The hidden problem of herb ‐drug interactions
This article discusses the types of herb‐drug interaction that can occur and how they can be recognised and avoided. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - October 9, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Mark Greener Tags: Research Source Type: research

The treatment challenges of restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a common disorder characterised by the uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during inactivity or rest. Although the condition is common and has a high impact on quality of life, diagnosis and appropriate management remain a challenge in the primary care setting. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - October 9, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Sanjay Gangadharan, Lauren Perkins, Anna Sauerbier, K Ray Chaudhuri Tags: Prescribing in Practice Source Type: research

Digital technology's impact on prescribing
(Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 30, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Rob Munro Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

GPs' perceptions of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship
The authors present the results of a small survey conducted within NHS Kernow CCG to determine GPs' awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial stewardship and how this influences their prescribing decisions, as well as their suggestions on how antibiotic prescribing practices could be improved. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Michael Wilcock, Kathryn Wisner, Neil Powell Tags: Analysis Source Type: research

Brivaracetam in the management of epilepsy with focal seizures
This article describes its indications, efficacy and adverse effects. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: New Products Source Type: research

Refer ‐to‐Pharmacy: benefits and early outcomes
This article discusses the implementation of Refer‐to‐Pharmacy in East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and the benefits and outcomes seen so far. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Alistair Howard Gray Tags: Medicines Optimisation Source Type: research

Assessment and management of viral croup in children
This article discusses the approach to clinical assessment and evidence‐based management of childhood croup in both hospital and primary care settings. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Marie Wright, Andrew Bush Tags: Prescribing in Children Source Type: research

Ensuring NICE's strategy is fit for the future
Professor David Haslam CBE has been chairman of NICE since 2013. A GP in Cambridgeshire for many years, Haslam's gilded professional life has also included a stint as president of the BMA (2011–12), and as president (2006–9) and chairman (2001–4) of the RCGP. He talks to Angela Dowden about his current position and his perspective on NICE's work and future prospects. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Angela Dowden Tags: Profile Source Type: research

Management of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) describes the pathological narrowing and collapse of the upper airway in recurrent episodes during sleep. This can result in a variety of symptoms that markedly affect quality of life. In addition, other chronic complications, most significantly the development of long‐term cardiovascular disease, are increasingly becoming recognised. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Prashanthi Ratnakumar, Ari Manuel Tags: Therapy Focus Source Type: research

Use of direct oral anticoagulants in thromboembolic disease
This article discusses their indications, mode of action, side‐effects and interactions. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Matthew R Wilson, Kieran F Docherty, Roy S Gardner Tags: Drug Review Source Type: research

Controversy surrounds NHS delays over commissioning PrEP
NHS England's decision to appeal against the judgement ruling that it legally has the power to commission preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) continues to hold up the introduction of an HIV infection prevention measure that could be hugely beneficial to individuals at high risk. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - September 11, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Roberta Ellison Tags: News Feature Source Type: research

Statins: the battle for hearts and minds
(Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - August 31, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Rob Munro Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

New national Prescribing Safety Assessment for medical students
Prescribing is a complex area that new graduate doctors find challenging and up to now, assessment of medical students has been variable. However, from 1 August 2016, the new national Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) will become mandatory for all UK medical students. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - August 1, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Kate Stewart Tags: Analysis Source Type: research

The expanding role of pharmacists in care homes
Older people once cared for in hospitals are increasingly being moved to residential care homes to free up hospital beds and GPs are struggling to provide the medical care needed by this population. However, according to a Royal Pharmaceutical Society report, pharmacists may be ideally placed to reduce this clinical burden. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - August 1, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steve Chaplin Tags: Report Source Type: research

Causes and management of chronic pain
This article discusses the main causes of chronic pain, the treatments available and when referral is necessary. (Source: Prescriber)
Source: Prescriber - August 1, 2016 Category: Primary Care Authors: Ann Robinson Tags: Prescribing in Practice Source Type: research