Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2008
Pharmacologically inappropriate prescriptions for elderly patients in general practice: How common? Baseline data from The Prescription Peer Academic Detailing (Rx-PAD) study.
To assess Norwegian general practitioners' (GPs') level of potentially harmful drug prescribing for elderly patients. ⋯ The study reveals areas where GPs' prescribing practice for elderly patients can be improved and which can be targeted in educational interventions.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2008
What role may symptoms play in the diagnosis of airflow limitation? A study in an elderly population.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an under-diagnosed condition. General practitioners meet and examine the patients in early stages of the disease, and symptoms represent the starting point of the diagnostic process. ⋯ Respiratory symptoms are valuable predictors of airflow limitation and should be emphasized when selecting patients for spirometry.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2008
General practitioners' perceptions of introducing near-patient testing for common infections into routine primary care: a qualitative study.
Near-patient tests are promoted for guiding management of common infections in primary care with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of prescribing decisions and containing antimicrobial resistance. Changes in clinical practice should be based on appraisals of the factors that might influence change, viewed from the perspective of those expected to implement the change. We therefore explored the views of general practitioners concerning the possible introduction of near-patient tests for managing common infections. ⋯ Despite GP enthusiasm for the concept of a rapid test to distinguish viral from bacterial infection, strategies to promote uptake would be enhanced if concerns were addressed regarding the importance and feasibility of such tests in daily practice.
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To explore diagnostic interaction to understand more about why some problems appear medically unexplained. ⋯ Making sense of illness can be enhanced by inviting and recognizing the patient's story.