From Mother’s Little Helper to General Practitioner’s Dilemma: Confidence in the Recognition and Management of Benzodiazepine Dependence in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
National Level ◽  
Southern Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Benzodiazepine Dependence

Introduction: Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications in general practice in Australia. This offers an important opportunity to recognise and manage dependence. Objectives: investigate the level of confidence General Practitioners in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia have in recognizing and managing benzodiazepine dependence. Method: a cross sectional survey was sent to all the general practitioners in the Great Southern Region practicing at the time the survey was disseminated. Results: the survey response rate was 35%. The majority of respondents were more confident in recognizing, rather than managing, dependence. The most common barrier to recognition and management was inconsistent prescribing within practices, followed by lack of time and experience. Discussion: Barriers to managing benzodiazepine dependence appear to play a significant part in undermining General Practitioner (GP) confidence and practice, suggesting that additional practical and systems supports need to be available at a practice, regional and national level.

Postpartum consultations in Australian general practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy E. Brodribb ◽  
Benjamin L. Mitchell ◽  
Mieke L. Van Driel
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Postpartum Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Australian General Practice

Many GPs undertake postpartum care for women and their infants. GP follow-up enables early identification and management of problems, education and support for parenting, and reconnection with general practice following the birth. However, there is little information about GPs’ understanding of their role in postpartum care and how it is undertaken. This cross-sectional survey of GPs in Southern Queensland, conducted between February and July 2013, describes the involvement of GPs in postpartum care. GPs were posted a 52-item questionnaire adapted from a previous Victorian GP study and were telephoned 2 weeks later. GPs completed the survey on paper or online. The response rate was 17.4% (163 GPs). Approximately 39% were uncertain whether women were happy with the GP-provided postpartum care. GPs’ recommendations for the timing of postpartum reviews were inconsistent within and across birthing sectors and consultations took longer than anticipated. Developing guidelines around the timing and appropriate length of postpartum consultations could assist GPs in providing appropriate care for mothers and infants.

scholarly journals General practitioners’ experiences with, views of, and attitudes towards, general practice-based pharmacists: a cross-sectional survey

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameerah S. Hasan Ibrahim ◽  
Heather E. Barry ◽  
Carmel M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Practices

Abstract Background There is limited United Kingdom (UK) literature on general practice-based pharmacists’ (PBPs’) role evolution and few studies have explored general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences on pharmacist integration into general practice. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate GPs’ experiences with, views of, and attitudes towards PBPs in Northern Ireland (NI). Methods A paper-based self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections was mailed in 2019 to 329 general practices across NI and was completed by one GP in every practice who had most contact with the PBP. Descriptive analyses were used and responses to open-ended questions were analysed thematically. Results The response rate was 61.7% (203/329). There was at least one PBP per general practice. All GPs had face-to-face meetings with PBPs, with three-quarters (78.7%, n = 159) meeting with the PBP more than once a week. Approximately two-thirds of GPs (62.4%, n = 126) reported that PBPs were qualified as independent prescribers, and 76.2% of these (n = 96/126) indicated that prescribers were currently prescribing for patients. The majority of GPs reported that PBPs always/very often had the required clinical skills (83.6%, n = 162) and knowledge (87.0%, n = 167) to provide safe and effective care for patients. However, 31.1% (n = 61) stated that PBPs only sometimes had the confidence to make clinical decisions. The majority of GPs (> 85%) displayed largely positive attitudes towards collaboration with PBPs. Most GPs agreed/strongly agreed that PBPs will have a positive impact on patient outcomes (95.0%, n = 192) and can provide a better link between general practices and community pharmacists (96.1%, n = 194). However, 24.8% of GPs (n = 50) were unclear if the PBP role moved community pharmacists to the periphery of the primary care team. An evaluation of the free-text comments indicated that GPs were in favour of more PBP sessions and full-time posts. Conclusion Most GPs had positive views of, and attitudes towards, PBPs. The findings may have implications for future developments in order to extend integration of PBPs within general practice, including the enhancement of training in clinical skills and decision-making. Exploring PBPs’, community pharmacists’ and patients’ views of this role in general practice is required to corroborate study findings.

