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Contents – June 2002

News

NICE to publish cancer referral guidelines

Heart failure patients are undertreated

Magnesium sulphate halves eclampsia rate

Editorial

Delivering quality: the new GP contract framework

Dr John Chisholm, Chairman of the General Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association

In Reply

Psychological support is vital for cardiac patients

Guideline Development

Updated national stroke guidelines include new trial evidence

Developments in secondary prevention, management of TIAs and stroke care services are reflected in the new guidelines. Dr Tony Rudd and Penny Irwin report

Patient Group Directions

Drawing up a PGD for hepatitis B vaccine

Travellers abroad are among those at risk from infection with hepatitis B. Jane Chiodini explains how to draw up a patient group direction for the vaccine

Beacon Awards

Integrated breast care pathway streamlines the referral process

Mr Nick Carty explains how a scheme to involve GPs in the assessment of patients with breast symptoms has helped prioritise referrals and improve patient care

Medico-legal Issues in General Practice

Think before you sign certificates and medico-legal reports

Dr Gerard Panting of the Medical Protection Society explains the obligations involved and pitfalls to avoid when putting your name to a document

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 10

Download the PDFs, write your answers in the spaces provided and keep them in your personal development plan

Electronic Communication

GPs and patients will benefit from electronic appointment booking

By 2005 it will be possible to book appointments electronically. Dr Nigel Watson describes how this might work and the advantages for GPs

Key Organisations

The Public Health Laboratory Service Primary Care Initiative

Dr Cliodna McNulty, PHLS Primary Care Coordinator and Dr Gillian Smith, Consultant Epidemiologist

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral advice: 6. Osteoarthritis of the knee

eGuidelines

eGuidelines update

Guidelines in Practice, Guidelines, the CLIP database and related information online at www.eguidelines.co.uk

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral summaries

WHO Patient Guideline

WHO guide to mental health

Interactive summary cards for use with patients

Your Problems Solved: Audit

Our panel of experts answer your questions on audit

Dr Mark Charny answers some frequently asked questions on clinical audit in general practice

Out of Hours

Guidelines on choosing a consultant

Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster

Guidelines in Practice, June 2002, Volume 5(6) © 2002 MGP Ltd further information | subscribe