MyMedR

The Hon Secretary writes. A visit to the Hong Kong College of General Practitioner

Goh CS

Family Practitioner, 1982;5:78-78.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Critical appraisal skills and the family physician

Krishnan R

Family Physician, 1997;10:1-1.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Cervical cancer prevention

Khoo EM

Family Physician, 1996;8:8-10.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Reorientation of medical education for primary health care

Sahan AK

Med J Malaysia, 1987 Mar;42(1):1-8.

PMID: 3431498

There is universal concern on the current inequitable coverage and low quality of health care. The lead roles of medical practitioners in health care and how they are prepared for such roles are being re-examined in many countries. This paper attempts to rationalise the need to reorientate medical education towards primary health care, and to suggest possible emphasis and direction for change.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family/education*

Fulltext The APEC Digital Hub-WONCA Collaborative Framework on Integration of Mental Health into Primary Care in the Asia Pacific

Dowrick C, Kassai R, Lam CLK, Lam RW, Manning G, Murphy J, et al.

J Multidiscip Healthc, 2020;13:1693-1704.

PMID: 33268991 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S271070

Mental ill health affects individual well-being and national economic prosperity and makes up a substantial portion of the burden of disease globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrating mental health into primary care is widely considered a key strategy to improve access to mental health care. Integration, however, is a complex process that needs to be addressed at multiple levels. A collaboration between the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Hub for Mental Health and the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) is described in this paper, which outlines a framework and next steps to improve the mental health of communities in APEC economies. This paper notes gaps related to the integration of mental health into primary care across the region and identifies enablers and current best practices from several APEC economies. The potential of digital technology to benefit primary mental health care for populations in the APEC region, including delivery of training programs for healthcare staff and access to resources for patients, is described. Finally, key next steps are proposed to promote enhanced integration into primary care and improve mental health care throughout the APEC region.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Otitis media - how the family physician should manage

Ong CC

Family Physician, 2001;11:27-29.

Otitis media is a common disease presenting to family practitioners all over the world. There have been many changes in the way these patients were managed over the years. This article attempts to provide an overview to family physicians regarding the latest approach in managing this common condition. Keywords: Otitis, otitis media, otoscopy, eardrops.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Editorial. General practitioners' role in V. D. treatment and health education

Lau J

Family Practitioner, 1975;2(3):5-9.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Founding of the College of General Practitioners Malaysia

Param Palam S

Family Practitioner, 1973;1(1):9-12.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Role of the general practitioner in the management of psychiatric disorders

Subramaniam M

Family Practitioner, 1988;11:13-16.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Factors influencing the role of primary care providers as gatekeepers in the Malaysian public healthcare system

Ang KT, Ho BK, Mimi O, Salmah N, Salmiah MS, Noridah MS

Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):2-11.

PMID: 26425299 MyJurnal

Primary care providers play an important gatekeeping role in ensuring appropriate referrals to secondary care facilities. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level, pattern and rate of referrals from health clinics to hospitals in the public sector, and whether the placement of resident family medicine specialist (FMS) had made a significant difference. The study was carried out between March and April in 2012, involving 28 public primary care clinics. It showed that the average referral rate was 1.56% for clinics with resident FMS and 1.94% for those without resident FMS, but it was not statistically significant. Majority of referred cases were considered appropriate (96.1%). Results of the multivariate analysis showed that no prior consultation with senior healthcare provider and illnesses that were not severe and complex were independently associated with inappropriate referrals. Severity, complexity or uncertain diagnosis of patients' illness or injury significantly contributed to unavoidable referrals. Adequate facilities or having more experienced doctors could have avoided 14.5% of the referrals. The low referral rate and very high level of appropriate referrals could indicate that primary care providers in the public sector played an effective role as gatekeepers in the Malaysian public healthcare system.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext A nationwide postal survey on the perception of Malaysian public healthcare providers on family medicine specialists' (PERMFAMS) clinical performance, professional attitudes and research visibility

Chew BH, Yasin MM, Cheong AT, Rashid MR, Hamzah Z, Ismail M, et al.

Springerplus, 2015;4:213.

