Family practice
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The prevalence of community-based skin diseases, especially among school-age children, depends on topography, climate, and age of population. ⋯ The most common skin disease in community-based primary school-age children is PIH which related to acanthosis nigricans and insect bite reaction. A decrease of BMI may lower the risk for PIH and acanthosis nigricans. Education on common skin diseases is recommended for both community-based schools and school-age children.
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Approximately 60% of antibiotics issued in primary care are for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs), which are largely self-limiting and do not require antibiotics. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices that measure C-reactive protein (CRP)-a biomarker for infection-can be used to guide prescribing decisions. ⋯ CRP POCT reduces antibiotic prescribing, but increases healthcare costs. The most cost-effective program of CRP POCT includes enhanced communication skills training. Further research on the impact of CRP POCT beyond 5 years is warranted, as well as the potential impact on antimicrobial resistance.
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Few studies exist regarding the management and support of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in family practice. Most of them concern the management of children. As a primary care professional however, the general practitioner (GP) has a role to play at every step of the autistic adult's care pathway. With this study, we sought to identify GPs' experienced difficulties in caring for and managing their adult patients with ASD. ⋯ Improving awareness and training about ASD in adults, as well as harmonizing the diagnostic process and referral pathways, might reduce GPs' experienced difficulties in caring for this population.
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The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid changes in demand and delivery of primary care services that could have led to increases in antibiotic prescribing. ⋯ Despite complexities of consulting during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care we found no evidence of an increase in antibiotic dispensing during this time.