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The Focus articles in this issue provide updates on fatty liver disease and the treatment of hepatitis C virus in general practice, and information on communicating with patients about medications.
Clinical
Most patients with hepatitis C can be treated in general practice, increasing the number of patients who have access to treatment and reducing the likelihood of progression to advanced liver disease.
In 2020, Australian researchers led the development of an international consensus to rename and more precisely and positively define fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysregulation.
Paying attention to communication is an important part of respect for patients, to foster the principles of patient-centred care and shared decision making, and to promote better medical outcomes.
Research
Boosting hepatis C virus diagnosis and treatment in general practice settings for people who inject drugs is essential if Australia is to reach the World Health Organization elimination goals.
Editorial
Hepatitis C virus treatment is an effective illustration of the significant benefits of robust general practice delivering positive health outcomes to patients who were previously excluded.
It is estimated that 600,000 Australians currently self-medicate with cannabis, with chronic pain a leading indication for such use.
Case Study
A woman aged 79 years presented with a four-day history of a new gradual onset bilateral temporal headache of moderate severity.
Post–intensive care syndrome screening is not well defined, and the absence of an established care pathway for intensive care unit survivors means responsibility is not clearly delegated.
A girl aged eight months was brought to see her family’s general practitioner with a four-month history of persistent bilateral epiphora and light sensitivity.
A boy aged eight weeks presented to a regional emergency department with 24 hours of worsening non-bilious vomiting after feeds and recurrent loose stools with mucus.
General practitioners are integrating genomic testing into care, mainly through prenatal screening, and anticipate further impact.
Key drivers towards success should be considered by governing bodies if there is to be continued innovation within the area of remote healthcare delivery.
General Practice Liaison staff undertake a range of activities to improve information flow, care processes and capacity across both sectors.
A strong adoption of the national screening guidelines introduced in 2015–16 was identified.
Professional
Random case analysis in practice clinical team meetings is a novel method of peer review of performance that also promotes quality improvement and can identify patient safety concerns.
The absence of national safety and quality metrics hampers standardised approaches to evaluating telehealth implementation in Australia.
Column
The inclusion of the lived experience of patients and carers as an integral component of clinical care provides an essential perspective.
Clinical challenge
This clinical challenge is based on this month's Focus articles. To complete this activity, go to the RACGP website.