The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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It is estimated that 28.9% (17.8 million) of the UK population live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. They are a major cause of morbidity, and a significant reason for presentation to primary care. ⋯ This study demonstrates that MSK presentations account for a large proportion of GP workload. There are no current mandatory training requirements in orthopaedics as part of the GP curriculum. Structured MSK education for GPs is important and would reduce the burden of re-presentations, particularly that of the lumbosacral spine and knee. Competency in joint injection is also a valuable skill for GPs.
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Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are estimated to see nearly 500 000 patients during their career. Evidence demonstrates that one in four patients would be more active if advised by their GP. However, there is a lack of engagement between HCPs and patients regarding the benefits of physical activity (PA). PA is not discussed with 80% of patients, with 75% of GPs feeling they lack knowledge to advise their patients. ⋯ This work demonstrated scope for significant improvements in HCP engagement in multiple clinical settings. Working with GPs has proved crucial to this success across various workstreams, with their participation a continued focus moving into Phase 2.
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Electronic media are playing a negative role in people's lives and yet people are unaware of the hazardous effect. ⋯ Screen-time of ≤1 hour does not have any detrimental associations with poor school performance.
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Continuity of care is a fading type of care because GPs are working more flexibly and at reduced working hours. The GP Contract gave a financial incentive to provide prompt GP appointments, but to the detriment of continuity of care. Increased patient demand for appointments has seemingly led to patients favouring 'any' appointment with a GP rather than 'an appointment with the same GP'. Continuity of care in general practice is associated with greater patient satisfaction and is the preferred type of care for patients with chronic disease or psychological problems. In the Northeast of England there is a multi-partner GP practice that operates a true personalised list system. Other GP practices in the area do offer a degree of continuity of care, but this has not been measured. ⋯ Continuity of care is still observed in GP practices that do not have personalised lists.
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GP practices have limited access to medical emergency training and basic life support is often taught out of context as a skills-based event. ⋯ A combination of: in situ GP simulation, appropriately qualified facilitators in simulation and debriefing, and action plans developed by the whole team suggests safer care for patients experiencing a medical emergency.