BackgroundCountries with a high prevalence of COVID‐19 have identified a reduction in crude hospital admission rates for non‐COVID‐19 conditions during the pandemic. There remains a paucity of such data from lower prevalence countries, including Australia.AimsTo describe the patterns of unplanned hospital daily admission rates during the COVID‐19 pandemic in a major Australian metropolitan hospital, with a focus on acute medical presentations including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and falls.MethodsThis single‐centre retrospective analysis analysed hospital admission episodes between 1 March and 30 April 2020 (COVID‐19‐era) and compared this to a historical cohort during the same period between 2017 and 2019 (pre‐COVID‐19). Information collected included total admission rates and patient characteristics for ACS, stroke and falls patients.ResultsA total of 12 278 unplanned admissions was identified across the study period. The daily admission rate was lower in the COVID‐19‐era compared with pre‐COVID‐19 (46.59 vs 51.56 days, P < 0.001). There was also a reduced average daily admission rate for falls (7.79 vs 9.95 days, P < 0.001); however, similar admission rates for ACS (1.52 vs 1.49 days, P = 0.83) and stroke (1.56 vs 1.76 days, P = 0.33).ConclusionsPublic health interventions have been effective in reducing domestic cases of COVID‐19 in Australia. At our tertiary metropolitan hospital, we have observed a significant reduction in unplanned hospital admission rates during the COVID‐19‐era, particularly for falls. Public health messaging needs to focus on educating the public how to seek medical care safely and promptly in the context of the ongoing COVID‐19 crisis.
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common in all areas of healthcare, and when the term is applied to oral symptoms, it can be appropriately focused as medically unexplained oral symptoms (MUOS). This article reviews the causes/associations and presentations of MUOS in dentistry, and describes confusable or possible comorbid psychiatric conditions. Management of patients with MUOS in primary dental care often requires close working with the patient's GP and other professionals. Strategies for the assessment and management of such patients are described. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentists in primary care are likely to see patients with medically unexplained oral symptoms. A good knowledge of the correct identification and management of these symptoms is crucial for a satisfactory outcome. A proficiency in assessing and managing MUOS patients is an important skill for all primary care dentists.
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