Brit J Hosp Med
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This editorial reviews the ethical day-to-day challenges faced by pain specialists when managing each patient's unique requirements, in light of guidelines, clinical practice and interpretation of evidence relating to the assessment and management of chronic pain.
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Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and official figures demonstrate a rising prevalence, both in the UK and globally. Increasingly, there is a recognised place for surgical intervention in carefully selected patients, but there is limited understanding of the pathway and process among non-specialist clinicians. This article summarises the available guidelines and literature on the surgical management of obesity for hospital physicians, surgeons and GPs. The focus is on appropriate referral criteria, key bariatric procedures, postoperative management and, most importantly, the complications of surgery and how to recognise them.
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Falls are a common presenting complaint, particularly in older patients, and are associated with significant morbidity. Inpatient falls also have financial implications for healthcare systems, including litigation costs. This article provides an approach to assessing a patient presenting with a fall, encompassing the cause and consequence of the event. ⋯ A comprehensive geriatric assessment is an ideal structure to identify modifiable risks. Practical interventions that can be of benefit to minimise a patient's risk of falling include a medication review, assessment of their mobility and their environment. In addition, continence review and visual assessment may be appropriate.