The European journal of general practice
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg spray in patients with sore throat due to an upper respiratory tract infection: A randomised controlled trial.
Viral infections cause most cases of pharyngitis (sore throat); consequently, antibiotics are generally not warranted. However, a treatment targeting pain and inflammation, e.g. a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory spray, may be helpful for patients. ⋯ Flurbiprofen spray provides rapid and long-lasting relief from sore throat symptoms, and is well-tolerated over three days.
-
Sexual abuse (SA) is a common problem. As the primary confidant, the general practitioner (GP) has a valuable role in identifying a history of abuse, specifically with regard to the commonly performed pelvic examination for cervical cancer screening. ⋯ This study showed SA is an under-evaluated problem in general practice, yet GPs are motivated to improve knowledge and counselling skills. NPs perform most of the cervical smears, but the majority never or rarely asked about SA in advance. Educational training and a clinical guideline regarding SA would be appreciated and hence recommended.
-
Ankle sprain is frequently encountered, both in primary care and in emergency departments. Since 1992, the Ottawa ankle rules (OAR) can assist clinicians in determining whether an X-ray should be performed to exclude a fracture. Several guidelines recommend the use of OAR based on a systematic review from 2003. Ten years later, one can wonder if this recommendation should be changed. ⋯ The findings confirm the value of the OAR at ruling out fractures after an ankle sprain and propose other or additional tools to decrease the need for X-rays.
-
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an under recognized but frequent subtype of dementia. Misdiagnosis and delays in referral from primary care are common when compared to other forms of dementia. ⋯ Primary care has an important role in identifying those who are at risk for DLB and in referring these patients timely to the appropriate specialist. Adequate management of these patients in the community might reduce the burden associated with the DLB phenotype.
-
Family medicine teachers require specific educational skills. A framework for their professional development is essential for future development of the discipline in Europe. EURACT developed a framework on educational expertise, and subsequently applied it in a curriculum of teaching-skills courses of various levels. ⋯ Furthermore, we describe our experiences and lessons learned, in particular with regard to the level-three programme for proficient teachers, which was new. We conclude that it is possible to develop a theoretical framework of family medicine teaching expertise and to apply it in an international high-level educational programme for future experts in family medicine education. Research evidence of the usefulness of this approach is needed, and the threats for its further development into a sustainable activity are its high teacher/student ratio associated with relatively high costs and difficulties in recruiting suitable participants.