The European journal of general practice
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common treatable risk factor for stroke. Screening for paroxysmal AF in general practice is difficult, but biomarkers might help improve screening strategies. ⋯ Natriuretic peptide levels and hsTnI are higher in patients with AF than without and may help select patients for AF screening, but larger trials are needed.
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Registration and management of children with overweight by general practitioners in The Netherlands.
General practitioners (GPs) form the gateway to healthcare in numerous European countries. Their role in addressing and managing overweight/obesity in children is crucial. In Dutch guidelines, GPs are encouraged to proactively address weight-related issues during patient consultations, regardless of the initial reason of the visit. ⋯ This study highlights a concerning difference in the management of the two groups. Strategies for effective management of overweight in children and the GP's role, warrant further investigation. Especially when overweight is not the primary reason for visit.
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Overweight and obesity in children is a major health problem. General practice might be a promising setting for identifying and for the first steps in the management of overweight and obesity in children. ⋯ Although GPs experience several barriers, GPs, PNs and parents all agreed that GPs should play a role in identifying, addressing and referring children with overweight and obesity. Supportive tools are required for GPs in order to play this role.
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People with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) experience more mental health (MH) problems than the general population but often do not receive appropriate primary MH care. Primary MH care is essential in integrative MH care and, therefore, demands high quality. To improve primary MH care for this patient group, account must be taken of the experiences of people with MID. So far, their perspectives have been largely absent from primary MH care research. ⋯ People with both MID and MH problems are extra vulnerable in primary care but desire self-determination regarding their MH care trajectory. This requires investment in a good GP-patient relationship and the organisation of additional support to meet these patients' needs, for which collaborative care with the patient, the patient's network, and other (care) professionals is of utmost importance.
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Social prescribing (SP) is a patient pathway by which healthcare professionals connect patients with other sources of support, groups, or activities within their community. The awareness, practice, and perception of SP among GPs across Europe remains unclear. ⋯ Despite disparities in awareness and referral practice as well as a diversity of activities and funding sources, most GPs who actively referred patients and were informed about SP campaigns agreed that SP positively impacts them and their patients.