The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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There is evidence showing that healthcare organisations that take part in research demonstrate better performance. However, most evidence derives from hospital settings and these findings may not extend to general practice. The relationships between research activity and outcomes across general practices in England were explored. ⋯ Similar to hospital settings, general practice research activity is associated with a range of positive outcomes, although it is difficult to claim that research is causing those improvements. This study identified no negative impacts, suggesting that research activity is something that high-quality practices are able to deliver alongside their core responsibilities. There is a need to explore ways by which additional impacts of research can be maximised.
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The UK Health Security Agency have established a partnership with the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Clinical Informatics Digital Hub (ORCHID) to provide a new source of primary care data to enhance an existing GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system. ⋯ For decades the RCGP has run sentinel surveillance with integrated virology and now RCGP data are being used for syndromic surveillance. The addition of ORCHID data to the GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system has improved the utility of the system. There is better population coverage, additional syndromic indicators, and greater ability to interrogate the data. The new system will provide enhanced information to support public health in England and highlights the value of GP records for use in protecting the health security of the nation.
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Lyme Disease (LD) is a multisystem zoonosis with uncertain epidemiology. It may be increasing in rural hotspots. GP datasets are weakened by coding and definitions. Public and climate concerns have raised awareness of LD. ⋯ Early data suggests that the Lyme Disease General Practice Sentinel Scheme has improved case ascertainment, epidemiology, and risk factor understanding.
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WHO Global health strategies for HIV, hepatitis and STI recommend decentralising routine hepatitis testing and care to primary care. China accounts for one-third of the world's hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and its national primary care system, capable of providing comprehensive care on chronic hepatitis B (CHB), is potentially the answer. ⋯ Shared-care CHB models with primary care are highly effective and cost-effective in China.
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Urinary incontinence (UI) impacts patients and society in many ways. There are good treatment options, but healthcare delivery and processes are often suboptimal. ⋯ Poor UI identification in primary care and a lack of patient guidance through the healthcare system hamper continence care provision.