Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 42958

Special Issue Editors

Kyungpook National University Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Interests: family medicine; health promotion; health screening; lifestyle medicine; metabolic disorders; nutrition; obesity; preventive care; primary care; smoking cessation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Interests: family medicine; health promotion; health screening; lifestyle medicine; palliative care; preventive care; primary care; smoking cessation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Primary care provides individualized, continuing, and comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family members, regardless of their age, gender, diseases, and organs. Family medicine devoted to primary care is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of a broad range of conditions. Individualized, continuing care maintains overall health and prevents unnecessary complications; thus, primary care can reduce the overall mortality rate and medical expenses for the general population.

This Special Issue seeks papers (original clinical studies and reviews) related to primary care, disease prevention and screening, chronic disease management, and the following suggested topics. This invitation is addressed to all healthcare providers (e.g., family physicians, general physicians, internal medicine physicians, oncologists, clinical nutrition experts, surgeons, pediatricians, dietitians, and nurses) involved in primary care.

The aim of this Special Issue is to:

  • Provide information on evidence-based primary care;
  • Assess the cost-effectiveness of primary healthcare and screening;
  • Figure out effective management for outpatient care;
  • Investigate the efficacy and safety of health screening;
  • Research the clinical evidence of chronic disease management;
  • Study and review disease prevention, including cancers and metabolic disorders.

Prof. Dr. Hae-Jin Ko
Prof. Dr. A-Sol Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • family medicine
  • primary care
  • preventive care
  • health screening
  • cancer screening
  • chronic disease
  • cost-effectiveness
  • smoking cessation
  • obesity
  • metabolic disorders
  • nutritional care
  • lifestyle medicine

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Cancer Screening Rate and Related Factors in the Japanese Child-Rearing Generation
by Mutsumi Okayama, Tomo Nagaoka and Koshu Sugisaki
Healthcare 2022, 10(3), 508; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10030508 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2372
Abstract
In Japan, although the incidence of cancer is increasing, the cancer screening rate is low compared to that in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with cancer screening behavior in Japanese men and women of child-rearing age. The survey [...] Read more.
In Japan, although the incidence of cancer is increasing, the cancer screening rate is low compared to that in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with cancer screening behavior in Japanese men and women of child-rearing age. The survey was conducted among 2410 child-rearing adults from a countrywide database in August 2018. Among the respondents, there were 1381 (57.3%) who had been screened for cancer and 1029 (42.7%) who had not been screened. When stratified by sex, 503 (40.9%) men and 878 (74.3%) women had been screened for cancer, and education, income, and family history were associated with cancer screening. Among the men, where they lived, age, and family history were associated with cancer screening. In women, annual income was associated with stomach, colon, breast, and uterine cancer screening. In addition, uterine cancer screening was related to the women’s educational level. Our results suggest a need to improve the cancer screening rate among the child-rearing generation, especially for those with limited education and low income. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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12 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Health Outcomes by Care Provider Type for Newly Diagnosed Mild Type 2 Diabetes Patients in South Korea: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Hee-Chung Kang and Jae-Seok Hong
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10020334 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1384
Abstract
(1) Background: Although the beneficial impacts of primary care on patients’ health outcomes have been reported, it is still difficult to limit patients’ herd behavior in seeking tertiary or large hospital services in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Although the beneficial impacts of primary care on patients’ health outcomes have been reported, it is still difficult to limit patients’ herd behavior in seeking tertiary or large hospital services in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of primary care clinics was longitudinally beneficial for mild diabetes. (2) Methods: Using claims data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, this population-based retrospective cohort study compared health outcomes over a 4-year period from 2011 to 2015 by type of health care institution as a usual source of care in diabetic patients who were newly diagnosed in 2011, i.e., without any diagnosis between 2005 and 2010. (3) Results: Compared to those attending hospitals, general hospitals (GHs), or tertiary general hospitals (TGHs), patients who visited primary clinics were more likely to experience better health outcomes such as the lower risk of hospitalization and death. (4) Conclusions: These results provide additional evidence that higher-value from primary care clinics would be highly expected for early and mild type 2 diabetics. Promoting the Informed, patient-centered decision toward primary care clinics would contribute to improving the value of the healthcare delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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10 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Diabetic Retinopathy among Primary Care Physicians of Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
by Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu, Abdulmohsen Khaled Almulhim, Faisal Ahmed Albalawi, Ziyad Muharib Alruwaili, Ola Ali Almajed, Sultan Hamoud Alruwaili, Malek Mohammed Almugharriq, Abdulaziz Saud Alruwaili and Malak Khalid Alkuwaykibi
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9121697 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2790
Abstract
Primary care physicians play a vital role in preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) from the initial stages to the late stages. This questionnaire-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and their correlation among 274 randomly [...] Read more.
