The European journal of general practice
-
Patients with impaired renal function are at an increased risk of dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhoea or fever (so-called sick days). Temporary medication adjustment during sick days is necessary and current initiatives and information materials for patients are available. However, the knowledge, experiences and information needs of patients and informal caregivers about sick day guidance are unknown. ⋯ Patients with impaired renal function and informal caregivers have little knowledge about and experience with dehydration and safe use of medication during sick days. General practitioners and pharmacists should involve the care network, including informal caregivers, when implementing sick day guidance.
-
Health policymakers have tried to improve the care pathway for cancer patients by improving collaboration between participating healthcare professionals by involving the general practitioner (GP). ⋯ In the cancer management in France, to improve cancer care pathway, there is a need to train healthcare professionals in interprofessional collaboration delivering care tailored to patient needs and preferences.
-
Persistent somatic symptoms and functional disorders (PSS/FD) are complex conditions requiring collaboration between healthcare professionals. This is especially true at the interface between primary and secondary care interface. The current fragmentation of care is a major barrier to this, leading to poor experiences and outcomes and high costs for healthcare and society. ⋯ The identified barriers and possible solutions for collaboration between primary and secondary care need attention when considering collaboration in PSS/FD care and related settings, both in new and ongoing collaborations.