scholarly journals Ultrasonography to Assess Suspected Bone Fractures: Beliefs and Usage in General Practice in Germany – A Cross-Sectional Survey

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordian Lukas Schmid ◽  
Beatrice Kühnast ◽  
Marcus Heise ◽  
Tobias Deutsch ◽  
Thomas Frese
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Fracture Diagnosis ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract Background: Over the last two decades, ultrasonography (US) has been shown to be an accurate tool for the diagnosis of suspected bone fractures; however, the conditions for integrating this usage of US into general practice need to be specified. In this study, we surveyed German general practitioners (GPs) to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of US for the diagnosis of suspected fractures. Methods: Notification of the study, a self-designed questionnaire, and a reminder were sent by mail to 600 randomly selected GPs in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Results: The response rate was 47.7% (n=286), and respondents did not differ from the population of all GPs in respect to sex and practice type. Of all GPs surveyed, 48.6% used an US device in their practice. On average, GPs diagnosed six patients with suspected fractures per month, yet only 39.3% knew about the possibility of ultrasonographic fracture diagnosis, and only 4.3% of GPs using US utilized it for this purpose. Among participants, 71.9% believed that US is inferior to conventional X-rays for the diagnosis of bony injuries. Users of US were better informed of and used this imaging modality more often for fracture diagnosis than non-users. Conclusion: The need to rule out possible fractures frequently arises in general practice, and US devices are broadly available. Further efforts are needed to improve the knowledge and attitudes of GPs regarding the accuracy of US for fracture diagnosis. Multicenter controlled trials could explore the usefulness and effectiveness of this seldom used diagnostic approach.

Attitudes of medical students to general practice: a multinational cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Avian ◽  
Stephanie Poggenburg ◽  
Dagmar Schaffler-Schaden ◽  
Kathryn Hoffmann ◽  
Linda Sanftenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Undecided Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Representation ◽  
Students Attitudes

Abstract Background A shortage of general practitioners (GPs) is common to many European countries. To counteract this, it is essential to understand the factors that encourage or discourage medical students from choosing to become a GP Objective To evaluate medical students’ attitudes towards general practice and to identify factors that discourage them from considering a career as a GP. Methods In this multinational cross-sectional online survey, 29 284 students from nine German, four Austrian and two Slovenian universities were invited to answer a questionnaire consisting of 146 closed and 13 open-ended items. Results Of the 4486 students that responded (response rate: 15.3%), 3.6% wanted to become a GP, 48.1% were undecided and 34.6% did not want to be a GP. Significant predictors for interest in becoming a GP were higher age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.10], positive evaluation of the content of a GP’s work (OR = 4.44; 95% CI = 3.26–6.06), organizational aspects (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.13–1.78), practical experience of general practice (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.08–2.56) and the country of the survey [Slovenian versus German students (Reference): OR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.10–4.38; Austrian versus German students (Reference): OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.32–0.79]. Conclusion Strategies to convince undecided students to opt for a career as a GP should include a positive representation of a GP’s work and early and repeated experience of working in a general practice during medical school.

scholarly journals Perception and Knowledge of Patients from Different Regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards Oral Hygiene and Oral Hygiene Aids

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Shamoukh Alshahrani ◽  
Abrar Alshuaibi ◽  
Malak Alkhaldi ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Floss ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the perception and awareness of interdental aids in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted, in order to evaluate the perception and knowledge of patients towards oral hygiene products among the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In total, 812 out of 1124 participants responded and completed the survey (response rate 72.2%). The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. p < 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: A total of 812 participants responded, of which 486 participants (60%) declared using a toothpaste and toothbrush for cleaning their teeth. The cohort consisted of 274 (34%) females who brushed twice daily, while 96 (33%) males brushed their teeth once a day and 18% of the participants did not even brush once a day. The results indicated that 332 (64%) female participants and 174 (60%) male participants had perception and knowledge of the use of dental floss or any other device to clean between their teeth, while 174 (48.50%) male participants and 174 (49.10%) female participants cleaned their tongue with the same brush, rather than using a tongue scrubber or any other aids. Conclusion: The total awareness of interdental aids in Saudi Arabia is unsatisfactory, as demonstrated by the participants not being conscious or informed about the maintenance of their oral health. A majority of participants did not report adopting basic techniques, such as tongue brushing. This study reveals that no interdental aids were used by 16% of the participants. Thus, it is crucial to develop an effective educational program which emphasizes oral healthcare in this population.

