With the introduction of yearly appraisals and revalidation every general practitioner needs to be armed with a good Personal Development Plan. This book provides the information needed to create just that. Guiding the reader through the consultation looking for Patient's Unmet Needs (PUNs) and the Doctor's Educational Needs (DENs), it focuses on those learning needs that help to provide competent care for patients. All general practitioners will find this book a straightforward, no nonsense, practical approach to help them incorporate their learning needs into the realities of everyday practice.

Doing Practitioner Research Differently encourages those embarking on practitioner research to consider the validity of innovative methods and styles of reporting. The book looks at three methods of enquiry and reporting - visualisation, conversation and fictional writing.
Using practitioners' own accounts and research reports as case studies, this book explores the reasons why some practitioners reject the traditional research methods. It looks at the challenges faced by these practitioners and the conditions in higher education that encourage or inhibit innovative practitioner research. The case studies used illustrate that there are modes of enquiry and reporting that can foster the development of professional thinking and practice.

A growing number of people suffer from so-called resistant hypertension, that is to say, high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. This disorder is of great current interest and importance for public health, being a common clinical problem faced by both primary care clinicians and specialists. Furthermore, as older age and obesity are among the strongest risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension, the incidence of resistant hypertension will likely increase as the population becomes more elderly and heavier. While the prognosis of resistant hypertension is unknown, cardiovascular risk is undoubtedly increased since patients often have a history of long-standing, severe hypertension complicated by multiple other cardiovascular risk factors. This volume, compiled by a panel of world-renowned experts, offers a comprehensive exploration of resistant hypertension, covering epidemiology, complex diagnostic aspects, and the therapeutic options currently available, with due attention to overall treatment strategies. New therapeutic agents and procedures, such as renal denervation and baroreceptor stimulation, are also described. In addition, the book addresses the economic aspects of resistant hypertension and the role of the different professional figures, from GPs to hypertension specialists, in dealing with it.

Translates an American "bible" of family practice for use by Canadian health care student and providers. Written specifically for the needs of family and adult nursing students, medical students, and primary care practitioners in Canada, this "bible" of family practice in America-named a 2013 Doody's core title-now provides current Canadian practice protocols for professional standards of care across the lifespan. Guidelines are delivered in user-friendly, step-by-step instructional style for physical exams and diagnostic testing results in SI units; health maintenance recommendations approved by Health Canada; care guidelines including Canadian drug names and dietary information; information on culturally responsive care; and patient resources specific to Canada. Practice guidelines are organized primarily by body system, consistently delivered in outline format for quick and easy access. Each of more than 280 disorder protocols includes definition, incidence, pathogenesis, predisposing factors, common complaints, other signs and symptoms, subjective data, PE, diagnostic texts, differential diagnoses, plan, follow-up, consultation/referral, and individual considerations. Of particular value are "Practice Pointers" highlighting vital information for each disorder and specialty care points for lifespan populations. Also included are 18 Basic Procedure Guidelines for use in the clinical setting and 138 Patient Teaching Sheets in print and PDF version. Additionally, Patient Teaching Guides are available for customization and downloading. Abundant references are specific to the Canadian health care system. Key Features: Translates an American "bible" of family practice for the specific needs of Canadian students and practitioners Presents over 280 disorders guidelines in consistent outline format Provides Canadian routine health maintenance guidelines, vaccinations, and screening for HIV and HepC Highlights critical care points with "Practice Pointers" Covers individual care considerations for pediatric, pregnant, and geriatric patients Offers 138 Patient Teaching Sheets in digital format for patient take home Delivers 18 procedure guidelines including those for special diets, normal lab values in SI units, and teeth Purchase includes access to the ebook for use on most mobile devices or computers

This inspirational text will appeal to those both starting research projects and those wanting to understand how research can be used in everyday working practice. It brings together expertise from a wide range of areas and makes research easy and accessible. The practical workbook style is easy to use and shows the whole process from design to dissemination and application. Those working in primary healthcare teams and the new organisations supporting them will find it essential reading. Primary Care Research series is aimed at developing the knowledge, expertise and skills of all practitioners in primary care. Each book is based on contributions from experts in their field and is supported by practical facts, personal insight, support and advice. They enable all primary care practitioners to realise the potential of exploring information used in everyday working practice. Other books in the Primary Care Research series: Wilson: Research Approaches in Primary Care Mathers: Statistical Analysis in Primary Care