PMID: 25992310 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1004-9

Perception of healthcare providers who worked with family medicine specialists (FMSs) could translate into the effectiveness of primary healthcare delivery in daily practices. This study examined perceptions of public healthcare providers/professionals (PHCPs) on FMSs at public health clinics throughout Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study in 2012-2013 using postal method targeting PHCPs from three categories of health facilities, namely health clinics, health offices and hospitals. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess PHCP's perception of FMS's clinical competency, safety practice, ethical and professional values, and research involvement. It consists of 37 items with Likert scale of strongly disagree (a score of 1) to strongly agree (a score of 5). Interaction and independent effect of the independent variables were tested and adjusted means score were reported. The participants' response rate was 58.0% (780/1345) with almost equal proportion from each of the three public healthcare facilities. There were more positive perceptions than negative among the PHCPs. FMSs were perceived to provide effective and safe treatment to their patients equally disregards of patient's social background. However, there were some concerns of FMSs not doing home visits, not seeing walk-in patients, had long appointment time, not active in scientific research, writing and publication. There were significant differences in perception based on a respondent's health care facility (p

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Pay-for-performance challenges in family physician program

Gharibi F, Dadgar E

Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):19-29.

PMID: 32843941

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in Iran's family physician program.

Study design: Qualitative.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted with 32 key informants at the family physician program at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between May 2018 and June 2018. Method: This is a qualitative study. A purposeful sampling method was used with only one inclusion criterion for participants: five years of experience in the family physician program. The researchers conducted 17 individual and group non-structured interviews and examined participants' perspectives on the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in the family physician program. Content analysis was conducted on the obtained data.

Results: This study identified 7 themes, 14 sub-themes, and 46 items related to the challenges in the implementation of pay-for-performance systems in Iran's family physician program. The main themes are: workload, training, program cultivation, payment, assessment and monitoring, information management, and level of authority. Other sub-challenges were also identified.

Conclusion: The study results demonstrate some notable challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system. This information can be helpful to managers and policymakers.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Fish oil to prevent heart disease: the evidence and the controversy

Ong HT

Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(2):65-66.

PMID: 27570590 MyJurnal

Evidence thus far still supports the contention that fish derived omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are good for heart patients. But this controversy tells us something about the medical research, and the acquisition and application of medical knowledge. Being scientists, doctors try to perform studies as rigorously as possible with randomised, placebo-controlled trials and using tests of statistical significance. But since the studies are on humans, with all their individual differing habits and inconsistencies, different results are produced by different researchers. And so while medicine is a science, in that the trials are scientifically conducted, the interpretation of the results, and in particular its application for the individual patient, is very much an art. A good doctor, like the good artist, must spend much time, energy and effort sieving through the good from the not so good data before coming out with the correct picture. Only by keeping an unbiased, inquisitive mind can the evidence be reviewed to solve the problem at hand. Almost always, the balance of data will favour a particular stand. In this day when newspapers are full of medical articles, a family physician has to be educated, interested and inquisitive to be a source of accurate and relevant information for the patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Peritonsillar swelling is not always quinsy

Mohamad I, Yaroko A

Malays Fam Physician, 2013;8(2):53-5.

PMID: 25606284 MyJurnal

Quinsy is a common encounter in family physician practice. It is defined as a collection of purulent material in the peritonsillar space, giving appearance of unilateral palatal bulge. Presenting symptoms include trismus, muffled voice, odynophagia, and ipsilateral otalgia. When the diagnostic needle aspiration reveals no pus, the diagnosis is changed into peritonsillar cellulitis or also known as perintonsillitis. Peritonsillitis is sufficiently treated with antibiotics unlike a quinsy which warrants surgical incision and drainage.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Is it as dangerous as it looks?

Che Ibrahim NH, Md Shukri N

Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(1):35-36.

PMID: 28503274 MyJurnal

A common bony protrusion that occurs over the hard palate is sometimes mistaken for a malignancy especially when it is large. This bony growth is a torus palatinus (TP), which is a benign bony prominence over the hard palate. It occurs most commonly in bilateral multiple form, and is often located at the canine to premolar area. A basic knowledge of the assessment and management of TP is important, particularly for the first-line family physician to ensure that the correct information is given to the patient.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Doctors treating family members: A qualitative study among primary care practitioners in a teaching hospital in Malaysia

Hanafi NS, Ng CJ

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2006;5(2).

Aim: To explore primary care practitioners' experiences and feelings about treating their own family members. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out using focus group discussions. Five sessions were held among 22 primary care practitioners (five academic staff members and 17 medical officers). Results: Most participants treated their family members, especially their immediate families. They considered factors such as duration and severity of illness before seeking consultation with other doctors. Some participants felt satisfied knowing that they were able to treat their own families. However, most felt burdened and uncomfortable in doing so, mainly due to the fear of error in diagnosis and management. They were concerned that strong emotions may make them lose objectivity. Many were aware that negative outcomes resulting from their treatment may affect future relationships. Conclusions: While some doctors were comfortable about treating their own families, some faced significant conflict in doing so. Their decisions depended on the interplay of factors including the doctor, the family member and the relationship they share. A doctor needs to consider the potential conflict that may arise when carrying out one's professional role and at the same time being a concerned family member. Key words: doctors, family, Malaysia, primary care, self-treat.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext What do primary care doctors do when they fall sick? A qualitative study exploring their help-seeking behavior

Ng CJ, Haidi NS

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2005;4(3).

