Volume 2, Number 1, Jan-Feb-Mar 2010
EDITORIALEditorial
Dr Anne Connolly Welcome to a New Year and the fourth issue of Primary Care Women’s Health Journal (PCWHJ). 2010 is likely to be a demanding year for GPs and practice nurses. So at PCWHJ we are working harder than ever to bring you a practical journal that helps you to maintain best-practice standards in women’s health. POPULAR
TOPICEVIDENCE IN PRACTICEEvidence in Practice
There are just not enough hours in the day to read all the research journals, even if you wanted to. This section of PCWHJ – Evidence in Practice – will keep you on top of relevant research without having to spend hours in the library or on the worldwide web. Each review gives you a bite-size summary of new research, pulling out key points for primary care and recommending the action that you might consider taking. POPULAR
TOPICTHERAPEUTICS REVIEWObesity and contraception: weighing the evidence
Dr Diana Mansour We cannot help but be aware of the ‘obesity epidemic’ and its implications for patient care. Such considerations include the provision of contraception and prevention of unwanted pregnancy. But, by asking some simple questions before prescribing or issuing contraception, we can ensure safe practice. POPULAR
TOPICDISEASE FOCUSThe gentle touch: diagnosis and treatment of vulval lumps and bumps
Dr Rebecca Thomson-Glover, Dr Christine Bates Most vulval lumps and bumps are relatively harmless. But they can cause anxiety, discomfort and pain, and sexually transmitted lesions cause additional distress due to perceived stigma. This article sheds light on some common vulval conditions to help you to diagnose and treat the lesions, provide reassurance or refer as appropriate. BACK TO BASICSBack to basics: Urinary incontinence
HOW TOTest for HIV in primary care
Dr Nicola Armstrong, Dr Eric Monteiro If current pilot schemes are successful, routine testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is likely to be extended to general practice surgeries across the country. The authors discuss the rationale for this plan, and advise on the practicalities of testing in primary care. POPULAR
TOPICMONITORINGHeavy menstrual bleeding? Or could it be a bleeding disorder?
Debra Holloway Most women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) can be managed according to NICE guidance. But GPs and practice nurses need to be aware that up to one in five women with menorrhagia, especially young women, could also have a bleeding disorder. It is important to identify these patients since, if left untreated, bleeding disorders reduce quality of life and may result in significant, long-term complications. POPULAR
TOPICWHILE I'M HEREIdentifying sexual exploitation and grooming in young people
Sue Davy In the UK it is thought that at least 3,000 children are being sexually exploited. All professionals, including GPs and practice nurses, in regular contact with children and young people are in a good position to notice possible signs of sexual exploitation, and help to mitigate its serious long-term consequences for young people and their families. POPULAR
TOPICPATHWAYS IN PRACTICEThe window of opportunity in rheumatoid arthritis
Dr Louise Warburton Over twice as many women as men develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory disease that causes disability and shortens life. Early RA can be difficult to diagnose but, by following a diagnostic pathway, GPs and practice nurses can ensure that patients receive timely referral and prompt treatment with disease-modifying drugs. PATIENT INFOAll about fibroids
PCWHFNow is the time to enter the Forum’s Best Practice Award
Lesley Cave In the last issue we announced the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum’s ‘Promoting Best Practice for Women in Primary Care Award’. I’m delighted to launch the Award, and give you the details on how to enter your projects and initiatives. POPULAR
TOPICCLICK HEREWelcome to library.nhs.uk/womenshealth
Kathy Abernethy Every health professional wants to stay clinically updated, but we do not all have time to regularly scour journals for relevant papers. In women’s health alone, there are numerous topics to understand. We want guidelines, references, resources and patient information, but often are not sure where to turn. LIFESTYLESupporting women with premature menopause
Dani Singer Premature menopause (PM) is an emotionally challenging condition on diagnosis and throughout the remaining phases of a woman’s life. But GPs and practice nurses can do much to reduce distress by ensuring prompt diagnosis and referral for psychological support as well as medical treatment. POPULAR
TOPICHAVE YOU HEARD?Have you Heard?
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