BMJ : British medical journal
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The role of general practitioners is being redefined in the light of the emphasis on more care in the community, economic factors, and patients' expectations. The strength of general practice lies in the doctor-patient relationship; this strength must not be lost sight of. ⋯ Future work patterns include the general practitioner first and foremost as a clinician and an integrator of health services, but they also involve audit, education and training, research, management, and relations with organisations in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. It is important to make changes only when they benefit patients and to maintain the principle of equity of access to care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
n of 1 trials comparing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with paracetamol in osteoarthritis.
To evaluate the efficacy of paracetamol and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for symptom relief in osteoarthritis. ⋯ Of 1 studies--that is, randomised trials in individual patients--are clinically useful in deciding treatment in heterogeneous conditions which require long term symptomatic relief. In osteoarthritis many patients currently receiving or being considered for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may achieve adequate control with paracetamol.