Aust Fam Physician
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The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of diabetes. The recommended preparation for and administration of the OGTT are important to ensure that test results are not affected. Interpretation is based on venous plasma glucose results before and 2 hours after a 75 g oral glucose load.
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Appropriate care of minor burns is key if complications, leading to the need for surgical intervention and increased likelihood of poor outcomes, are to be avoided. ⋯ Correct initial assessment of the patient with a thermal burn will determine whether they can be managed at home or require burns unit care, hospital admission for analgesia or specialist outpatient review. Factors that may impact on healing include the size, depth and location of the wound; the presence of oedema and blisters; as well as the patient's social circumstances, age and health status. First aid with cool running water should be applied to the burn for at least 20 minutes. Cooling and the application of an occlusive dressing will minimise the pain associated with partial thickness burns. Oral analgesics or short term hospital admission for adequate pain control may be necessary. Definitive management of minor burns involves dressings, rest, elevation and oedema control, and regular review as the burn wound evolves and heals. Referral should be considered for any burn wound that appears unlikely to heal within 14 days postinjury.
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Numerous studies indicate that companion animal ownership is associated with a range of physical, psychological and social health advantages, yet there is little discussion around the practical ways to integrate companion animals into healthcare and health promotion. ⋯ The subject of companion animals can be a catalyst for engaging patients in discussions about preventive health. General practitioners are in an ideal position to understand the human-pet dynamic, and to encourage patients to interact with their pets to improve their own health and wellbeing. Questions relating to companion animals could be asked during routine social history taking. The knowledge gained from this approach may facilitate more tailored patient management and personalised lifestyle recommendations.
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Community development plays an important role in increasing the access of disadvantaged groups to resources and services. We examined how community development in primary healthcare services may improve patient safety by involving people in activities that lead to their enhanced use of services. ⋯ Community development is a means of engaging people who, for a range of reasons, are reluctant to use services and therefore can increase patient safety.
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In July 2008, using 2003 to 2007 data from BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health), we published an article in this journal about patients attending general practice who were referred to hospital accident and emergency departments (A&E).(1) The precise referral rate at that time was 1.85 per 1000 encounters (95% CI: 1.70-1.99). A new analysis using recent data shows that in 2008 to 2011 the general practice referral rate to A&E was significantly higher: 2.70 per 1000 encounters (95% CI: 2.48-2.92).