Postgraduate medical journal
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The chest radiograph is considered one of the most complex imaging modalities to interpret. Several studies have evaluated radiograph interpretation in the emergency department, and considerable disagreement among clinical physicians and expert radiologists has been observed in the reading of chest films. The interpretation of chest radiographs by emergency department physicians was compared with senior radiologists in discharged patients, and misinterpretations assessed in relation to the physician's level of training. ⋯ Emergency department physicians frequently miss specific radiographic abnormalities and there is considerable discrepancy between their interpretations and those of trained radiologists. These findings highlight the importance of routine evaluation of chest radiographs by a well trained radiologist and emphasise the need for improving interpretive skills among emergency department physicians.
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Suspension from duty is becoming an increasing threat for medical practitioners. While under suspension a doctor may, in extreme circumstances, find themselves in a difficult legal dilemma as to their duty of care towards others. A suspended doctor may risk litigation if they are unaware of the legal ramifications of their unusual circumstances. The following article outlines the legal situation as it applies to England and Wales.
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Historical Article
Holistic obstetrics: the origins of "natural childbirth" in Britain.
The term "natural childbirth" denotes an approach to childbirth characterised by a bias towards physical and mental hygiene in the management of pregnancy and labour. It emerged in Britain in the interwar period, partly as a response to the growing interventionism of mainstream obstetrics. ⋯ At the same time, "natural childbirth" has provided a means of expressing anxieties about the social, economic and political upheavals of the 20th century. This paper explores this complex set of beliefs and practices by examining the ideas of some British pioneers.
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Osteoporosis is a very common disorder, which results in an increase in fracture risk. The annual cost attributable to hip, vertebral, and wrist fractures in England and Wales is pound 1.7 billion. Significant mortality and morbidity are associated with osteoporotic fractures. ⋯ The aim of prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is to prevent the occurrence of future fractures. Lifestyle changes should be encouraged in high risk patients. Pharmacological treatments include the bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, selective oestrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, the 1-34 fragment of parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and calcitriol.