Primary Health Care Practitioners Research Articles

The Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used with Low Back Pain and the Attitude of Primary Healthcare Practitioners in Saudi Arabia toward Them.

Background and objectives: The use of appropriate outcome measures can help guide multidimensional low back pain (LBP) management, elucidate the efficacy/effectiveness of interventions, and inform clinicians when selected targets have been achieved and this can be used for educational or research purposes. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the use, attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs regarding patient-reported outcome measures used by healthcare practitioners practising in Saudi Arabia who are frequently involved in the healthcare of individuals with LBP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was undertaken using a web-based survey. An electronic invitation to participate was sent to primary care physicians and physical therapists practising in Saudi Arabia. The survey included three sections: demographic data, a list of the most commonly used patient-reported outcome measures with LBP patients, and statements regarding attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs about outcome measures. Results: A total of 156 practitioners participated: 45 primary care physicians and 111 physical therapists. The numeric pain rating and visual analogue scales were the outcome measures most frequently reported as being often used by both primary care physicians and physical therapists. The majority of participants reported often using 1–2 patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). While most participants indicated that they were confident at selecting the most appropriate PROM, fewer were familiar with the concept of the minimally important clinical difference. A lack of Arabic versions of PROMs was reported as a barrier to using them to assess pain. Conclusions: This study shows that, although primary care physicians and physical therapists in Saudi Arabia frequently use patient-reported outcome measures in their clinical management of patients with LBP, there is a noticeable gap in the knowledge and use of the multidimensional outcome measures for LBP management among the participants. This highlights a need for professional training on the use of standardised outcome measures related to LBP.

Case Report on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that inhibits the body's immune system that induces inflammation in the injured areas of the body. It is commonly caused the joints of the palms, wrists, and knees. An inflaming rheumatoid arthritis joint contributes to joint tissue damage. This condition may cause chronic or long term discomfort, instability, and deformation. Symptoms include exhaustion, pain, and depression. If the patient does not undergo early diagnosis and care for symptoms, a series of symptoms can arise including Osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eye and mouth, carpal tunnel syndrome Case Report: The female patient name is Yogita Shinde 65-year-old religion Hindu lived in the kandhali. She was admitted to AVBR Hospital with the chief complaint of pain in her shoulder and hands, joints pain, swelling on both the hands. She started taking ibuprofen 800 mg 3 times per day to relieve discomfort and rigidity. Three months earlier, as she was doing her job, she had pain on her right and left shoulders. She still started to feel very sleepy and short-tempered. Tab ibuprofen was not an effective very long time for pain. One morning, Yogita couldn't lift her arms without the intense pain of her back. She was conscious that it was time for help. She had spoken to her parents, and they advised her to see a physician. The primary healthcare practitioner (PHP), who tested and carried out a variety of blood test. Positive-rheumatoid factors, CCP antibiotics, higher ESR, and C-reactive protein were seen via the blood samples. These findings were communicated to Yogita and the Rheumatologist was directed at her PCP to see her as soon as possible. The primary health care practitioner inquired about the medical records of Yogita parents and grandparents, family conditions, medical and operative records of yogita, and details on their family and working lives. And after that, the physician started the treatment, after which Yogita feels better for some days. After a few weeks she having recurrent pain in her hand and foot, this is intolerable to her. And then she is admitted to AVBR Hospital on date 20th Sept 2020

Water, sanitation and hygiene-related practices in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana: Policy relevance in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals

The African Journal of Primary Health & Family Medicine welcomes submissions that encourage scholarly exchange between family medicine and primary health care researchers and practitioners across Africa and the developing world, whilst providing a contextual and holistic view of family medicine as practiced across the continent.

Causes of concomitant strabismus surgery delay in teenagers and adults

ABSTRACT To reveal the reasons for strabismus surgery delay and motivations for seeking surgical treatment in adulthood. Prospective survey among 91 adult patients, suffering from concomitant strabismus acquired in the childhood that underwent delayed strabismus surgery. The mean age of participants was 24 years (from 16 to 58 years); 48 females (52.7%), and 43 males (47.3%). Strabismus surgery has been delayed for about 20 years in adult patients who could potentially benefit of it in childhood. The most common reasons for strabismus surgery delay, reported by patients, included the following: lack of awareness about surgery (37.4%); surgery was recommended but declined by patients’ parents/guardians in their childhood (6.6%); fear of surgery (17.6%); eye specialists affirmation that surgery would not lead to strabismus improvement (27.5%); previous poor surgical experience (6.6%); and non-affordability (4.4%). The main motivations for seeking strabismus surgery in adulthood among our patients were the following: appearance improvement (38.5%), strengthening of self-confidence (30.8%), better social relationship (16.5%), better job opportunities (7.7%), and advice from family and friends (6.6%). About 80% of strabismus surgery delays in teenagers and adults were caused by lack of awareness regarding strabismus surgery and even the misconception among primary health-care practitioners and some eye doctors who considered that surgery would not lead to strabismus correction. The main reasons for seeking strabismus surgery in adulthood were: esthetical ones, self-confidence strengthening, and building better social relationship. All factors mentioned below confirmed the negative impact of oculomotor disorders on patient’s psychological condition. The focus on patient’s individual concerns and needs was especially important for recovery and well-being of adult patients with strabismus and formed a central feature of patient centered medical approach.

Hypertension in China: burdens, guidelines and policy responses: a state-of-the-art review.

Hypertension is a leading risk factor of cardiovascular disease and it is becoming increasingly prevalent globally. Correspondingly, the Chinese government and public health institutions have issued a series of policy documents and guidelines for hypertension. However, no comprehensive review of such documents has been conducted. Hence, this review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of not only the disease burden, but also hypertension management policies and guidelines in China. A total of 15 epidemiological studies based on national population surveys, 15 Chinese Hypertension Guidelines, and seven policy documents were identified. We found a larger burden of hypertension in men, while the awareness, treatment, and control rates have remained low in both sexes. The ranges of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rate among hypertensive patients were 18.0–44.7%, 23.6–56.2%, 14.2–48.5%, and 4.2–30.1% respectively. Chinese hypertension guidelines provide evidence-based instructions to healthcare practitioners over hypertension management in which primary healthcare is increasingly emphasized. Finally, the policy documents set national goals for hypertension management and standardized the services provided in primary healthcare. The findings highlight the importance of integrating new guidelines into hypertension management provided by primary healthcare practitioners and the need to evaluate the implementation of guidelines and policies.

Incidence and treatment of hand and wrist injuries in Dutch emergency departments

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology, treatment and costs of hand and wrist injuries presenting to the Dutch ED. With increasing medical costs and crowding of emergency departments (ED), a more detailed description of emergency department attendance of hand and wrist injuries and their treatment may help to facilitate more adequate allocation of health care services.MethodsThe Dutch Injury Surveillance System obtained a total of 160,250 hand and wrist injuries. Patient characteristics, incidence rates, type of injury, treatment, and costs were described.ResultsThe incidence of hand and wrist injuries in the Netherlands in 2016 was 11 per 1000 in males and 8 per 1000 in females. This is about 25% of all injuries presented at the ED. Of all hand injuries, only 3% was directly admitted to the hospital or received emergency surgery. Thirty percent did not need further treatment in the hospital.ConclusionThe current data suggest that a substantial proportion of the hand and wrist injuries needed no subsequent specialized treatment. Although the severity of the injury could not be deduced from our data, the data suggest a ground for a more extensive role of primary health care (general) practitioners in the primary triage and treatment of hand and wrist injuries. This may reduce health care cost and help decongest the ED departments. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary conclusions.Level of evidenceIII.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Willingness among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women during the First Pandemic Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Switzerland.

As pregnant women are at high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines are available in Switzerland, this study aimed to assess the willingness of Swiss pregnant and breastfeeding women to become vaccinated. Through a cross-sectional online study conducted after the first pandemic wave, vaccination practices and willingness to become vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 if a vaccine was available were evaluated through binary, multi-choice, and open-ended questions. Factors associated with vaccine willingness were evaluated through univariable and multivariable analysis. A total of 1551 women responded to questions related to the primary outcome. Only 29.7% (153/515) of pregnant and 38.6% (400/1036) of breastfeeding women were willing to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 if a vaccine had been available during the first wave. Positive predictors associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance were an age older than 40 years, a higher educational level, history of influenza vaccination within the previous year, having an obstetrician as the primary healthcare practitioner, and being in their third trimester of pregnancy. After the first pandemic wave, Switzerland had a low SARS-CoV-2 vaccination acceptance rate, emphasizing the need to identify and reduce barriers for immunization in pregnant and breastfeeding women, particularly among the youngest and those with a lower educational level.

Attitudes and beliefs of South African primary healthcare practitioners on initiating insulin in people with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the Tshwane Insulin Project (TIP)

AimsTo investigate the attitudes and beliefs of primary healthcare practitioners (HCPs) towards initiating insulin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in South Africa. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst HCPs from 23 clinics. The nurses’ questionnaire was administered by research nurses while doctors completed an online version about their attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers to initiating insulin. ResultsOf the 73 HCPs surveyed, 68% were nurses and 84% were women. Only 24% of HCPs believed that most patients would eventually need to initiate insulin regardless of their adherence to treatment regimens and 86% preferred to delay insulin therapy. Doctors were reluctant to initiate insulin, citing patient-related reasons such as low socio-economic level (41%), inability to refrigerate insulin (77%) and inability to self-monitor blood glucose (55%). Doctors mentioned that patient behaviour including not adhering to treatment regimen and appointments (91%) and reluctance to start insulin therapy (82%) influenced their prescription practices. Doctors mentioned that health system factors, including the pressure to see patients quickly (68%) and lack of continuity of care (64%) were barriers to initiating insulin. ConclusionsOptimising insulin therapy in primary care requires health system changes including promoting person-centred care and continuing training for HCPs.

Equitable and Holistic Public Health Measures During the Singaporean COVID-19 Pandemic.

This Covid-19 pandemic has been a trying time for all countries, governments, societies, and individuals. The physical, social, and organizational infrastructure of healthcare systems across the world is being stressed. This pandemic has highlighted that the healthcare of the country is as strong as its weakest link and that no aspect of life, be it social or economic, is spared from this pandemic.The authors would like to highlight some of the lessons learned from Singapores management of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the Singaporean Covid-19 pandemic, public health policy planning was all encompassing in its coverage, involving various stakeholders in government and society. The important role of individuals, governments, industry, and primary healthcare practitioners when tackling COVID-19 are highlighted. Singapores management of the Covid-19 pandemic involved an approach that involved the whole of society, with a particular focus on supporting the vulnerable foreign worker population, which formed the majority of Covid-19 cases in the country. Hopefully amidst the trying times, valuable lessons are learnt that will be etched into medical history and collective memory. We hope to highlight these lessons for future generations, both for members of the public and fellow healthcare practitioners.

Exploring vaccination practices of midwives in British Columbia.

BackgroundRegistered midwives in British Columbia (BC) are primary health care practitioners for healthy people throughout pregnancy and for approximately 6 weeks postpartum. BC registered midwives are authorized to prescribe and administer certain vaccines to adults under their care during the perinatal period and hepatitis B vaccine to high‐risk newborns. However, little has been documented about their recommendations for, and administration of, prenatal and infant vaccinations. This study surveyed midwives currently practicing in British Columbia to understand their vaccination practices.MethodsAn online survey was administered to the members of the Midwives Association of BC in spring 2018. Outcome measures were the proportion of midwives who discussed, recommended, and administered the following vaccines: influenza, varicella, rubella, and infant hepatitis B. The proportion of midwives who discussed and recommended infant vaccines was measured. Barriers to discussion, recommendation, and administration of vaccines were captured.ResultsSixty‐three percent of 108 respondents administered vaccines to their clients. Hepatitis B and rubella were the most frequent vaccines administered. Logistical concerns were the greatest barrier to vaccine administration. This was followed by the perception that vaccine administration is not within the scope of practice of midwives, especially for influenza vaccine. Midwives who administered vaccines were significantly more likely to discuss and recommend vaccines to their clients and their infants.ConclusionsThe majority of BC midwives discuss, recommend, and administer vaccines to their clients. Our survey highlighted key areas to address to strengthen midwifery capacity to discuss, recommend, and provide prenatal and infant vaccines.

Primary healthcare personnel challenges and barriers on the management of patients with multimorbidity in Albania.

The number of people living with chronic conditions is increasing worldwide with most of these people receiving the needed healthcare services in primary healthcare (PHC) settings. The objective of this study was to explore the main challenges and barriers that PHC providers confront while treating multimorbid patients. This is a qualitative study utilising semi-structured individual in-depth interviews. The study took place in Vlora City, which is the biggest city located in south Albania. Τhe two biggest PHC centres of the city were enrolled. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit PHC practitioners. Main criteria of participation in the study were being fully employed at the enrolled primary care centres, having worked for at least 1year and to deal with multimorbid patients in daily practice. Data collection took place from September 2019 to January 2020. In total, 36 semi-structured interviews took place with 23 (63.9%) nurses and 12 (33.3%) physicians (general practitioners/family doctors). Communication problems and disputes, lack of materials/equipment and the inappropriate infrastructure, miscommunication and problems in doctor-nurse relationships, coordination problems, lack of protocols and problems in the referral system were reported as the main challenges and barriers that the PHC personnel confront. The findings of this study are critical in understanding challenges that PHC personnel face when dealing with multimorbid patients in PHC settings. The emerged knowledge contributes significantly in a better understanding of the actual situation and to inform health policy makers on how to deal with the existing problems.

Interprofessional diabetes and oral health management: what do primary healthcare professionals think?

Background: Diabetes and periodontitis have a bi-directional relationship. And yet, collaborations between primary healthcare practitioners in diabetes and oral health care are minimal. This study explored the views of general practice and oral health professionals on the link between diabetes and periodontitis, and interprofessional diabetes and oral health management. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods exploratory research design was used. General practice and oral health professionals were recruited from four community health centres in Melbourne. Quantitative surveys explored participants' experiences, attitudes and knowledge of diabetes and oral health management and interprofessional collaboration; qualitative follow-up interviews explored survey responses with selected participants. Results: 58 participants completed the online surveys; 22 then participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants generally had strong intentions to collaborate interprofessionally in diabetes and oral health management. Most general practice and oral health professional participants were willing to perform simple screening for periodontitis or diabetes respectively. Themes from the interviews were grouped under three domains: 'a ttitude towards diabetes and oral health management', 'subjective norms' and 'perceived behavioural control'; and an overarching domain to describe participants' 'current practice'. Existing siloed primary healthcare practices and lack of formal referral pathways contribute to poor interprofessional collaboration. Most participants were unsure of each other's responsibilities and roles. Their lack of training in the relationship between general and oral health, compounded by systemic barriers including time constraint, high dental costs, long public dental waiting list and unintegrated health information systems, also impeded interprofessional care. Conclusions: The diabetes and oral health link is not properly recognised or managed collaboratively by relevant primary healthcare professionals in Australia. There is, nonetheless, strong intentions to engage in interprofessional diabetes and oral health care to contribute to improved patient outcomes. Primary healthcare professionals need dedicated and accredited interprofessional training and competencies, formal referral systems and sustainable health policies to facilitate collaboration.

Effects of a participatory organisational, core work task focused workplace intervention on employees’ primary healthcare consultations: secondary analysis of a cluster RCT

ObjectivesWe aimed to examine whether a participatory organisational workplace intervention focusing on core tasks at work resulted in lower primary healthcare utilisation of employees.MethodsThe cluster randomised controlled trial included 78...

Management of acute fever in children: Consensus recommendations for community and primary healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Fever is one of the most common reasons for unwell children presenting to pharmacists and primary healthcare practitioners. Currently there are no guidelines for assessment and management of fever specifically for community and primary healthcare workers in the sub-Saharan Africa region. This multidisciplinary consensus guide was developed to assist pharmacists and primary healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa to risk stratify and manage children who present with fever, decide when to refer, and how to advise parents and caregivers.Fever is defined as body temperature ≥ 37.5 °C and is a normal physiological response to illness that facilitates and accelerates recovery. Although it is often associated with self-limiting illness, it causes significant concern to both parents and attending healthcare workers. Clinical signs may be used by pharmacy staff and primary healthcare workers to determine level of distress and to distinguish between a child with fever who is at high risk of serious illness and who requires specific treatment, hospitalisation or specialist care, and those at low risk who could be managed conservatively at home. In children with warning signs, serious causes of fever that may need to be excluded include infections (including malaria), non-infective inflammatory conditions and malignancy. Simple febrile convulsions are not in themselves harmful, and are not necessarily indicative of serious infection. In the absence of illness requiring specific treatment, relief from distress is the primary indication for prescribing pharmacotherapy, and antipyretics should not be administered with the sole intention of reducing body temperature. Care must be taken not to overdose medications and clear instructions should be given to parents/caregivers on managing the child at home and when to seek further medical care.

