The European journal of general practice
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Women presenting with Premenstrual Disorder (PMD) to general practitioners (GPs) experience problems with their biopsychosocial functioning. PMD is a disorder consisting of physical and/or mood-based symptoms cyclically occurring with a significant impairment of daily life. Little is known about the symptoms and coping strategies of women with PMD and their experiences with their GPs. ⋯ PMD symptoms can have a high impact on daily life. Women with PMD expressed their need for acknowledgement and a personalised approach from their GP. Greater awareness and knowledge among GPs may be helpful in this.
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Recognising acute appendicitis in children presenting with acute abdominal pain in primary care is challenging. General practitioners (GPs) may benefit from a clinical prediction rule. ⋯ Combined with further testing in the medium-risk group, the prediction rule could improve clinical decision making and outcomes.
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Access to testing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was limited, impacting patients with COVID-19-like symptoms. Current qualitative studies have been limited to one country or were conducted outside Europe. ⋯ Patients experiencing novel and severe symptoms, particularly those with comorbidities, experienced a significant emotional and psychological burden due to concerns about COVID-19. Testing provided reassurance over health status and helped patients identify which guidance to follow. Testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 led to some patients thinking they were immune from future infection, thus influencing subsequent behaviour.
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Efforts to contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus would fall short without strong primary health care. ⋯ Our study showed that, despite unprepared primary care and undefined roles of family physicians in pandemic planning, family physicians played a significant role in pandemic management.
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Similar to other countries, Departments of Family Medicine in the former Yugoslavia had to transition from face-to-face to distance education during COVID-19. ⋯ The transition to distance education was made possible thanks to its flexible scheduling, innovative tools and possibility of self-directed learning. However, face-to-face education was considered preferable for fostering interpersonal relations and teaching clinical skills. Educators should strive to strike a balance between innovative approaches and the preservation of personal experiences.