General physicians' perspectives on SGLT2 inhibitors for heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are novel agents for heart failure (HF) and are now recommended in guidelines. Understanding general physicians' perspectives can help to optimise utilisation of this new medication. AIM: To understand the clinical concerns and barriers from general physicians about prescribing SGLT2is in a general medicine cohort. METHODS: A questionnaire exploring clinicians' experience, comfort level and barriers to prescribing SGLT2is in patients with HF, incorporating two clinical scenarios, was disseminated to Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand members over a 2-month period. RESULTS: Ninety-eight participants responded to the questionnaire (10.8% response rate). Most respondents (66.3%) were senior medical staff. Most participants worked in metropolitan settings (64.3%) and in public hospital settings (83.7%). For HF with reduced ejection fraction, 23.5% of participants reported prescribing SGLT2is frequently (defined as prescribing SGLT2is frequently over 75% of occasions). For HF with preserved ejection fraction, 57.1% of participants reported prescribing SGLT2is less than 25% of the time. Almost half of the participants (44%) expressed a high level of familiarity with therapeutic knowledge of SGLT2is, while 47% indicated high familiarity with potential side effects. Patient complexity, cost of medications and discontinuity of care were identified as important barriers. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis was the side effect that caused the most hesitancy to prescribe SGLT2is in 48% of the respondents. CONCLUSION: General physicians in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are familiar with the therapeutic knowledge and side effects of SGLT2is. Patient complexity, medication cost and discontinuity of care were significant barriers to the use of SGLT2is for HF among general physicians.

The Balance Between Intensive and Palliative Care in an Anti-melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 (MDA5) Antibody-Positive Acute Interstitial Pneumonia in a Nonagenarian: A Case Report.

This case report details the management of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive acute interstitial pneumonia in a 93-year-old man, a condition characterized by rapid progression and high mortality. Despite the grim prognosis typically associated with this disease, especially in elderly patients, the subject of this report survived beyond the expected timeframe, illustrating the effectiveness of prompt and aggressive treatment strategies. Initially presenting with dyspnea, the patient's diagnostic process was challenging due to the absence of dermatomyositis (DM)-specific skin manifestations. However, early suspicion led to the identification of anti-MDA5 antibodies, confirming the diagnosis. The treatment regimen initiated with corticosteroid pulses, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and high-dose gamma globulin therapy significantly improved the patient's respiratory conditions, giving the patient and his family time to decide on their palliative care. This approach underlines the importance of early diagnosis and the implementation of comprehensive treatment strategies in managing anti-MDA5 antibody-positive interstitial pneumonia. In this case, the successful outcome adds valuable insights into the potential for extending survival and enhancing the quality of life in elderly patients with this severe autoimmune condition, emphasizing the need for a proactive and aggressive approach to treatment.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Gradually Worsening With Consecutive Pregnancies: A Case Report.

This case report elucidates the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a form of systemic vasculitis, in a 32-year-old female presenting with progressive dermal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms following multiple pregnancies. The patient's history of allergic reactions and pregnancies suggested a gradual progression of EGPA, a condition rarely associated with pregnancy. Initial symptoms were misinterpreted as allergic reactions and acute gastroenteritis, delaying the correct diagnosis. Laboratory findings included eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E, while further investigations ruled out other differential diagnoses, such as chronic eosinophilic leukemia. A clinical diagnosis of EGPA was made based on symptom progression, eosinophilia, and mononeuritis multiplex, absent typical granulomatous changes in the skin biopsy. Treatment with high-dose prednisolone and rituximab halted disease progression and improved symptoms, highlighting the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment in preventing irreversible complications. This case emphasizes the need for general physicians to consider pregnancy as a potential trigger for autoimmune diseases like EGPA, especially in patients presenting with multi-symptom allergic reactions and high inflammatory markers.

Implementing a general practitioner-to-general physician eConsult service (eConsultant) in Australia.

BACKGROUND: In response to lengthy wait times for specialist outpatient appointments, electronic consultation (eConsult) services have developed globally, providing asynchronous, secure and timely communication between general practitioner (GP) and specialist. This study aims to track adoption of a Queensland eConsultant service in two Australian Primary Health Networks (Western Queensland and Brisbane South) to understand key barriers and enablers to adoption and inform modification of the implementation strategy.  METHODS: Our theory-informed mixed-methods evaluation assessed implementation between July 2020 and March 2022. Adoption and implementation activities were prospectively recorded in bespoke tracking spreadsheets with implementation activities coded against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategies. Semi-structured interviews with GPs and stakeholders informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted to understand determinants of implementation.  RESULTS: Of the 40 practices invited to take part in the eConsultant service, 20 (50%) enrolled. Of the 97 GPs who consented, 38 sent at least one Request for Advice (RFA) to the eConsultant with a total of 112 RFA sent. Implementation was predominantly guided by eight strategies. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 GPs and 4 stakeholders (12 from rural/remote regions, 11 females and two sole practitioners). Interviewees felt the eConsultant service supported outpatient appointment avoidance and provided efficient, timely access to specialist support for GPs and their patients. Barriers identified to using eConsultant related to digital infrastructure, competing priorities, and keeping the service 'front of mind'. Key enablers identified were the relative advantage of eConsultant over other options, patient benefits and COVD-19 facilitating the use of digital technology. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation highlighted service enablers as well as user priorities for broader implementation. A focus on a well-integrated digital system and availability of a variety of eConsultant specialties are seen as key strategies to embedding the eConsultant option in GP advice processes in Australia.

Secondary Failure of Tocilizumab in Treating Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis With Systemic Symptoms Complicated by Diverticulum Perforation.

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced from the use of steroids to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors. Historically, steroids have been the mainstream in the clinical treatment of RA; however, the development of DMARDs has changed the RA treatment structure. In addition, biologics can alleviate RA symptoms. This case report describes the secondary failure of tocilizumab in treating RA with fatigue symptoms. Treatment with tocilizumab decreases C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which may make detecting RA exacerbation difficult; therefore, obtaining the patient's precise history and thorough physical examinations are necessary. This case demonstrates the complexity of treating elderly-onset RA and reports practical methods for effective treatment.

Giant Cell Arteritis Mimicking Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Challenging Diagnosis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the middle and large arteries. Rural areas have many older patients with various symptoms, so large-vessel-type GCA should be managed effectively. Older patients tend to show vague symptoms that cannot be adequately diagnosed and observed. Here, we have encountered a case of a 91-year-old woman with a chief complaint of fatigue diagnosed with large-vessel type GCA in collaboration with a rural clinic. Effective collaboration between physicians in rural hospitals and clinics is necessary for diagnosing and treating large-vessel GCA. In rural areas, without adequate healthcare professionals, physicians should share their abilities and collaborate smoothly to mitigate delays in consultation and treatment. To effectively treat large vessel-type GCA, rural general physicians should be familiar with the clinical course of the disease and treatment for rural comprehensive care.

A Case of Legionella Pneumonia in an Older Patient Without Typical Exposure to a Susceptive Environment.

Legionella pneumonia is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that causes various clinical symptoms and is often difficult to diagnose. For the diagnosis, it is important to inquire about the patient's history of exposure to sewage or soil, although there are rare cases of Legionella pneumonia with no history of exposure. In this study, we present a case of Legionella pneumonia in a 72-year-old man with no history of wastewater exposure from public baths or other sources. The patient presented to our emergency department with fever, chills, and shivering. The antigen test of the urine for Legionella was negative, and chest radiography showed patchy infiltrates in the right lower lung field that was suspicious for pneumonia. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g/day) for right-sided pneumonia and was intubated on day 1 due to poor oxygenation and a tendency towards exacerbation to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The fever resolved after day 3 (36.4-36.9°C), and the patient was extubated on day 6. A positive sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Legionella deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (type 1) was performed on day 6, and levofloxacin and dexamethasone therapy was administered. After completing a 10-day course of levofloxacin, the patient's symptoms were cured. Although it is important to note the patient's background, symptoms, and information on the clinical course, including laboratory values, to include a diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia, it is impractical to suspect Legionella pneumonia in all patients admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and to administer new quinolone antimicrobials. However, it is important to re-evaluate the diagnosis and intervene in treatment when ß-lactam antimicrobials are ineffective or when extrapulmonary symptoms are present, as in this case.

Hashimoto Encephalopathy of a Middle-Aged Man With Progressive Symptoms of Dementia.

Autoimmune encephalitis is caused by immunological reactions showing unconsciousness, agitation, and other neurological symptoms. Autoimmune diseases can be related to autoantibodies, causing encephalitis. These autoantibody-related encephalitides could appear in various clinical courses. As laboratory tests for detecting these antibodies are limited, diagnosis is difficult. Hashimoto's encephalopathy is autoimmune encephalitis caused by antibodies against the thyroid gland. This time, we experienced a case of a 69-year-old man with a chief complaint of subacute progression of amnesia and suspected autoimmune encephalitis, who was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's encephalopathy in a rural community hospital. In this case, clinicians should consider Hashimoto's encephalopathy as a differential diagnosis and measure antithyroid antibodies when acute or subacute onset cognitive impairment is observed in middle-aged patients. As a super-aging society significantly affects community hospitals, general physicians need to start treatments for encephalopathy and encephalitis when clinicians suspect the disease and rule out other critical diseases.

Device-Related Thrombotic Microangiopathy in an Elderly Patient With a History of Aortic Surgery.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is caused by several diseases, including infections, congenital and autoimmune diseases, and malignancies, usually requiring admission to intensive care. The primary pathophysiology of TMA is microvascular thrombosis, and its diagnosis is based on the presence of hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, schistocytes in a blood smear, and organ damage. Among secondary TMAs, device-related TMA could be difficult to diagnose if device implementation was performed years ago. We report the case of an 87-year-old woman with a chief complaint of dyspnea diagnosed with device-related TMA. In device-related TMA, thrombogenesis/thrombocytopenia is triggered by hemolysis/fragmented red blood cells. However, in other TMAs, thrombogenesis or thrombocytopenia is preceded by hemolysis and the presence of fragmented red blood cells. Thus, rapid plasma exchange is necessary to address TMA pathogenesis. TMA can be managed in a community hospital if the facility has access to plasma exchange. It is possible to treat complex TMAs even in community hospitals by carefully considering their pathophysiology. Additionally, improving the quality of general practice in community hospitals will allow for more effective diagnosis and treatment of TMAs.

Clinical Characteristics of Japanese Patients Who Visited a COVID-19 Aftercare Clinic for Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19/Long COVID.

Introduction The long-term clinical course, prognosis, and optimal management of symptoms and conditions after the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of patients referred to a COVID-19 aftercare (CAC) clinic established at a tertiary academic hospital in Japan. Methods This study was a descriptive case series study. All patients who visited the CAC clinic between February 15 and September 17 in 2021 were included. Patients' background, chief complaints, and clinical courses after the onset of COVID-19 were described. Results A total of 87 Japanese patients (median age, 40.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 26.5-53.0 years; 52.9% women) were referred to the CAC clinic. The median interval between the onset of COVID-19 and the visit to the clinic was 79.0 (IQR, 52.5-112.0) days. Referral sources were hospitals (36 patients), clinics (47 patients), a local healthcare center (3 patients), and other (1 patient). The most common chief complaint was general fatigue (50.4%) followed by dysosmia (28.7%), dysgeusia (26.4%), hair loss (18.4%), headache (17.2%), dyspnea (16.1%), and dyssomnia (13.1%). Respiratory symptoms were common in the early stages of the disease but were less common as the chief complaints when visiting the clinic. On the other hand, neurological, psychiatric, and extremity symptoms were predominant one month after the onset of COVID-19. Conclusions Regardless of the severity in the acute phase, patients visiting our CAC clinic suffered from a variety of symptoms. General physicians skilled in using a comprehensive approach would be optimal to see patients with such complex symptoms.

Comprehensive Care through Family Medicine: Improving the Sustainability of Aging Societies.

Comprehensive care through family medicine can enhance the approach to multimorbidity, interprofessional collaboration, and community care, and make medical care more sustainable for older people. This study investigated the effect of implementing family medicine and the comprehensiveness of medical care in one of the most rural communities. This implementation research used medical care data from April 2015 to March 2020. Patients' diagnoses were categorized according to the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). In 2016, family medicine was implemented in only one general hospital in Unnan. The comprehensiveness rate improved in all ICD-10 disease categories during the study period, especially in the following categories-infections; neoplasms; endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases; mental disorders; nervous system; circulatory system; respiratory system; digestive system; skin and subcutaneous tissue; musculoskeletal system and connective tissue; and the genitourinary system. Implementing family medicine in rural Japanese communities can improve the comprehensiveness of medical care and resolve the issue of fragmentation of care by improving interprofessional collaboration and community care. It can be a solution for the aging of both patient and healthcare professionals. Future research can investigate the relationship between family medicine and patient health outcomes for improved healthcare sustainability.

A case of acute cerebral infarction with a favorable prognosis after rt-PA administration by a general physician with telestroke support.

Objective: Herein, we report a patient with acute cerebral infarction with a favorable prognosis after being managed by a general physician with support from the telestroke program. Patient and Methods: An 85-year-old man was transferred to a regional hospital due to sudden onset of dysarthria and left hemiparesis. As no neurosurgeons or neurologists were available in that hospital or area, the patient was examined by a general physician who diagnosed him with cardioembolic stroke on the left middle cerebral artery territory. The physician consulted a stroke specialist using the telestroke system; with the support from the telestroke program, the physician administered thrombolytic therapy 4 hours and 10 minutes after the onset of symptoms. Results: The patient's National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved from 9 to 3 and he was subsequently transferred to the stroke center. However, the occluded left middle cerebral artery had already re-canalized. His hemiparesis completely improved one week after the onset. Conclusion: A telemedicine system for general physicians is indispensable in areas without accessible stroke specialists as it provides access to a standard of care for hyper-acute stroke patient assessment and management, and helps improve neuroprognosis.

Characteristics related to the treatment of colorectal cancer patients based on a pilot study in Baranya county, Hungary / A colorectalis daganatos betegek kezeléshez jutásának jellemzoi egy Baranya megyei pilotvizsgálat keretében