Competencies and scope of practice of nurse practitioners in primary health care: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to explore existing literature about nurse practitioners' competencies and scope of practice in primary health care in order to examine and conceptually map the evidence and identify gaps in the literature. To meet growing health care needs, current primary health care models have expanded to include nurse practitioners. The integration of nurse practitioners in primary health care is challenging. This is mainly due to the lack of a unified definition of the role, competencies, or clear criteria to determine scope of practice. This scoping review will consider studies addressing nurse practitioner practice in primary health care. The focus lies on nurse practitioner competencies (eg, core competencies or practice activities) and scope of practice (eg, areas of responsibility or legally defined professional boundaries). Studies that were conducted in primary health care settings in rural, urban, and suburban regions where nurse practitioners are employed will be included. Studies published in English, German, or French from 1965 to present will be considered. The databases to be searched include PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature to be searched will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, OpenGrey, and websites of national nurse practitioner organizations. Retrieval of full-text studies and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. The extracted data will be presented in tables or graphs, with an accompanying narrative summary.

'I'm fine!': Assertions of lack of support need among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A mixed-methods study.

ObjectivesTo understand how people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) disavow their support needs and the impact on care.MethodsTwo stage mixed-method design. Stage 1 involved sub-analyses of data from a mixed-method population-based longitudinal study exploring the needs of patients with advanced COPD. Using adapted criteria from mental health research, we identified 21 patients who disavowed their needs from the 235 patient cohort. Qualitative interview transcripts and self-report measures were analysed to compare these patients with the remaining cohort. In stage 2 focus groups (n = 2) with primary healthcare practitioners (n = 9) explored the implications of Stage 1 findings.ResultsPatients who disavowed their support needs described non-compliance with symptom management and avoidance of future care planning (qualitative data). Analysis of self-report measures of mental and physical health found this group reported fewer needs than the remaining sample yet wanted more GP contact. The link between risk factors and healthcare professional involvement present in the rest of the sample was missing for these patients. Focus group data suggested practitioners found these patients challenging.DiscussionThis study identified patients with COPD who disavow their support needs, but who also desire more GP contact. GPs report finding these patients challenging to engage.

Early detection of cervical cancer in western Kenya: determinants of healthcare providers performing a gynaecological examination for abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding

BackgroundIn western Kenya, women often present with late-stage cervical cancer despite prior contact with the health care system. The aim of this study was to predict primary health care providers’ behaviour in examining women who present with abnormal discharge or bleeding.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A sample of primary health care practitioners in western Kenya completed a 59-item questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to identify the determinants of providers’ intention to perform a gynaecological examination. Bivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the external variables and intention.ResultsDirect measures of subjective norms (DMSN), direct measures of perceived behavioural control (DMPBC), and indirect measures of attitude predicted the intention to examine patients. Negative attitudes toward examining women had a suppressor effect on the prediction of health workers’ intentions. However, the predictors of intention with the highest coefficients were the external variables being a nurse (β = 0.32) as opposed to a clinical officer and workload of attending less than 50 patients per day (β = 0.56).In bivariate analysis with intention to perform a gynaecological examination, there was no evidence that working experience, being female, having a lower workload, or being a private practitioner were associated with a higher intention to conduct vaginal examinations. Clinical officers and nurses were equally likely to examine women.ConclusionsThe TPB is a suitable theoretical basis to predict the intention to perform a gynaecological examination. Overall, the model predicted 47% of the variation in health care providers’ intention to examine women who present with recurrent vaginal bleeding or discharge. Direct subjective norms (health provider’s conformity with what their colleagues do or expect them to do), PBC (providers need to feel competent and confident in performing examinations in women), and negative attitudes toward conducting vaginal examination accounted for the most variance. External variables in this study also contributed to the overall variance. As the model in this study could not explain 53% of the variance, investigating other external variables that influence the intention to examine women should be undertaken.

A checklist-based method for improving COPD care for the elderly in general practice: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial using electronic health records

