Knowledge Of General Practitioners Research Articles

Menopausal Hormone Therapy, an Ever-Present Topic: A Pilot Survey about Women's Experience and Medical Doctors' Approach.

Background and Objective: Menopause can be associated with many clinical manifestations: vasomotor symptoms, urogenital problems, and additional psychological disturbances, such as anxiety, mood changes, and sleep alterations. The prolonged lack of hormones also increases the risk of long-term consequences. Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) in menopause consists of the administration of estrogen, alone or associated to progesterone, to relieve these uncomfortable disturbances and to prevent the onset of other pathologic conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of HRT use in a sample of menopausal women and their experience with menopause and HRT. This study also investigates the knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) and gynecologists about HRT and its prescription. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population survey on 126 women of 50-59 years in an industrial city in the North of Italy, Vercelli (Novara), in Eastern Piedmont. We also presented a questionnaire on the topic to 54 medical doctors (GPs and gynecologists) of the same area. Results: The prevalence of HRT use in our sample was 11.9%. In total, a good percentage of the users affirmed to be satisfied with HRT. Additionally, a minority of women reported being ideally against the use of replacement hormones, were advised against using HRT by doctors, and did not use it because of the fear of side effects. We found a positive association between patient education, health care attitude, and HRT usage. A significant number of women knew about HRT from the media, and most of them were not informed by a health professional. Despite this, the interviewed doctors considered their knowledge about HRT as 'good' and would recommend HRT: only 5.6% would not prescribe it. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for information about HRT among patients and health professionals, along with the need for more effective communication, evaluation, and suggestion of treatment.

A co-designed evaluation study to identify Breastfeeding Knowledge of General Practitioners' and Practice Nurses'.

The World Health Organization and American Academy of Paediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with complementary solid foods for up to 2 years and beyond. Despite the well-established importance of breastfeeding, Irish rates remain the lowest in Europe. Healthcare professionals' breastfeeding knowledge and skills have a positive impact on increasing breastfeeding rates. There is limited evidence of the knowledge, attitudes or practices of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs), which is essential to breastfeeding in Ireland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs and GPNs in one community healthcare organisation (CHO) in Ireland. A co-designed evaluation study was used following low-risk ethical exemption (LS-LR-22-161). A modified version of a validated breastfeeding questionnaire was developed. A Project Steering Committee was established that included patient, and public involvement stakeholders. The anonymised survey was distributed via online Qualtrics platform (November 2022-February 2023). STROBE Guidelines were utilised. The overall response rate was 25.9% (n = 121) and valid responses were reported in the article. The total population size was n = 468 (GPs n = 290 and GPNs n = 178). Our pilot study identified that 42.7% (n = 47/110) of respondents never attended a breastfeeding education programme, and 53.9% (n = 55/102) identified that their knowledge could be improved. The majority of respondents, 92.9% (n = 92/99) wish to complete further education in breastfeeding. The results of this pilot study in one CHO in Ireland indicate a gap in knowledge and a need for specific breastfeeding and lactation theoretical and skills training for GPs and GPNs working in primary care to support, promote and protect breastfeeding.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of General Practitioners on Peripheral Neuropathies in Benin in 2021

ABSTRACT Purpose: First healthcare actors in neurological diseases management, General Practitioners (GPs) still limited in the assessment of Peripheral Neuropathies (PN). This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of GPs on PN in Benin in 2021 and identifying associated factors to low KAP. Materials and methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 20 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 which included GPs registered in the National Order of Physicians in Benin and interns in last year of medical studies (MS). An overall KAP score of 24 points was derived. KAP levels were low (score < 17), medium (17 to 19) and high (score ≥ 20). Multivariable regression models were performed to identify factors associated with low KAP. Results: 645/1,066 participants (60.5%) were included in the study with median age 28years [Interquartile range IQR: 26-30 years], and 442 (68.5%) were male. The KAP level was low in 70.1%. 16.7% had a low knowledge of polyneuropathy manifestations, 35% perceived PN as an incurable disease. Lack of knowledge on PN before MS (adjusted Odds-ratio aOR = 1.6 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.1-2.3]), and no postgraduate training on PN (aOR = 1.8 [95% CI: 1.1-3.0]) were associated with low overall KAP level. Working in rural area (aOR = 0.4 [95%CI: 0.2-0.7]), and being an intern (aOR = 0.6 [95%CI: 0.4-0.9]) were associated with better overall KAP level. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for better training with strong emphasis on PN during the MS and the organization of postgraduate training for GPs; the cornerstone for improving the management of PN in Benin.