Összefoglaló.Bevezetés: Az európai országok közül Magyarország a colorectalis daganatos incidencia és mortalitás szempontjából az élen szerepel. Ennek hátterében a beteghez vagy az egészségügyi rendszerhez kötheto tényezok is állhatnak. Célkituzés: Kutatásunk célja, hogy pilotvizsgálat keretében feltárjuk a colorectalis daganatos betegek kezeléshez jutásának körülményeit azáltal, hogy a betegek elso tünetei, kivizsgálásuk jellemzoi, betegségük stádiuma és a terápiáig eltelt idotartamok közötti összefüggéseket elemezzük. Módszer: Retrospektív adatgyujtés történt 26, Baranya megyei háziorvosi praxis colorectalis daganatos betegeinek (n = 212) adataira vonatkozóan a praxisok, valamint a Pécsi Tudományegyetem Klinikai Központjának (PTE KK) adatbázisából. Meghatároztuk a terápiáig eltelt intervallumot (TEI), amely az elso orvos-beteg találkozástól - amikor a beteg colorectalis daganatra utaló tünetekkel eloször jelentkezett orvosnál - a terápia megkezdésének elso napjáig eltelt idot jelenti. A statisztikai elemzés során deskriptív analízist, valamint varianciaanalízist végeztünk. Eredmények: A sürgosségire került betegek leggyakoribb tünete a hasi/végbéltáji fájdalom volt, míg a háziorvost felkereso betegek a véres székletet említették a legtöbbször. A sürgosségi osztályon jelentkezo betegek esetében lényegesen magasabb arányban (61%) diagnosztizáltak késoi (III-IV.) stádiumú daganatot, mint a háziorvoshoz forduló betegek körében (42,7%). A TEI rövidebb volt, ha a betegek sürgosségi osztályra kerültek (TEI-medián: 15 nap késoi, 34,5 nap korai [I-II.] stádiumú daganat esetén), mint amikor háziorvosnál jelentkeztek eloször (TEI-medián: 86 nap késoi, 83 nap korai stádiumú daganat esetén). Következtetés: A sürgosségi és a háziorvosi kivizsgálás esetén észlelt TEI-k összemérhetok a nyugat-európai országokéival. A hazai magas mortalitási mutatók hátterében inkább a betegek késedelmes orvoshoz fordulása állhat, ami a primer és szekunder prevenció fontosságára hívja fel a figyelmet. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(4): 153-160. INTRODUCTION: Hungary has one of the leading colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in Europe. Patient-related and healthcare-related factors may all play a role. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the characteristics related to the treatment of colorectal cancer patients by analysing their initial symptoms, disease stage, referral characteristics and total treatment intervals. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted based on data from colorectal patients (n = 212) from the databases of 26 general physician practices and the University of Pécs, Clinical Center. The total treatment interval was determined as the number of days from the first patient-physician consultation with symptoms until the first day of treatment. Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance were performed. RESULTS: Patients' most common symptom was abdominal/rectal pain when presenting at the emergency department while bloody stool was the most common among patients visiting their general physicians. The proportion of patients with advanced stage (III-IV) cancer was significantly higher at the emergency department than among patients visiting their general physicians (61% and 42.7%, respectively). The total treatment interval was shorter when patients presented at the emergency department (total treatment interval median: 15 days for advanced stage, 34.5 days for early [I-II] stage cancer) than when they initially visited their general physicians (total treatment interval median: 83 days for early stage, 86 days for advanced stage cancers). CONCLUSION: The total treatment intervals for patients visiting the emergency department or their general physicians were similar to those found in Western European countries. The high mortality rates in Hungary are more probably due to patient-related delays, which highlight the importance of primary and secondary prevention. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(4): 153-160.

A case of acute cerebral infarction with a favorable prognosis after rt-PA administration by a general physician with telestroke support / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: Herein, we report a patient with acute cerebral infarction with a favorable prognosis after being managed by a general physician with support from the telestroke program.Patient and Methods: An 85-year-old man was transferred to a regional hospital due to sudden onset of dysarthria and left hemiparesis. As no neurosurgeons or neurologists were available in that hospital or area, the patient was examined by a general physician who diagnosed him with cardioembolic stroke on the left middle cerebral artery territory. The physician consulted a stroke specialist using the telestroke system; with the support from the telestroke program, the physician administered thrombolytic therapy 4 hours and 10 minutes after the onset of symptoms.Results: The patient’s National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved from 9 to 3 and he was subsequently transferred to the stroke center. However, the occluded left middle cerebral artery had already re-canalized. His hemiparesis completely improved one week after the onset.Conclusion: A telemedicine system for general physicians is indispensable in areas without accessible stroke specialists as it provides access to a standard of care for hyper-acute stroke patient assessment and management, and helps improve neuroprognosis.

Implementation of a telestroke system for general physicians without a nearby stroke center to shorten the time to intravenous thrombolysis for acute cerebral infarction.

