The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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There is a paucity of research about how under 5-year-olds utilise primary care in the UK, despite having one of the highest consultation rates of any age group. A greater understanding of the factors influencing health within this age group can inform targeted health promotion. ⋯ Most reasons for attendance for children under 5 years to primary care are for acute, self-limiting conditions. Some of these could potentially be managed by increasing access to community care services. By focusing on the influence of the broader determinants of health, health promotion efforts have the opportunity to reduce barriers to health care and improve outcomes.
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GPs have been shown to be important providers of medical care during pregnancy, however, little evidence exists on their awareness of pregnancy when prescribing medication to women. ⋯ Results of this study indicate a potential issue with GP awareness about pregnancy status at the time medication with potential safety risks is prescribed. Although pregnancy registration by GPs improved over the years, inadequate use still seems to be made of the available information systems for appropriate drug surveillance.
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Almost every patient and every healthcare condition are seen within primary care, but research is not yet embedded in general practice in the same way it is in secondary care. There is no well-defined pathway for a career combining research delivery and active clinical general practice. ⋯ National recognition for education on research has been achieved and a career pathway for GPs to train in and then work in research has been established. This will help embed research expertise and interest within primary care. This should increase research delivery and hence a cycle of increased research funding for further similar posts.
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Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden shift to a predominantly remote consulting model in primary care from March 2020. Little evidence exists examining the experience of remote consulting for people living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) or fibromyalgia, with the current literature focusing on the challenges faced by clinicians and people living with these conditions. Clinical guidance highlights the importance of building therapeutic relationships and personalising care, but it is unclear how this translates into a remote or virtual consulting space. ⋯ Remote consulting has presented new challenges for primary care, and it is important to identify which groups of patients are most suited. This study explores the views from a group of patients that are associated with some complexity, and complements the literature that explores the ability to deliver relationship-based care when consulting digitally/remotely. Recommendations from the findings will be created for use by patients and clinicians alike.
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The practice of vaping has become increasingly prevalent in recent years not only as a means for smoking cessation but also carrying the perception of being a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. ⋯ Vaping is an unsafe habit with addictive consequences. Vaping is facilitated by false perceptions of safety and satisfying flavours. Health education and public awareness are key to combating misinformation and addiction. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of vaping.