The views of general practitioners in Morocco about health promotion at the primary health care services: Qualitative study.

Health promotion (HP) is one of the key skills that every general practitioner (GP) should have, according to The World Organization of Family Doctors, but for several reasons, his practice remains insufficient. However, a gap would exist between the GPs' knowledge and their practices about HP. The aims of our study were to explore GPs' perceptions, knowledge, and practices in Morocco about HP and identify their barriers and needs to best practice HP actions. A qualitative case study was conducted among GPs, via semi-structured interviews following an interview guide. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select our sample. It contained four themes, perceptions, practices, barriers and needs, and proposals for improvement. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Thematic content data analysis was done manually. Favorable ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee. Fourteen GPs participated in this study. The sex ratio was at one. GPs' practices were focused on the biomedical model with wide confusion of HP with prevention and therapeutic education. Their roles in HP were considered paramount. The number of patients during consultations, structures' care, and knowledge were the main barriers. The main cited needs were material resources and HP training. Our study has made it possible to make an inventory of the practice of HP in Morocco. Participants' practices were based on the curative aspect. There is a crucial need to implement continuing and contextualized training for general practitioners to strengthen their skills in HP. This training will help to succeed in the health-promoting hospital's strategy.

Descriptive study of general practitioner's practices and knowledge about Parkinson's disease in the north of France

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD), the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease, constitutes a major public health challenge. A guide published by the French National Authority for Health in 2012 and revised in 2016 put forward recommendations for general practitioners (GP) planning care pathways for parkinsonian patients. It is well known that PD can be difficult to diagnose, and that when patients consult their GP, symptoms are often still limited and embedded in clinical uncertainty. This means the pathway to confirmed diagnosis of PD can be lengthy and uncertain. Consequently, it is important to identify the difficulties GPs encounter when caring for PD patients in order to help them better close the gaps in care strategies. MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey in northern France to evaluate GP practices and knowledge about PD and their accordance with care pathway recommendations. The survey was conducted using a 30-item questionnaire sent to a sample of GPs. ResultsThere were 164 GPs who responded to the study questionnaire. The responding GPs generally followed current care pathway recommendations. In presence of a parkinsonian syndrome, 93.3% of the GPs reported systematically looking for an iatrogenic cause; 57.4% did not announce the diagnosis without the advice of a neurologist; 97.6% referred patients to a neurologist when they suspected PD; and 80.5% asked the neurologist to modify treatments. Our findings also revealed some difficult aspects of GP practices: only 2.5% had had additional training in neurology; only 53.6% felt comfortable with the diagnosis of PD; 63.6% prescribed additional exams for the diagnosis; most of the GPs were unaware of second-line treatments and their indications, and finally existence of PD expert centers was unknown for 85.2%. ConclusionsThese findings could be useful to guide implementation of new measures supporting more holistic care for PD patients; PD expert centers in France could provide complementary information and training for GPs.

Evaluation of FamMed essentials: a blended-learning program for capacity building of general practitioners in Pakistan

BackgroundTo provide access to primary care and universal health coverage, Pakistan requires 60,000 trained family physicians by 2030. At present, most primary care is provided by general practitioners (GPs) who do not have any post-graduate training. Empowering GPs through competency–based programs, that strengthen their knowledge and skills, may be a cost-effective strategy for improving healthcare quality. We describe the development and evaluation of FamMed Essentials, a modular, blended-learning program to improve clinical knowledge and skills of GPs.MethodsThis is a mixed method study. We used the CIPP (content, input, process and product) framework for course development and evaluation. We describe the steps used in content development, strategies for teaching and assessments, and evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the program. In depth focus group discussions were conducted to gather insight on participants’ and faculty’s perceptions regarding the program’s effectiveness.ResultsOf the 137 participants who have completed the program, 72% were women and 49% had been practicing for more than five years. We saw a significant improvement in knowledge across all modules (p = < 0.001) and perceived confidence in clinical skills (p = < 0.001). An objective assessment showed participants’ competence in patient management. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction (4.4 ± 0.83 on a 5-point Likert Scale). Focus group discussions revealed a positive impact on clinical practice. Flexibility and use of different teaching and learning strategies were additional strengths. In addition, participants reported an interest in further training. Power outages were highlighted as a major challenge.ConclusionIn resource-constrained health systems, a modular, blended-learning, competency-based program is helpful to upgrade GPs knowledge without impacting their busy schedules. Accreditation of such programs and provision of a career trajectory for the trained GPs are pivotal to expansion of such initiatives.

General practitioner consultations for mental health reasons prior to and following bereavement by suicide.

Prior research has shown that the majority of those bereaved by suicide express a need for mental health care services. However, there is a lack of knowledge about these individuals' use of primary health care. The objective of our study was to estimate the association between suicide bereavement and general practitioner (GP) consultations for mental health reasons. A population-wide, register-based cohort study identifying 25,580 individuals bereaved by suicide. Estimations of increases in consultation rate were modeled through individual fixed-effects linear analyses adjusted for age and time-period. Overall, 35% of those bereaved by suicide had a GP consultation for mental health reasons during the first 1-2months, and 53% after two years. In the month immediately after bereavement by suicide, there was a large increase in the consultation rate with a GP for mental health reasons. In the months that followed, the consultation rate gradually decreased. One year after bereavement, the consultation rate stabilized at a somewhat higher level than before the death. The increase in consultation rate was evident across all kinship groups, and the increase was greatest for partners and smallest for siblings. Women had more contact with the GP before the suicide and a greater increase in contact than men. Our findings suggest that many of those bereaved by suicide seek assistance from primary health care, and that some are in need of prolonged follow-up from the GP. Health governments should be aware of this and seek to strengthen the GPs knowledge of the needs and challenges associated with this patient group. Measures should also be taken to remove barriers to contact the health care system, especially for men and bereaved siblings.

Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis by Moroccan General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Despite the existence of effective treatments and prescribed therapeutic protocols, there is a lack of management of osteoporosis, resulting in increased secondary morbidity and mortality. The general practitioner (GP) is the first-line practitioner for the detection and management of osteoporosis. This study was conducted to explore the practices, knowledge, and difficulties in postmenopausal osteoporosis management reported by GPs. An anonymous questionnaire (19 questions) was created via Google Forms and distributed to 300 GPs via social networks (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Gmail). The survey results were automatically calculated on "Google Forms" and checked using SPSS.20 software. A total of 129 responses were received, representing a response rate of 43%. The majority of respondents were women (67.2%). The definition of osteoporosis was variable, with 51.6% defining it as a T-score of ≤-2.5 SD, 25.8% defining it as diffuse bone demineralization, and 12.1% defining it as a fracture after falling with low energy. Prolonged corticosteroid therapy was the most commonly indicated reason for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) (81.39%). The calcium phosphate balance was the most requested (90.1%). Vitamin D and calcium supplementation were reported by 74.41% and 54.26% of GPs, respectively. Fracture of the upper end of the femur was the main therapeutic indication (65.11%). Most GPs surveyed (73.3%) were unfamiliar with the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). Most of the GPs gave advice on fall prevention to their patients (83.72%), and 62.5% of GPs monitored their patients' height. Anti-osteoporosis treatment was maintained for 3 to 5 years by 44.96% of GPs. Our survey found that the practices and knowledge of GPs on osteoporosis vary widely and often deviate from the recommended standards. This highlights the need for more excellent education of GPs, due to their vital role in the management of osteoporosis.

