Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Young people and substance misuse
Dr Irene Hernandez Sanchez
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 601–607
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018794221
In 2017, 9% of 11- to 15-year olds reported having drunk alcohol in the previous week, the lowest rate since the 1980s. Illegal drug use by 15-year olds halved between 2001 and 2014. However, adolescence is decisive for biopsychosocial development and drug use can have long-term implications for mental performance and educational outcomes. This article reviews patterns of drug misuse in teenagers, assessment tools, brief interventions and care pathways.
Controlled drugs
Dr Radia Fahami
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 608–612
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018762952
A controlled drug (CD) is a prescribed medication governed by the Misuse of Drugs Legislation. This article explores the legislation and governance surrounding CDs focusing on prescribing and monitoring in primary care.
Emergency contraception
Dr Katherine Pitt
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 613–619
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018767693
Emergency contraception is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in women following unprotected sexual intercourse. Three methods are used in the UK and offered by various providers including general practice. This detailed article provides an approach to counselling patients about emergency contraception following guidelines and using case studies to illustrate application of decision-making.
Termination of pregnancy
Dr Catherine Stace
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 620–625
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018794985
Termination of pregnancy (TOP) refers to a medical or surgical procedure to end pregnancy. This article outlines referral processes, legislation and ongoing care required to support women after TOP. A third of women are estimated to have undergone TOP and evidence suggests the risk of psychological sequelae is low. However, they can be very significant along with other potential complications.
Normal changes of ageing
Dr Fiona Grayston
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 627–633
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018793446
Our population is ageing and acquiring more complex medical problems. It is important for clinicians to appreciate the features of normal ageing to anticipate future healthcare needs, promote good health and differentiate age-related physiological changes from disease. This article reviews normal ageing and the implications for medical care, including the use of medication and interpretation of laboratory test results.
Cataracts
Dr Annabelle Machin
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 634–638
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018792699
About half of patients over 65 years of age will have cataract impaired vision. GPs are expected to diagnose, advise and refer older patients and diagnose affected infants for urgent referral. This article gives detailed information to inform this important responsibility, including advice on driving.
Confidentiality
Dr Selena Knight and Dr Andrew Papanikitas
InnovAiT 2018 11(11): 639–645
DOI: 10.1177/1755738018788588
A commitment to safeguarding confidentiality is essential to maintain patients’ trust. This article summarises the ethical and legal basis of confidentiality, when confidentiality may be overridden and some challenges for primary care with case studies to illustrate points.