{"title":"Primary care clinicians should proactively take up latest AI-based technology: Yes.","authors":"Chester Holt-Quick","doi":"10.1071/HC24035","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24035","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140318549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Primary care clinicians should proactively take up latest AI-based technology: No.","authors":"Luke Bradford","doi":"10.1071/HC24033","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24033","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140318548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prompting lifestyle interventions to promote weight loss is safe, effective and patient-centred: No.","authors":"Angela Ballantyne, Denise Steers, Lesley Gray","doi":"10.1071/HC23163","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23163","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Can cranberry products be used to prevent UTIs?","authors":"Vanessa Jordan","doi":"10.1071/HC23161","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23161","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chris Higgs, Finau Taungapeau, Charleen Silcock, Oka Sanerivi, Emily Fruean, Ileana Lameta, Tevita Vungamoeahi, Charlotte Kareroa, Rose Richards
Introduction Manatū Hauora (Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Ministry of Health) recognises that respecting and listening to Pacific peoples' knowledge and skills in caring for their communities' wellbeing is a priority, and that novel approaches to care, particularly for chronic health conditions, are necessary. Allied health professionals have the potential to play important roles in primary care design and delivery. Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) provides a weekly seniors' group gathering that has evolved over the years and incorporates exercise, health information and cultural activities. Aim This study aims to explore what Pacific seniors are learning about their health and wellbeing, and what factors contribute to sustained engagement with this weekly group activity. Methods The research team conducted a qualitative study using the Kakala Research Framework and the pan-Pacific Talanoa Research Methodology to gather narratives in a relational and comfortable group space. Participants were recruited from the seniors group gathering. Group Talanoa were used to collect data, which were digitally voice-recorded, transcribed, translated, and de-identified. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Otago School of Physiotherapy Ethics Committee. Results Pacific seniors valued how these gathering The seniors recognised how interconnected and intertwined culture, spirituality, and family were and how this contributed to their sense of individual and collective health and wellbeing. The study highlights the need to consider health beyond the individual to the collective, embracing indigenous perspectives, and authentically nurturing relationships with Pacific health providers. The study recommends primary care funders are supported to understand what is important to Pacific people and partner with Pacific health providers to deliver care in ways that align with indigenous models of care. Discussion A weekly group gathering for Pacific seniors run by Allied Health professionals provides a welcoming, safe, and culturally meaningful environment where seniors can connect, share, and grow in health and wellbeing together. This study highlights the importance of adopting informed and inclusive approaches to promoting and addressing holistic health for Pacific people, especially in light of ongoing health reforms in Aotearoa NZ.
导言:Manatū Hauora(新西兰卫生部)认识到,尊重和倾听太平洋岛屿居民在照顾其社区福祉方面的知识和技能是当务之急,而且有必要采取新的护理方法,尤其是针对慢性疾病的护理方法。联合保健专业人员有可能在初级保健的设计和提供方面发挥重要作用。奥塔哥太平洋信托基金会(PTO)提供每周一次的老年人团体聚会,该聚会经过多年的发展,已融合了锻炼、健康信息和文化活动。研究目的 本研究旨在探讨太平洋地区老年人在健康和福祉方面的知识,以及哪些因素有助于他们持续参与每周的小组活动。研究方法 研究小组采用卡卡拉研究框架(Kakala Research Framework)和泛太平洋塔拉诺阿研究方法(Pan-Pacific Talanoa Research Methodology)开展了一项定性研究,在一个亲切舒适的小组空间中收集叙述。参与者是从老年人小组聚会中招募的。小组塔拉诺阿被用来收集数据,这些数据经过数字语音录制、转录、翻译和去身份化处理。奥塔哥大学物理治疗学院伦理委员会批准了该项目。结果 太平洋地区的老年人重视这些聚会的价值。老年人认识到文化、精神和家庭是如何相互联系和交织在一起的,以及这如何促进了他们个人和集体的健康和幸福感。该研究强调了将健康问题从个人扩展到集体、接受土著观点以及真正培养与太平洋地区医疗服务提供者的关系的必要性。研究建议支持初级保健资助者了解什么对太平洋裔人重要,并与太平洋裔医疗服务提供者合作,以符合原住民保健模式的方式提供保健服务。讨论 由专职医疗人员管理的太平洋裔老年人每周一次的小组聚会,为老年人提供了一个温馨、安全和具有文化意义的环境,使他们能够相互交流、分享,并在健康和福祉方面共同成长。这项研究强调了采用知情和包容性方法促进和解决太平洋岛屿族裔整体健康问题的重要性,尤其是考虑到新西兰奥特亚罗瓦正在进行的医疗改革。
