Clin Med
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This article describes the establishment of a web-based training programme for postgraduate respiratory trainees. A pilot survey assessed trainees' experiences of online learning. All trainees had used the internet for work-related purposes with commonly used resources being Google, national society websites and specialty journals. ⋯ Trainees found that topics covered were appropriate, contained novel information and subjectively impacted on practice. Common problems were technical difficulties accessing the site (37%) and journal articles (74%), ambiguity of MCQs and difficulty finding time during normal working hours to complete modules. Trainees felt that feedback from MCQs and discussion with colleagues and their educational supervisor were useful methods to support their learning, but did not find the self-reflection exercise helpful.
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The Young Diabetologists' Forum (YDF) is a group designed and run by specialist trainees in endocrinology and diabetes that aims to provide high quality educational events. The YDF recognised that not all trainees in the specialty had equitable access to training opportunities and resolved to try and remedy the situation. ⋯ As well as offering education and training another key purpose of the YDF is to give trainees from around the country the opportunity to meet up and exchange thoughts and ideas. The overall aim of the organisation is to improve the lives of people with diabetes by helping to ensure that future specialists are fully equipped for their role.
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The NHS has long held a paradoxical position in the national psyche: a constant, reassuring presence that seems to be in a state of continual flux. This is partly because while the service is based in the public sector (with its reputation for risk aversion and change at a glacial pace), it is also exposed to the ever present currents of political pressure. ⋯ During this time the notion of organising healthcare has developed and formed the focus of much of the change in systems across the developed world. The narrative will highlight some of the major challenges that the NHS will face over the next few years, and introduce the series about the future of the NHS that will appear in this journal signposting some of the topics that will be followed up in these articles.
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Morbidity and mortality from pneumonia is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Factors contributing to this have been recently identified and a number of recommendations have been implemented in an attempt to reverse this trend. ⋯ In the study population, immunisation rates against influenza and pneumococcus have improved to 86% and 65%, oral steroid consumption has halved and disease modifying drugs were usually appropriately suspended during acute infection. These measures may now merit more widespread adoption.