Family practice
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The clinical general practitioner (GP) workforce is decreasing. Many studies have analysed the negative aspects of the profession but, few examine the positive aspects and job satisfaction. A European collaborative group including 8 participating countries recently conducted a qualitative study to analyse the positive factors and found 31 job satisfaction factors. ⋯ These 8 job satisfaction factors are important to consider and apply to future policy development.
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Older adults should be supported to make informed decisions about cancer screening. However, it is unknown how general practitioners (GPs) in Australia communicate about cancer screening with older people. ⋯ Strategies to support conversations between GPs and older people about the potential benefits and harms of screening in older age and rationale for upper age limits to screening programmes may be helpful. Further research in this area is needed.
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To explore consultation patterns, management practices, and costs of foot, ankle, and leg problems in Australian primary care. ⋯ Foot, ankle, and leg problems are frequently managed by GPs, and the costs associated with their management represent a substantial economic impact in Australian primary care.
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Observational Study
Do prescription stimulants increase risk of Parkinson's disease among adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? A retrospective cohort study.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults that is associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and characterized by loss of dopaminergic cells. Illicit stimulants increase oxidative stress and are associated with increased risk of PD. Prescription stimulants are similar in mechanism to illicit stimulants, yet their influence on PD is not well described. This study aims to determine if prescription stimulants influence risk of PD among older adults with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ⋯ Illicit stimulants are associated with increased risk of PD, but this study suggests prescribed stimulants may not impart that same risk. The reduced risk in this cohort may be due to protection from illicit substance use and oxidative stress, however additional study exploring the relationship between prescription stimulants and PD is warranted.
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Media coverage of Lyme disease (LD) has led to an increase in consultations for presumed LD in Europe. However, LD is confirmed in only 10%-20% of patients, with a significant number remaining in a diagnostic dead-end. ⋯ GPs should first systematically explore patients' aetiologic representations in order to improve adherence to the diagnosis especially in the management of medically unexplained symptoms. Long COVID-19 syndrome challenge offers an opportunity to promote active patient involvement in diagnosis.