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Feature
Continuity and breaches in GP care
This study suggests that a well organised GP personal list system might compensate for adverse effects when changing regular GP. The research examined how breaches in continuity affect patients with chronic diseases, and found that lower GP continuity is associated with increased mortality for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure; however, the association is not significantly different for patients with the same regular GP compared with those who changed their regular GPs.
Highlights
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Recent Features
Additional roles reimbursement
This study investigated the implementation of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) in terms of its successes and barriers. Additional roles in primary care under ARRS are increasing the range of patient care; however, their positive impact on the reduction of workload pressures as a result of workforce shortages has yet to be revealed. It is important to provide more funding flexibility for additional roles in primary care to enable recruitment of the appropriate staff in areas of deprivation and prevent further widening of health inequalities.
Severe and multiple disadvantage
This research describes co-designed strategies for providing accessible primary care to patients who experience combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, violence, abuse, and poor mental health. Researchers collaborated with inner city general practices and people with lived experience to improve accessibility for patients most in need. An inclusion patient list with more flexible access, continuity from a care coordinator and micro-team, and an information sharing tool, may improve patients' health and reduce demand on emergency services and unplanned care.
Addressing child weight with parents
Opportunities to support healthcare professionals in addressing child weight with parents were identified by GPs, primary care nurses, and school nurses. They recommended structural changes within primary and community care, joined-up systems and data sharing across agencies, and development of healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills, specifically via core training and continuing professional development. Changes within healthcare services would help healthcare professionals to assist parents of children who struggle with their weight.