Full Contributors:
Gavin Andrews, University of New South Wales, Australia Jesus Artal, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain J.F. William,University of Manchester, UK F.W. Deakin, University of Manchester, UK Peter de Jong, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Linda Gask, University of Manchester, UK Kevin Gournay, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Scott Henderson, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Andrès Herran, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain Caroline Hunt, University of New South Wales, Australia Peter Huxley,University of Manchester, UK Rachel Jenkins, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Glyn Lewis, University of Wales College of Medicine, UK Elizabeth Lin Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, USA Ita Lyons, University of Wales College of Medicine, UK Anthony Mann, Institute of Psychiatry, UK Malik Mubbashar, Rawalpindi General Hospital, Pakistan Hans Ormel, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Norman Sartorius, Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland Deborah Sharp, University of Bristol, UK Greg Simon, University of Washington, USA Michele Tansella, Università di Verona, Italy Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK André Tylee, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Josè Luis Vazquez-Barquero, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain ^Michael Von Korff, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, USA

Information is a key resource to primary health care and is increasingly required in individual practices. This book will demystify the subject, which is often presented in complex terms. It sets out in a simple and interesting way what information those working in primary care will need, the systems required to deliver them and how to set them up. Information and IT for Primary Care uses exercises, stories, key points, case studies, model answers and think boxes. Worldwide web links refers the reader to resources and shows how to get the most out of your computer. The book is user-friendly, jargon free and based on primary research evidence. It is essential reading for everyone working in primary care organisations including GPs, practice managers and nurses, and staff working in community trusts and the NHS.

Skin lesions are often the first sign for an endocrine disease. Their description is thus of relevance for early diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disease for specialists in endocrinology as well as in dermatology.

Lavishly illustrated, this book describes the clinical and histological features of skin lesions observed in endocrine diseases. All features are reader-friendly structured and written in the language of dermatologists in order to enable a simple association between the features observed and the endocrine etiology.

The reorganization of general practice and the NHS mean that GPs now face many new and distinctive ethical dilemmas in their practice. With pressure on resources and an increasing concern to evaluate the outcomes of health care, GPs have additional responsibilities that could conflict with the primary objective of caring for the individual patient.
General Practice and Ethics explores the ethical issues that are encountered by GPs in their everyday practice, addressing two central themes; the uncertainty of outcomes and effectiveness in general practice and the changing pattern of general practitioners' responsibilities. Among the topics examined are:
* the ethical implications of the use of evidence-based medicine in general practice
* consent, autonomy and confidentiality in general practice
* the history of patient-centredness
* research ethics in general practice
General Practice and Ethics presents a topical and comprehensive analysis of the kinds of ethical dilemmas faced by GPs on a daily basis which will be useful to practitioners and students alike.

Primary healthcare premises are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, offering health promotion, minor surgery and specialist services. The acquisition of new premises, expansion or investment in traditional surgeries can be the greatest financial commitment and also one of the most daunting. This book is specifically written to enable development with minimal disruption to the daily medical routine. The book contains viewpoints of specialists with many years' experience gained from working in their individual fields. It is essential reading for GPs, trainees, practice managers and professional advisers to general practice. Specialist architects, solicitors, financial advisors, accountants and health authority managers will also achieve a better understanding of this complex subject.

Survival Skills for GPs is an in-depth interactive personal coaching course that: * Shows how you can survive the rigours of general practice * Teaches you how to stay in control of your professional life * Helps you learn to enjoy your career as a GP again * Gives you the confidence and skills to develop your career The first personal coaching course for GPs presented as an interactive workbook, which allows individual GPs, to progress from any stress in their lives through to job satisfaction and career development. It is applicable to all areas of life and shows comparisons to how other GPs' are doing. Survival is not only about learning to cope with the changing circumstances of being a GP, but how to flourish and enjoy work and life in general. This practical workbook takes the reader on a path from becoming more aware of the causes of stress, the effects and reactions to stress, through to looking at positive solutions and ideas. Survival skills for GPs is a specific programme written by a GP for GPs, which has evolved from the RCGP Stress Fellowship Learning Programme. It comprises six stand alone chapters which introduce stress management in both personal and professional lives. With in-depth practical ideas it can be used by individuals or small groups as an informal resource, or for more formal continuing professional education if PGEA is arranged. Here's what GPs have said about the Survival Skills for GPs programme: 'I liked the effective content and approach' 'Made me realise I am not alone and that I can improve' 'Helped me look at the good points of my work' 'Makes you think more than attending a course would' 'Useful to see how much of my stress equalled other GPs'

Private medical practice is an attractive option for career development. In the United Kingdom it forms a significant industry, yet little has been done to assist medical consultants in managing their businesses. This book gives clear advice to all medical practitioners on both business management and performance. It outlines ways to improve financial performance and economic efficiency in a constantly changing market. It reveals some of the 'secrets' of the successful business professional, and relates business management theories and techniques to real day-to-day problems. Written by a practising accountant and business advisor, this book provides help with finance, banking, taxation, staffing, marketing, medical insurance companies, and business planning, and considers future developments. It is essential for all those contemplating or currently working in private medical practice, and valuable to business, legal and financial professionals servicing this field.

