Aust Fam Physician
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Medical student teaching in the community has been shown to produce equivalent or improved learning outcomes compared to teaching based in the hospital setting. It is well recognised by Australian universities that there is a current shortage of clinical teachers, that these teachers are both under-resourced and underfunded and that the majority of clinical teachers have no formal training in medical education. ⋯ Need for improved support was identified in all Australian articles that assessed GP support requirements. There is sufficient evidence to guide improved support for GP clinical teachers. However, funding for more support programs is needed, as is further research into the area.
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There is a marked increase in the prevalence of food allergies. Food allergy can cause fatal anaphylaxis and the victims are most often adolescents and young adults. ⋯ The key management of food allergy is allergen avoidance informed by accurate allergy diagnosis. Inadvertent exposure to food triggers unfortunately does occur and patients need to be confident in prompt self management. Adrenaline must be given for all potentially life threatening food allergy reactions. Anaphylaxis action plans and optimal asthma control are also critical management objectives.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a higher incidence of cervical cancer and poorer outcomes for breast and cervical cancer than nonindigenous women. This article reports on a project that aimed to implement and evaluate strategies to improve general practitioner early detection of breast and cervical cancer in this group. ⋯ Partnerships involving community members planning and implementing evidence based strategies may improve participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in breast and cervical cancer screening.
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Evidence and quality standards support the use of professional interpreters and discourage the use of family interpreters in medical consultations. The Northern Division of General Practice documented the use of professional and family interpreters in local general practices, together with barriers and possible facilitators in the use of professional interpreters. ⋯ Surveys of practices and GPs found the use of professional interpreters is uncommon. Over two-thirds of practices reported never using the free Doctors Priority Line phone interpreting service. Family members were frequently used as interpreters, with most GPs preferring to use family rather than professional interpreters. Over a third of practices were unaware of the Doctors Priority Line. Findings suggested that relevant standards are commonly not understood or implemented.
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In 2004-2005, 15% of Australians reported having arthritis.1 Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common form, and is a leading cause of pain and disability among people over 65 years of age.