The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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GPs can play a central role in the care of patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). To date, little is known about these patients' experiences relating to their coordination of care. ⋯ Patients experienced difficulties when navigating the diagnostic trajectory and shifting to coping. The findings of this study underline the importance of collaboration between GPs and other healthcare professionals during the diagnostic trajectory. The authors recommend that GPs provide proactive guidance and are sensitive to patients who shift to coping by providing them with supportive care in a process of shared decision making.
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Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects, but any association with herpes zoster (HZ) is unclear. ⋯ No association of vitamin D status, supplementation, or prescription with incident HZ was observed. No evidence supported vitamin D supplementation as a strategy to prevent HZ.
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Despite well-documented clinical benefits of longitudinal doctor-patient continuity in primary care, continuity rates have declined. Assessment by practices or health commissioners is rarely undertaken. ⋯ It is possible to measure continuity across all practices in a local health economy. Regular review of practice continuity rates can be used to support efforts to increase continuity within practice teams. In turn this is likely to have a positive effect on clinical outcomes and on satisfaction for both patients and doctors.