Postgraduate medical journal
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In contrast with the rapid advances in medical knowledge and technology, the clinical encounter may often appear as perfunctory, impersonal, and unworthy to both patient and practitioner who is often immersed in the computer screen rather than the patient, stressed by improbable time constraints, and often finds deceptive relief in inappropriate test-ordering, prescriptions, and referrals. We suggest routinely adopting six attitudes to achieve a more balanced, personal, and patient-centred encounter: conducting a curiosity-driven encounter; emphasizing humanistic values; performing a complete physical examination; increasing patients' face time; addressing the patient's health as a whole; and rational test-ordering and judicious prescribing.
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Hypertension, a prevalent component of metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Psychosis is a feature in the schizophrenia spectrum. Meta-analysis suggests that the prevalence of hypertension in schizophrenia and related disorders is 39%. ⋯ Interleukin-6, a marker and driver of inflammation, is related to obesity and plays a role in the pathogenesis of MetS and hypertension. The lack of preventive care of hypertension and other MetS risk factors for patients on antipsychotic medication is reflected in the high incidence of CVD in this population. It is important to detect and treat MetS and hypertension in patients with psychosis in order to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this population.
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The importance of radiology in trauma management is particularly relevant today as Scotland develops its Scottish Trauma Network. Trauma and radiology are scarcely covered in the 2016 and 2021 Foundation Programme Curriculum. Trauma is a significant and endemic public health challenge, while radiology is ever growing in use as a diagnostic and interventional tool. ⋯ This translated to fewer delays in trauma patients receiving radiological investigations. The foundation curriculum would benefit from the introduction of trauma radiology teaching for its foundation doctors, in parallel to the demands of a growing national trauma network. Education globally improves radiology request quality by raising awareness and respect of IRMER criteria and ultimately leads to positive changes for patient safety.
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The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight is a significant public concern throughout the world. Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is not just a cosmetic concern. ⋯ All the investigated articles declare the clear and inevitable role of GM in obesity. Overall, obesity and obesity-relevant metabolic disorders are characterised by specific modifications in the human microbiota's composition and functions. The emerging therapeutic methods display positive and promising effects; however, further research must be done to update and complete existing knowledge.