Knowledge, Perception, and Practices on the Labelling of Dispensed Medicine among Community Pharmacists and General Practitioners in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia.

The labelling of dispensed medicines (LDM) ensures that optimum therapeutic treatment levels are achieved, and medication errors are prevented. In Malaysia, LDM is enforced under the Poisons Act 1952. To explore the knowledge, perception, and practices of community pharmacists (CP) and general practitioners (GP) on LDM. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 until March 2020 among CP and GP practising in Sarawak, Malaysia. Sample sizes were 90 and 150 for CP and GP, respectively. Proportionate stratified random sampling was employed. A self-administered structured questionnaire pre-tested and pilot-tested was used to explore knowledge and perception. Practices were assessed by having participants prepare dispensed medicine labels (DML) using simulated prescriptions. 250 participants; 96 CP and 154 GP participated. While most of them perceived that they knew the requirements of LDM (n = 244; 97.6%), their median knowledge score was poor (57.1%). The mean knowledge score of CP (62.0%) was significantly higher (P = 0.002) than GP (51.0%). The majority of participants perceived that LDM is important (n = 237; 94.8%) and necessary (n = 239; 95.6%) and perceived that poor compliance with the requirements would lead to medication errors (n = 243; 97.2%). Although their knowledge was poor, their median practice score (100.0%) was excellent. There was no correlation between knowledge and perception with the practice of LDM. The majority of CP and GP perceived that LDM is important. Interestingly, although their knowledge of the requirements of LDM was poor, their practices were sound.

Patients and general practitioner knowledge and perception of testicular self-examination for cancer.

Testicular cancer (TC) predominantly affects young men and early detection enhances survival. However, uncertainty surrounds the impact of population-wide screening. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is a simple detection method but there is a gap in current practices that needs to be assessed. Our goal was to assess the perceptions and knowledge of male subjects in the general population (MP) and general practitioners (GPs) regarding TSE for TC. Two distinct surveys evaluating knowledge and perceptions of TSE for TC were administered to GPs and MP, aged 15‒45-years. Factors that could favour the realisation of TSE or improve the knowledge of TC were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 1048 GPs (mean (SD) age: 35.1 ± 10.3years) and 1032 MP (mean (SD) age: 27 ± 8.2years) answered the survey. Among the GPs, only 93 (8.9%) performed scrotal examination for TC screening. Although the majority (n = 993, 94.8%) were aware of the age of onset of TC, most (n = 768, 73.3%) did not know the overall survival rate from TC. GPs familiar with the guidelines were more likely to explain TSE to their patients (OR = 2.5 [95% CI 1.5‒4.1]; p < 0.01). Among the MP, 800 (77.5%) admitted that they did not know how to perform TSE and 486 (47.1%) did not know the main symptoms associated with TC. MP who had already undergone TC screening were more likely to be familiar with the main symptoms (OR = 2.1 [95% CI 1.6‒2.7]; p < 0.001) and MP who knew someone with TC or who had already undergone TC screening were more likely to be aware of the correct prevalence of TC (OR = 1.9 [95% CI 1.3‒2.7], p < 0.01; and OR = 1.6 [95% CI 1.2‒2.1], p < 0.01; respectively). The knowledge of both GPs and MP regarding TC could be improved. TSE screening and knowing someone close with TC improved the awareness of our subjects.

Approach, Attitudes, and Knowledge of General Practitioners about Helicobacter pylori in the Doctor Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH) in Jeddah

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a gram-negative twisting molded microscopic organism, known to colonize, principally in the gastric mucosa of the antrum. This study was designed to investigate the approach, attitudes, and knowledge of general practitioners in relation to HP among healthcare providers in Doctor Suliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH) in Jeddah. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 in DSFH in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed randomly for the period of July-September 2021, which was divided into 3 sections to gather information related to the consent, sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, and awareness of HP. Results: A total of 181 participants participated, 78% of participants were female. Among participants, it was revealed that the most prevalent reasons for the HP eradication therapy were peptic ulcer (48.4%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (41.8%), and dyspepsia (39.2%). There was a significant correlation between the knowledge of 181 healthcare respondents and which diagnostic test was used and when needed for HP confirmation was observed through statistical analysis and results showed data correlation to be statistically significant (p=0.30). There was a significant correlation between eradication treatment confirmation in suspected patients with infection and the experienced general practitioners of the DSFH analysis through statistical analysis and results showed data correlation to be statistically significant (p=0.20). Conclusion: The knowledge towards HP infection is still the most prevalent and persistent bacterial illness. There are numerous modalities for the diagnosing and eradication of HP.

Influencing factors of knowledge proficiency of general practitioners in rural China for esophageal cancer prevention and treatment: a cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate the knowledge of rural general practitioners (GPs) in esophageal cancer (EC) prevention and treatment in China and analyze relevant influencing factors, so as to improve the ability of rural GPs in EC prevention and treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 5, 2021, to November 20, 2021. A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct an online survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the influencing factors of knowledge proficiency of GPs in rural China for EC prevention and treatment. This study included 348 participants from 12 rural areas in Hebei Province. The mean accuracy rate on all question items was 42.3%±10.67%. Sex (OR = 2.870, 95% CI: 1.519-5.423), educational level (OR = 3.256, 95% CI: 1.135-9.339), and comprehension of clinical practice guidelines for EC (OR = 4.305, 95% CI: 2.023-9.161) were significant predictors for GPs' knowledge proficiency of EC prevention and treatment (P < 0.05). The study indicated that knowledge proficiency of rural GPs of EC prevention and control still awaits to be improved. Sex, educational level, and comprehension of clinical practice guidelines for EC were significant predictors for their proficiency.

Comparison of the Level of Knowledge of General Practitioners in Tanah Karo Regency and Labuhanbatu Regency Regarding Making Visum Et Repertum for Living Victims Injury Cases Before and After Training in 2023

Comparison of the Level of Knowledge of General Practitioners in Tanah Karo Regency and Labuhanbatu Regency Regarding Making Visum Et Repertum for Living Victims Injury Cases Before and After Training in 2023

Gambaran Tingkat Pengetahuan Dokter Umum Tentang Visum Et Repertum Di Rumah Sakit Tipe C Kota Padang

General practitioners have received knowledge on making visum et repertum during their education so they should know how to make a good quality of visum et repertum. However, not all of the general practiotioners have good knowledge about visum et repertum and are able to make a good quality of visum et repertum. This study aim to give a description about general practitioners' knowledge of visum et repertum. This study is a decriptive categoric study. The population of this study was general practiotioners who worked at Type C Hospital in Padang in 2022 consisting of 31 samples. Most of the samples were 26-35 years, female, bachelor degree, have been working for 1-5 years, had the experience in making visum et repertum, the level of knowledge of visum et repertum was stated to be sufficient. The general practitioner's knowledge of visum et repertum at Type C Hospital in Padang resulted in sufficient knowledge.

Experience and attitudes of general psychiatrists in Turkiye towards persons with intellectual disability/intellectual developmental disorders: a cross-sectional survey

Background The global burden of psychiatric care of intellectual disabilities/intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) remains unaddressed in general. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of general adult psychiatry practitioners in Turkiye. Methods A self-administered cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather information regarding the medical and postgraduate training experiences, views, and attitudes towards IDD (n = 265). Results Among the respondents, 47.9% reported receiving some training on IDD in medical school, and 75.4% during residency training. Almost all respondents felt strongly that further specialty training would be beneficial. Majority of respondents indicated that they would be willing to see patients with IDD despite finding it difficult to diagnose/manage their co-occurring mental disorders. The most common mental health problem endorsed was ‘challenging behaviour’. The most prescribed psychotropic medication class was antipsychotics. Conclusions The results of the study highlight need for training, normalization, and enhancement of community inclusion in IDD.