Primary care physicians play a vital role in preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) from the initial stages to the late stages. This questionnaire-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and their correlation among 274 randomly selected primary care physicians in Saudi Arabia. Among the studied population, high knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores were observed in 21.5%, 15%, and 29.2% of the physicians, respectively. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among the age group of less than 30 years (p = 0.031) and the female gender (p = 0.012). The attitude scores were significantly higher among the Saudi physicians (p = 0.027) and those with PHC work experience of less than five years (p < 0.001). Regarding the practices, a significant association was found among the age group of less than 30 years (p = 0.019) and Saudi physicians (p = 0.003). There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.739, p < 0.001) and attitude (r = 0.479, p = 0.007) with the practice scores. It is recommended that targeted continuous medical education, workshops, and seminars are conducted on the prevention and care of DR among primary care physicians. Furthermore, an exploratory multicenter study that involves primary care physicians belonging to all ministries and private sectors is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
12 pages, 484 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk Using Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Scoring Systems
by Ye-Na Kweon, Hae-Jin Ko, A-Sol Kim, Hye-In Choi, Ji-Eun Song, Ji-Yeon Park, Sung-Min Kim, Hee-Eun Hong and Kyung-Jin Min
Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 899; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9070899 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1892
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for CVD and to identify the most useful NAFLD diagnostic tool for predicting CVD. Data from a total of 23,376 Korean adults without established CVD were analyzed. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for CVD and to identify the most useful NAFLD diagnostic tool for predicting CVD. Data from a total of 23,376 Korean adults without established CVD were analyzed. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) 2008. The presence of NAFLD was defined as moderate-to-severe fatty liver disease diagnosed by ultrasonography. Scores for fatty liver were calculated using four NAFLD scoring systems (Fatty Liver Index, FLI; Hepatic Steatosis Index, HSI; Simple NAFLD Score, SNS; Comprehensive NAFLD Score, CNS), and were compared and analyzed according to cardiovascular risk group. Using the FRS, 67.4% of participants were considered to be at low risk of CVD, 21.5% at intermediate risk, and 11.1% at high risk. As the risk of CVD increased, both the prevalence of NAFLD and the score from each NAFLD scoring system increased significantly (p < 0.001). In the unadjusted analysis, the CNS had the strongest association with high CVD risk; in the adjusted analysis, the FLI score was most strongly associated with high CVD risk. Fatty liver is an important independent risk factor for CVD. Therefore, the available NAFLD scoring systems could be utilized to predict CVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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11 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Communication on Safe Caregiving between Community Nurse Case Managers and Family Caregivers
by María Eulalia Macías-Colorado, Margarita Rodríguez-Pérez, María Jesús Rojas-Ocaña and Cristina Teresa-Morales
Healthcare 2021, 9(2), 205; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9020205 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1915
Abstract
Dependent elderly individuals are usually cared for at home by untrained family members who are unaware of the risks involved. In this setting, communication on safe caregiving is key. The aim of this study is to describe the factors influencing the process followed [...] Read more.