Rewritten with the new primary care environment in mind, this greatly expanded and updated edition of Child Mental Health in Primary Care extends the structured approach of the first edition to adoelscent mental health. As in the first edition, Primary Child and Adolescent Mental Health covers each problem in a uniform way, offering definitions, assessment outlines, detailed management options and indications for referral. Numerous case examples further illuminate aspects of many conditions. Comprehensive and practical, the forty-eight chapters of Primary Child and Adolescent Mental Health cover the full range of difficulties and disabilities affecting the mental health of children and young people. The book is divided into three volumes, and can either be read from cover to cover or used as a resource to be consulted for guidance on specific problems. This book is vital for all healthcare professionals including general practitioners, health visitors and other staff working in primary care to assess, manage and refer children and adolescents with mental health problems. School medical officers, social workers and educational psychologists, many of whom are in the front line of mental health provision for children and young people, will also find it extremely useful. Reviews of the first edition: 'This very comprehensive and detailed book provides the tools for primary care health professionals not only to assess a child's needs but in many cases also to implement an initial package of care.' JUST FOR NURSES 'I have no reservation in recommending the book to all people working with children and families in any capacity. An important training text for a variety of professions. A very effective text to be used in daily practice for quick reference.' CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH 'This book is well produced and clearly written. A useful book for anyone interested or involved with children.' FAMILY PRACTICE 'I looked through the book again and again but could not find anything missing.' NURSING TIMES

This book is vital for health service managers and clinicians, in both purchaser and provider organizations, in community and hospital settings. It helps the reader understand the principles and purposes of casemix and provides practical examples of using casemix groupings to manage services better. Its lessons are not just for acute services, but provide a way of understanding the complete spectrum of services required for a wide range of conditions, from individuals at risk to those with irreversible and progressive disease. The book explains why casemix groups are useful and the reasons for grouping and analysing patient records. It focuses on the difference between groupings of patients with conditions, and groupings of intervention episodes. Using both enables better identification of the services required to meet the needs of the population, and better communication between purchasers and providers. It has potential for managing the whole healthcare system from a population based perspective.

There are many changes in the skin, hair, and nails during and after pregnancy. Patients are certainly aware that those changes are occurring, but few physicians and even fewer patients know how to predict the course of those changes. Pigmentary changes occur, but are they permanent? Can they be prevented or reversed? Hair may become thicker during pregnancy, only to fall out in the postpartum period. When will hair stop falling out? Will it grow back? What hormonal changes are occurring to produce these effects on the skin, hair, and nails? Will those hormonal changes affect other organs? Some cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy are common and recognized by most physicians. Abdominal striae, for example, are easily identified, but physicians have many questions about them. Why do they develop? Can they be prevented or treated? Other cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy are less common and recognized by few. For example, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is a debilitating condition that is treatable once diagnosed. Even more important than the treatment, the knowledge imparted to a worried mother that her child will be fine and that the condition is se- limited is priceless; but the condition must first be recognized by the patient's physician. All of these questions and conditions are addressed in this extraordinary book. Pigm- tary disorders are addressed in detail in Chap. 2.

Presents information and advice on the extended role of the practice manager for both those with experience and increasing responsibility, and for those new to the primary care team. The book: identifies the various members of the primary health-care team; describes their individual roles; explores the management skills needed to manage the team and the practice; provides examples of real problems experienced in general practice; and examines communication in all its forms.

Though medically minor and very common, herpes simplex is a condition which is capable of causing considerable distress, for psychological and social as much as physical reasons. Herpes Simplex contrasts the image of the condition presented in the media with the medical and epidemiological evidence, and discusses ways in which the distress associated with the condition can be alleviated.
The first part of the book examines the impact of diagnosis and then explains the roles of accurate information and empathic support, medical treatment and support groups in learning to live with recurrent symptoms. Other chapters use the experiences of people with the condition in different parts of their bodies to illustrate how the meaning of herpes simplex and response to the symptoms alters in association with life changes. The final chapters review psychosocial research, discuss the importance of the Herpes Viruses Association in acquiring a store of knowledge about people's experiences, and highlight the significance of herpes simplex as a public health problem.
Herpes Simplex demonstrates the importance of a biopsychosocial approach. It will be invaluable to doctors, nurses and other health professionals, as well as to people troubled by the condition.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203137132

Managed care organizations are paving the way to the future of health care delivery in the United States and countries around the world. As managed care systems evolve, a major concern is quality. Managed Care Quality: A Practical Guide is a collection of applications and experiences gathered from practicing health professionals in the field of managed care. This first "how to" guide was written to help managed care organizations meet the common objective of ensuring the best quality of services and care. Managed Care Quality: A Practical Guide presents successive steps in implementing quality in health care organizations. It introduces the methods, skills, and practices involved in quality health care programs and offers solutions to problems typically encountered in managed care.

