Patients with long-term conditions who miss primary healthcare appointments are at higher risk of premature death than those who diligently attend their GPs, a British study has found. The study is the first to compare the correlation of mortality rates of patients with long-term physical and mental conditions with how frequently they visit their GP and actually show up for appointments.

AMA President Dr Tony Bartone says the royal commission into aged care starting this week will highlight GPs’ frustrations and put unprecedented pressure on politicians to invest in better care for the elderly.

The number of data breaches involving My Health Record has risen year-on-year, from 35 incidents in the last financial year to 42 incidents this year, a report by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has shown.

When people think of stethoscopes, the image of a doctor or nurse wearing them around their neck, or asking a patient to 'take a deep breath', might come to mind. However, a new study suggests another association — that of bacteria and contamination. Published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the study found that stethoscopes carried by healthcare practitioners are loaded with diverse bacteria, including some that can cause healthcare-associated infections.