Has the time come to overhaul prescription charges in England?
The campaign to abolish or recalibrate prescription charges in England is gathering pace with the government under pressure to align with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales where they are free. However, the Department of Health insists that the current system provides the NHS with a revenue stream it cannot afford to lose. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Danny Buckland Tags: Analysis Source Type: research
Baricitinib: a new oral treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
This article summarises its efficacy, side‐effects and place in therapy. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: New Product Source Type: research
The NHS GP Health Service: providing mental health support
This article discusses the NHS GP Health Service, a new England‐wide service that offers confidential help for GPs experiencing mental health issues. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Angela Dowden Tags: Report Source Type: research
Clinical information systems: tools to boost prescribing safety
This article discusses the use of the features within CIS to identify medication risks and promote safe and effective prescribing. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Atif Saddiq, Sonia Kauser Tags: Medicines Optimisation Source Type: research
The growing threat of nontuberculous mycobacteria
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) present a growing threat – a number of species are drug resistant and little is understood about how and where infection with these organisms occurs. A meeting organised by Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and sponsored by Insmed Inc, was held in London in March to consider the state of the art in diagnosis and treatment of NTM pulmonary disease. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Titmarsh Tags: Meeting Report Source Type: research
Do multidose compliance aids do more harm than good?
Use of multidose compliance aids (MCAs) is becoming more widespread, yet there is little evidence for their benefit and a recent UK study suggests that they are associated with a high rate of potentially inappropriate medication use and drug interactions. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: Analysis Source Type: research
The menopause: benefits and risks of available treatments
Menopausal symptoms affect many women, but debate continues over the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in their management. This review provides a summary of the current treatment options for menopause management and considers their benefits and risks. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Rosemary Cochrane, Heather Currie Tags: Drug Review Source Type: research
Diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis
This article discusses the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and its recommended management. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Gerald Tracey Tags: Prescribing in Practice Source Type: research
The expanding role of the clinical pharmacist
The Clinical Pharmacy Congress held in London in May focused on the ever‐growing importance of pharmacists in a variety of healthcare settings. The presentations covered a diverse range of subject areas, from tackling issues of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections to the management of long‐term conditions. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 30, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Felix David Tags: News Feature Source Type: research
Prescription charges – the perpetual problem
(Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - June 1, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Rob Munro Tags: Editorial Source Type: research
When patients try your patience
A full history is invaluable to the GP but, says Dr David Delvin, some patients simply take things too far. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - May 31, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: David Delvin Tags: Postscript Source Type: research
Antimicrobial stewardship: changing the public's behaviour
In January, NICE introduced its second guideline on antimicrobial stewardship (NG63), this time focusing on increasing awareness and changing behaviour in the general public. The new guideline covers the correct use of antimicrobial medicines and the dangers associated with their overuse, as well as providing guidance on preventing and controlling infection. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - May 31, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: New from NICE Source Type: research
Brexit and the EMA: what's next for the UK?
When Theresa May triggered Article 50 on 29 March, the UK began a two‐year process of negotiations to exit the EU, which is likely to include a divorce from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). But what will fill the gap left by the EMA and what will be the impact on new drugs coming to the market? (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - May 31, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Danny Buckland Tags: Report Source Type: research
Implementing NICE guidance to maximise success
This article provides an overview of the help prescribers can get with implementation, and considers the key elements needed for successful implementation as well as the potential barriers. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - May 31, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Joy Ogden Tags: Guidelines Source Type: research
Assessment and management of cerebral palsy in the under ‐25s
This article provides a summary of the guidance. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - May 31, 2017 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: New from NICE Source Type: research
