The European journal of general practice
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Paracetamol is recommended as first-line treatment for an acute sore throat. However, in primary care, antibiotics are still frequently prescribed as first-line management for sore throat. ⋯ GPs play a major role in educating patients about paracetamol as effective pain-relieving treatment in acute sore throat. By actively exploring the patients' ideas, concerns and expectations (ICE), patients' satisfaction and guideline adherence could be improved.
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Patients with chronic conditions pose a major challenge to the Danish healthcare system. Since 2018, disease management programmes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) were introduced in Denmark. Treatment in hospitals should be reserved for those patients who require specialised treatment. Hence, more patients with COPD and T2D fall within the general practitioners' (GPs) responsibility. ⋯ According to the GPs, they continue to play an important role as treatment coordinators to ensure coherence and high quality in treating patients with COPD and type 2 diabetes.
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Ischaemic stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) due to occult atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause severe morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing occult AF can be challenging and there is no consensus regarding the optimal duration of screening. A 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) is frequently employed to detect occult AF following ischaemic CVA. ⋯ 24-hour Holter has a low AF/AFL detection rate. Older persons and those with hypertension or CKD are more likely to be detected with AF/AFL using this method.
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Although insomnia is a very common disorder, few people seek medical help. ⋯ Insomnia is an under-reported problem for both patients and doctors. When patients decide to consult for insomnia problems, they first go to the GP, and the vast majority take medications for their sleep problem. Those who consult most are people with more severe insomnia and those who are more worried.
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After the 'first wave' in spring 2020, opinions regarding the threat and measures against COVID-19 seemed to vary among German general practitioners (GPs). ⋯ Among the participants in this survey, opinions regarding the threat and the measures taken against COVID-19 during the 'first wave' in Germany in spring 2020 varied greatly.