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Zwaanswijk M, Nielen MMJ, Hek K, Verheij RA. Factors associated with variation in urgency of primary out-of-hours contacts in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e008421. [PMID: 26474938 PMCID: PMC4611245 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dutch primary out-of-hours care is provided by general practice cooperatives (GPCs). Although most GPCs use the same standardised triage system, differences between GPCs exist in the urgency assigned to patients' health problems. This cross-sectional study aims to provide insight into factors associated with the variation in assigned urgency between GPCs. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were derived from routine electronic health records of 895 253 patients who attended 17 GPCs in 2012. Patients' gender, age, travel distance to the GPC, and the use of a computer-based decision support system for triage were investigated as possibly affecting assigned urgency. Multilevel linear regression analyses were executed for the 3 most frequently presented health problems (cystitis/other urinary infection, laceration/cut and fever). RESULTS Variation in urgency levels between GPCs was significant for the selected health problems (p=0.00). Assigned urgency was mainly related to patient gender and age. It was not associated with the use of a computer-based decision support system, or with travel distance to the GPC. Most variation in urgency (93.4-96.7%) could be ascribed to variation in patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS There is significant variation in urgency levels between GPCs, even for the same health problem. This variation is mainly associated with differences in characteristics of individuals contacting the GPCs, rather than with variables such as patients' travel distance or the use of a computer-based decision support system. Since patient characteristics are likely to affect patients' clinical need, our results are an indication of the adequate functioning of the triage system.
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Brunschot DMDÖV, Hoitsma AJ, van der Jagt MFP, d'Ancona FC, Donders RART, van Laarhoven CJHM, Hilbrands LB, Warlé MC. Nighttime kidney transplantation is associated with less pure technical graft failure. World J Urol 2015; 34:955-61. [PMID: 26369548 PMCID: PMC4921110 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-015-1679-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To minimize cold ischemia time, transplantations with kidneys from deceased donors are frequently performed during the night.
However, sleep deprivation of those who perform the transplantation may have adverse effects on cognitive and psychomotor performance and may cause reduced cognitive flexibility. We hypothesize that renal transplantations performed during the night are associated with an increased incidence of pure technical graft failure. Methods A retrospective analysis of data of the Dutch Organ Transplant Registry concerning all transplants from deceased donors between 2000 and 2013 was performed. Nighttime surgery was defined as the start of the procedure between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The primary outcome measure was technical graft failure, defined as graft loss within 10 days after surgery without signs of (hyper)acute rejection. Results Of 4.519 renal transplantations in adult recipients, 1.480 were performed during the night. The incidence of pure technical graft failure was 1.0 % for procedures started during the night versus 2.6 % for daytime surgery (p = .001). In a multivariable model, correcting for relevant donor, recipient and graft factors, daytime surgery was an independent predictor of pure technical graft failure (p < .001). Conclusions Limitation of this study is mainly to its retrospective design, and the influence of some relevant variables, such as the experience level of the surgeon, could not be assessed. We conclude that nighttime surgery is associated with less pure technical graft failures. Further research is required to explore factors that may positively influence the performance of the surgical team during the night.
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Meacock R, Doran T, Sutton M. What are the Costs and Benefits of Providing Comprehensive Seven-day Services for Emergency Hospital Admissions? HEALTH ECONOMICS 2015; 24:907-912. [PMID: 26010243 DOI: 10.1002/hec.3207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The English National Health Service is moving towards providing comprehensive 7-day hospital services in response to higher death rates for emergency weekend admissions. Using Hospital Episode Statistics between 1st April 2010 and 31st March 2011 linked to all-cause mortality within 30 days of admission, we estimate the number of excess deaths and the loss in quality-adjusted life years associated with emergency weekend admissions. The crude 30-day mortality rate was 3.70% for weekday admissions and 4.05% for weekend admissions. The excess weekend death rate equates to 4355 (risk adjusted 5353) additional deaths each year. The health gain of avoiding these deaths would be 29 727-36 539 quality-adjusted life years per year. The estimated cost of implementing 7-day services is £1.07-£1.43 bn, which exceeds by £339-£831 m the maximum spend based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £595 m-£731 m. There is as yet no clear evidence that 7-day services will reduce weekend deaths or can be achieved without increasing weekday deaths. The planned cost of implementing 7-day services greatly exceeds the maximum amount that the National Health Service should spend on eradicating the weekend effect based on current evidence. Policy makers and service providers should focus on identifying specific service extensions for which cost-effectiveness can be demonstrated.