{"title":"Holistic health for Pacific seniors from a weekly group gathering run by a Pacific health provider.","authors":"Chris Higgs, Finau Taungapeau, Charleen Silcock, Oka Sanerivi, Emily Fruean, Ileana Lameta, Tevita Vungamoeahi, Charlotte Kareroa, Rose Richards","doi":"10.1071/HC23093","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Manatū Hauora (Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Ministry of Health) recognises that respecting and listening to Pacific peoples' knowledge and skills in caring for their communities' wellbeing is a priority, and that novel approaches to care, particularly for chronic health conditions, are necessary. Allied health professionals have the potential to play important roles in primary care design and delivery. Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) provides a weekly seniors' group gathering that has evolved over the years and incorporates exercise, health information and cultural activities. Aim This study aims to explore what Pacific seniors are learning about their health and wellbeing, and what factors contribute to sustained engagement with this weekly group activity. Methods The research team conducted a qualitative study using the Kakala Research Framework and the pan-Pacific Talanoa Research Methodology to gather narratives in a relational and comfortable group space. Participants were recruited from the seniors group gathering. Group Talanoa were used to collect data, which were digitally voice-recorded, transcribed, translated, and de-identified. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Otago School of Physiotherapy Ethics Committee. Results Pacific seniors valued how these gathering The seniors recognised how interconnected and intertwined culture, spirituality, and family were and how this contributed to their sense of individual and collective health and wellbeing. The study highlights the need to consider health beyond the individual to the collective, embracing indigenous perspectives, and authentically nurturing relationships with Pacific health providers. The study recommends primary care funders are supported to understand what is important to Pacific people and partner with Pacific health providers to deliver care in ways that align with indigenous models of care. Discussion A weekly group gathering for Pacific seniors run by Allied Health professionals provides a welcoming, safe, and culturally meaningful environment where seniors can connect, share, and grow in health and wellbeing together. This study highlights the importance of adopting informed and inclusive approaches to promoting and addressing holistic health for Pacific people, especially in light of ongoing health reforms in Aotearoa NZ.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Esther Tutty, Jordon Wimsett, Charlotte Oyston, Sue Tutty, Matire Harwood, Emelia Legget, Lynn Sadler
Introduction In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), there is inequity in rates of neural tube defects (NTDs). Among Maaori, NTD occur in 4.58/10 000 live births, and for Pacific peoples, it is 4.09/10 000 live births; this is compared to 2.81/10 000 live births for non-Maaori, non-Pacific peoples. Aim To describe self-reported pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation and to determine the association between pregnancy intendedness, ethnicity, parity, maternal age, care provider and pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation. Methods Secondary analysis of postpartum survey data collected at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai and Counties Manukau birthing facilities in 2020 was conducted. Descriptive analyses explored pregnancy intendedness and self-reported folic acid use by demographic variables. Multivariable logistic regression explored independent associations between demographic variables and folic acid use among intended pregnancies. Results In total, 398 participants completed the survey. The response rate was (140/149) 94% at Counties Manukau and (258/315) 82% at Te Toka Tumai. Pre-pregnancy supplementation was reported by 182 of 398 participants (46%). Use was higher among those who intended their pregnancy (151/262, 58%) compared to those who were 'pregnancy ambivalent' (9/33, 27%) or did not intend to become pregnant (22/103, 21%). Factors independently associated with supplementation among intended pregnancies included: 'Other ethnicity' (European, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African) compared to Maaori (aOR 5.3 (95% CI 1.3, 21.8)), age ≥30 years compared to Discussion Low rates of pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation exist in Auckland with significant ethnic disparity. Mandatory fortification of non-organic wheat is important, but supplementation is still recommended to maximally reduce risk.
