Contents October 2001
News
SIGN to launch updated guideline on diabetes
Tailored approach to implementing guidelines shows promise
Professor James Petrie CBE 1941-2001 Founder of SIGN
In Reply
Drug misusers benefit from treatment in primary care
GPs Drs Kausar Jafri and Jez Thompson discuss their approaches to the management of drug abusers
Personal View
Reducing the burden of chronic pain in primary care
Dr Blair Smith, Senior Lecturer, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen
Guideline Development
SIGN guideline aims to promote early recognition of ADHD
The new SIGN guideline provides a framework for evidence-based assessment and management of hyperactivity disorders, explains Dr Chris Steer
Beacon Awards
GP protocol for repeat prescribing reduces costs and workload
Dr Hazel Butler describes her simple protocol for repeat prescriptions for chronic disease which has reduced her PACT costs to nearly half the national average
NSF for CHD
Intensive approach to CHD management proves effective
Nurse practitioner Julia Bennett describes a practice initiative to introduce a CHD clinic and patient-held record cards in line with the NSF for CHD
Focus on CME
Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 2
Write the answers in the spaces provided, then cut out the pages and put them in your personal development plan
Patient Group Directions
How to draw up a PGD for influenza vaccine
Jane Chiodini, an immunisation nurse specialist, explains why practices need to have PGDs for influenza vaccines in place, and how to set them up
Training
Facilitators have key role in implementing guidelines locally
Facilitation is a pivotal process in the creation, adoption and implementation of both local and national clinical guidelines, as John Davis explains
Electronic Communication
European Computer Driving Licence: what it means for the NHS
Dr Nigel Watson explains what the European Computer Driving Licence is and how it will help healthcare professionals make the best use of their computers
Medico-legal Issues in General Practice
When is removal of a patient from a GP's list justified?
Dr Gerard Panting discusses when a GP may be justified in removing a patient's name from his list and why he needs clear reasons for doing so
Key Organisations
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
Graeme McAlister, Communications Manager, SIGN
eGuidelines
eGuidelines update
CLIP database
Clinical Improvements Online Database
Your Problems Solved: Audit
Our panel of experts answer questions on audit
Notes for Authors
Writing for Guidelines in Practice: instructions for authors
Out of Hours
Time to take sex seriously
Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster
