Family practice
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Tools for assessing quality of primary care from patient experience have never previously existed in Japan. ⋯ We developed JPCAT and examined its validity and reliability in assessing the core principles of primary care in Japan. This tool could be used for health service research in primary care.
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Observational Study
Prevalence of spinal pathology in patients presenting for lumbar MRI as referred from general practice.
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as initial imaging for back pain has increased in general practice. However, few data are available on the characteristics of these referred patients. The objective of this study was to describe the baseline characteristics and MRI findings of patients presenting for a lumbar MRI examination as referred by their GP. ⋯ Almost all patients presenting for a lumbar MRI examination as referred by their GP had abnormal MRI findings. In total, 55% of the patients reported persistent sciatica in which imaging is recommended according to international guidelines.
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Depression is prevalent in diabetes and is associated with increased risks of hyperglycaemia, morbidity and mortality. The effect of antidepressant medication (ADM) on glycaemic control is uncertain owing to a paucity of relevant data. We sought to determine whether the use of ADM is associated with glycaemic control in depressed patients with type 2 diabetes. ⋯ In this retrospective cohort study of a large sample of primary care patients with type 2 diabetes, ADM use was associated with improved glycaemic control.
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Australia is one of the highest users of antibiotics in the developed world. ⋯ Consumers' knowledge gaps and concerns about antibiotics vary with age, and certain antibiotics generate greater concern relative to their usage. Clinicians should target medicines information to proactively address consumer concerns.
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Health providers need to know which measures to take and children to prioritize in order to decrease costs associated with head lice infestations. ⋯ With the exception of hair length, we have found that individual and household characteristics are of minor importance to predict head lice infestations in a low-prevalence country and that unnoticed transmissions in school classes and families are likely to be the major driver upon outbreaks.