Dependent elderly individuals are usually cared for at home by untrained family members who are unaware of the risks involved. In this setting, communication on safe caregiving is key. The aim of this study is to describe the factors influencing the process followed by community nurse case managers to provide communication on safe caregiving to family members caring for dependent elderly individuals. A phenomenological study, by focus group, was done in urban healthcare facilities. Key informants were seven community nurses, case managers with more than 12 years’ experience. We did a thematic analysis and we identified the units of meaning to which the most relevant discourses were assigned. The concepts expressed were grouped until subcategories were formed, which were then condensed into categories. Four categories of analysis emerged: communication-related aspects; professional skills of nurse case managers; communication on safety and the caregiving role. To planner interventions, for the prevention of adverse events at home, is essential to consider these aspects: nurses’ professional communication skills, factors inherent to safe caregiving, the characteristics of the home where care is provided, the personal and family circumstances of the caregiver, and whether or not the caregiver’s role has been assumed by the family caregivers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
15 pages, 1633 KiB  
Article
Cost–Utility Analysis of Home Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
by Ondřej Gajdoš, Martin Rožánek, Gleb Donin and Vojtěch Kamenský
Healthcare 2021, 9(2), 142; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9020142 - 01 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease with rapid progression. The use of mechanical ventilation helps to manage symptoms and delays death. Use in a home environment could reduce costs and increase quality of life. The aim of this study is a cost–utility analysis [...] Read more.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease with rapid progression. The use of mechanical ventilation helps to manage symptoms and delays death. Use in a home environment could reduce costs and increase quality of life. The aim of this study is a cost–utility analysis of home mechanical ventilation in adult patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from the perspective of healthcare payers in the Czech Republic. The study evaluates home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and mechanical ventilation (MV) in a healthcare facility. A Markov model was compiled for evaluation in a timeframe of 10 years. Model parameters were obtained from the literature and opinions of experts from companies dealing with home care and home mechanical ventilation. The cost–utility analysis was carried out at the end of the study and results are presented in incremental cost–utility ratio (ICUR) using quality-adjusted life-years. Uncertainty was assessed by one-way sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis. The cumulative costs of HMV are CZK 1,877,076 and the cumulative costs of the MV are CZK 7,386,629. The cumulative utilities of HMV are 12.57 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and the cumulative utilities of MV are 11.32 QALY. The ICUR value is CZK-4,403,259. The results of this study suggest that HMV is cost effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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12 pages, 4068 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Individuals with Disagreement between Home and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements for the Diagnosis of Hypertension
by Chee Hae Kim, Je Sang Kim and Moo-Yong Rhee
Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 457; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8040457 - 03 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1546
Abstract
Home and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements are recommended for the diagnosis of hypertension. However, the clinical characteristics of individuals showing a diagnostic disagreement between their home and ambulatory BP measurements are unclear. Of the 470 individuals who were not on antihypertensive drug [...] Read more.
Home and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements are recommended for the diagnosis of hypertension. However, the clinical characteristics of individuals showing a diagnostic disagreement between their home and ambulatory BP measurements are unclear. Of the 470 individuals who were not on antihypertensive drug treatment with a BP ≥140/90 mmHg at an outpatient clinic, 399 who had valid office, home, and ambulatory BP results were included. Hypertension was diagnosed based on an average home BP ≥135/85 mmHg and/or an average daytime ambulatory BP ≥135/85 mmHg. The participants were divided into three groups: Agree-NT (home and ambulatory BP normotension), Disagree (home BP normotension and ambulatory BP hypertension, or home BP normotension and ambulatory BP hypertension), and Agree-HT (home and ambulatory BP hypertension). Eighty-four individuals (21.1%) were classified as the Disagree group. The mean serum creatinine, triglycerides, and electrocardiogram voltage in the Disagree group were intermediate between those observed in the Agree-NT and the Agree-HT group. In the Disagree group, the mean levels of office and home diastolic BP, all of the components of ambulatory BP, the aortic systolic BP, and the BP variabilities were found to be intermediate between those of the Agree-NT and the Agree-HT groups. These results indicate that individuals showing a diagnostic disagreement between their home and ambulatory BP may have cardiovascular risks that are intermediate between those with sustained home and ambulatory normotension and hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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18 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Filiberto Toledano-Toledano, José Moral de la Rubia, Laura A. Nabors, Miriam Teresa Domínguez-Guedea, Guillermo Salinas Escudero, Eduardo Rocha Pérez, David Luna and Ahidée Leyva López
Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 456; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8040456 - 03 Nov 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3527
Abstract
Quality of life (QOL) is a key aspect of the health care process for children with chronic diseases and their families. Although clinical evidence regarding the impact of chronic disease on children exists, few studies have evaluated the effects of the interaction between [...] Read more.
