Contents – August 2006

Editorial

Revised guideline on AF helps clarify recent NICE guidance

News

Patients with bipolar disorder should have annual physical health reviews

Revised ACC/AHA/ESC guideline on atrial fibrillation reccomends new approach

Personal View

Early assessment of dementia is essential

SIGN dementia guideline recommends that GPs manage the condition more proactively, says Dr Honor Merriman

Personal View

Parkinson's disease patients should be referred untreated

The NICE PD guideline recommends that GPs leave diagnosis and treatment to specialist, explains Dr Chris Taggart

New Guidelines: Hot Topics

PCTs should fund expensive medication where appropriate

In the first article of our new 'Hot Topics' series, Dr Gerard Panting discusses how prescribing issues surrounding Herceptin may be seen with other drugs

GP Contract: QOF2

Chronic kidney disease indicators overlap with other disease areas

Some of your CKD patients will already be managed appropriately because of their current co-morbid conditions, comments Dr Steve Kane-ToddHall

GP Contract: QOF2

Utilise any annual patient visits to carry out a COPD review

Practices can combine spirometry, review of inhaler technique and influenza immunisation to tackle the updated COPD indicators, says Dr Peter Saul

GP Contract: QOF2

Frequent significant event reviews benefit all practice staff

QOF2 emphasises the importance of regular significant event reviews and learning from your practice's experiences, explains Dr Nigel Watson

Notes for Authors

Writing for Guidelines in Practice: instructions for authors

Focus on CME

Guidelines in Practice CME questions: 59

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

QOF2 Indicators

QOF2 clinical indicators: summary tables

Meetings & Conferences

Diary of events

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

Out of Hours

The internet is a truly marvellous thing

Dr Phil Hammond, broadcaster and GP returner in Bristol