The European journal of general practice
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To curb future antibiotic resistance it is important to monitor and investigate current prescription patterns of antibiotics. ⋯ The trend in antibiotic prescription to children aged 0-6 years old decreased substantially in all the investigated municipalities in the 10-year study period. Local differences in prescription rates declined towards a more uniform prescription pattern across municipalities and association with socioeconomic status of the municipalities was reduced.
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In France, general practitioners (GPs) may use two tools specifically designed to help employees who experience difficulties in returning to work after sick leave: the pre-return-to-work (PRW) medical consultation and therapeutic part-time (TPT) work. ⋯ This study shows that while the level of knowledge and use of the PRW medical consultation and TPT work is good, it is not optimal. This could be improved by organising training courses for GPs. Obstacles to their wider use could be investigated further in a qualitative study.
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Coeliac disease (CD) is a highly prevalent (∼1%) disease that allegedly remains undiagnosed in over 80% of the cases because of atypical symptoms or silent disease. Currently, it is unknown how GPs deal with (suspected) CD. ⋯ The results of this study have given us insight into the diagnostic process of GPs encountering patient with gluten-related complaints. Multiple serology test is available and used, while a positive serology test is not always followed up by a gastroduodenal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Most GPs would refer a symptomatic CD patient to a dietician for a GFD.
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Several European countries face a shortage of general practitioners (GPs), in part due to GP attrition. Most studies of GP attrition have focussed on why GPs decide to leave. Yet understanding why GPs decide to remain may also elicit potential interventions to reduce attrition. ⋯ Reasons GPs leave the profession are multiple. The typology that emerged indicates that only some of the career trajectories would benefit from interventions to reduce attrition such as improving working conditions and providing psychological support for GPs.
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Most COVID-19 patients experience a mild course of the disease and can be managed in general practice. However, in the early pandemic, most research was conducted in secondary care. ⋯ Although general practitioners in most countries must have been involved in managing patients with COVID-19, little research has been published from general practice during the first year of the pandemic. General practice research environments must be able to respond quickly in case of future pandemics.