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Feature
Alcohol brief interventions
General practice can deliver alcohol brief interventions in daily practice when appropriately resourced and supported, according to new research. The REACH programme – REducing AlCohol- related Harm – includes resources for patients, clinicians, and clinics, and has been found to improve alcohol recording in general practice. The authors emphasise that preventive health innovations for alcohol misuse can be supported through existing channels with enhanced alignment between national policy and clinical need. See REACH resources for GPs and practice nurses.
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The BJGP Research & Publishing Conference will be returning on 22 March 2024, at RCGP Headquarters in London. It is an exceptional opportunity for researchers at all stages of their careers to acquire new research skills, present their work in a constructive, peer-reviewed environment, and connect with others. See past conferences' programmes and abstracts.
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Musculoskeletal consultations and prescribing
Fewer people sought help from primary care for their musculoskeletal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions according to a new study. Of those who did, a greater proportion were prescribed strong painkilling medicines, including strong opioids. This trend reversed as restrictions eased. Clinicians appeared to respond to patient needs during the pandemic amidst restrictions placed on non-pharmacological treatments. Commissioners and policy makers should consider the impact of these behaviour changes for future pandemic planning.
Patients' gut feelings
Research has revealed the importance of GPs' gut feelings in diagnosis, but new research looks at gut feelings in patients. It found that the way patients, or their relatives, share their gut feelings with primary care professionals is by communicating whether they trust or do not trust the situation. They also expressed perceiving changes to normal, familiar patterns. This research may help primary care professionals to recognise gut feelings which may contribute to better clinical reasoning.