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Contents – May 2003

News

SIGN guideline aims to improve outcomes in epilepsy
Digital camera funding will aid implementation of Diabetes NSF

In Reply

Obesity is a social issue

Health advice is only part of the answer to childhood obesity

Personal View

Screening is the key to reducing colorectal cancer

The SIGN guideline’s recommendations on screening do not go far enough, argues Dr Mark Cottrill

Guideline Development

Otitis media guideline will encourage rational antibiotic prescribing

SIGN’s otitis media guideline will help GPs to make a diagnosis and choose the right treatment approach to this common condition, says Professor John Bain

Patient Group Directions

Drawing up a PGD for combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine

Administering a combined vaccine against hepatitis A and typhoid improves compliance and benefits both patient and doctor, explains Jane Chiodini

Local Initiative

Facilitators support practices in improving type 2 diabetes care

Providing practical tailored advice, and supporting staff in changing practice can improve service provision for patients with diabetes, as Lynne Nicholl and Sunny Russell explain

Medico-legal Issues in General Practice

What should GPs do to comply with the law on access to information?

Legislation to encourage more openness among public bodies comes into force soon, but it has implications for GPs too, as Dr Gerard Panting of the MPS explains

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 21

Download the PDF, write the answers in the spaces provided, and keep the pages in your personal development plan

Your Problems Solved: Audit

Our panel of experts answer your questions on audit

Dr Mark Charny explains the purpose of standards and how to set them, and how case review relates to clinical audit

Test your Guidelines Knowledge

Win a 2-night stay for two at the Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh

How well do you know the SIGN guideline on otitis media?

Patient Information

SIGN patient information: 9. Childhood otitis media

Notes for Authors

Writing for Guidelines in Practice: instructions for authors

Guidelines in Practice Awards 2003

Entry form

Full details on how to enter this year's Awards

Out of Hours

War and peace

Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster