The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common primary care infection, but there have been no recent, comprehensive diagnostic meta-analyses. ⋯ In general, tests were of limited value in the diagnosis of ARS. Normal radiography helps rule out sinusitis when negative, whereas CRP and ESR help rule in sinusitis when positive, although, given their limited accuracy as individual tests, they cannot be routinely recommended. Prospective studies integrating signs and symptoms with point-of-care CRP, dipstick, and/ or handheld B-mode ultrasound are needed.
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Clinical Trial
End-of-life planning with frail patients attending general practice: an exploratory prospective cross-sectional study.
End-of-life planning means decision making with patients, formulating and recording decisions regarding their end-of-life care. Although clearly linked with benefits including improved quality of life, reduced hospital admissions, and less aggressive medical care, it is still infrequently undertaken and is regarded as challenging by healthcare professionals. ⋯ The SPICT and Think Ahead tools were mostly acceptable, effective, and enabling of discussions on end-of-life care in general practice.