---

Contents – November 2002

News

NICE publishes guidelines on managing blood pressure and blood lipids in diabetes

SIGN launches guideline on deep vein thrombosis

Yellow card scheme goes on line

View

SIGN guideline focuses on post-menopausal bleeding

Dr Chris Barclay welcomes the new SIGN guidance on the management of women with bleeding after the menopause

In Reply

When is verbal consent needed to access an EHR?

Dr Nigel Watson answers a reader's query about the need to obtain consent before looking at electronic health records

Guideline Development

BSG advocates 'test and treat' strategy in under 55s with dyspepsia

The updated guideline from the BSG should help to streamline endoscopy referrals in patients with dyspepsia, says Dr Roland Valori

Guidelines in Practice Awards: runner up

Integrating primary and secondary care cardiac rehab services

Dr Hasnain Dalal, joint runner up in our Awards, describes his PCT's successful strategy to create a seamless cardiac rehabilitation service

Guidelines in Practice Awards: runner up

Specialist nurses play key role in implementing the NSF for CHD

Dr Stewart Findlay discusses his team's strategy to implement the NSF for coronary heart disease across Durham Dales Primary Care Trust

Patient Group Directions

Protecting under-2s at risk from pneumococcal disease

A vaccine is now available for children under two at risk from pneumococcal infection. Jane Chiodini explains how to set up a PGD for immunisation

Medico-legal Issues in General Practice

How far can you go in promoting your practice services?

Doctors may no longer be banned from advertising, but if you want to promote your services you must observe certain rules, as Dr Gerard Panting explains

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 15

Write the answers in the spaces provided, then cut out the pages and put them in your personal development plan

Key Organisations

Sheffield Evidence Based Guidelines Programme

Aileen McIntosh, Deputy Director, on the work of the National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care provider partner

Your Problems Solved: Audit

Our panel of experts answer your questions on audit

Dr Mark Charny answers questions on the importance of audit and on audit standards and targets

Test your Guidelines Knowledge

Win a 2-night stay for two at Eastwell Manor in Kent

How well do you know the NICE referral advice on 'prostatism'?

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral advice: 11. Varicose veins

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral summaries

Patient Information

SIGN notes for discussion with patients 3. LRTIs in Adults

Out of Hours

Doctors in distress

Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster