3 Evaluation of an intervention designed to enhance involvement of older patients in their own care
Tina Aaen Geest and colleagues have undertaken an ambitious study in 11 European countries using a consultation leaflet to try to enhance the involvement of older patients in their consultations with GPs. Unfortunately, the leaflet seemed to have little impact. However, as highlighted in the accompanying editorial, this IMPROVE study has been an important endeavour for reasons not entirely related to its negative findings. It has demonstrated the capacity of European GP researchers to mount large international studies and to conduct them rigorously.
10 Patients’ views on dyspepsia and acid suppressant drug therapy in general practice
Acid suppressant drugs are now among the most widely used in general practice, and a large proportion of patients seem to need them long term. The suspicion is that patients may be using these drugs rather than undertaking lifestyle changes. Antje Spijker-Huiges and colleagues have questioned this and suggest more patient-friendly means of reducing costs on these medicines.
15 Out-of-hours co-operatives: General practitioner satisfaction with governance and working arrangements
Providing care out of hours is a challenge to general practice in many countries, and a common response is the establishment of groups of GPs in co-operatives. These have recently been introduced in Ireland, and Tom O'Dowd and colleagues have surveyed GPs about their experiences, both positive and negative.
19 A study of cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese people in England
Obesity is rapidly emerging as the most significant risk factor for ill health in developing countries. Tracking this epidemic and its impact presents a major challenge. Simon de Lusignan and colleagues instigated a drive to improve data quality in a large number of English practices and have shown, on the basis of this data, that cardiovascular risk factors in both overweight and obese people are not being adequately treated.
BACKGROUND PAPER
30 Western European best practice in primary healthcare
The configuration of health systems and the relative strength of primary care within them vary greatly throughout Europe. Juan Gérvas and Mercedes Pérez Fernández have sought in their pensée to try to identify ways in which primary healthcare may be strengthened, drawing from recent examples in Western Europe.
PENSÉE
44 Academic outreach: Fostering learning and research in general practice
The concept of academic outreach, i.e. an expert coming to visit GPs in their practices, is well established in the area of promoting better drug use. David Gelipter and Moyez Jiwa describe a similar process used to promote research in general practice.