Yvonne Zurynski, Genevieve Dammery, Chrishan Nalliah, Simon Willcock, Catherine Smillie, Sanjyot Vagholkar, Walter Kmet, Shalini Wijekulasuriya, Sue Barry, Deborah Pallavicini, Gilbert Knaggs, Isabelle Meulenbroeks, Chloe Zurynski, Francisco Lopez
{"title":"HeartConnect: Integrating primary care and specialist cardiology for rapid access and better patient and healthcare practitioner experiences.","authors":"Yvonne Zurynski, Genevieve Dammery, Chrishan Nalliah, Simon Willcock, Catherine Smillie, Sanjyot Vagholkar, Walter Kmet, Shalini Wijekulasuriya, Sue Barry, Deborah Pallavicini, Gilbert Knaggs, Isabelle Meulenbroeks, Chloe Zurynski, Francisco Lopez","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-05-24-7251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-05-24-7251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This study evaluates an innovative model of care, HeartConnect, which aims to improve timely access to specialist cardiology services and greater collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>HeartConnect was co-designed by GPs, cardiologists, researchers, patients and practice managers. A mixed-methods evaluation was performed. Details of referrals and HeartConnect appointments were collected. In total, 15 patients and six health providers were surveyed and/or interviewed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-five patients consented to the research (n=57 male; n=38 female; mean age 53.8 [standard deviation 19.5] years). Referrals were for review of symptoms (52%), clinical management (12%) and assessment of high-risk patients (10%). Patients were seen within two days if the appointment was made by the GP. In 91% of cases, follow-up letters were sent back to the GP on the same day. Analysis of survey and interview data showed that the model was considered acceptable.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>HeartConnect shows promise for reducing waiting times and enhancing collaboration between specialist cardiologists and GPs.</p>","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"296-302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The early detection of breast cancer: An update from the Red book.","authors":"Danielle Mazza, Jon Emery","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-01-25-7538","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-01-25-7538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. Early detection through regular screening significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article provides an updated overview of breast cancer screening recommendations from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP) 'Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice' (Red book), emphasising the critical role of general practitioners (GPs) in assessing individual risk and guiding preventive strategies.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>GPs should undertake an individualised risk assessment with each patient. Understanding risk levels enables personalised screening and prevention recommendations. While women with dense breasts are more likely to benefit from supplemental screening modalities, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine supplemental screening for this patient group. Lifestyle factors significantly impact breast cancer risk and patients should be counselled about this. Technological advancements and personalised medicine will continue to shape breast cancer detection and management moving forward.</p>","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"272-275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An update on breast cancer prevention.","authors":"Sandy Minck","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7437","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia with one in seven women diagnosed in their lifetime, and one in 53 dying by age 85 years. Breast cancer screening is a vital tool in early detection but does not prevent cancer.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article provides general practitioners (GPs) with evidence-based strategies for breast cancer prevention. It outlines breast cancer risk factors, personalised risk assessment tools, and the role of lifestyle modification, risk-reducing medication and risk-reducing surgery. Resources are included to assist GPs to educate, empower and support women to access prevention information.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Population-level prevention targets modifiable risk factors, including obesity, alcohol use and physical inactivity. However, individual risk varies widely due to genetic and non-genetic factors, requiring a personalised approach. GPs play a key role in helping women understand their risk and make informed decisions about prevention options, aligned with their values.</p>","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"265-270"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The other side.","authors":"Richard Hays","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7429","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7429","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"319"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143994778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The many identities of the female breast.","authors":"Claire Denness","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-05-25-1234e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-05-25-1234e","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Letter from the Editor-in-Chief.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"248"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144026126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Skin changes of the female breast: A guide to assessment and management.","authors":"Elisabeth Rippy","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-10-24-7428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The breast can be affected by a wide range of dermatological conditions. Some conditions are unique to the skin of the breast, whereas others occur elsewhere on the body. General practitioners (GPs) will see both benign and malignant skin conditions of the breast; a nuanced approach to assessing and managing these conditions is required.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This paper gives an overview of the breast skin changes commonly seen in a GP practice, with aetiology, symptoms and guidance on treatment and management.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The symptoms of breast skin conditions might overlap. Failure to resolve with adequate treatment could indicate a serious underlying aetiology and the patient needs to be seen by a specialist for further investigation. Early referral decreases morbidity and, in malignant disease, mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"259-264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Breast health.","authors":"Claire Denness","doi":"128/AJGP-05-25-1234e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/128/AJGP-05-25-1234e","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ferric carboxymaltose: A practical guide on the administration of iron infusions in general practice.","authors":"Sunaina Patel","doi":"10.31128/AJGP-07-24-7354","DOIUrl":"10.31128/AJGP-07-24-7354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite having strong knowledge on iron deficiency, there is ongoing hesitancy among general practitioners (GPs) in providing iron infusions due to reduced confidence in the administration technique and concerns about adverse events.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article aims to prepare GPs, general practice registrars and other health providers with the knowledge to confidently and safely perform ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) infusions. It provides education around the use of parenteral iron, including indications, storage, administration, PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidy, side effects, contraindications and benefits. It might also assist already seasoned GPs with supplementary information, or those not performing infusions, with information about pre- and post-infusion care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>GPs play a pivotal role in both detection and management of iron deficiency and are arguably best suited to facilitate iron infusions. The goal is to reduce the responsibility burden on the hospital system, as well as assist GPs to maintain advanced skills and provide holistic care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54241,"journal":{"name":"Australian Journal of General Practice","volume":"54 5","pages":"287-294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}