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Blogging about health and fitness, medical evidence and writing amongst other things.
Euan
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- October 3, 2012
- 07:22 AM
- 702 views
BJGP and open access – avoiding unintended consequences
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This month in the BJGP, the editor, Roger Jones, reviews open access publishing. There are lots of issue around open access and these are well summarised in the article. In general, open access is regarded as A Good Thing. I wouldn’t disagree. Organisations such as the Wellcome Trust, the Research Councils UK, and National Institute [...]... Read more »
Roger Jones. (2012) Open access publishing: a new direction for medical journals. BJGP, 62(603), 514-515. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X654830
- March 31, 2012
- 04:14 PM
- 1,186 views
Alcohol and breast cancer – some absolute numbers
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This was a meta-analysis of data on light alcohol drinking and breast cancer. The authors reported that they looked at 113 papers which reported breast cancer risk estimates for light drinkers. Only 36% of the reported estimates were adjusted for the main risk factors (age, family history, parity, menopausal status, oral contraceptive/hormonal replacement therapy [...]... Read more »
Seitz, H., Pelucchi, C., Bagnardi, V., & Vecchia, C. (2012) Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Alcohol and Breast Cancer: Update 2012. Alcohol and Alcoholism. DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/ags011
- March 21, 2012
- 07:36 AM
- 1,073 views
The BJGP needs a web presence
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
The article on bibliometrics, Making an impact: research, publications and bibilometrics in the BJGP, delves into the often bewildering world of bibliometric indices. The 2010 Impact Factor (IF) for the BJGP is 2.070 so it holds its position as the second most highly-cited journal of general practice and primary health care. Some GPs might wonder [...]... Read more »
Jones, R., Green, E., Hull, C., Niesner, E., & Schofield, P. (2012) Making an impact: research, publications, and bibliometrics in the BJGP. British Journal of General Practice, 62(596), 157-159. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X630214
Atenstaedt, R. (2012) Word cloud analysis of the BJGP. British Journal of General Practice, 62(596), 148-148. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X630142
- March 15, 2012
- 09:38 AM
- 1,354 views
UTI and clinical examination – what’s useful?
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
Medical students and young doctors are encouraged to ensure they have examined the patient at every opportunity. When it comes to rectal examination the surgeons still enjoy trotting out the hoary mantra: put your finger in it or put your foot in it. The excellent Des Spence (prolific blogger as well as esteemed BMJ columnist) [...]... Read more »
Medina-Bombardó, D., & Jover-Palmer, A. (2011) Does clinical examination aid in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Family Practice, 12(1), 111. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-12-111
- March 13, 2012
- 07:39 AM
- 1,274 views
The BJGP March 2012
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
I hope that that this post will form part of a regular series of BJGP blogposts. My aim is to post at least once per issue with a brief summary of a few articles from that month’s BJGP. I’ll prioritise clinical topics and particularly articles where I think there is a sporting chance they could [...]... Read more »
Silverman, J., & Kinnersley, P. (2012) Calling time on the 10-minute consultation. British Journal of General Practice, 62(596), 118-119. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X625102
Helsper, C., van Essen, G., Frijling, B., & de Wit, N. (2012) Follow-up of mild alanine aminotransferase elevation identifies hidden hepatitis C in primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 62(596), 212-216. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X630115
McCormack, T., Krause, T., & O'Flynn, N. (2012) Management of hypertension in adults in primary care: NICE guideline. British Journal of General Practice, 62(596), 163-164. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp12X630232
- July 11, 2011
- 09:40 AM
- 1,179 views
BJGP: who wants to be a GP? Not very many apparently.
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This BJGP paper asked young doctors about their intended future speciality. The study sent participants questionnaires 1 year and 3 years after they qualified. The cohorts of 2000, 2002 and 2005 were chosen and every doctor from every medical school in the UK was included in the sample. The response rate was 57% after year [...]... Read more »
Lambert T, & Goldacre M. (2011) Trends in doctors' early career choices for general practice in the UK: longitudinal questionnaire surveys. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 61(588), 397-403. PMID: 21722447
- June 10, 2011
- 03:11 PM
- 1,020 views
Medical students and CAM teaching
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
I have just been delving into BMJ Open for the first time and happened upon this article on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and factors influencing its inclusion in the undergraduate medical curriculum in the UK. It is a GMC requirement, stated in Tomorrows’ Doctors in 2009 (applicable from 2011/12 intake), that graduate doctors must: [...]... Read more »
Smith, K. (2011) Factors influencing the inclusion of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in undergraduate medical education. BMJ Open. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000074
- June 2, 2011
- 04:10 PM
- 1,338 views
BJGP and acupuncture – tabloid medical journalism
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This has already been comprehensively and accurately blogged by David Colquhoun and Margaret Mccartney. The BJGP has had a makeover. The new and modern style of the journal is welcome. A tabloid approach to the presentation of research is not. Abbreviated research articles (now a maximum of two pages) are far more likely to be [...]... Read more »
Paterson, C., Taylor, R., Griffiths, P., Britten, N., Rugg, S., Bridges, J., McCallum, B., & Kite, G. (2011) Acupuncture for ‘frequent attenders’ with medically unexplained symptoms: a randomised controlled trial (CACTUS study). British Journal of General Practice, 61(587), 295-305. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp11X572689
- January 5, 2011
- 07:07 AM
- 1,411 views
Vaporizing the harm from smoking cannabis
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
. This short report looks at a cannabis vaporizer; a device that heats the cannabis to release cannibinoids in a mist without smoke and other irritants. The Youtube video shows a vaporizer from the Vapor Brothers - as used in the study. They took 22 frequent cannabis users who weren’t interested in stopping their use. [...]... Read more »
Van Dam NT, & Earleywine M. (2010) Pulmonary function in cannabis users: Support for a clinical trial of the vaporizer. The International journal on drug policy, 21(6), 511-3. PMID: 20451365
- October 12, 2010
- 09:34 AM
- 1,444 views
Feeling the pressure – the inherent inaccuracy of BP measurement
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This paper was in the September issue of the British Journal of General Practice. The conclusions are a little bit depressing. Measuring BP in the surgery is likely to be of very limited value when it comes to guiding the need and the amount of treatment. It is known that the average effect of a [...]... Read more »
Warren, R., Marshall, T., Padfield, P., & Chrubasik, S. (2010) Variability of office, 24-hour ambulatory, and self-monitored blood pressure measurements. British Journal of General Practice, 60(578), 675-680. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp10X515403
- September 27, 2010
- 07:12 AM
- 1,197 views
Dizziness, Dix-Hallpike and the Epley manoeuvre
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This article is a brief review of the evidence surrounding the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the use of the Epley manoeuvre to treat BPPV. The process couldn’t be more straightforward – do a Dix-Hallpike test and if this is positive move on to the Epley manoeuvre. Yet, it doesn’t get done. [...]... Read more »
Cranfield, S., Mackenzie, I., & Gabbay, M. (2010) Can GPs diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and does the Epley manoeuvre work in primary care?. British Journal of General Practice, 60(578), 698-699. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp10X515557
- September 17, 2010
- 09:40 AM
- 1,500 views
Survey of Scottish GPs and drug treatment
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This was a follow up to a nationwide survey of GPs in Scotland completed in 2000. They used a similar questionnaire to the original study and sent it to a random sample of one in four Scottish GPs (n=1065). After a poor initial response they sent an abbreviated questionnaire on the key areas from the [...]... Read more »
Matheson C, Porteous T, van Teijlingen E, & Bond C. (2010) Management of drug misuse: an 8-year follow-up survey of Scottish GPs. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 60(576), 517-20. PMID: 20594442
- September 15, 2010
- 10:56 AM
- 1,446 views
Street sex workers in the BJGP
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
There isn’t much arguing that street sex workers fall into the category of ‘hard-to-reach’. At least in terms of delivering healthcare. Even in substance misuse clinics this is a topic that is rarely discussed and often denied. One of the long-term disappointments of primary care is that it is failing to use its potential to [...]... Read more »
