The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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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.
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Low mood and distress are commonly reported by people who have persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, which may be labelled as 'depression'. It is important to understand how pain-related distress is conceptualised and managed in primary care consultations. ⋯ This study offers a framework for the primary care consultation with patients presenting with pain-related distress. GPs should recognise the impact of persistent MSK pain on the patient and support the person in coming to terms with their pain, explore how the person feels about the future, encourage optimism, and support self-management strategies.
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Treatment burden is the effort required of patients to look after their health and the impact this has on their functioning and wellbeing. Little is known about change in treatment burden over time for people with multimorbidity. ⋯ Treatment burden changes over time. Improving access to primary care, particularly for those living further away from services, and enhancing health literacy may mitigate increases in burden.
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The diagnosis of psoriasis may be missed or delayed in primary care settings. ⋯ Findings suggest that the diagnosis of psoriasis may be missed or delayed in a UK primary care setting for up to 5 years for some individuals, hence leading to a potentially detrimental delay in establishing an appropriate treatment regimen.