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Saxena A, Desanghere L, Skomro RP, Wilson TW. Residents' and attendings' perceptions of a night float system in an internal medicine program in Canada. EDUCATION FOR HEALTH (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 28:118-123. [PMID: 26609011 DOI: 10.4103/1357-6283.170125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Night Float system (NFS) is often used in residency training programs to meet work hour regulations. The purpose of this study was to examine resident and attendings' perceptions of the NFS on issues of resident learning, well-being, work, non-educational activities and the health care system (patient safety and quality of care, inter-professional teams, workload on attendings and costs of on-call coverage). METHODS A survey questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions (26 residents and eight attendings in an Internal Medicine program), informal discussions with the program and moonlighting and financial data were collected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The main findings included, (i) an overall congruency in opinions between resident and attendings across all mean comparisons, (ii) perceptions of improvement for most aspects of resident well-being (e.g. stress, fatigue) and work environment (e.g. supervision, support), (iii) a neutral effect on the resident learning environment, except resident opinions on an increase in opportunities for learning, (iv) perceptions of improved patient safety and quality of care despite worsened continuity of care, and (v) no increases in work-load on attendings or the health care system (cost-neutral call coverage). Patient safety, handovers and increased utilization of moonlighting opportunities need further exploration.
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Wagner K. 5 ways to optimize performance for the night shift. HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT : JOURNAL OF THE HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION 2015; 69:38. [PMID: 26665521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Wise J. Out-of-hours services are mostly good but quality still varies, says regulator. BMJ 2014; 349:g6028. [PMID: 25287970 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g6028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Iacobucci G. NHS England is criticised for failing to robustly oversee out of hours care. BMJ 2014; 349:g4591. [PMID: 25022476 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g4591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Coomber R, Smith D, McGuinness D, Shao E, Soobrah R, Frankel AH. Foundation doctors working at night: what training opportunities exist? MEDICAL TEACHER 2014; 36:632-638. [PMID: 24787535 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2014.899688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Foundation Training is designed for doctors in their first two years of post-graduation. The number of foundation doctors (FD) in the UK working nights has reduced because of a perception that clinical supervision at night is unsatisfactory and that minimal training opportunities exist. We aimed to assess the value of night shifts to FDs and hypothesised that removing FDs from nights may be detrimental to training. METHODS Using a survey, we assessed the number of FDs working nights in London, FDs views on working nights and their supervision at night. We evaluated whether working at night, compared to daytime working provided opportunities to achieve foundation competencies. RESULTS 83% (N = 2157/2593) of FDs completed the survey. Over 90% of FDs who worked nights felt that the experience they gained improved their ability to prioritise, make decisions and plan. FDs who worked nights reported higher scores for achieving competencies in history taking (2.67 vs. 2.51; p = 0.00), examination (2.72 vs. 2.59; p = 0.01) and resuscitation (2.27 vs. 1.96; p = 0.00). The majority (65%) felt adequately supervised. CONCLUSIONS Our survey has demonstrated that FDs find working nights a valuable experience, providing important training opportunities, which are additional to those encountered during daytime working.
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Andersen MJ, Gromov K, Brix M, Troelsen A. The Danish Fracture Database can monitor quality of fracture-related surgery, surgeons' experience level and extent of supervision. DANISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 61:A4839. [PMID: 24947619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of supervision and of surgeons' level of experience in relation to patient outcome have been demonstrated in both hip fracture and arthroplasty surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the surgeons' experience level and the extent of supervision for: 1) fracture-related surgery in general; 2) the three most frequent primary operations and reoperations; and 3) primary operations during and outside regular working hours. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 9,767 surgical procedures were identified from the Danish Fracture Database (DFDB). Procedures were grouped based on the surgeons' level of experience, extent of supervision, type (primary, planned secondary or reoperation), classification (AO Müller), and whether they were performed during or outside regular hours. RESULTS Interns and junior residents combined performed 46% of all procedures. A total of 90% of surgeries by interns were performed under supervision, whereas 32% of operations by junior residents were unsupervised. Supervision was absent in 14-16% and 22-33% of the three most frequent primary procedures and reoperations when performed by interns and junior residents, respectively. The proportion of unsupervised procedures by junior residents grew from 30% during to 40% (p < 0.001) outside regular hours. CONCLUSION Interns and junior residents together performed almost half of all fracture-related surgery. The extent of supervision was generally high; however, a third of the primary procedures performed by junior residents were unsupervised. The extent of unsupervised surgery performed by junior residents was significantly higher outside regular hours. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Danish Fracture Database ("Dansk Frakturdatabase") was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency ID: 01321.