Place de la santé sexuelle en médecine générale

ObjectiveAssessment of the practices and knowledge of general practitioners in Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse regarding their patients's sexual health. MethodA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners in Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse from January 12, 2023 to February 9, 2023. A questionnaire was developed and sent to general practitioners practicing in Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse. It was distributed by personal and professional emails and numbers, and Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse's medical order. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: the first collected demographic and epidemiological data, the second assessed knowledge and practices of general practitioners regarding the sexual health, and the last evaluated practitioner's obstacles to talking about sexual health. ResultsNinety-nine general practitioners responded to the questionnaire (99/276, 35.9%). In all, 30.3% obtained a rate of correct answers>60%. The general practitioners with the best response rates had training in sexology or a degree in gynecology (P=0.0109). In their practices, some topics such as contraception for adolescents, the reassessment of contraception, the search for vulvuvaginal disorders in postmenopausal patients are more addressed by doctors and in particular those of the female sex. Other topics such as sexual violence, male sexual dysfunction and sexual health in patients over 70 are less discussed in consultation. ConclusionThe care of sexual health is an important part of global health, specific to the profession of general practitioner. The results of our study suggest that the knowledge and practices of general practitioners in Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse, are perfectible. The establishment of professional training, consultation dedicated to prevention, or even better awareness of sexual health professionals would promote a better screening.

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding enteric fever among doctors of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Background: Enteric fever remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners regarding enteric fever is crucial for effective disease management and control. This study aims to assess these aspects among general practitioners, providing insights into current practices and identifying areas for improvement. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 general practitioners. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including baseline characteristics, knowledge about enteric fever causative agents and symptoms, diagnostic practices, antibiotic preferences, and general attitudes towards management and prevention. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of specific knowledge and practices. Results: Majority of practitioners (74%) were residents, predominantly working indoors (61.5%). All respondents correctly identified Salmonella typhi and para typhi as causative agents and fever as a primary symptom. However, there was variability in recognizing other symptoms and diagnostic methods. Ceftriaxon was the most preferred antibiotic (67%), and blood culture correctly identified as gold standard for diagnosis by 71% of respondents. Attitudes and practices varied, with significant number not adhering to recommended diagnostic and treatment protocols. Conclusions: The study reveals a solid foundation of basic knowledge about enteric fever among general practitioners but also highlights significant gaps in the understanding of clinical symptoms, diagnostic practices, and treatment protocols. These findings underscore the need for enhanced educational initiatives and standardized guidelines to improve the management of enteric fever.

Needs and challenges among general practitioners in the management of actinic keratosis: a qualitative study

BackgroundBecause of the increasing incidence of actinic keratosis (AK), optimal use of limited healthcare resources is essential. Although most patients can be managed in primary care, dermatology referrals are common. More profound knowledge of general practitioners’ (GPs) considerations might assist in enhancing AK care.MethodsThe aim of the current study was to gain insight into AK management in primary care by exploring the needs and challenges among GPs in the Netherlands. A qualitative study was conducted based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 conveniently sampled Dutch GPs, focusing on the needs and challenges in AK management. A literature-informed, predefined topic list guided the interviews, which were recorded, transcribed ad verbatim, and thematically analysed using the Framework Method.ResultsAll GPs reported AK to be a clinical diagnosis and most GPs indicated that most AK patients could be managed in primary care. Cryotherapy was preferred and experience with 5-FU therapy was limited. Most GPs applied cryotherapy without discussing other treatment options with patients. Reasons for dermatology referrals included an incomplete treatment response, extensive lesions, difficult-to-treat areas, and serious doubts about the diagnosis. GPs reported a need for more education, especially on 5-FU therapy. Their main challenges were dealing with diagnostic uncertainty, treating extensive lesions, managing treatment-related skin reactions, and reconciling patient misconceptions.ConclusionsThis study shows various AK management approaches among Dutch GPs with suboptimal guideline compliance due to diverse underlying barriers. It suggests that more education might contribute to a more standardised and uniform AK management and supports further transition of AK care from hospital to primary care.

