Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2025
General practitioners' clinical decision-making in patients that could have cancer: a vignette study comparing the Baltic states with four Nordic countries.
Relative one-year cancer survival rates in the Baltic states are lower than the European mean; in the Nordic countries they are higher than the mean. This study investigated the likelihood of General Practitioners (GPs) investigating or referring patients with a low but significant risk of cancer in these two regions, and how this was affected by GP demographics. ⋯ While relative one-year cancer survival rates are lower in the Baltic states than in four Nordic countries, we found no evidence that this is due to their GPs' reluctance to take immediate diagnostic action, as GPs in the Baltic states were more likely to investigate and/or refer at the first consultation. Research on patient and secondary care factors is needed to explain the survival differences.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2025
Considerations and experiences with healthcare-seeking during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark.
To (1) examine considerations before and experiences with GP contact during the first COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown among Danish citizens; (2) analyse the associations with sex, age, chronic disease, and socioeconomic factors; and (3) explore changes in healthcare-seeking behaviour post-pandemic. ⋯ The results may assist in the organisation of healthcare in case of future lockdowns. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has only slightly affected the healthcare-seeking behaviour in the Danish general population.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2025
Health-related quality of life, lifestyle habits and chronic pain in individuals with knee pain - a 2-year follow-up study.
Knee pain increases the risk of developing chronic widespread pain (CWP) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The prevalence of CWP and KOA has increased, and there is a need for early prevention. Therefore, the aim was to examine the associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lifestyle habits with chronic pain at a two-year follow-up in individuals with knee pain. ⋯ During primary care visits for knee pain with a combination of overweight or lower HRQoL, individuals should receive comprehensive attention to prevent the development of CWP. Future studies should investigate the associations further.
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Jan 2025
'You would rather not fill your body with pills'-patient perspectives on polypharmacy and medication reviews by pharmacists in general practice.
Polypharmacy is widespread. The demographic shift toward older patients receiving multiple medications increases risk and drug-related problems in these patients. ⋯ Patient narratives give a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of polypharmacy. Having pharmacists conduct medication reviews in general practice could ensure more time and focus on patients and their medication management. The combined knowledge of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists regarding thorough polypharmacy management is recommended.