Aim: To explore the help-seeking behavior of primary care doctors during illness. Methods: This qualitative study used focus group discussions to explore participants' help-seeking behavior during illness. It involved 22 primary care doctors (5 lecturers, 12 postgraduate trainees, 5 medical officers) working in a hospital-based primary care clinic. Result: Most primary care doctors in this study managed their illnesses without seeking help. Although most preferred to seek professional help for chronic illnesses and antenatal care, they tend to delay the consultations and were less likely to comply with treatment and follow-up. Explanations for their behavior include their ability to assess and treat themselves, difficulty to find suitable doctors, work commitment, easy access to drugs, and reluctance to assume a sick role. Conclusions: This study found that the help-seeking behavior of primary care doctors was similar to those in other studies. Due to their professional ability, heavy workload and expectations from peer and patients, primary care doctors were more likely to delay in seeking treatment especially for chronic and serious diseases. This highlights the need to enhance support services for doctors during illness. Key words: doctors, help-seeking behavior, illness

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext The last hours and days of life: a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care

Khoo SB

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2004;4(1):1-3.

Patients who are entering the last phase of their illness and for whom life expectancy is short, have health needs that require particular expertise and multidisciplinary care. A combination of a rapidly changing clinical situation and considerable psychosocial and spiritual demands pose challenges that can only be met with competence, commitment and human compassion. This article is concerned with the definition of suffering, recognition of the terminal phase and application of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care where family physicians play an important role in the community. Key words: biopsychosocial-spiritual care, dying, family medicine, good death, palliative care, suffering.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Weighing the necessities and concerns of deprescribing among older ambulatory patients and primary care trainees: a qualitative study

Goh SSL, Lai PSM, Ramdzan SN, Tan KM

BMC Prim Care, 2023 Jun 30;24(1):136.

PMID: 37391698 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02084-8

BACKGROUND: Deprescribing can be a challenging and complex process, particularly for early career doctors such as primary care trainees. To date, there is limited data from patients' and doctors' perspectives regarding the deprescribing of medications in older persons, particularly from developing countries. This study aimed to explore the necessities and concerns of deprescribing in older persons among older ambulatory patients and primary care trainees.

METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among patients and primary care trainees (known henceforth as doctors). Patients aged ≥ 60 years, having ≥ 1 chronic disease and prescribed ≥ 5 medications and could communicate in either English or Malay were recruited. Doctors and patients were purposively sampled based on their stage of training as family medicine specialists and ethnicity, respectively. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic approach was used to analyse data.

RESULTS: Twenty-four in-depth interviews (IDIs) with patients and four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 23 doctors were conducted. Four themes emerged: understanding the concept of deprescribing, the necessity to perform deprescribing, concerns regarding deprescribing and factors influencing deprescribing. Patients were receptive to the idea of deprescribing when the term was explained to them, whilst doctors had a good understanding of deprescribing. Both patients and doctors would deprescribe when the necessity outweighed their concerns. Factors that influenced deprescribing were doctor-patient rapport, health literacy among patients, external influences from carers and social media, and system challenges.

CONCLUSION: Deprescribing was deemed necessary by both patients and doctors when there was a reason to do so. However, both doctors and patients were afraid to deprescribe as they 'didn't want to rock the boat'. Early-career doctors were reluctant to deprescribe as they felt compelled to continue medications that were initiated by another specialist. Doctors requested more training on how to deprescribe medications.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family

Fulltext Over-prescription of antibiotics: both doctors and patients need education

Norsa'adah B

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):181.

PMID: 18705463

Principally, there are two problems in prescribing . They are prescribing decision and prescribing writing process, which contribute to 39% and 61% of prescription problems respectively. The first type of problem has more serious consequences and may even cause mortality. In that study, the issue is the appropriateness of prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Over-prescribing of antibiotics in primary health care, especially for respiratory tract diseases is a problem worldwide . There are concerns about the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, cost and the potentially harmful consequences of unnecessary prescription such as drug interaction and allergy.

Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family/education*

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 93 in total