Quality of life (QOL) is a key aspect of the health care process for children with chronic diseases and their families. Although clinical evidence regarding the impact of chronic disease on children exists, few studies have evaluated the effects of the interaction between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors on the family caregiver’s QOL, indicating a significant gap in the research literature. The present study aimed to identify the predictors of the QOL of parents of children with chronic diseases. Three parental sociodemographic predictors (age, schooling, and family income) and four psychosocial predictors (family functioning, social support, depression, and resilience) were examined. In this cross-sectional study, 416 parents of children with chronic diseases who were hospitalized at a National Institute of Health in Mexico City were interviewed. The participants completed a sociodemographic variables questionnaire (Q-SV) designed for research on family caregivers of children with chronic disease. The predicted variable was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. The four psychosocial predictors were assessed through the Family Functioning Scale, Social Support Networks Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Measurement Scale of Resilience. The regression model explained 42% of the variance in parents’ QOL. The predictors with positive weights included age, schooling, monthly family income, family functioning, social support networks, and parental resilience. The predictors with negative weights included depression. These findings suggest that strong social relationships, a positive family environment, family cohesion, personal resilience, low levels of depression, and a family income twice the minimum wage are variables associated with better parental QOL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
12 pages, 1291 KiB  
Article
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Caregivers about Oral Health Care, at Centers for Intellectually Disabled, in Southern Region of Saudi Arabia
by Shahabe Saquib Abullais, Falah Mohammed Falah Al-Shahrani, Khalaf Mohammed Saeed Al-Gafel, Al-Harthi Abdulrahman Saeed, Shouq Abdulrahman Al-Mathami, Shaeesta Khaleelahmed Bhavikatti and Abdul Ahad Ghaffar Khan
Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 416; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8040416 - 21 Oct 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3113
Abstract
Oral health is perhaps the most neglected aspect of healthcare for persons living in rehabilitation centers, compared to the general population. The caregivers play a vital role in administering daily oral care to residents in rehabilitation centers: The aim of the present questionnaire-based [...] Read more.
Oral health is perhaps the most neglected aspect of healthcare for persons living in rehabilitation centers, compared to the general population. The caregivers play a vital role in administering daily oral care to residents in rehabilitation centers: The aim of the present questionnaire-based study was to evaluate the caregivers’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral healthcare at centers for the intellectually disabled in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia (SA). The present study was designed as a cross-sectional one-point time survey. The samples were selected by using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The self-administered closed-ended questionnaire comprised of 22 items divided into four sections, which was designed to elicit the demographic information, awareness of oral care, attitude towards oral health and practice of the oral healthcare regime among the participants. Of the164 participants, 53.0% and 47.0% were male and female, respectively. Most of the participants—54.9%—were between 30–39 years of age. Participants were almost equally distributed between educational groups, and about 87% had more than 2 years of experience. A brief overview showed a fair level of knowledge and attitude among 61.6% and 58.5% of respondents, respectively. Participants with an education level above that of high school showed good knowledge and attitude scores (p < 0.05), whereas females showed better attitude scores compared to the males (p < 0.05). Respondents mentioned the difficulties they faced while treating the subjects. The special healthcare workers generally had acceptable oral health knowledge and practices. Caregivers who had lower education levels should be advised for training programs that addressed the importance of oral health services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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12 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Low Disclosure Rates to Sexual Partners and Unsafe Sexual Practices of Youth Recently Diagnosed with HIV; Implications for HIV Prevention Interventions in South Africa
by Khensane Mengwai, Sphiwe Madiba and Perpetua Modjadji
Healthcare 2020, 8(3), 253; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8030253 - 03 Aug 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4009
Abstract
The study investigated the motivation to disclose or the decision to withhold one’s HIV serostatus to one’s partners and assessed the implications of non-disclosure on young peoples’ sexual behaviour and access to treatment. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted with 253 youth aged [...] Read more.
