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Contents – November 2003

News

NICE guideline recommends evidence-based restructuring of antenatal care

SIGN to launch guideline on managing survivors of childhood cancer

In Reply

Keep repeat prescriptions for the consulting room

Personal View

NICE guideline aims to streamline antenatal care

Recommendations from NICE should help GPs provide evidence-based care for pregnant women, says Dr Peter Saul

Guideline Development

Primary care guideline will aid management of harmful drinking

The new SIGN guideline will help GPs identify and treat patients at risk from harmful drinking and help standardise management, says Dr Alan Clubb

Guidelines in Practice Awards 2003: Runner Up

Pathway to success: completing the cycle of cardiac rehabilitation

Joint runner up in our Awards, the team from an LHCC in Lanarkshire describe how they have helped develop a seamless journey for patients post-MI

Medico-legal Issues in Practice

What is the health service doing to put patients’ needs first?

New organisations are being set up in the NHS to provide information, advice and support to patients and their carers. Dr Gerard Panting explains how they will work

NEW SERIES: NEW GP CONTRACT

Meeting the clinical indicators for asthma

Optimising asthma management will improve patients’ quality of life and help practices to gain maximum points in the quality and outcomes framework, says Dr Peter Saul

Setting the standard: the new GP contract and accountability

The standards set by the quality indicators will affect not only GPs’ pay but also their defence if the care they provide is called into question, says Dr Gerard Panting

Patient Information

SIGN notes for discussion with patients 13. Management of harmful drinking

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 27

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

Your Problems Solved: IT

Our panel of experts answer your questions on IT

Dr Nigel Watson answers questions on universal healthcare records, purchasing practice IT systems and NHSnet

Notes for Authors

Writing for Guidelines in Practice: instructions for authors

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral summaries

Out of Hours

Small is beautiful

Dr Phil Hammond, GP and broadcaster