Оцінка обізнаності щодо діагностики та менеджменту фарингіту в дітей серед лікарів загальної практики

Sore throat and pharyngitis account for up to 5.0% of all medical visits to a general practitioner. The etiology of pharyngitis in both adults and children is dominated by viruses, but in 20.0-30.0% of children the cause may be bacteria, most often the Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Purpose - to assess the knowledge of general practitioners regarding the diagnosis and management of pharyngitis in children, to determine further ways to increase their level of awareness. Materials and methods. A survey of 60 general practitioners in the Ternopil region of Ukraine was conducted to determine their awareness of the diagnosis and management of pharyngitis in children. The questionnaire and statistical methods were used. Results. In total, 45.0% of general practitioners in individual cases prescribed bacteriological cultures from the oropharynx to patients with acute pharyngitis. However, they rarely (6.7%) used the Center or McIsaac criteria to choose a treatment strategy for acute pharyngitis. Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of pharyngitis was used in individual cases by 86.7% of respondents. Amoxicillin was chosen as a first-line antibiotic by 38.3% of respondents, while protected aminopenicillins were chosen by 36.6%. Only 10.0% of general practitioners indicated a 10-day course of antibiotic therapy. A little more than half of the correct answers were to questions related to the appointment of antibacterial therapy to healthy children in whom the Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus was detected during bacteriological examination or an increased level of antistreptolysin-O in the blood. Conclusions. The results of our study showed a different level of knowledge of general practitioners regarding some aspects of diagnosis and management of pharyngitis in children. Insufficient knowledge was demonstrated regarding the possibilities of diagnosing the streptococcal etiology of pharyngitis, in particular the use of both clinical and laboratory research methods. Despite good knowledge about prescribing antibacterial therapy, poor awareness about the duration of antibacterial therapy and incomplete knowledge about the choice of antibacterial agent are shown. Relatively satisfactory knowledge was demonstrated regarding the strategy of management of streptococcal carriage in healthy children. The presented data indicate the need to improve the awareness of general practitioners regarding the diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis, taking into account the modern complications of streptococcal infection. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

1.D. Workshop: Long COVID: A Myth or a reality?

Abstract COVID-19 has been a pandemic since 2020 and to date has resulted in a substantial global burden through both morbidity and mortality. Long term symptoms impacting the mental, social, and physical well-being among COVID-19 survivors started to be noted from early pandemic. This phenomenon was reported as Long COVID, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has now defined it as “a condition that occurs in those with probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection where symptoms last for at least two months from the onset of the infection”. Yet, the paucity of longitudinal cohort studies and clinical trials on Long COVID presents the scientific, clinical, and public health ecosystems with limited understanding pertaining to this new condition as well as presents uncertainty on whether “Long COVID is a myth or a reality?” Additionally, on a country level, the level of preparedness to deal with Long COVID at a population level and through healthcare services are not established. With over 60% of Europeans reported to suffer from Long COVID, this timely workshop is set to bring forward a pan-European expert consensus on the existence and the deterrent effects attributed to Long COVID, with recommendations for the way forward. The workshop will start off by presenting the overall impact of COVID on the well-being of middle-aged and older adults residing in 27 European countries as well as explores whether having Long COVID further deteriorate their well-being. The symptoms of Long COVID will be explored along with their effect on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, mental well-being, while investigating the determinants that diminish HRQoL. This will provide an all-rounded approach to the direct effects of Long COVID. It is known that Long COVID individuals will seek their first medical care contact at primary healthcare. Therefore, the workshop will explore the general practitioner's knowledge, perceptions, and experience on Long COVID's diagnosis and management across two European countries. This will provide an insight whether primary healthcare practitioners are equipped with dealing with this emerging syndrome. The workshop then focuses on Italy's perspective, at a country level, in managing Long COVID through Good Clinical Practice and access to national services. Finally, a European overview of the Long-COVID-19 situation from a population health perspective will be provided and it will offer unique insights on the development of different tools, strategies and structures in national healthcare systems and their fight against long-COVID. Key messages • Long COVID is causing deterrent effects and impact the physical, mental, social and economic status of the populations. • We need better tools (e.g., registries or targeted Health Examination Surveys) to assess the situation and to customise health care provision for the current patients and avoid the further spread.