The study investigated the motivation to disclose or the decision to withhold one’s HIV serostatus to one’s partners and assessed the implications of non-disclosure on young peoples’ sexual behaviour and access to treatment. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted with 253 youth aged 18–25 years receiving antiretroviral therapy in a health district in North West Province, South Africa. The majority were female (75%), the mean time since the HIV diagnosis was 22 months, 40% did not know their partner’s HIV status, 32% had more than two sexual partners, and 63% had not used a condom during the last sexual act. The prevalence of disclosure was 40%, 36% delayed disclosure for over a year, and most disclosed to protect the partner from HIV transmission, to receive support, and to be honest and truthful. The prevalence of non-disclosure was high, as 60% withheld disclosure due to fear of abandonment, stigma and discrimination, accusations of unfaithfulness, and partner violence. Over half (55%) had no intentions to disclose at all. The lower disclosure rates imply that HIV transmission continues to persist among sexual partners in these settings. The findings suggest that high levels of perceived stigma impact on disclosure and HIV treatment, which increases the risk of on-going HIV transmission among youth receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
9 pages, 693 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Frequent Attenders Compared with Non-Frequent Attenders in Primary Care: Study of Remote Communities in Taiwan
by Shih-Chao Kang, Chun-Chi Lin, Chia-Chen Tsai, Yin-Han Lu, Chun-Feng Huang and Yu-Chun Chen
Healthcare 2020, 8(2), 96; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8020096 - 13 Apr 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2723
Abstract
Frequent attenders (FAs) have an impact on the medical resources and the quality of care. In Taiwan, the characteristics of FAs remain unclear in primary care. Outpatient data were screened from a central clinic within six surrounding fishing villages in northeastern Taiwan in [...] Read more.
Frequent attenders (FAs) have an impact on the medical resources and the quality of care. In Taiwan, the characteristics of FAs remain unclear in primary care. Outpatient data were screened from a central clinic within six surrounding fishing villages in northeastern Taiwan in 2017. FAs were defined as those who made >18 visits in one year, and those who made ≤18 visits were defined as non-frequent attenders (NFAs). Data of FAs and NFAs were collected and compared. The major diagnoses were reported using International Classifications of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) codes. A total of 1586 subjects and 9077 visits were enrolled, including 119 FAs and 1467 NFAs. FAs had a more advanced age compared to NFAs. Both FAs and NFAs had more visits in summer. FAs had consumed high prescriptions and related costs. FAs also had higher therapeutic and first visit costs than NFAs. Comparing with age- sex-matched NFAs, FAs were positively associated with musculoskeletal diseases (M00-M99), hematological diseases (D50-D89), endocrine diseases (E00-E90), and mental disorders (F00-F99). Large-scale local datasets and suitable definitions of FAs for Taiwanese subjects are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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Review

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15 pages, 460 KiB  
Review
Bolstering General Practitioner Palliative Care: A Critical Review of Support Provided by Australian Guidelines for Life-Limiting Chronic Conditions
by Raechel A. Damarell, Deidre D. Morgan, Jennifer J. Tieman and David Healey
Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 553; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8040553 - 11 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3258
Abstract
General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly expected to provide palliative care as ageing populations put pressure on specialist services. Some GPs, however, cite barriers to providing this care including prognostication challenges and lack of confidence. Palliative care content within clinical practice guidelines might serve [...] Read more.
