The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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The 2-week-wait urgent referral policy in the UK has sought to improve cancer outcomes by accelerating diagnosis and treatment. However, around 5-7% of symptomatic referred patients cancel or do not attend their hospital appointment. While subsequent cancer diagnosis was less likely in non-attenders, those with a diagnosis had worse early mortality outcomes. ⋯ Failure to be seen within 2 weeks of urgent referral resulted from a number of patient and provider factors. The urgent referral process in general practice and cancer services should accommodate patient perceptions and responses, facilitate referral and attendance, and enable responses to patient non-attendance.
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Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a common cause of foot complaints in general practice. However, information on the occurrence and practical management is scarce. ⋯ There was large variation in treatment strategies of GPs for patients with PHP. GPs should be aware of conflicting evidence for interventions, such as insoles, and focus more on exercises for which there is evidence for effectiveness.