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Herrod PJJ, Barclay C, Blakey JD. Can mobile technology improve response times of junior doctors to urgent out-of-hours calls? A prospective observational study. QJM 2014; 107:271-6. [PMID: 24300162 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hct242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hospital at Night system has been widely adopted to manage Out-of-Hours workload. However, it has the potential to introduce delays and corruption of information. The introduction of newer technologies to replace landlines, pagers and paper may ameliorate these issues. AIM To establish if the introduction of a Hospital at Night system supported by a wireless taskflow system affected the escalation of high Early Warning Scores (EWSs) to medical attention, and the time taken to medical review. DESIGN Prospective 'pre and post' observational study in a teaching hospital in the UK. METHODS Review of observation charts and medical records, and data extraction from the electronic taskflow system. RESULTS The implementation of a technology-supported Hospital at Night system was associated with a significant decrease in time to documentation of initial review in those who were reviewed. However, there was no change in the proportion of those with a high EWS that were reviewed, and throughout the study a majority of patients with high EWSs were not reviewed in accordance with guidelines. CONCLUSION Introduction of a Hospital at Night system supported by mobile technology appeared to improve the transfer of information, but did not affect the nursing decision whether to escalate abnormal findings.
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Moore A. 24/7 care. The seven day forecast. THE HEALTH SERVICE JOURNAL 2014; 124:24-25. [PMID: 24660432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Philips H, Huibers L, Holm Hansen E, Bondo Christensen M, Leutgeb R, Klemenc-Ketis Z, Chmiel C, Muñoz MA, Kosiek K, Remmen R. Guidelines adherence to lower urinary tract infection treatment in out-of-hours primary care in European countries. QUALITY IN PRIMARY CARE 2014; 22:221-231. [PMID: 25695532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial prevalence of bacterial lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care is a reason for frequent prescription of antibiotics. Insight in guideline adherence in OOH primary care concerning treatment of LUTIs is lacking. AIMS To check feasibility of the use of OOH routine data to assess guideline adherence for the treatment of LUTI in OOH primary care, in different regions of Europe. METHODS We compared guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated LUTIs in nine European countries, followed by an observational study on available data of guideline adherence. In each region a convenience sample of registration data of at least 100 contacts per OOH primary care setting was collected. Data on adherence (% of contacts) was identified for type of antibiotic and for full treatment adherence (i.e. recommended type and dose and duration). RESULTS Six countries were able to provide data on treatment of LUTIs. Four of them succeeded to collect data on type, dosage and duration of treatment. Mostly, trimethoprim was the treatment of first choice, sometimes combined with sulfamethoxazol or sulfamethizol. Adherence with the type of antibiotics varied from 25% to 100%. Denmark achieved a full treatment adherence of 40.0%, the Netherlands 72.7%, Norway 38.3%, and Slovenia 22.2%. CONCLUSION Guidelines content is similar to a large extent in the participating countries. The use of OOH routine data for analysis of guideline adherence in OOH primary care seems feasible, although some challenges remain. Adherence regarding treatment varies and suggests room for improvement in most countries.
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Arce HE. [Concerning an article on the relation between mortality and the day of surgery, commented on Caveat lector]. Medicina (B Aires) 2014; 74:86-87. [PMID: 24561856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
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Martijn L, Jacobs A, Amelink-Verburg M, Wentzel R, Buitendijk S, Wensing M. Adverse outcomes in maternity care for women with a low risk profile in The Netherlands: a case series analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2013; 13:219. [PMID: 24286376 PMCID: PMC4219453 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-13-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to perform a structural analysis of determinants of risk of critical incidents in care for women with a low risk profile at the start of pregnancy with a view on improving patient safety. METHODS We included 71 critical incidents in primary midwifery care and subsequent hospital care in case of referral after 36 weeks of pregnancy that were related to substandard care and for that reason were reported to the Health Care Inspectorate in The Netherlands in 36 months (n = 357). We performed a case-by-case analysis, using a previously validated instrument which covered five broad domains: healthcare organization, communication between healthcare providers, patient risk factors, clinical management, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Determinants that were associated with risk concerned healthcare organization (n = 20 incidents), communication about treatment procedures (n = 39), referral processes (n = 19), risk assessment by telephone triage (n = 10), and clinical management in an out of hours setting (n = 19). The 71 critical incidents included three cases of maternal death, eight cases of severe maternal morbidity, 42 perinatal deaths and 12 critical incidents with severe morbidity for the child. Suboptimal prenatal risk assessment, a delay in availability of health care providers in urgent situations, miscommunication about treatment between care providers, and miscommunication with patients in situations with a language barrier were associated with safety risks. CONCLUSIONS Systematic analysis of critical incidents improves insight in determinants of safety risk. The wide variety of determinants of risk of critical incidents implies that there is no single intervention to improve patient safety in the care for pregnant women with initially a low risk profile.
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O'Dowd A. MPs challenge Serco over its trustworthiness to run public services. BMJ 2013; 347:f7019. [PMID: 24270376 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f7019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Showkathali R, Davies JR, Sayer JW, Kelly PA, Aggarwal RK, Clesham GJ. The advantages of a consultant led primary percutaneous coronary intervention service on patient outcome. QJM 2013; 106:989-94. [PMID: 23737507 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hct132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality among emergency medical admissions has been reported to be higher when patients are admitted to hospital at nights and weekends. AIM We studied the outcome of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients presenting at different times to our centre with 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) service. METHODS We divided all patients who underwent PPCI between September 2009 and November 2011 into three groups according to the time of admission as group 1: in-hours (0800-1800 h weekdays), group 2: out-of-hours (1800- 0800 h weekdays) and group 3: weekends (Sat to Mon 0800-0800 h). RESULTS A total of 605 (41.1%), 397 (27%) and 469 (31.9%) were included in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Apart from cardiogenic shock (8.9%, 5.5% and 7.7%, P = 0.05) and door to balloon time (median 29, 33 and 36 min, P < 0.0001), there was no significant difference noted in the baseline and procedural characteristics between the groups. In-hospital mortality (4.6%, 4.3% and 5.3%, P = 0.5), 30-day mortality (6.4%, 6.3% and 7%, P = 0.7), 30-day stent thrombosis (0.8%, 0.8% and 0.2%, P = 0.1) and 1-year mortality (10.7%, 10.8% and 9.8%, P = 0.7) were no difference between the groups. On logistic regression analysis, out-of-hours and weekend admissions were not found to be a predictor of both 30-day and 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION In this consecutive series of patients admitted to a high volume PPCI centre, there was no difference in mortality when patients were admitted at different times. The involvement of senior medical staff early in the patients' admission may have contributed to these consistent outcomes.
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Vaernet J. [Open letter to the Medical Association: Take responsibility for ensuring physician coverage throughout Denmark]. Ugeskr Laeger 2013; 175:2663. [PMID: 26504922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Pedersen P. [Dear patients in the capital region]. Ugeskr Laeger 2013; 175:2509-2510. [PMID: 26504937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Johnston J, Loughrey C, Bonnar G. Evaluating out-of-hours GP training: the Northern Ireland experience. EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY CARE 2013; 24:466-468. [PMID: 24196604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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O'Dowd A. GPs should have more oversight of out of hours care, say leaders. BMJ 2013; 347:f5013. [PMID: 23935061 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f5013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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O'Dowd A. MPs condemn Serco for substandard out of hours service in Cornwall. BMJ 2013; 347:f4479. [PMID: 23847211 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f4479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Wilkie P. Take the hours out of out of hours care. THE HEALTH SERVICE JOURNAL 2013; 123:22-23. [PMID: 23946997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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Law: case studies. Never again. THE HEALTH SERVICE JOURNAL 2013; 123:8-9. [PMID: 24066494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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O'Dowd A. GPs' out of hours arrangements are not to blame for pressure on emergency departments, MPs hear. BMJ 2013; 346:f3363. [PMID: 23697832 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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