The art of reflection
All doctors have to do it, but what exactly does reflective practice entail? Dr Greg Dollman offers some insight
Worrying lump
...Dr J undertakes an examination and finds a "2 cm non-tender subcut lump under right axilla". She prescribes antibiotics and asks the patient to return for review...
Can reflective practice be “incriminating”?
Reflective practice is a common tool for maintaining good practice – but many healthcare professionals have raised concerns that taking part in these formal procedures might "incriminate" them should a complaint or claim arise.
New assessment tool for bowel cancer risk in younger patients
A RISK assessment tool to support GPs in identifying serious bowel conditions, including cancer, in patients under age 50 has been published in the British Journal of General Practice.
RCGP warns against blanket policy on “low value” prescribing
AN NHS England review will consider introducing new national guidelines to reduce the prescribing of low value medicines which are "ineffective, unnecessary, inappropriate for prescription on the NHS".
Oral health toolkit now updated
AN updated version of the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit from Public Health England (PHE) now includes new patient factsheets and guidance on alcohol and nutrition.
Employment protection for NHS whistleblowers
WHISTLEBLOWERS re-applying for jobs in the NHS will be protected from discrimination under new measures announced by the Department of Health.
MDDUS urges rapid move from analysis to action as it gives cautious welcome to discount rate consultation
MDDUS has given a cautious welcome to the Ministry of Justice consultation document on how the personal injury discount rate should be set in future.
Discount rate change in Scotland will further increase legal costs
THE Scottish Government has announced its intention to follow the decision made in England by the Lord Chancellor to cut the discount rate applied to personal injury claims from 2.5 to -0.75 per cent. This will result in an increase in the size of compensation payments, leading to significant new costs for the NHS in Scotland and medical defence organisations (MDOs), such as MDDUS.
MDDUS input on new GMC indemnity guidance
MDDUS is pleased the GMC has addressed concerns on how "adequate and appropriate indemnity and insurance" is interpreted as part of new updated guidance.