scholarly journals The Frequency of Use and Harm Perception of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs): The 2019 Cross-Sectional Survey among Medical Students from Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3381
Author(s):  
Paulina Majek ◽  
Mateusz Jankowski ◽  
Bartłomiej Nowak ◽  
Maksymilian Macherski ◽  
Maciej Nowak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cigarette Smokers ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Medical University

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are devices for generating a nicotine aerosol by heating the tobacco sticks. This study aimed to assess (1) the prevalence of HTP and tobacco cigarette usage among medical students, (2) to characterize smoking habits and (3) to assess students’ awareness and opinions about HTPs. A cross-sectional survey on the frequency and attitudes toward cigarettes, e-cigarettes and HTP use was performed between 2019–2020 at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland). The data were obtained from 1344 students aged 21.8 ± 1.9 years (response rate: 66.9%). Current traditional tobacco use was 13.2%, e-cigarettes use 3.5%, and HTP use 2.8% of students. Duration of use was shorter among HTPs users comparing to cigarette smokers (p < 0.001) although the number of tobacco sticks used daily was similar (p = 0.1). Almost 30% of respondents have ever tried HTPs. HTPs were considered safe by 5.3% of respondents (43.2% of HTP users vs. 3.9% of non-HTP users, p < 0.001). HTP users were more likely to report that heating tobacco is not addictive (odds ratio (OR) = 8.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–45.8) and disagreed with a public ban on HTP use (OR = 4.9, 95%CI: 2.5–9.8). Among students, HTP use was less popular than cigarette smoking, but awareness of their presence is widespread.

scholarly journals Training interns in nutrition and dietetics: a cross-sectional study of the barriers and motivators to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist preceptor

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Hutchins ◽  
Donna M. Winham ◽  
Jinette P. Fellows ◽  
Michelle M. Heer
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
National Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Registered Dietitian ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Entry Level

Abstract Background As is common across the health professions, training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) requires experiential learning for interns/students to gain skills and demonstrate entry-level competency. Preceptors are essential to the experiential learning component of health care professional training, providing supervision and mentoring as students and interns gain the skills required for entry-level practice competency. Over the past 27 years, 47–73% of applicants to dietetic internships have received a placement. Practitioners willing to volunteer as preceptors are needed to generate more internship or experiential learning opportunities for the profession to continue to meet workforce demands. Methods The objective of this national-level online cross-sectional survey was to identify perceptions and attitudes associated with the preceptor role and incentives that might encourage precepting by current RDNs. A random sample of RDN and Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR) professionals from the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioner database were eligible to participate in the online survey. The main outcome measures included perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives to precept compared by preceptor experience categories (current, former, never precepted). Comparisons of perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives were made between preceptor experience categories using Chi-square and ANOVA. Results Of 2464 invitations, 308 participants had complete variables for analysis. Top incentives were the opportunity to earn continuing education units (65.9%) and having expenses paid to attend a national conference (49.5%). Significantly more (P < 0.001) “former” and “never” preceptors reported the ability to choose when to take an intern, training on how to teach and communicate with interns, and access to an “on-call” specialist as incentives compared to “current” preceptors. Significantly more (P < 0.01) “never” preceptors reported training on internship expectations and the ability to provide input on intern selection process as incentives compared to “current” or “former” preceptors. Conclusions Incentives to serve as a preceptor differ based on “current”, “former”, or “never” precepted status. Promoting and strategizing solutions to the current imbalance between the greater number of dietetic internship applicants compared to preceptors should be targeted based on preceptor status to retain current preceptors, encourage former preceptors to return and recruit professionals who have never served.

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