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Background Decisions about effective treatment and referral of patients with acne vulgaris can be complicated by psychosocial effects on patients. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment and referral decisions for general practitioners (GPs) providing care to patients with acne. Methods A qualitative descriptive study collected data via telephone interviews with 20 purposively sampled GPs working in New South Wales. A thematic analysis guided by the study objectives was undertaken. Results The participating GPs had divergent management approaches to acne treatment, infrequently provided acne patients with written resources, and would value additional dermatological support. Furthermore, the GPs recognised psychosocial ramifications and patient distress as drivers for treatment and expedited referral to dermatologists. Discussion Avenues for improved patient outcomes include explicit attention to psychological morbidity beyond treatment of the acne itself and improved use of patient educational materials, along with consistent collaboration between GPs and dermatologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the birth environment and the practice of midwifery using the theoretical approach of critical realism. BACKGROUND: The practice of midwifery has significant influence on the experiences and health outcomes of childbearing women. In the developed world most midwifery takes place in hospitals. The design and aesthetics of the hospital birth environment have an effect on midwives and inevitably play a role in shaping their practice. Despite this, knowledge about midwives' own thoughts and feelings regarding the design of hospital birth environments is limited. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive methodology was used and 16 face-to-face photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with practicing midwives. Audio recordings were made of the interviews and they were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis, informed by the theoretical framework of critical realism, was undertaken. RESULTS: Midwives identified cognitive and emotional responses to varied birth environments and were able to describe the way in which these responses influenced their practice. The overarching theme of "messages from space" was developed along with three sub-themes: messages, feelings, and behaviors. Midwives' responses aligned with the three domains of a critical realist world-view and indicated that a relationship existed between hospital birth environments and midwifery practice. CONCLUSIONS: The design of hospital birth rooms may shape midwifery practice by generating cognitive and emotional responses, which influence the activities and behaviors of individual midwives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives. The study explored the experiences of newly qualified midwives and described the factors that facilitated or constrained their development during the transition from student to registered midwife. Background. Knowledge of the transition to midwifery practice remains limited. Design and Method. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Sixteen graduates from one Australian University participated in a tape-recorded interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data set. Results. The metaphor of 'The Pond', an environment that consists of layers of life and can be both clear and peaceful or murky and infested, was used to describe new midwives perceptions of the context and culture of hospital-based maternity care. For some, 'The Pond' was a harsh environment that often became toxic. The 'Life-raft' metaphor was used to describe the importance of midwife-to-midwife relationships. The theme of 'Swimming' captured the consequence of positive interactions with colleagues and a supportive environment, whilst 'Sinking' described the consequence of poor relationships with midwives and a difficult working environment. Conclusion. The study highlights the importance of positive midwife-to-midwife relationships on the transition from student to registered midwife. There was also evidence that continuity with women and midwifery colleagues enhanced confidence and restored faith in normal birth. At the same time, it was clear that the midwifery culture of some institutions remains highly contested with midwives struggling to provide woman-centred care and often challenged by the risk-averse nature of maternity care. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Whilst further work is required, the findings provide a deeper understanding of individual midwives' transition period. The importance of forming longitudinal relationships not only with women but with midwifery colleagues is highlighted. Developing continuity models that adequately support graduates and student's needs are likely to assist in addressing practices issues in both the academic and clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]