General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly expected to provide palliative care as ageing populations put pressure on specialist services. Some GPs, however, cite barriers to providing this care including prognostication challenges and lack of confidence. Palliative care content within clinical practice guidelines might serve as an opportunistic source of informational support to GPs. This review analysed palliative care content within Australian guidelines for life-limiting conditions to determine the extent to which it might satisfy GPs’ stated information needs and support them to provide quality end-of-life care. Six databases and guideline repositories were searched (2011–2018). Eligible guidelines were those for a GP audience and explicitly based on an appraisal of all available evidence. Content was mapped against an established palliative care domain framework (PEPSI-COLA) and quality was assessed using AGREE-II. The nine guidelines meeting inclusion criteria were heterogenous in scope and depth of palliative care domain coverage. The ‘communication’ needs domain was best addressed while patient physical and emotional needs were variably covered. Spiritual, out-of-hours, terminal care and aftercare content was scant. Few guidelines addressed areas GPs are known to find challenging or acknowledged useful decision-support tools. A template covering important domains might reduce content variability across guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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Other

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5 pages, 2275 KiB  
Case Report
Toxoplasmic Lymphadenitis Presenting as a Tiny Neck Tumor
by Shih-Lung Chen, Jim-Ray Chen and Shih-Wei Yang
Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9050487 - 21 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2219
Abstract
(1) Background: Toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL), caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is a worldwide zoonosis. We report a case of TL in the head and neck region diagnosed using ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), serological tests, and pathological findings. (2) [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL), caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is a worldwide zoonosis. We report a case of TL in the head and neck region diagnosed using ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), serological tests, and pathological findings. (2) Case Presentation: A 51-year-old female with a chief complaint of a left posterior neck mass that had been growing for approximately 2 weeks. TL was confirmed by histopathological examinations and serological tests. US-guided FNAC and en bloc resection of the lymph node were performed. The diagnosis was confirmed as TL in the neck. (3) Conclusions: We suggest that US-guided FNAC should be considered as the first-line test for assessing a tiny mass before a definitive treatment is chosen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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7 pages, 448 KiB  
Commentary
The Role of Family Physicians in a Pandemic: A Blueprint
by Jie Qi Lee, Wayren Loke and Qin Xiang Ng
Healthcare 2020, 8(3), 198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare8030198 - 05 Jul 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8419
Abstract
Pandemics are a significant stress test for a country’s economic, political and health systems. An effective pandemic response demands a multi-pronged and multi-layered approach, comprising surveillance, containment, border control, as well as various social and community measures. In the wake of the novel [...] Read more.
Pandemics are a significant stress test for a country’s economic, political and health systems. An effective pandemic response demands a multi-pronged and multi-layered approach, comprising surveillance, containment, border control, as well as various social and community measures. In the wake of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has now infected more than 7 million people worldwide, strict quarantine measures are a commonplace, and a third of the world’s population have now gone into some form of lockdown. With the exception of border control, all these response measures involve the contributions of family physicians and general practitioners (GPs) in one way or another. Primary care physicians form and lead the primary care network, which in turn forms the backbone of any healthcare system. Being the first point of contact for a significant proportion of patients, primary care physicians play an essential strategic function in the fight against disease, both during peacetime and in the event of a public health crisis. In this commentary, we examine and propose some of the key roles that they play in a pandemic, drawing examples from the current COVID-19 pandemic and past experiences. COVID-19 has showed us that the world is grossly unprepared for a pandemic, both in terms of our global management and the structure of our current primary health care systems, and this should provide the impetus for us to improve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)
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