Publications by authors named "Ronan Fawsitt"
Introduction: Research suggests that general practice can play an important role in managing long COVID. However, studies investigating the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients are lacking and knowledge regarding optimal long COVID care in general practice is therefore limited.
Aim: To investigate GPs' and patients' perspectives on the topic of long COVID and its management in general practice.
Background: Worldwide, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in adults and poses a significant burden to patients, physicians, and healthcare systems. We developed a quality of care score based on the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway recommended by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association guidelines. This is a 14-point score that we have termed the MAGIC score(Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Integrated Care and General Practice).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The heart failure (HF) virtual consultation (VC) is an eHealth tool for delivery of peer-to-peer specialist advice to general practitioners (GPs) to discuss HF diagnosis/management. We aim to investigate the impact of the VC service on onward referral rate and quality of assessment by GPs, as well as assess VC patient characteristics; Clinical Frailty Score (CSF), age and morbidity.
Methods: This prospective observational study collected VC data on: demographics, comorbidity, frailty, referral indication, the impact of VC on clinical care and the GP response to the question 'what would you have done without the VC service'.
Background: Since winter 2020/21, general practitioners (GPs) in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) have been granted access to diagnostic imaging studies on a new publicly funded pathway, expediting access to services previously obtained via hospital-based doctors.
Aims: Outline GP perspectives on imaging studies obtained via the new "GP Access to Community Diagnostics" initiative.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed.
Background: Direct access to diagnostic imaging in General Practice provides an avenue to reduce referrals to hospital-based specialities and emergency departments, and to ensure timely diagnosis. Enhanced GP access to radiology imaging could potentially reduce hospital referrals, hospital admissions, enhance patient care, and improve disease outcomes. This scoping review aims to demonstrate the value of direct access to diagnostic imaging in General Practice and how it has impacted on healthcare delivery and patient care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * A study using a scoping review framework identified key themes related to GP management of long COVID, including GP uncertainty, the importance of empathy, and the need for effective assessment, coordination, and psychological support.
- * The findings suggest that GPs can improve patient care in long COVID cases through a better understanding of experiences and standardized treatment approaches, highlighting a need for further research on specific GP interventions.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on primary care throughout Europe and globally.
Objectives: This review aims to ascertain how the pandemic has impacted primary care service provision/patients and to examine strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Methods: The scoping review framework comprised a six-stage process developed by Arksey and O'Malley.
Background: About 10-35% of people with COVID-19 need medical care within 3 weeks of infection. However, the prevalence of ongoing care needs among those experiencing severe COVID-19 illness is unclear.
Aim: This pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining GP attendance trends among patients attending a post-COVID-19 hospital follow-up clinic, 3-6 months after an initial clinic visit.
Background: In Ireland, as in many healthcare systems, health policy has committed to delivering an integrated model of care to address the increasing burden of chronic disease. Integrated care is an approach to healthcare systems delivery that aims to minimise fragmentation of patient services and improve care continuity. To this end, how best to integrate primary and secondary care is a challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF