BMC Family Practice - Latest articlesThe latest articles from BMC Family Practice (ISSN 1471-2296) published by BioMed CentralPathways to the diagnosis of lung cancer in the UK: a cohort study- May 18, 2008 Background: Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in the UK. Patients generally present to their general practitioner, but the pathway of diagnosis from first symptom to diagnosis has not been mapped. We performed a cohort study of 246 patients with lung cancer in Exeter, Devon UK. All patients had their cancer symptoms, referrals and diagnoses identified and dated using their doctors' records. Results: Three main routes to diagnosis emerged. The first was the expected route of...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/31 Functional illness in primary care: dysfunction versus disease- May 15, 2008 Background: The Biopsychosocial Model aims to integrate the biological, psychological and social components of illness, but integration is difficult in practice, particularly when patients consult with medically unexplained physical symptoms or functional illness.DiscussionThis Biopsychosocial Model was developed from General Systems Theory, which describes nature as a dynamic order of interacting parts and processes, from molecular to societal. Despite such conceptual progress, the biological,.http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/30 The accuracy of the MMSE in detecting cognitive impairment when administered by general practitioners: A prospective observational study- May 13, 2008 Background: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) has contributed to detecting cognitive impairment, yet few studies have evaluated its accuracy when used by general practitioners (GP) in an actual public-health setting.ObjectivesWe evaluated the accuracy of MMSE scores obtained by GPs by comparing them to scores obtained by Alzheimer's Evaluation Units (UVA). Methods: The study was observational in design and involved 59 voluntary GPs who, after having undergone training, administered the...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/29 Facilitating access to voluntary and community services for patients with psychosocial problems: a before-after evaluation- May 7, 2008 Background: Patients with psychosocial problems may benefit from a variety of community, educational, recreational and voluntary sector resources, but GPs often under-refer to these through lack of knowledge and time. This study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of graduate primary care mental health workers (GPCMHWs) facilitating access to voluntary and community sector services for patients with psychosocial problems. Methods: Patients with psychosocial problems from 13 general...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/27 Effectiveness of topiramate for tobacco dependence in patients with depression; a randomised, controlled trial- May 7, 2008 Background: Tobacco dependence management is a multi-component intervention that includes pharmacological treatments such as Nicotine Substitution Therapy (NST) or bupropion, and psychological therapy. There are some preliminary reports on topiramate efficacy for tobacco dependence. The aim of this study is to determine whether topiramate is as effective as the standard NST treatment for tobacco cessation at 1-year follow-up in patients with depression.MethoddesignDesign: A randomised,...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/28 Primary care incidence and treatment of four neuropathic pain conditions: A descriptive study, 20022005- May 6, 2008 Background: Between 1992 and 2001 the UK general practice incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia declined, whilst the incidence of painful diabetic neuropathy increased. The most common first line treatments were compound analgesics. As therapeutic options have subsequently changed, this study presents updated data on incidence and prescribing patterns in neuropathic pain. Methods: A descriptive analysis of the epidemiology and prescription treatment at diagnosis of...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/9/26 |