The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Within the UK, there are now opportunities for paramedics to work across a variety of healthcare settings away from their traditional ambulance service employer, with many opting to move into primary care. ⋯ Current published research identifies that the role of the paramedic working in primary and urgent care is being advocated and implemented across the UK; however, there is insufficient detail regarding the clinical contribution of paramedics in these clinical settings. More research needs to be done to determine how, why, and in what context paramedics are now working in primary and urgent care, and what their overall contribution is to the primary care workforce.
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Empathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective's, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed. ⋯ These data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care.
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The research on the benefits, disadvantages and factors that affect appointment length in general practice is fragmented. There is a need to draw the evidence together and who better to assess this than those on the front line. ⋯ Most doctors would like longer appointments. In light of the concern about appointment availability, there needs to be research into whether this would substantiate.
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Effective communication is considered an essential component of delivering health care. Trained, professional interpreters are the gold standard for overcoming language barriers with those with limited English proficiency (LEP). However, LEP patients often use unqualified interpreters such as family members and friends. Existing literature explores the rationale behind choosing different interpreters, but rarely from the patient perspective. ⋯ This study identified conflicts between patient preferences and guidance for healthcare professionals; all of the participants disliked telephone interpreting, and many recognised the benefits of untrained interpreters. The study highlights the complexities of interpreter preference in primary care and suggests that the decision should be flexible, and patient centred.