How is it that something can seem so obvious in hindsight, when at the time it was anything but obvious? Ben Hoban shows us his retrospectoscope!
"... you must first assess the behaviour of the patient and then analyse the patient history." - Clinical observation, argues Henk de Vries, is key to assessing patients with complex personality disorders, offering a new perspective on the Calgary-Cambridge model.
Drs Rohini Mathur and Sally Hull talk us through a London-based primary care study of diabetes sub-groups that could have big implications for how we managing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Hannah Weston-Simons shares an ode to her GP colleagues
Richard Armitage discusses many Ukrainian families have been separated, meaning the vast majority of refugees are women, children, and elderly people, who are often unaccompanied. These vulnerable individuals are exposed to substantially increased risks of being affected by modern slavery, sexual and
David Jeffrey suggests that medical teachers will find this book a source of inspiration in encouraging students to engage in empathic relationships with patients and colleagues.
Richard Armitage asks if the prevalence of conscientious objection among clinicians could compromise the provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland.
Part of the increased demand for HRT has been attributed to a TV documentary about the menopause released a year ago by Davina McCall, which has led to what some call the ‘Davina effect’. Nada Khan examines the effect of celebrity narratives
Could Deep End practices assess and treat complex patients in deprived settings to help psychiatric services feel less overwhelmed? Henk de Vries offers a new perspective on the role of Deep End practices in caring for patients with personality disorders.
Dr David Whiteley tells us about qualitative research that explored and developed a pathway for HCV treatment in the community.
Oleksii Korzh writes from the Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Ukraine, to describe the effect of the conflict on primary healthcare.
Richard Armitage reminds us that, while they play no part in geopolitical games, it is children – in particular the maintenance of their health and wellbeing – that pay one of the largest and most deeply unjust costs for the accident of
Roger Jones reviews 'A fortunate woman' by Polly Morland. At a very difficult time for general practice and for the medical profession as a whole, this book comes as a most welcome affirmation of the central importance of a respectful, reciprocal relationship
Ivy Mitchell and Andrew Papanikitas review Doughnut Economics - an attempt to rewire economic thinking to take account of both social deprivation and environmental sustainability.
Jeremy W Tankel discusses how previously successful approaches to telephone and in person GP consultations are proving problematic in the COVID-19 era - what's the answer?
Nada Khan asks how can we tackle fuel poverty and food insecurity in practice, offering some solid tips for practice
In April 2020, NICE published new guidance on how to help patients to safely stop antidepressant use. To help GPs to implement this guidance in their practice, Stevie Lewis from the International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal and Mark Horowitz have published
Amy Clark and Dr Kathryn Hughes tell us about research into the NICE traffic light system for assessing sick children.
Richard Armitage discusses the interaction of battlefront conditions and COVID-19 in Ukraine
John Brooks discusses the experiences, the writings, the politics and the health of George Orwell
In an open letter to BJGP Life, Roghieh Dehghan and members of the Medact migrant solidarity group argue that deporting refugees to Rwanda is an uncomplicated moral wrong and note the frequent silence of healthcare leadership when these wrongs are mooted by
Paul McNamara 'never wanted to be a GP' but now argues that undergraduate self selected components in general practice could help with recruitment and retention.
Whilst efforts are being made to develop the paramedic role within primary care, what is often missing from research and policy informing practice is the voice of patients. An NIHR patient and public group discuss this and offer practical advice for primary
Joanne Reeve explores three misconceptions about medical generalist and highlights the work of the WISEGP and CATALYST programmes.
Richard Armitage uses the inverse care law to discuss the health inequalities affecting Ukrainian civilians who have been unable to flee the country.
Ben Hoban reflects on the power of naming a thing in medicine. But with great power comes great responsibility...
Robert MacGibbon reviews a new radical blueprint for health which examines ‘five frontiers of health’; social justice, economic, social care, sustainability and a public health new deal.
Paul McNamara and Tanvi Cheetirala argue that UK general practice is suffering as a profession and as a 'brand.' But will re-branding or specialist status help?
Karen Nicholson highlights possible connections between psychological trauma fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes - and suggests an audit
Rafia Aftab shares practical wisdom about doing things 'just right' gained on the Catalyst Programme
Dr Jon Gibson talks us through research that explores how staff from diverse healthcare backgrounds in the primary care workforce are associated with system outcomes.
Richard Armitage is usually a GP in Nottingham but is currently providing primary care to internally displaced people in the east of Ukraine. He discusses issues for primary care in the region.
Koki Kato reflects on the tension between patient safety and patient centered-ness with a hypothetical case that will be familiar to many. Does it have to be one or the other?
Are you a healthcare professional looking for a creative community of writers? Neil Wilson introduces the Society of Medical Writers
Aaron Poppleton, Dennis Ougrin, and Yana Maksymets give a responsive overview of the health needs of Ukrainian refugees and provide a list of useful resources for GPs
Nada Khan investigates research into the causes of the UK GP workforce crisis and finds plenty of issues to address.
Professor Chris Butler tells us about the PRINCIPLE trial and the use of colchicine for COVID-19 in the community
Orest Mulka and Philip Evans discuss the development of general practice in Ukraine and the role of international collaboration in the development of primary care
Hannah Milton, GP, reviews Monty Lyman's The Painful Truth: The New Science of Why We Hurt and How We Can Heal.
Emma Ladds reflects on being 'at home' as a GP, in response to a bunch of tulips and an article in a national newspaper