The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Many patients receive routine medications for long-term conditions (LTCs). Doctors typically issue repeat prescriptions in one to three month durations, but England currently has no national guidance on the optimal duration. ⋯ One month prescription durations are common for patients taking medicines routinely for long term conditions, particularly in dispensing practices. Electronic health record configurations offer an opportunity to implement and evaluate new policies on repeat prescription duration in England.
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Clinical guidance recommends promoting physical activity during general practice consultations. The frequency and content of physical activity discussions in UK general practice are poorly understood. ⋯ Physical activity advice, following national guidance, was potentially relevant to more than half of GP consultations; GPs delivered advice of varying depth in a third of these consultations. Future work should explore ways of delivering physical activity advice effectively, efficiently, and equitably within the constraints of general practice.
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Social prescribing connects patients to resources or activities to meet their non-medical needs. In the UK, it is often implemented in primary care. In the social prescribing pathway, patients are directed to link workers to identify suitable solutions for their needs such as art workshops or welfare benefit guidance. Social prescribing marks a notable transition from traditional medical treatments to more comprehensive strategies focusing on holistic health and wellbeing. Insights from patient experiences can improve the development of social prescribing to better meet their needs. This understanding can aid in improving the delivery and outcomes of social prescribing. ⋯ Patients might experience lasting advantages from social prescribing if it aligns with their needs and expectations. Results highlighted the importance of matching social prescribing referral with patients' readiness to engage. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate patient suitability before beginning a social prescribing referral.
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Modern general practice is characterised by increased demand and growing multidisciplinarity, including ring-fenced funding for additional non-clinical roles. For practice receptionists, however, training has remained unchanged for decades despite primary care being under greater pressure than ever, with receptionists becoming a growing focal point for abuse and unprecedented numbers leaving the role. ⋯ Although confident performing administrative tasks, receptionists described uncertainty and anxiety when providing clinically oriented support or managing patients when their requests for appointments could not be met. More appropriate training or professionalisation might improve staff retainment.
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General practice faces pressures because of increased demand and a shortage of GPs. Paramedics in general practice (PGPs) increasingly contribute to managing minor illnesses, conducting home visits, and providing urgent consultations. ⋯ Well-designed training and supervision are needed to ensure PGPs have the right knowledge and can clearly convey healthcare plans to patients. While PGPs may reduce GP workload pressure, they do not necessarily reduce NHS costs.