Litchfield J, Maronge A, Rigg T, Rees B, Harshey R, & Keen J. (2010) Can a targeted GP-led clinic improve outcomes for street sex workers who use heroin?. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 60(576), 514-6. PMID: 20594441
- July 9, 2010
- 10:49 AM
- 1,814 views
Geriaddicts – the older drug user
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
There is a long list of chronic diseases we see as a consequence of illicit drug use. One issue that wasn’t really touched on in this editorial* is the premature ageing effect of drugs. A good example is the state of an intravenous drug user’s legs - the acute risks of DVT and infection are [...]... Read more »
Beynon C, Stimson G, & Lawson E. (2010) Illegal drug use in the age of ageing. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 60(576), 481-2. PMID: 20594437
- July 2, 2010
- 06:22 AM
- 1,527 views
Fluorescent blue lights and intravenous drug use in public toilets
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
This study reports on the findings of an intriguing qualitative study with intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Plymouth. Apparently, but I readily admit I had no idea this was happening, there are now a number of public toilets that have fluorescent blue lights (FBL). The aim is to discourage IDUs from using public places to [...]... Read more »
Parkin, S., & Coomber, R. (2010) Fluorescent blue lights, injecting drug use and related health risk in public conveniences: Findings from a qualitative study of micro-injecting environments. Health , 16(4), 629-637. DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.01.007
- June 29, 2010
- 08:21 AM
- 1,806 views
Red-green colour blindness and advanced bladder cancer
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
I am red-green colour blind and I’m well aware of my general inability to distinguish red particularly well. In particular, I often miss subtler shades of pink. Apart from a tendency to wear inappropriate shirt and tie combinations it’s hardly life threatening. However, it is perhaps rather more than an inconvenience that blood is red. [...]... Read more »
Katmawi-Sabbagh, S., Haq, A., Jain, S., Subhas, G., & Turnham, H. (2009) Impact of Colour Blindness on Recognition of Haematuria in Bladder Cancer Patients. Urologia Internationalis, 83(3), 289-290. DOI: 10.1159/000241669
- June 27, 2010
- 05:33 AM
- 1,402 views
Oxygen and heart attacks – keep calm and carry on
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
A common mnemonic used by medical students to remember the initial treatment of myocardial infarction is NOMA. Nitrates. Oxygen. Morphine. Aspirin. They are not necessarily given in that order but this prescription has the benefit of clarity when confronted by the real thing. Only it turns out it may not be quite so clear cut. [...]... Read more »
Atar, D. (2010) Should oxygen be given in myocardial infarction?. BMJ, 340(jun17 2). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c3287
- June 24, 2010
- 05:18 AM
- 1,645 views
Running barefoot on the sand
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
I’ve been meaning to try out some barefoot running for a wee while now after watching this intriguing Nature video (which complements their paper) and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than the past week on my hols in Scotland. The beaches of Galloway beckoned me as they stretched out at low tide. [...]... Read more »
Lieberman, D., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W., Daoud, A., D’Andrea, S., Davis, I., Mang’Eni, R., & Pitsiladis, Y. (2010) Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463(7280), 531-535. DOI: 10.1038/nature08723
- June 21, 2010
- 07:10 PM
- 1,290 views
Assaults in England during the 2006 World Cup
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
John Moores University published a brief study earlier this month where they analysed the A&E attendances during the 2006 World Cup. The findings suggest that assault attendances increased by an average of 33% on England match days. There was some variation in the numbers with attendances increasing by more than 50% when England played on [...]... Read more »
Taylor, B., Irving, H., Kanteres, F., Room, R., Borges, G., Cherpitel, C., Greenfield, T., & Rehm, J. (2010) The more you drink, the harder you fall: A systematic review and meta-analysis of how acute alcohol consumption and injury or collision risk increase together. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 110(1-2), 108-116. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.02.011
- June 20, 2010
- 03:30 PM
- 1,608 views
Professionalism – turning dolphins into whales
by Euan in Dr Euan Lawson| Doctor Writer
Professionalism is an explicit outcome in most medical curricula yet remains a nebulous concept. Some medical students recently asked for my opinion on body piercing and tattoos. Would having a tongue piercing or a tattoo constitute an unprofessional act? The many systems being developed to assess and measure professionalism can feel oppressive. Paradoxically, patients thrive [...]... Read more »
Bone, A., Ncube, F., Nichols, T., & Noah, N. (2008) Body piercing in England: a survey of piercing at sites other than earlobe. BMJ, 336(7658), 1426-1428. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.39580.497176.25
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