The European journal of general practice
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Comparative Study
Do German general practitioners support euthanasia? Results of a nation-wide questionnaire survey.
To learn more about the attitudes of German general practitioners (GPs) concerning euthanasia and the frequency of its performance in Germany. ⋯ The majority of German GPs reject active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Nonetheless, requests for and performance of euthanasia do not seem to be a rare occurrence. Only a small proportion of respondents are willing to perform euthanasia at a patient's request under the current legislation which make these acts illegal in Germany. German history seems to play only a minor role in shaping respondents' attitudes towards active euthanasia or PAS.
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Comparative Study
Management of acute cough: comparisons between Belgian and Dutch GPs.
In Europe there are large variations in overall outpatient antibiotic use, even between two neighbouring countries as Belgium and the Netherlands. We aimed to compare the management of acute cough between Belgian and Dutch general practitioners (GPs). ⋯ Antibiotic prescription rates for adult patients with acute cough were not significantly higher in Belgian than in Dutch general practice at the 5% significance level. Dutch GPs' antibiotic prescriptions were more in line with national guidelines. Bronchodilator prescription rates were similar. Because Dutch GPs probably encountered more severe cases of acute cough compared with their Belgian colleagues, the observed prescribing differences might be underestimated.
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Academic general practice and primary care is thriving in both the UK and Ireland, as judged by the content and vibrancy of the main annual scientific meetings of the discipline in the two countries. Problems and challenges abound, but the long-term trend is one of steady growth, with gradual increases in capacity and activity. ⋯ A major challenge remains the creation and funding of appropriate academic career structures in academic general practice and primary care, removing the current financial disincentives, uncertainties and problems in acquiring both clinical and academic experience. With increased numbers of clinical and non-clinical academics working in general practice and primary care, the discipline is set to play an important role in health service development in both the UK and Ireland.
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This paper explores the barriers related to gender that general practitioners (GPs) face when discussing sexual health matters in primary care consultations. ⋯ Barriers that prevent discussion of sexual matters in consultations can not only impinge upon potential treatment for the patient, but also have an indirect affect on the patient's life, health and intimate relationships. Solutions to overcoming such barriers relate largely to the provision of training for medical students and qualified GPs.