The European journal of general practice
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The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in several European countries involved collaboration between public health and Primary Health Care (PHC). ⋯ PHC professionals played a crucial role in the successful distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in European countries.
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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.
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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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As researchers in primary care, we want to drive change in practice and conduct research that sparks meaningful transformation. These changes can only happen if our research work resonates in a meaningful way with the people who they are designed for, i.e. the healthcare professionals and the patients. ⋯ As interdisciplinary researchers, social scientists and medical researchers can work together under certain conditions, i.e. equal status, adequate resources, and seamless integration within trial structures.
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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.