Patterns of primary care among persons with schizophrenia: the role of patients, general practitioners and centre factors.

Background: Patients with schizophrenia and related disorders have more physical problems than the general population. Primary care professionals play an important role in the care of these patients as they are the main entry point into the healthcare system. We aimed to identify patient, general practitioner, and primary care centre factors associated with the number of visits of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders to general practitioners.

Telemedicine influence on the follow-up of type 2 diabetes patients.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a teleassistance system on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes patients.

Research Design And Methods: We conducted a 1-year controlled parallel-group trial comparing patients randomized (1) to an intervention group, assigned to a teleassistance system using real-time transmission of blood glucose results, with immediate reply when necessary, and telephone consultations, or (2) to a control group, being regularly followed-up at their healthcare center. Study subjects were type 2 diabetes patients >30 years of age followed in the primary care setting.