Aust Fam Physician
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The recent 2009-2010 National Prescribing Service (NPS) Evaluation Report(1) used Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescribing data to examine antidepressant prescribing. The report stated that general practitioner antidepressant prescribing in 2007-2009 was lower than expected due to NPS interventions. This article tests this statement using 12 years of nationally representative BEACH data, which includes data on antidepressants prescribed by GPs - not just those subsidised through the PBS.
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This study aimed to examine the efficacy of two strategies for improving general practitioner response to a survey. A secondary aim was to assess GPs' self reported preferred mode of survey administration. ⋯ The study failed to identify strategies to improve GP participation in the survey. This survey found no basis for supporting electronic GPs surveys.
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The recent reaction from the scientific community to the proposed $400 million cut to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) budget highlights the importance of adequate funding for research. While there has been significant growth in research dollars in recent years, as a percentage of gross domestic product it has remained the same for over a decade.
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Folic acid supplementation has an established role in early pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects. However, there is controversy over a possible link between late pregnancy folic acid supplementation and childhood asthma. ⋯ The currently available evidence regarding an association between folate in pregnancy and childhood asthma or wheeze is conflicting. We offer suggestions for discussing the potential risk with patients and recommend further research on this subject be conducted.
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Bennett fracture dislocation is an intra-articular fracture of the base of the first metacarpal with resultant dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint. The fracture is unstable, and with inadequate treatment leads to osteoarthritis, weakness and/or loss of function of the first carpometacarpal joint. ⋯ Bennett fractures usually result from falling on an extended or abducted thumb or an impact onto a clenched fist. The patient presents with pain and loss of function of the first carpometacarpal joint. Management can involve closed reduction, with or without percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation, or open reduction and internal fixation, with adequate reduction and the maintenance of reduction being the key to a successful outcome. Due to the difficulty of management it is recommended that patients be referred to a specialist hand surgeon.