The European journal of general practice
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Since 2012, Cancer Patient Pathways for Non-specific Symptoms and Signs of Cancer (NSSC-CPP) have been implemented in Scandinavia and UK. ⋯ By tracking all patients referred to the NSSC-CPP in DC Farsø, including those redirected, this is the first study to describe the diagnostic flow for all patients referred to a diagnostic centre in Denmark. This knowledge is important for further organisation and planning of the NSSC-CPP.
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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.
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The management of chronic diseases, in the context of an ageing population and increasing life expectancy, is one of the major challenges facing the Irish health system. In 2020, a chronic disease management programme [CDM] was introduced in Irish general practice as part of a transformation in health policy to meet the changing needs of the population. ⋯ GPs value the framework provided by CDM for their approach to the management of chronic disease. However, challenges around practice capacity and its impact both on the delivery of CDM and aspects of routine care highlight the importance for policy makers to provide continued support to strengthen the general practice infrastructure.