The Medical journal of Australia
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To determine the type and frequency of emergencies in general practice, and the extent to which general practices are equipped to appropriately respond to emergencies. ⋯ A substantial number of patients with potentially life-threatening emergencies present to GPs. Doctor's bag emergency drugs are available in most general practices, but availability of basic emergency equipment is suboptimal.
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To determine in patients attending general practice 1) the extent of comorbidity of mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse, and consequent disability; and 2) GPs' diagnosis and management of patients with comorbidity. ⋯ Comorbidity of mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse is common in patients attending general practice, and results in considerable disability. Such patients receive inadequate attention (diagnosis and management) from GPs. GPs identifying one of these two types of behaviour disorder in a patient should ascertain whether the other type is also present.
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To determine the rates and predictors of treatments for patients with common mental disorders in Australian general practice. ⋯ Practitioners largely provide non-specific, non-pharmacological interventions for patients with common mental disorders. Even among those with the most severe disorders, only a minority receive pharmacological or specific evidence-based non-pharmacological treatments.