AIM: We aimed to establish a telestroke system for general physicians in areas without a nearby stroke center and investigate its usefulness for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy for patients with acute cerebral infarction. METHODS: We used a hub and spoke model, in which a hub hospital provided telestroke support to the spoke hospitals in rural areas that were not nearby a stroke center. The telestroke support device enabled the sharing of images and real-time face-to-face discussion with a stroke specialist for diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the effect of this telestroke system on shortening time to start rt-PA therapy. RESULT: One hub and three spoke hospitals were selected. From May 2017 to November 2018, seven patients (77.2 ± 6.3 years old) suspected to have acute cerebral infarction were treated at the spoke hospitals via this system, three of whom received intravenous rt-PA administration by a general physician under telestroke support. If these patients would have been sent via ground ambulance to the nearby stroke center, it would have taken approximately 48 min more to administer rt-PA. CONCLUSION: Establishment of a telestroke support system for general physicians in areas without a nearby stroke center was useful for promptly performing rt-PA therapy.

Knowledge and practices of primary care physicians or general practitioners treating post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS) is a functional bowel disorder which has significant impacts to a patient's quality of life. No IBS-specific biomarker or treatment regimen for PI-IBS currently exists, therefore understanding practice patterns and variance is of interest. METHODS: This online survey of primary care physicians and general practitioners in the USA aimed to understand the knowledge and treatment of PI-IBS within the physician's current practice. Summary statistics are provided with a commentary on implications for practices and treatment of PI-IBS. RESULTS: Most physician survey respondents (n = 50) were aware of PI-IBS, but less than half discussed this condition as a possible outcome in their patients with a recent gastrointestinal infection. Most physicians indicated that they would treat the patients themselves with a focus on managing IBS through different treatment modalities based on severity. Treatment for PI-IBS followed IBS recommendations, but most physicians also prescribed a probiotic for therapy. Physicians estimated that 4 out of 10 patients who develop PI-IBS will have life-long symptoms and described significant impacts to their patient's quality of life. Additionally, physicians estimated a significant financial burden for PI-IBS patients, ranging from $100-1000 (USD) over the course of their illness. Most physicians agreed that they would use a risk score to predict the probability of their patients developing PI-IBS, if available. CONCLUSIONS: While this survey is limited due to sample size, physician knowledge and treatment of PI-IBS was consistent across respondents. Overall, the physicians identified significant impacts to patient's quality of life due to PI-IBS.

Knowledge and practices of primary health care physicians regarding updated guidelines of MERS-CoV infection in Abha city.

