The European journal of general practice
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Relatives of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors may suffer from various symptoms after ICU admittance of their relative, known as post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F). Studies regarding PICS-F have been performed but its impact in primary care is unknown. ⋯ Relatives of ICU survivors present more morbidity in primary care than relatives of chronically ill patients up to five years after ICU discharge.
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The introduction of portable and pocket ultrasound scanners has potentiated the use of ultrasound in primary care, whose many applications have been studied, analyzed and collected in the literature. However, its use is heterogeneous in Europe and there is a lack of guidelines on the necessary training and skills. ⋯ Training family physicians in ultrasound may consider seven main applications and indications. The proposed training plan establishes five different levels of competencies until skill in real clinical practice is achieved.
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Screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) can reduce incidence and mortality. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with CRC or advanced adenoma before the age of 65 (index patients) are at increased risk of CRC; however, the guidelines for screening of FDRs by colonoscopy are poorly followed. ⋯ Challenges include circumventing gaps in knowledge, adherence to guidelines and improving family history updates. The GPs interviewed suggested personalised guidelines in specialists' reports to initiate information campaigns raising awareness of familial risk, and to enhance coordination between organised screening and familial screening.
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Cervical screening could be an appropriate routine moment to provide female smokers with tailored stop smoking advice. In Dutch general practice, cervical smears are performed by practice assistants. ⋯ At individual, interpersonal, and workplace levels, several factors could influence the provision of a stop smoking strategy by a practice assistant.
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The global health workforce suffers long-term understaffing in remote and underserved areas. To attract young doctors for rural work, it is necessary to identify the main motivating factors. ⋯ To what extent can the survey outcomes relate with other European regions needs to be investigated further.