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Contents – February 2003

News

RCP launches joint guidelines on steroid-induced osteoporosis

Enter the Guidelines in Practice Awards 2003

Educational interventions boost GP uptake of dyspepsia guidelines

Personal View

Joint asthma guideline is a valuable tool for GPs

The SIGN/BTS guideline will encourage best practice in primary care management of asthma, says Dr Peter Saul

In Reply

The NSF for Diabetes - a missed opportunity

Part two of the NSF has brought no new funds with it, placing PCTs under even greater pressure says Dr Matthew Lockyer

Phasing out traction feed printers

Guideline Development

New national guideline should raise standards of asthma care

The SIGN/BTS joint guideline provides up to date evidence-based recommendations on all aspects of asthma management, explains Dr John Haughney

Local Initiative

Practice rewarded for setting high standards in patient services

Practice manager Laurence Bernthal explains how his practice met the challenge of being nominated for assessment for a Charter Mark

Patient Group Directions

Setting up a patient group direction for varicella vaccine

Chickenpox can be serious in adults, and vaccination should be considered for susceptible individuals. Jane Chiodini explains how to set up a PGD

Medico-legal Issues in General Practice

How much information should GPs provide to insurance companies?

GPs must respect patients' confidentiality but they are also obliged to tell the truth to insurance companies. Dr Gerard Panting explains how you can do both

Key Organisations

Evidence-based advice from the HDA on alcohol and smoking

Dr Tonya GIllis, senior media adviser at the Health Development Agency, discusses the organisation's recommendations for primary care

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 18

Download the PDF, answer the questions, and keep it in your personal development plan

Your Problems Solved: Audit

Our panel of experts answers your questions on audit

Dr Mark Charny discusses how to manage records, and the difference between critical incident and significant event audits

Test Your Guidelines Knowledge

Win a 2-night break for two at the Mariott St Pierre Hotel

How well do you know the SIGN/BTS guideline on the management of asthma?

Patient Information

SIGN notes for discussion with patients 6. Management of asthma

Notes for Authors

Writing for Guidelines in Practice: instructions for authors

Out of Hours

All you need is love

Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster