intercultural care mediators and a positive team atmosphere, whereas inhibiting factors were inefficient time management and communicative issues. Conclusion: Our study elucidated mechanisms and the contextual factors by which an MHT in general practice improves staff morale.[Box: see text].