Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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Wellbeing checks in general practice are essential for maintaining the overall health of patients, particularly those at higher risk of developing chronic conditions or mental health issues. General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in early detection and intervention during these checks.
Wellbeing Check | Details | Frequency |
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Blood Pressure Check | Measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure to assess risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. | Annually for adults; more frequent for patients with hypertension. |
Cholesterol Test | Lipid profile test to assess risk of heart disease and stroke. | Every 4-6 years for adults; more frequent for high-risk individuals. |
Diabetes Screening (HbA1c) | Blood test to screen for diabetes or pre-diabetes by measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. | Every 1-3 years for adults, especially those at risk. |
Mental Health Screening | Use of standardized tools such as the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 to screen for depression and anxiety. | At least annually, or as needed for patients with symptoms or risk factors. |
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Check | Evaluation of body weight in relation to height, to identify obesity or underweight issues. | Annually or more frequently if necessary. |
Cancer Screening | Includes screening for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer based on age and risk factors. | Based on guidelines: Pap smears (every 3-5 years), mammograms (every 2 years), and colonoscopies (every 10 years). |
Vaccination Review | Ensuring that patients are up-to-date on vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, and COVID-19. | Annually for influenza, others based on schedule. |
Note: Wellbeing checks are a critical component of primary care, aiming to identify health issues early and improve the overall quality of life for patients.