BackgroundThe third most frequent chronic condition, and the fourth most common cause of death, in Poland is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The diagnosis and treatment of COPD is the responsibility of the general practitioner (GP); the GP also serves as gatekeeper, referring patients to the other levels of public health care system when necessary. Undertreatment of COPD can result in a greater frequency of exacerbations and hospitalizations. Elderly patients require special attention due to the increased prevalence of COPD and systemic comorbidities. However, both the occurrence of exacerbations and the quality of life of the patients may be improved by developing and implementing guidelines for practice and ensuring their adherence. This proposal concerns the development of a checklist-based educational program to assist general practitioners in managing COPD patients.MethodsNo less than eighty-four general clinics in the Lodz region, Poland (28 clusters in each of three study arms), will be identified, randomized, and included in the trial. The trial will be based on anonymized data in electronic health records within the national public health care system.The educational intervention program will consist of GPs in two intervention arms being provided with a COPD management checklist: those in the first intervention arm with receive the checklist once at the beginning, while those in the second with receive it twice. The third (control) arm receives standard care without the checklist.The study used the International Code of Diseases (ICD)-10 for COPD. The primary aim is to determine the effect of interventions delivered to general practitioners (GPs) in primary health care. These interventions are aimed at decreasing the hospitalization of elderly patients with medical code J-44 (COPD) as the main reason for hospital admission.DiscussionThe results of this trial will be directly applicable to primary care in Poland and add new data to the growing body of evidence regarding interventions aimed at improving chronic illness care.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Protocol Registration System. Please see in ClinicalTrial.gov identifier (NCT Number): NCT04301505. Registered on 10 March 2020.

Engagement of nurse practitioners in primary health care in northern British Columbia: a mixed-methods study.

Background:Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been regulated primary care providers in British Columbia since 2005; however, many practices and contributions of NPs, especially those in northern or rural regions, remain unarticulated in primary health care. The objective of this study was to evaluate NP practices in the context of providing primary health care in northern BC.Methods:This was a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods study. We recruited NP participants working in northern BC; recruitment and data collection occurred between April and June 2018. Participants completed the validated 28-item Primary Health Care Engagement (PHCE) Scale to assess their perceptions of their workplace with 8 attributes of primary health care (quality improvement, community participation, patient-centred care, accessibility, intersectoral team, interdisciplinary collaboration, continuity and population orientation). We also interviewed NPs about their everyday practice. Transcribed data from the interviews were analyzed interpretively.Results:In total, 13 of 30 (43%) eligible NPs participated in the survey and interview. The PHCE Scale results showed that all NPs perceived their workplaces to be highly engaged in patient-centred care, but none reported their workplaces as accessible. Interview data were organized into 5 headings which described how NPs see patients who are medically and socially complex, address inequities in access, practice collaboratively, address local service gaps and improve patient abilities to access care.Interpretation:In interprofessional primary health care teams, NPs are key members and attend to both direct patient care and broader social conditions affecting health. Nurse practitioners can help accelerate advancements to deliver responsive community-based primary health care.

Evaluation of Secondary Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis of Jaw in 15 Cases: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: Chronic osteomyelitis may become a refractory condition and is more difficult to treat. Therefore, for correct diagnosis and evaluation of chronic osteomylitis, primary health care practitioners must have knowledge of signs and symptoms associated with osteomyelitis for effective management. Aim: To evaluate secondary chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of jaw in 15 cases. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients treated for maxillo-mandibular secondary chronic osteomyelitis over a period of six years (January 2013 to December 2018) in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. This study was carried out in between November 2019 to November 2020. A total of fifteen cases were identified which were diagnosed as Secondary Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis (SCO) and treated for same. The cases were evaluated for demographic data, risk factors, aetiology, clinical presentation, radiological findings and the management. Data was collected through retrospective search of records and was arranged in descriptive tabular format without statistical analysis. Results: Out of 15 cases 9 (60%) were female. The patients ranged in age from 21 to 56 years with a mean age of 36.6±9.0 years. The mean age at first symptoms was 35.5 years (20-55), with a standard deviation of 9.12 years. The distribution of osteomyelitis in the jaws was dominated by the cases that occurred in the mandible i.e., 73.33% (11 cases) and the maxilla 26.66% (four cases) with most common involved site was body and angle region of mandible (eight cases) followed by premolar region two cases and anterior region one case. In this study, five cases (33.33%) had carious lesion and seven cases (46.67%) had infected extraction socket. Other causes of infection were osteoradionecrosis in one case and superimposed infection like mucormycosis in two cases. The most common causes of chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws were directly related to odontogenic infections like infected unhealed socket. Decortication and curettage was done in four cases. Decortication and sequestrectomy were performed in five cases and debridement of necrosed bone in three cases. Sinus opening, debridement of necrosed wall and packing were done in three cases of SCO involving maxilla. Duration of antibiotic therapy in all patients averaged five weeks. Conclusion: The accurate diagnosis with the help of recent imaging techniques, adequate antibiotic therapy as well as surgical treatment was keys for the success of SCO management.