Family practice
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Remunerated telehealth consultations were introduced in Australia in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Videoconferencing has advantages over telephone-consulting, including improved diagnostic and decision-making accuracy. However, videoconferencing uptake in Australia has been low. This study aimed to establish prevalence and associations of video versus telephone consultations in Australian general practice (GP) registrars' practice. ⋯ Registrars' telehealth consultations were mostly performed via telephone. Telephone use being associated with socioeconomic disadvantage has health equity implications. Future research should explore barriers to videoconferencing use and strategies to increase its uptake.
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This paper presents a rare case of subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) following a herpes zoster (HZ) episode, with no prior records found in the existing literature. ⋯ HZ episodes have not conventionally been linked in the medical literature to the occurrence of SBE. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that HZ infections have been associated with the development of other consequential bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and necrotizing fasciitis.This case underscores the necessity for medical practitioners to recognize the possibility of HZ symptoms obscuring indications of critical underlying conditions and infections. The implications of this report highlight the significance of maintaining heightened vigilance for signs of other severe infections when managing patients presenting with HZ symptoms.
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Postnatal mental health problems (PMHPs) are prevalent and negatively affect mothers, children, and society. International and local guidelines recommend that Singapore primary care physicians (PCP) screen, assess, and manage mothers with PMHPs. However, little is known about their experiences and views. ⋯ Singapore PCPs are key in identifying and managing mothers with PMHPs. To fully harness their potential in providing comprehensive care, PCPs need greater multidisciplinary support and technological solutions that promote remote disclosure and enhanced preparation for their role.
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Viral infections are the main original cause of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), but their complications and recurrences are due to bacteria as well. While some operational definitions and epidemiology of RRTIs are reported in paediatrics, no similar definitions have been proposed for adults. ⋯ We provided evidence on the epidemiology and concurrent/predisposing factors of RRTIs in adults. These data should support health authorities and general practitioners for the application of the most appropriate preventive and/or treatment strategies.
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The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence provides a web-based resource, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS), whose aim is to give evidence-based guidance for primary care practitioners and students. Included in the information it provides, are tools for the classification of conditions. ⋯ Relevance is an important feature of a guideline for general practitioners (GPs). Given that nearly half its tools have no utility in guiding management, CKS may need to consider whether extraneous information should be disposed of or retained.