BACKGROUND: Human coronaviruses (hCoV) usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses. The novel coronavirus (nCoV), or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a particular strain different from any other known hCoV with the possibility of human and also zoonotic transmissions. The aim of the study to assess primary health care (PHC) physicians' knowledge and adherence regarding Saudi Ministry of Health guidelines regarding MERS-CoV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was followed to include 85 PHC physicians in Abha city. An interview questionnaire has been designed by the researcher that was used to assess knowledge and practices of PHC physicians regarding diagnosis and management of MERS-CoV. It includes personal characteristics, the MERS-CoV knowledge assessment questionnaire, and practices related to adherence toward guidelines regarding MERS-CoV. RESULTS: PHC physicians' knowledge gaps regarding MERS-CoV included protected exposure (32.9%), highest seasonal incidence of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia (60%), relation between incidence of MERS-CoV and overcrowding (62.4%), case fatality of MERS-CoV cases (63.5%), and collecting specimens from MERS-CoV patients (64.7%). The knowledge of PHC physicians about MERS-CoV was poor among 5.9%, good among 63.5%, and excellent among 30.6%. Personal protective equipment to be used when seeing suspected cases of MERS-CoV infection were mainly the mask (94.1%), gloves (78.8%), the gown (60%), goggles (31.8%), and the cap (22.4%). All participants stated that the most important standard precaution that should be applied when seeing a case of MERS-CoV infection is hand washing, whereas 97.6% stated that the most important respiratory precaution to prevent transmission of respiratory infections in PHC setting when seeing a case of MERS-CoV infection is masking and separation of suspected MERS-CoV patients, and 81.2% stated that upon exit from the room of a MERS-CoV patient, the physician should remove and discard personal protective equipment. PHC physicians' knowledge about MERS-CoV differed significantly according to their nationality (P = 0.038), with non-Saudi physicians expressing higher percent of excellent knowledge than Saudi physicians (40% and 20%, respectively). Those who attended continuing medical education (CME) activities had significantly higher percent of excellent knowledge than those who did not attend a CME activity (55.6% and 23.9%, respectively, P = 0.011). PHC physicians' knowledge did not differ significantly according to their age, gender, qualification, experience in PHC, and practice-related adherence to guidelines. PHC physicians' practice-related adherence to guidelines about MERS-CoV differed significantly according to their position (P = 0.035), with specialists having the highest percent of excellent practice (13%). CONCLUSIONS: There are knowledge gaps among PHC physicians in Abha city, and their practice is suboptimal regarding MERS-CoV infection. Less than one-fourth of PHC physicians attend CME activities about MERS-CoV infection. However, significantly less practice-related adherence to guidelines are associated with Saudi PHC physicians, those who did not attend a related CME activity, and MBBS qualified physicians' general practitioners. To increase awareness, more CME activities related to MERS-CoV infection management needs to be organized.

Inclusion of general physicians in the multidisciplinary treatment team for epilepsy may lead to an economic benefit.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare epileptic seizure control and economic impact in patients with epilepsy between when they were seen by general physicians (GPs) versus epilepsy specialists. METHOD: We began distributing a booklet we named the "Epi Passport" to patients with epilepsy in December 2014 to share information within the regional epilepsy network of GPs, epilepsy specialists, and patients (Gep). We compared seizure control and household income levels before and after the introduction of this booklet. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in seizure control between patients who saw specialists or GPs (P = 0.215). Significant increases in household income were seen among 134 patients (36.6%) in the post-Epi Passport period who were primarily seen by GPs (P < 0.001). However, 35 patients (9.6%) showed a decrease in income between periods, and 197 patients (53.8%) showed no change. Age of 20-39 years old was significantly associated with increases in household income (P = 0.0287). CONCLUSION: After the introduction of the Epi Passport, about one-third of the patients with epilepsy who were mainly seen by GPs in their community showed an increase in household income. There was no difference in seizure control among those who saw a GP or a specialist. Inclusion of GPs in the multidisciplinary treatment team for epilepsy may lead to increased patient income because of the fact that patients can manage their epilepsy in their community using their GP.

Referral and Consultation Practice between Generalists and Specialists at a University Hospital: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

Background: Few studies have focused on the current state of referral and consultation practice between generalists and specialists at Japanese university hospitals.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 513 outpatients (a cumulative total of 608 patients) who visited the Department of General Medicine of Toyama University Hospital between January and December 2016. All patients used our in-hospital consultation and referral service.Results: We referred 492 new patients to different specialists, with 40% referred to psychiatry, orthopedics, otolaryngology, and dermatology specialists. Our suspected diagnoses were correct for 285 of 395 patients (72%) who were referred to specialists to confirm the diagnosis. No abnormalities were observed in 86 patients (21%), and inappropriate referrals were made for 5 patients (1.2%). We also received 116 consultations from specialists, 66% of which were from orthopedics, psychiatry, gynecology, oral dental surgery, and neurosurgery specialists. Many of the referred patients had vague symptoms such as fever and general fatigue.Conclusion: Improving the practical skills of generalists regarding orthopedic and otolaryngologic problems may result in more appropriate referrals. Our department also served as a consultant for medical problems for specialists, especially orthopedic surgeons and psychiatrists.