导言:在新西兰奥特亚罗瓦地区(NZ),神经管畸形(NTDs)的发病率存在不平等现象。毛利人的神经管畸形发生率为 4.58/10,000,太平洋岛屿族裔的神经管畸形发生率为 4.09/10,000,而非毛利人和非太平洋岛屿族裔的神经管畸形发生率为 2.81/10,000。目的 描述自我报告的孕前叶酸补充情况,并确定怀孕意愿、种族、奇偶性、产妇年龄、护理提供者与孕前叶酸补充之间的关联。方法 对 2020 年在 Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai 和 Counties Manukau 生育机构收集的产后调查数据进行二次分析。描述性分析根据人口统计学变量探讨了怀孕意愿和自我报告的叶酸使用情况。多变量逻辑回归探讨了人口统计学变量与计划妊娠中叶酸使用情况之间的独立关联。结果 共有 398 名参与者完成了调查。马努考县的回复率为(140/149)94%,特托卡图迈县的回复率为(258/315)82%。398 名参与者中有 182 人(46%)报告了孕前补充营养的情况。与 "怀孕矛盾 "者(9/33,27%)或不打算怀孕者(22/103,21%)相比,打算怀孕者使用补充剂的比例更高(151/262,58%)。与打算怀孕者补充营养素独立相关的因素包括其他种族"(欧洲人、中东人、拉丁美洲人、非洲人)与毛利人相比(aOR 5.3 (95% CI 1.3, 21.8)),年龄≥30 岁与讨论 在奥克兰,孕前叶酸补充率很低,而且存在明显的种族差异。强制强化非有机小麦非常重要,但仍建议补充叶酸,以最大限度地降低风险。
{"title":"Inequities in pre-pregnancy folic acid use in Central and South Auckland: secondary analysis from a postpartum contraception survey.","authors":"Esther Tutty, Jordon Wimsett, Charlotte Oyston, Sue Tutty, Matire Harwood, Emelia Legget, Lynn Sadler","doi":"10.1071/HC23103","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), there is inequity in rates of neural tube defects (NTDs). Among Maaori, NTD occur in 4.58/10 000 live births, and for Pacific peoples, it is 4.09/10 000 live births; this is compared to 2.81/10 000 live births for non-Maaori, non-Pacific peoples. Aim To describe self-reported pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation and to determine the association between pregnancy intendedness, ethnicity, parity, maternal age, care provider and pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation. Methods Secondary analysis of postpartum survey data collected at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai and Counties Manukau birthing facilities in 2020 was conducted. Descriptive analyses explored pregnancy intendedness and self-reported folic acid use by demographic variables. Multivariable logistic regression explored independent associations between demographic variables and folic acid use among intended pregnancies. Results In total, 398 participants completed the survey. The response rate was (140/149) 94% at Counties Manukau and (258/315) 82% at Te Toka Tumai. Pre-pregnancy supplementation was reported by 182 of 398 participants (46%). Use was higher among those who intended their pregnancy (151/262, 58%) compared to those who were 'pregnancy ambivalent' (9/33, 27%) or did not intend to become pregnant (22/103, 21%). Factors independently associated with supplementation among intended pregnancies included: 'Other ethnicity' (European, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African) compared to Maaori (aOR 5.3 (95% CI 1.3, 21.8)), age ≥30 years compared to Discussion Low rates of pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation exist in Auckland with significant ethnic disparity. Mandatory fortification of non-organic wheat is important, but supplementation is still recommended to maximally reduce risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What do we know about the new government's plans for funding primary health care?","authors":"Peter Crampton","doi":"10.1071/HC23165","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23165","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katie M Babbott, Nathan S Consedine, Marion Roberts
Introduction Body image dissatisfaction and its associated challenges have been related to poorer health outcomes among adolescents worldwide, including disordered eating behaviour, depression, and anxiety. However, current prevalence estimates of these issues in Aotearoa New Zealand or, relatedly, the estimates of positive attitudes and behaviours, such as intuitive eating and body appreciation are dated. Aim The primary aim of this paper was to provide updated estimates for a variety of constructs related to eating behaviours and body image, sourced from a diverse range of early adolescent participants. Methods For this report, a brief online survey was advertised to adolescents throughout Aotearoa New Zealand (n = 893) via school and community noticeboards. Results Approximately one-in-three male participants and one-in-two female participants reported body image dissatisfaction. One in four participants reported clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Discussion Given such issues, there is clearly still much progress to be made in advancing positive health among early adolescents. Identifying potentially protective constructs such as intuitive eating and body appreciation may offer guidance into the best targets for prevention and early intervention.
