The European journal of general practice
-
General practitioners (GPs) play a significant role in providing medical care to patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on patient care from the perspective of GPs. ⋯ Findings show that patient care was successful but GPs' adaptation to unprecedented conditions was limited by poor communication and collaboration with health authorities. Therefore, providing adequate support services by policymakers is essential to strengthen primary care in future health crises.
-
Pharmacists are increasingly incorporated into general practice teams globally and have been shown to positively impact patient outcomes. However, little research to date has focused on determining general practitioners' (GPs') perceptions of practice-based pharmacist roles in countries yet to establish such roles. ⋯ This study provides a deeper understanding of GPs' perceptions of integrating pharmacists into practices and the demographic characteristics associated with different perceptions, which may help better inform future initiatives to integrate pharmacists into practices.
-
The clinical learning environment is important in GP specialty training and impacts professional development. Uniquely for GP trainees, about half of their training periods occur in a hospital environment, which is not their final workplace. There is still little understanding of how hospital-based training influences GP's professional development. ⋯ This novel study highlights how hospital placements for GP trainees could be enhanced. Further study could be broadened to recently qualified GPs, which may uncover new areas of interest.
-
Data on advance care planning (ACP) among migrants in Europe is lacking. Research has shown that few older migrants in the United States perform ACP due to healthcare system distrust, collectivistic values and spirituality/religion. ⋯ Our sample of Turkish-origin older adults in Belgium requiring palliative care lacked ACP knowledge. Our findings suggest that their lack of engagement in discussing end-of-life medical care planning was linked to their family dynamics and religion. The findings have implications for healthcare providers to ethnic-minority groups.
-
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is rising. Amongst women, STIs are often asymptomatic and thus likely underreported. STI care in Germany is fragmented. General Practitioners (GPs) could offer accessible care; however, to which extent GPs provide STI care and which challenges they face remains unclear. ⋯ Training regarding STI care, remuneration, and referral pathways should be provided for GPs. Comprehensive STI care could be offered through the cooperation of GPs and specialists.