Contents January 2001
News
Spirometry has increased since launch of COPD guidelines
Editorial
Patient-friendly guidelines are the next challenge
Dr Tricia Donald, Primary Care Adviser, SIGN
In Reply
Weekly CO readings can help smokers to quit
Chris Chappell, smoking cessation coordinator, discusses the role of CO monitoring
Personal View
Comprehensive guidelines on IBS highlight GP's role
Dr Mark Cottrill welcomes the new BSG guidelines on IBS which recommend primary care management
Guideline Development
Meningococcal disease guidelines emphasise the role of septicaemia
Revised guidelines on meningococcal disease aim to improve the recognition of septicaemia and early use of penicillin, as Dr Stephen Granier explains
Guideline Development
PCDS atopic eczema guidelines optimise GP management
Dr Tom Poyner explains how the PCDS developed guidelines for the management of atopic eczema that are clinically relevant to primary care
Linking Evidence to Practice
How to ensure effective treatment for patients with osteoporosis
Dr Juliet Compston weighs up the evidence for different osteoporosis treatments and explains how to tailor treatment to the individual patient
NEW SERIES: Electronic Communication
How to find your way around a website
In the first of a new monthly series, Dr Nigel Watson,Vice-Chairman of the GPC's IM&T subcommittee presents a beginners' guide to surfing the internet
Medico-legal Issues in Practice
Risk management can be of benefit in general practice
Dr Patrick Hoyte, of the Medical Defence Union, explains how quality risk management programmes can help to reduce the possibility of future claims and complaints
Key Organisations
Commission for Health Improvement
Dr Kieran Sweeney, Medical Officer to the Primary Care Team, CHI
Questions & Answers
Your problems solved
Our editorial board answer your questions on guidelines and copyright, and the rights of specialists with regard to referrals
Out of Hours
Guidelines on avoiding misdiagnosis of death
Dr Phil Hammond, GP, lecturer and presenter of BBC2's Trust Me, I'm a Doctor
