The European journal of general practice
-
Identifying and managing mental disorders among older adults is an important challenge for primary care in Europe. Electronic medical records (EMRs) offer considerable potential in this regard, although there is a paucity of data on their use for this purpose. ⋯ Examining mental disorders among older adults using data derived from EMRs is feasible. Mental disorders are common among older adults attending primary care and this study demonstrates the utility of electronic medical records in epidemiological studies of large populations in primary care.
-
Zenker's diverticulum is a diverticulum of the mucosa of the pharynx, just above the cricopharyngeal muscle. It occurs commonly in elderly patients (over 70 years) and the typical symptoms include dysphagia, regurgitation, chronic cough, aspiration and weight loss. ⋯ This case demonstrates once more the importance of history taking and follow-up in medical care. Attentive listening by a family physician could have probably prevented the delay of service in this case.
-
The new guideline on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, issued by the European Society of Cardiology was endorsed by 10 other societies, including Wonca Europe. It advices on how to reduce the cardiovascular (CV) risk in the population and attributes an important role to the general practitioner (GP). ⋯ The new guideline gives room for a personalized approach and emphasizes that CV risk estimation and counselling need regular follow-up. We highlight the recommendations that most caught our eye and comment on the challenges for general practice.
-
Primary healthcare (PHC) is essential for equitable access and cost-effective healthcare. This makes PHC a key factor in the global strategy for universal health coverage (UHC). Implementing PHC requires an understanding of the health system under prevailing circumstances, but for most countries, no data are available. ⋯ Priorities were (i) advocacy for community-based PHC to policymakers, including the importance of coordination of healthcare at the community level, and UHC to respond to the needs of populations; (ii) collaboration with universities to include PHC as a core component of every medical curriculum; (iii) collaboration with communities to improve public understanding of PHC; (iv) engagement with the private sector to focus on PHC and UHC.
-
High levels of stigma towards patients with substance use disorder (SUD) have been found in health professionals and medical students. ⋯ Residents in general practice had a good capacity to diagnose SUD correctly but on average expressed negative attitudes toward people with SUD. More SUD teaching seems to help in reducing stigmatizing attitudes.