{"title":"Eating behaviour, body image, and mental health: updated estimates of adolescent health, well-being, and positive functioning in Aotearoa New Zealand.","authors":"Katie M Babbott, Nathan S Consedine, Marion Roberts","doi":"10.1071/HC23048","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Body image dissatisfaction and its associated challenges have been related to poorer health outcomes among adolescents worldwide, including disordered eating behaviour, depression, and anxiety. However, current prevalence estimates of these issues in Aotearoa New Zealand or, relatedly, the estimates of positive attitudes and behaviours, such as intuitive eating and body appreciation are dated. Aim The primary aim of this paper was to provide updated estimates for a variety of constructs related to eating behaviours and body image, sourced from a diverse range of early adolescent participants. Methods For this report, a brief online survey was advertised to adolescents throughout Aotearoa New Zealand (n = 893) via school and community noticeboards. Results Approximately one-in-three male participants and one-in-two female participants reported body image dissatisfaction. One in four participants reported clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Discussion Given such issues, there is clearly still much progress to be made in advancing positive health among early adolescents. Identifying potentially protective constructs such as intuitive eating and body appreciation may offer guidance into the best targets for prevention and early intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90903529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariam Ghabour, Caroline Morris, Kyle Wilby, Alesha Smith
Introduction New Zealand pharmacists must complete a joint prescribing course offered by Otago and Auckland universities only, to be qualified as pharmacist prescribers. Aim To identify knowledge and perceptions of New Zealand registered pharmacists, who are not pharmacist prescribers, on: pharmacist prescribing roles, courses and perceived barriers and facilitators to course uptake. Methods Participants comprised registered practising New Zealand pharmacists (n = 4025), across all New Zealand regions. Invitations to participate in a questionnaire survey were sent in March 2021. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Results The response rate was 12% (482/4025), with 94% community pharmacists. Almost two-thirds (65%) had over 10 years of working experience. Nearly all (95%) agreed that pharmacist prescribing would improve healthcare delivery in New Zealand. Most reported that barriers to pharmacist prescribing course uptake were funding, lack of institutional support, up-to-date pharmacological/pharmaceutical knowledge, and 2 years of experience in collaborative health team prerequisites for enrolment, finding medical supervisors, and lack of remuneration for prescribing roles. Discussion Pharmacist prescribing in New Zealand is still in its growing phase. Optimising uptake of prescribing courses and role requires a multi-level approach including all stakeholders. Government/policymakers should consider pharmacist prescribing training and remuneration in their funding plans. Employing institutions should provide required time and human resources (staff backfills). Training providers should consider methods of course delivery and assessment that are suitable for trainees in full-time employment.
