Aust Fam Physician
-
Hypertension is the most commonly managed problem in general practice. Systematic errors in blood pressure measurements caused by inadequate sphygmomanometer calibration are a common cause of over- and underidentification of hypertension. ⋯ Most sphygmomanometer surveys report high rates of inadequate calibration and other faults, particularly in aneroid sphygmomanometers. Automatic electronic sphygmomanometers produce systematic errors in some patients. All sphygmomanometers should be checked and calibrated by an accredited laboratory at least annually. Aneroid sphygmomanometers should be calibrated every 6 months. Only properly validated automatic sphygmomanometers should be used. Practices should perform regular in house checks of sphygmomanometers. Good sphygmomanometer maintenance and traceable sphygmomanometer calibration will contribute to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and the number of patients overtreated for hypertension in Australia.
-
Otitis media and chronic suppurative otitis media are common conditions in Aboriginal communities, and are associated with poor nutrition, overcrowding and passive smoking. This article reports on an extension of our nutrition program, which was first reported in Australian Family Physician under the title 'Are there health benefits from improving basic nutrition in a remote Aboriginal community?'
-
Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are among the most feared consequences of cancer treatment. Recent developments in drug treatment make the goal of no nausea or vomiting during chemotherapy realistic. ⋯ Regimens to prevent chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are guided by the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapeutic agents used. Combined prophylactic therapy targets different pathways, improving the efficacy of prevention and treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. General practitioners have an important role in patients undergoing chemotherapy by reinforcing the importance of prophylactic treatment and administering rescue treatment for patients with breakthrough or prolonged nausea and vomiting postchemotherapy.
-
Review
Nurse practitioners and GPs--addressing the needs of older persons living in residential aged care.
The Australian population is becoming progressively older, placing significant pressure on both the supply of supported accommodation and health services. Collaboration between general practitioners and nurse practitioners over the care of people living in residential aged care facilities has the potential to promote continuity of care, decrease hospitalisations and readmissions, enhance patient satisfaction, reduce costs, enhance working relations between medicine and nursing, and improve residents' access to care. It will require improved communication and the overcoming of several attitudinal and organisational barriers.
-
Review Case Reports
Disenfranchised grievers--the GP's role in management.
Disenfranchised grief results from a loss that is not or cannot be openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported. This article aims to explain the concept and varying presentations of disenfranchised grief and outlines the importance of the general practitioner's role. ⋯ Disenfranchised grievers present with various symptoms, however, primary care has focused on mental illness, with little recognition of loss and grief issues, especially disenfranchised grief. Further research is required and currently underway to design and formally test a model that can be implemented within an Australian fee-for-service setting.