Other titles in the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre series: NPCRDC: What is the Future for a Primary Care-led NHS? NPCRDC: Primary Care: Understanding Health Need and Demand NPCRDC: Better Building for Better Services NPCRDC: Primary Care and Social Services: developing new partnerships for older people NPCRDC: Primary Health Care and the Private Sector

Examines how evidence-based medicine can be applied in general practice, and how its benefits can be realized in the form of effective treatments. It argues for rational rationing, using clinical effectiveness to exclude ineffective measures.

This second edition reviews recent reforms and the likely impact of future developments in management and competition in the NHS. In particular, it reflects the growing importance of primary care and the continuing debates about health care rationing. It concentrates on the realities and how they can be interpreted to help strategists, managers, clinicians, students and those supplying the NHS understand the mechanism of efficient health care delivery.

Today we face the painful reality of the prevalence of chronic, rather than acute, diseases. The technologies developed to manager long-term, incurable illnesses have radically and irrevocably altered the organizational structure of health care, presenting us with a frequently bewildering array of medical specialties. Social Organization of Medical Work offers essential insight into this new era of health care.

Through richly documented, often gripping case studies, Anselm Strauss and his co-authors show us exactly how health workers are confronting the problems created by chronic disease and coping with today's highly technologized hospitals. They guide us through the various hospital work sites, describing in detail the kinds of tasks performed by medical personnel, the interactions of staff members with each other and with patients, and the overall resulting patient treatment and response.

Focusing on the concept of illness trajectory, the authors vividly illustrate the complex, contingent nature of modern medical work. For example, open heart surgery keeps ill persons alive and may even improve them symptomatically, but those who do survive must face an uncertain future in terms of the physiological consequences of the surgery and the drugs required. They also have to adjust t altered lifestyles. In the new introduction, Anselm Strauss discusses the continuing importance of this work to sociologists, medical scholars, and medical professionals.

This innovative and timely book draws on pioneering precedents, basic principles, current examples and international experience to capture the narratives, examples and ideas that underlie and demonstrate the exceptional potential of general practice: "If health care is not at is best where it is needed most, health inequalities will widen." "The unworried unwell are not hard to reach but they are easy to ignore and are often ignored." "With patient contact, population coverage, continuity, coordination, flexibility, long term relationships and trust, general practices are the natural hubs of local health systems." "... practitioners ... are not only scientists but also responsible citizens and if they did not raise their voice who else should?" Written for family doctors looking to strengthen local collaboration, it brings together the traditional strengths of consultations, caring, continuity, coordination and coverage with the current and future challenges of building capacity, community, creativity, consistency, collegiality and campaigning. It highlights the critical importance of working with patients, maximising the use of serial encounters, integrating care, joint working between practices, social prescribing, community development and advocacy based on patient and practitioner experience. Drawing on the highly-regarded work of Deep End GPs serving the poorest communities in Scotland www.gla.ac.uk/deepend the book is an invaluable handbook for all primary care doctors, irrespective of health care system or country, seeking to provide unconditional continuity of personalised care for all patients, whatever problem or combination of problems a patient may have.

The harmful consequences of alcoholism for the unborn child are still largely unknown. This book presents a detailed description of fetal alcohol syndrome as well as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders with respect to their clinical presentation, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogenesis. It also includes detailed considerations of underlying psychopathology, prevention, and therapy as well as the social consequences and impacts to patients.

This unique book is the first to bring together primary care experiences from around the world, with emphasis on non-Western regions. Utilising published articles that profile different countries' primary health care, accompanied by expert commentaries, the book consolidates global primary health care information over the past decade. Profiling the different countries' primary health care systems and their implementation of primary health care policy, as promoted by WHO and WONCA, the guide provides evidence of how countries and regions can introduce primary health care and family practice to improve their health care infrastructure and delivery. The book is essential reading for policy makers, health educators and academic leaders in primary care and students of global health and provides useful background for those entering or established in clinical family practice around the world.