When Doctors Don’t Listen, Patient Health Suffers
Modern medicine’s true healing potential depends on a resource that is being systematically depleted: the time and capacity to truly listen to patients, hear their stories and learn not only what the matter with them is but also what matters to them.
Modern Medicine – Feb/March 2019
It’s Hard for Doctors to Unlearn Things
Procedures live on even after they’ve been proved ineffective. It can lead to harms and wasted resources. Part of a doctor’s tool kit is learning new things, but also unlearning some things. The second part may be harder than the first.
Modern Medicine – Dec/Jan 2019
Infection Control in a Globalised World: Challenges for General Practice
The consistent use in the practice setting of standard precautions – work practices that achieve a basic level of infection control – protects both patients and staff. The use of appropriate precautions and a good medical handover help prevent dissemination of infection from patients into hospitals. It is important that a good history, including travel and previous healthcare exposure, is taken at every consultation. Knowledge and awareness is the key: in order to triage patients presenting to the general practice, it is imperative that GPs stay up to date with information regarding emerging infectious diseases and infections with multiresistant organisms. Environmental cleaning and good practice design help prevent infection transmission.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Sustained Quality Patient Care is Rooted in the Health of the Practitioner
Burnout is neither a new concept, nor a new experience to many who work in the demanding environment of healthcare. Service in the healthcare industry equates to patient care. The recent rise in litigation could be influenced by medical practitioner burnout. Burnout is on the rise due to poor working conditions, long hours and emotional intensity. Understanding personal energy, maintaining perspective, working in cycle and creating daily mini-breaks area practical approach to helping
burnout.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Antimicrobial Stewardship for GPs
There is a strong link between antibiotic consumption and the rate of antibiotic resistance. The vast majority of antibiotics are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs). The GAPS study evaluated an integrated, mu l t i faceted evidence-based package of interventions implemented over a six month period.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
Female Urinary Incontinence Effective management in primary care
Female urinary incontinence is a common and distressing problem. Overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence are the two common types of urinary incontinence in women. Most women with urinary incontinence can be managed effectively in primary care. Women with refractory incontinence and those with more complex presentations and associated problems should be referred for specialist management. Conservative management of overactive bladder involves pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining and fluid management. Antimuscarinic medication is the mainstay of drug therapy for overactive bladder. Stress urinary incontinence should be treated initially with pelvic floor muscle training.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
The Hidden Epidemic of Domestic Violence – MM1311
Domestic violence underlies many psychosomatic presentations in women. To help prevent major, enduring health effects, GPs need to ask directly about abuse and respond with ongoing support.
Modern Medicine – November/December 2013
