Aust Fam Physician
-
In Australia, most medical students graduate without a firm career choice, with this decision being made during their early postgraduate years. Strategies addressing the current lack of meaningful exposure to general practice during these formative prevocational years are likely to be the most effective in increasing the proportion and number of entrants to general practice. ⋯ These are important influences on the complex process of career choice. Much research has focused on isolated interventions at one point along the pipeline. Varied and conflicting conclusions emerge from individual studies. In complex systems it is hard to understand the influence of an isolated intervention without looking at the system as a whole.
-
A new model of medical practice, the patient centred medical home (PCMH), has gained traction in the United States as an advancement in primary care delivery that will bring better value to patients and to those who pay for health care.
-
Acute otitis externa (AOE) is a common condition in North Queensland. Clinical guidelines exist for the management of this condition. This study explores the pattern of causative pathogens and management of AOE by general practitioners in North Queensland. ⋯ General practitioners have good knowledge of the causative pathogens for AOE in their region. While clinical guidelines are generally followed, there is some variation in the prescription of oral antibiotics and use of ear syringing in managing this condition.
-
Current Australian guidelines recommend regular screening with faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) in asymptomatic people over 50 years of age in order to reduce mortality from bowel cancer. After assessing the feasibility, acceptability and cost effectiveness of bowel cancer screening using FOBTs in an Australian setting, the Australian Government commenced the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in August 2006 among certain age groups. ⋯ General practitioners have a number of important roles in the NBCSP, including encouraging participation, managing participants who have a positive FOBT, providing information about referrals to the NBCSP, and managing individuals who, by way of symptoms or significant family history, require diagnostic investigations or targeted surveillance rather than screening. In addition, GPs need to be aware of the populations groups not targeted by the current phases of the NBCSP but for whom bowel cancer screening is recommended.
-
Engaging men in health care involves a multifaceted approach that has as its main principle the recognition that men consume health care differently to women. ⋯ The concept of multiple masculinities recognises that not all men can be engaged via a particular technique or strategy. The perception that men are disinterested in their health is challenged and a range of approaches discussed, both in the community and in health care facilities. In the general practice setting opportunities exist for the engagement of men at the reception desk and waiting room, as well as during the consultation. Use of the workplace in engaging men is discussed. Future activities to build the capacity of health care providers to better engage men are identified and the role of policy and program development is addressed.