The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Background Test result communication is important for patient-centred care, patient safety and primary care workload. Evidence is needed to ensure that test results are communicated safely and efficiently to patients in primary care. Aim To summarize existing evidence for blood test result communication between primary care providers and their patients and carers. ⋯ Electronic methods such as online access or text messages were generally well accepted but not by everyone, and not for all results. Clinicians' opinions were mixed as to whether more information and direct release of test results to patients without clinician input was beneficial or could cause problems, such as increased workload. Conclusions We have identified a range of evidence on patient and clinician preferences, barriers and facilitators to test communication, which is particularly important in the current NHS context of a move towards patient online access.
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Background International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are more likely to fail postgraduate assessments and comprise over half of GP trainees. Aim This study assessed whether there is an association between language of primary medical qualification (PMQ) and Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) results and whether performance in previous pre-qualification assessments is correlated. Design and Setting We used the World Directory of Medical Schools Search and the UK Medical Education databases. ⋯ There were significant positive correlations between MSRA, IELTs and PLAB scores and MRCGP exam scores. Conclusion English PMQ language and undertaking medical training in a country with English as the native language seem to result in significantly better chances of passing the exams and better exam scores. Performance in pre-qualification assessments can help identify IMG trainees who may benefit from tailored support.
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Complications arising from uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) pose a significant burden on individuals' well-being and healthcare resources. Digital interventions may play a key role in mitigating such complications by supporting patients to adequately self-manage their condition. ⋯ DiabeText successfully improved quality of life, diabetes self-management, and self-reported medication adherence in primary care patients with T2DM. Further research is needed to enhance its effects on physiological outcomes.
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Substantial increases in UK consulting rates, mean consultation duration, and clinical workload were observed between 2007 and 2014. To the authors' knowledge, no analysis of more recent trends in clinical workload has been published to date. This study updates and builds on previous research, identifying underlying changes in population morbidity levels affecting demand for primary health care. ⋯ Findings show sustained increases in consulting rates, consultation duration, and clinical workload until 2014. From 2015, however, rising demand for health care and a larger administrative workload have led to capacity constraints as the system nears saturation.