The European journal of general practice
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The implementation of eHealth applications in primary care remains challenging. Enhancing knowledge and awareness of implementation determinants is critical to build evidence-based implementation strategies and optimise uptake and sustainability. ⋯ Applying an approach, as provided here, may help to improve the implementation of eHealth applications in primary care.
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Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the most common infections managed in general practice. Objectives: To describe differences in reported symptoms, findings and management of patients diagnosed with acute LRTIs, and to explore possible associations between these findings and being diagnosed with pneumonia. Methods: During one winter season (2017 or 2018), a prospective registration of patients diagnosed with either acute bronchitis (ICPC-2: R78) or pneumonia (ICPC-2: R81) was conducted in Danish general practice for 20 days. ⋯ Having a fever, an abnormal pulmonary auscultation/chest retractions or being assessed as unwell increased the likelihood of the diagnosis pneumonia at least fivefold. Even a slightly elevated CRP (≥11 mg/L) was positively associated with being diagnosed with pneumonia. Conclusion: Danish healthcare professionals are highly influenced by symptoms, signs and CRP tests when diagnosing patients with acute LRTIs in general practice.
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Background: French general practitioners (GP) and gynaecologists can make use of recommendations when performing a patient's first pelvic examination. The indications and techniques for this examination are clear. The relational aspects and experience of the patients have been dealt with little. ⋯ A patient-centred practitioner was more important than the pelvic examination itself. Conclusion: Women requested for a general practitioner or a gynaecologist with a deeper understanding of a woman's experience to perform their first pelvic examination. We propose practical recommendations: the following 3 phases for the consultation: before the pelvic examination where the women and the practitioners may get to know one another; during the examination, which would involve the technical aspects and the associated procedures; and after the examination, where the patients and the practitioners review the experience and discuss prevention.
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Vitamin D, along with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, is an important hormone that affects bone and calcium metabolism. ⋯ Vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL are more prominent in women, and decline in spring, in the adult population of Bursa. These results are meaningful for the population living in Bursa, Turkey and the northern European region.
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Patients with multimorbidity who frequently contact the general practice, use emergency care or have unplanned hospitalisations, may benefit from a proactive integrated care intervention. General practitioners are not always aware of who these 'high need' patients are. Electronic medical records are a potential source to identify them. ⋯ Among multimorbid populations various 'high need' groups exist. Patients with high needs for general practice care can be identified by their previous use of general practice care. To identify frequent ED visitors and persons with unplanned hospitalisations, additional information is needed.