Contents – October 2005

News

Updated BTS/SIGN guideline aims to raise awareness of occupational asthma

NICE launches guideline to improve detection of depression in children

In Reply

What should GPs do to improve epilepsy care?

Local GP specialists are one way to improve care for patients with poorly controlled epilepsy, argues Dr Phillip Bland

Personal View

Practice QOF scores do not tell the whole story

The QOF has brought benefits to GPs but greater rewards will depend on creating a culture of sharing, says Dr Jill Murie

New Guidelines: Review

RCP guidelines will encourage GPs to offer HIV testing

HIV can occur in individuals who do not fall into any recognised risk group.The RCP guidance clarifies which patients should be tested, says Dr Chris Barclay

New GP Contract

Cardiovascular risk assessment is key to BP management

Structured care and multiple drug regimens can help GPs achieve good blood pressure control in their patients with hypertension, as Dr Alan Begg explains

New GP Contract

Enhanced team skills provide cornerstone of good patient care

Every member of the practice team should be keen to expand their knowledge and the QOF provides the means to encourage them, as Dr Nigel Watson explains

Medico-legal Issues in Practice

Ensuring that incapable patients receive care in their best interests

New legislation will clarify the position for healthcare professionals caring for patients unable to make their own treatment decisions, as Dr Gerard Panting explains

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 49

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

NICE Referral Guide

NICE referral summaries

Meetings & Conferences

Diary of events

Please let us know of your forthcoming meetings and workshops for inclusion in our events diary

Out of Hours

Who should be holding the purse strings?

Dr Phil Hammond, broadcaster and GP returner in Bristol