QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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To examine the personal experiences of higher specialist trainees in Geriatric Medicine (GM) with regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) decision making. ⋯ SpR grade geriatricians are exposed to extreme and varied experiences of DNAR decision making in the UK. Efforts to improve support and training in this area should embrace the complexity of the subject.
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Mephedrone is a synthetic cathinone that is commonly used as a recreational drug among those who attend nightclubs. There have been increasing reports of toxicity associated with its use and it was controlled as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) in the UK on 16 April 2010. There has been a suggestion from media reports that mephedrone use is common in children/students but there is no data on the prevalence of its use among the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of use of mephedrone among school and college/university aged individuals and to collect data on the sources of mephedrone and acute harm related to its use. ⋯ We have shown in this study that the use of mephedrone among school and college/university students is common and that users found it easy to obtain. There was a high prevalence of unwanted effects associated with its use. Further work is needed to determine the impact of the recent changes in the UK legislation relating to mephedrone and other related cathinones and whether this has been effective in reducing the prevalence of mephedrone use.