The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Google searches represent a snapshot of the world's interest in different topics and are reflected by Google Trends (GT). GT has gained recent popularity across various areas of healthcare research of interest to GPs, such as the seasonality of particular physical symptoms and population-level suicide risk. As a real-time data source, GT is appealing to healthcare researchers, but whether it has a place in primary care research remains largely unaddressed. ⋯ GT is an accessible and vast data source. This study demonstrated the potential for GT to play a role in researching health behaviours. However, this study also revealed key limitations of GT, and caution should be exercised by primary care researchers and GPs when using GT for research.
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Interprofessional learning (IPL) events can provide a supportive environment for GPs to improve care and health outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and their families. Thirty GPs have facilitated small groups at an annual interprofessional domestic abuse conference since 2014. It was postulated that distilling GP learning from these events could provide a template for focused training to up-skill the local GP workforce. ⋯ This impact study has provided a discrete evidence base from which to focus up-skilling of the local primary care workforce. This might include a possible educational template to improve interagency working in supporting adult and child survivors of DA with the legacy of this trauma.
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Service-learning is a form of experiential education that is beginning to be implemented internationally within undergraduate curriculums. It has the potential to significantly enhance clinical practice and students' learning, while simultaneously addressing community needs. Embedding civic engagement into students' learning should aim to increase understanding of populations as well as enhance clinical prowess. ⋯ Student placements are often thought of in a clinical setting where students shadow doctors in a less active role. The research shows that over the past 20 years, incorporation of service-learning into medical programmes has been more commonplace and is an effective addition to the curriculum. It combines clear learning objectives with service provision to communities, in order to aid in medical students' education and the development of necessary clinical skills.
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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.
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Depression in elderly people is an ongoing concern, contributing to comorbidities and increasing deaths from suicide. Alternative treatments for the elderly are needed due to risks from polypharmacy and unwanted side effects. Therefore, we considered music therapy and its evidence base as a possible management modality. ⋯ Depression in the elderly is a serious illness that can lead to reduced quality of life and poor health status. Non-pharmacological treatments need to be identified and music therapy can be an accessible way of doing this, with numerous benefits demonstrated.