Fitness trackers in primary care

Wearable technology is increasingly common and could facilitate behavioural change but little is known about incorporating it into primary care. Western and colleagues conducted a qualitative study that explored how people responded to personalised physical activity feedback from healthcare practitioners using data gathered from a wearable device. They found that feedback evoked an immediate emotional reaction in the patients. Those who were physically active had a positive response. Patients with lower activity levels had more negative emotional responses but showed positive coping mechanisms. Feedback using data captured from wearable devices could be a viable option for lifestyle consultations in primary care.

Improving the management of discharge summaries in primary care

Managing and processing hospital discharge paperwork is a routine task in primary care. Yet little is known about factors associated with failure to respond to actions requested in summaries. Evidence from a previous study in the BJGP shows that handling is imperfect nearly half the time. Spencer and colleagues interviewed key staff in a qualitative study exploring this area. The design and quality of discharge summaries from secondary care could be improved but the importance of protected time in primary care was recognised. Based on the findings, they have constructed recommendations to ensure safer transitions after hospital admission back to primary care.

Improving consultations with frequent attenders

The top 3% of attenders in primary care can use 15% of appointments, with higher investigation, referral, and admission rates. As part of a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial, Barnes and colleagues trained 34 GPs to use the BATHE (Background, Affect, Trouble, Handling, Empathy) technique in consultations with frequent attenders. GPs were keen to engage, and used BATHE one or more times in over half of patients; however, trained GPs used BATHE less than expected with minimal increases in continuity. Patients were positive but a fully powered trial may require careful consideration of outcome measures to capture effects in a complex intervention.