With More Complex Illnesses, Are Consult Times Adequate?
Time is a scarce resource in a doctor’s office practice. How doctors use clinic time has important implications for quality of care, patient trust and malpractice suits, and is one of the cornerstones of doctor payments.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2019
Comprehensive Contraception Advice Helps Patients Make Better Choices
Today, there is a broad range of effective contraceptive methods available. Women need access to accurate information about these different methods to choose an option that matches their individual needs regarding lifestyle, family planning, risk factors and non-contraceptive benefits. By counselling women, healthcare professionals (HCPs) may gain a better understanding of women’s lifestyle preferences and concerns, which may enable HCPs to prescribe the most appropriate contraceptive method.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2019
We welcome you to come and read through our latest, April/May, edition of Modern Medicine.
This month we have a jam packed edition for you. Our features this month include;Dermatology, Contraception, Pain, Paediatrics and many more.
We encourage all of our readers to complete the CPD questionnaire for this edition, this can be done on the answer-form included in the magazine, or on our website CPD system.
Modern Medicine, the journal that’s with you wherever you go.
Safely Managing Chronic Noncancer Pain in General Practice
Pain is ubiquitous, experienced by every person at some time. Acute pain is a symptom, and treatment is usually short term and medically focused. Acute pain may progress in some cases to chronic persistent pain. Chronic pain has many possible causes, including cancer, congenital and degenerative diseases, trauma and surgery. Cancer pain differs clinically from chronic noncancer pain and is not further discussed here.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Bacterial Conjunctivitis – Making the Call
Eye infections are a common presenting problem in primary care. Bacterial conjunctivitis, although a less frequent cause of conjunctivitis, is more common in children. The most common bacteria are Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. To ensure a good visual outcome for the patient, the practitioner should make a prompt diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Compared to placebo, the use of antibiotic eye drops is associated with improved rates of clinical and microbiological remission.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Emollients…the Mainstay of Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by a decreased skin barrier function that is caused by multiple factors.1 Restoration of the skin barrier promotes optimal hydration and prevents the penetration of external agents that cause worsening of atopy symptoms. Emollients are the main treatment for all grades of AD.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Urethritis often results from a sexually transmitted infection, and doctors must consider treating partners as well as patients. Clinical features guide immediate treatment, but testing is important to confirm the treatment is correct.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
How Safe is Gadolinium in Paediatric MRIs?
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are an indispensable part of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic decision making for millions of patients worldwide. Notwithstanding the excellent safety profile of GBCAs, the finding by Kanda et al of signal intensity increase in brain structures after the administration of GBCAs started a new safety debate on the potential risks of gadolinium deposition in the brain.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Nocturnal Enuresis Often Resolves in Time
Children are generally expected to be dry by a developmental age of 5 years, and historically it has been common practice not to offer advice to families of children who are younger than 5 years and are bedwetting.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Specialised Care for People with Dementia
Dementia is a complex and often misunderstood disease. Initial memory loss is often associated with age and families may decide to care for their loved one at home. As the disease progresses, the increased care required puts untold pressure on the caregiver and family dynamics. Care given to loved ones, either by family members or hired help, is often not enough as the training to care for a dementia patient is specific and specialised. The progression of the disease can be managed better with dedicated and specialised care in a facility dedicated to dementia care. This also provides relief to family who can concentrate on quality time with their loved one without the pressures of the daily physical care.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019