The European journal of general practice
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Background: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), general practitioners (GPs) often find it challenging to decide to prescribe antibiotics or not. C-reactive protein (CRP) point of care test (POCT), and chest X-ray are diagnostic tests that can optimize the treatment decision. However, their usefulness in clinical practice is unknown. ⋯ GPs overestimate the chance that pneumonia will be present on the radiograph. Seventy percent consider the possibility of abnormalities other than pneumonia as the main reason for requesting a chest X-ray. Conclusion: In patients with an acute lower respiratory tract infection, GPs report that CRP results affect their behaviour regarding the request of a chest X-ray in patients with lower respiratory tract infection and therefore research is needed to substantiate the use of these diagnostic tools for this purpose.
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Background: For effective prevention and intervention, and reduction of dependency, it is essential to determine the presence of frailty in the community. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of frailty among elderly persons living independently, in two primary healthcare areas in Spain; to identify factors correlated with its presence. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2015 and July 2016 among non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥70 years living in the primary healthcare areas of Gipuzkoa and Costa del Sol (Spain). ⋯ In the multivariable model, 'geographical area' differences persisted, with an OR of 3.51 (95%CI: 2.29-5.36) for the Costa del Sol area, using Gipuzkoa as reference. Conclusion: In this population of community-dwelling persons aged 70 years and over, the prevalence of frailty was 26%. Factors correlated with frailty were female sex, comorbidity, poorer self-perceived lifestyle and health status, and dissatisfaction with the domestic environment.