{"title":"New Zealand pharmacists' views regarding the current prescribing courses: questionnaire survey.","authors":"Mariam Ghabour, Caroline Morris, Kyle Wilby, Alesha Smith","doi":"10.1071/HC23021","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction New Zealand pharmacists must complete a joint prescribing course offered by Otago and Auckland universities only, to be qualified as pharmacist prescribers. Aim To identify knowledge and perceptions of New Zealand registered pharmacists, who are not pharmacist prescribers, on: pharmacist prescribing roles, courses and perceived barriers and facilitators to course uptake. Methods Participants comprised registered practising New Zealand pharmacists (n = 4025), across all New Zealand regions. Invitations to participate in a questionnaire survey were sent in March 2021. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Results The response rate was 12% (482/4025), with 94% community pharmacists. Almost two-thirds (65%) had over 10 years of working experience. Nearly all (95%) agreed that pharmacist prescribing would improve healthcare delivery in New Zealand. Most reported that barriers to pharmacist prescribing course uptake were funding, lack of institutional support, up-to-date pharmacological/pharmaceutical knowledge, and 2 years of experience in collaborative health team prerequisites for enrolment, finding medical supervisors, and lack of remuneration for prescribing roles. Discussion Pharmacist prescribing in New Zealand is still in its growing phase. Optimising uptake of prescribing courses and role requires a multi-level approach including all stakeholders. Government/policymakers should consider pharmacist prescribing training and remuneration in their funding plans. Employing institutions should provide required time and human resources (staff backfills). Training providers should consider methods of course delivery and assessment that are suitable for trainees in full-time employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79382349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina McKerchar, Lee Thompson, Susan Bidwell, Aaron Hapuku
Introduction Delayed diagnosis of gut disease is a continuing problem, variously attributed to a range of patient, doctor, and health system factors. Gut disease often begins with indeterminate gut behaviours that are hard to classify. Aim This study aimed to investigate delayed diagnosis from the point of view of the patient, or prospective patient. How gut and gut disease was understood, what might prompt them to seek care, and their experiences of seeking care. Methods Using a qualitative design, we interviewed 44 people in New Zealand. Thirty-three had a diagnosis of gut disease, and 11 did not, though some of the patients in this latter group had symptoms. Results Some participants had a smooth trajectory from first noticing gut symptoms to diagnosis. However, a subgroup of 22 participants experienced long periods of troublesome gut behaviours without a diagnosis. For this subgroup of 22 participants, we found people struggled to work out what was normal, thus influencing when they sought health care. Once they sought health care, experiences of that care could be frustrating, and achieving a diagnosis protracted. Some who remained undiagnosed felt abandoned, though had developed strategies to self-manage. Discussion Indeterminate gut behaviours remain complex to deal with and it can difficult for both patients and doctors to assess when a symptom or group of symptoms need further investigation, watchful waiting or the use of other supportive strategies. Effectively communicating with healthcare staff can be a significant problem and there is currently a gap in support for patients in this regard.
{"title":"Normal or diseased? Navigating indeterminate gut behaviour.","authors":"Christina McKerchar, Lee Thompson, Susan Bidwell, Aaron Hapuku","doi":"10.1071/HC23090","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC23090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Delayed diagnosis of gut disease is a continuing problem, variously attributed to a range of patient, doctor, and health system factors. Gut disease often begins with indeterminate gut behaviours that are hard to classify. Aim This study aimed to investigate delayed diagnosis from the point of view of the patient, or prospective patient. How gut and gut disease was understood, what might prompt them to seek care, and their experiences of seeking care. Methods Using a qualitative design, we interviewed 44 people in New Zealand. Thirty-three had a diagnosis of gut disease, and 11 did not, though some of the patients in this latter group had symptoms. Results Some participants had a smooth trajectory from first noticing gut symptoms to diagnosis. However, a subgroup of 22 participants experienced long periods of troublesome gut behaviours without a diagnosis. For this subgroup of 22 participants, we found people struggled to work out what was normal, thus influencing when they sought health care. Once they sought health care, experiences of that care could be frustrating, and achieving a diagnosis protracted. Some who remained undiagnosed felt abandoned, though had developed strategies to self-manage. Discussion Indeterminate gut behaviours remain complex to deal with and it can difficult for both patients and doctors to assess when a symptom or group of symptoms need further investigation, watchful waiting or the use of other supportive strategies. Effectively communicating with healthcare staff can be a significant problem and there is currently a gap in support for patients in this regard.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}