Missed acute deterioration in primary care

New research investigates the circumstances around patients who had seen a GP before hospitalisation. It found that patients were less likely to self-refer to hospital (potentially an indication of missed deterioration) after longer face-to-face consultations. GP telephone and video consultations have increased substantially with the COVID-19 pandemic, but these forms of consultations have not been fully evaluated and may increase missed deterioration in primary care. Findings discussed in the interview with Dr Elizabeth Cecil are the strong association between time spent with GP and self-referral; GPs are more likely to miss deterioration with phone consultations; patients are less likely to self-refer when face-to-face is followed by phone consultations; and this research supports the lengthening of consultation times.  

Webinar: Cancer and primary care

The second BJGP Webinar took place on 26 May, focusing on Cancer and primary care. The webinar was introduced by Prof. Fiona Walter, from Queen Mary University of London & University of Cambridge. There were presentations, a panel discussion, and time for attendees' questions. Jump to a 2-minute summary of the clinical messages from each speaker. For more jump links, watch on YouTube and 'show more' to navigate to sections of interest. Keep up-to-date, follow #BJGPWebinar on Twitter, and BJGP Webinar on BJGP Life. 

Remote consultations and dementia during COVID-19

New research from University College London shows that remote healthcare consultations with patients with dementia are easier for issues like medicines, but new issues and physical signs are more difficult when remote. Remote consultations that were described as feasible were mostly by telephone and managed by the carer. Practitioners engaging with people living with dementia and their carers should make extra effort to ensure the efficacy of remote healthcare consultations, addressing difficulties by encouraging use of prompts to remember problems, assessing new emerging issues, rescheduling/missed calls, and inclusion of the person with dementia’s voice. Listen to the podcast interview with Remco Tuijt.