Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3 year cycle. This section of InnovAiT summarizes articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
From generalism to specialty: a short history of general practice
Dr Chantal Simon InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 2–9
Training for general practice became compulsory less than 30 years ago. General practice is a relatively new specialty, and the National Health Service that we work in is little more than 60 years old. It is often helpful to understand the context of the past, and this special editorial aims to provide a ‘Back to the Future’ glance of general practice and how it has evolved into the respected specialty that it is today.
Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
Dr Danielle Peet
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 10–6
Menopausal symptoms are a common presenting complaint in general practice. This article outlines the physiology and clinical effects of the menopause and the indications and implications of HRT.
Breast lumps and cancer
Mr Richard Linforth
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 17–23
Breast lumps are a common presenting symptom in general practice. They can be a sign of breast cancer but 85% have innocent explanations. However, women presenting with a breast lump often assume that they have breast cancer and this can cause a great deal of anxiety. This article aims to overview the common causes of breast lumps, their assessment and management.
Modern records and new challenges
Dr Gillian Braunold
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 27–42
Our clinical records are changing. The familiar world of a patient's record being kept by a general practice with no links to the outside world has already passed. New ways of working are arriving on our desktops daily. This paper looks at the implications of these changes for practices, GPs and their patients.
Acute conjunctivitis
Dr Hazel Everitt
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 44–9
Acute conjunctivitis is common. About 2–5% of general practice consultations are related to eye conditions and approximately 40% of these are concerned with conjunctivitis. The most common presentation is with a red eye. This article overviews the presentation, differential diagnosis and management of acute conjunctivitis in primary care.
Acute tonsillitis
Mr B. M. Stubbs and Dr A. L. Isaacs
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): 50–5
Sore throat is common. It is estimated that the annual cost to the National Health Service (NHS) for primary care consultations relating to sore throat is around £60 million, and 35 million work and school days are lost each year because of sore throats. This article outlines the presentation and management of sore throat and tonsillitis in primary care and provides guidance on when to refer patients for specialist ear, nose and throat review.
Acute sinusitis in primary care
Professor Frank Dobbs
InnovAiT 2009 2(1): p. 56–8
Sinusitis is a common reason for prescription of antibiotics in primary care. Yet, antibiotics have only a small treatment effect with 80% of patients getting better within 2 weeks without antibiotic. This article explores why that is and how we can target appropriate treatment to those who will benefit.