Might the pandemic already be slowing down? Samar Razaq looks at the figures.
In June 2020, the RCGP published a statement of solidarity acknowledging the enduring problem of structural racism and recognising the need for change in the form of tangible action. Julia Darko explores the problems and offers a practical way forward.
Why have there been so many more Covid-19 deaths in the UK than in France? Peter Toon, with a foot in both countries, explores the reasons.
Though the COVID-19 vaccine is reported to have no side-effects, it's introduction has resulted in great anxiety and perhaps even anger for some. Dr Afiniki Akanet, GP and author, writes on the complex emotions felt by those who have been prioritised for
Patients do not experience epilepsy as "just another illness". Graham Cooper reviews a book by Professor Ian Bone that helps us to understand epilepsy both a disease, but also as a patient's lived experience.
John Brooks takes us to a little known Gaudi building, El Capricho in Comillas, northern Spain. But were Gaudi's amazing powers of observation and creativity partly a result of his childhood arthritis?
In Oncology clinics, during Covid-19, patients usually have only one person with them and may be asked to make treatment decisions in a few minutes, often in a corridor. Alistair Appleby makes the case for “enhanced consent” with time, counselling and additional
Garth Funston talks about the role of chest X-ray in early lung cancer diagnosis and new research highlighting a potential source of delay of diagnosis.
Raj Khanchandani reviews a book describing a family of eight generations of GPs. Quite a history, with some surprising parallels for us today.
Dr Garth Funston talks about new research investigating how quickly people with symptomatic lung cancer had a pre-diagnostic chest X-ray.
Once the urgency of Covid is over, let us remember our core skill as GPs - listening to our patients. Charles Todd reminds us that every patient encounter is unique.
The UK government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been slow, incompetent, and irresponsible, most notably in regards to delivering effective and realistic communication. Judith Dawson reflects on the current state of affairs, where far too many competent adults are choosing to
The MHRA has clarified that the Oxford AZ Covid vaccine does not require a 15 minute wait by the patient following vaccination. Dr William Ridsdill Smith and colleagues describe an innovative proposal for a drive through Covid vaccination clinic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK was a dramatic reduction in both the number of Two Week Wait referrals being made by general practitioners, and the number of patients being diagnosed with and treated for cancer. The return now to baseline
We all want 2021 to be a better year! It's not too late to make a new year's resolution. Prithvi Dixit and David Salman help us to get into a better exercise regime.
We hope for better things in 2021. But not everyone in our society is so hopeful. Mo Stewart argues that austerity measures, added to social policy reforms, are leading to those in greatest need now living in fear.
Daniela Strelchuk and Prof Stan Zammit talk about their paper that explores the experiences of GPs in identifying patients at risk of psychosis.
Prof Stan Zammit and Daniela Strelchuk talk about people at risk of developing psychosis.
Have rapid recent advances in IT, and the necessary Covid restrictions, rendered traditional face-to-face medical consultations largely redundant? David Zigmond shares two views on this and leaves us in no doubt about his own conclusions.
2020 has at least seen us start to tear down the weeds and thorns of racist power structures within our society and our profession. Roghieh Dehghan asks whether we have yet grasped the roots, and shows us how we might move forward
2020 has been a grim year for patients and doctors alike. As we approach 2021, weary but hoping now to put our efforts into a mass vaccination program, John Travers, a GP registrar in Dublin, gives us his personal reflection on the
2020 - what a year! I will be glad to be rid of it. Over the next few days BJGP Life will be looking forwards, not just to a better 2021 but also to a better world.
Helping patients transition to a plant-based diet may not only prevent an estimated 11 million annual deaths, but largely decrease the damage to the environment caused by meat and dairy farming. Here, Shireen Kassam and colleagues provide a list of advice on
Why do we continue to examine GP trainees at 10 minutes when the RCGP itself has called for longer GP consultations? Greg Irving and colleagues question the status quo.
Gavin Francis ia a GP and the best selling author of "Adventures in Human Being". Fiona Baskett reviews his latest book - just what we need to escape from the grim world of 2020.
On Boxing Day Serena Strickland reviews a book about the management of eating disorders.
This Christmas let us join Professor Deborah Swinglehurst and her husband, Nicholas Edwards, as they present a Schubert lied that they have arranged for guitar and voice.
The BJGP gets in the mood for Christmas! We wish for a happy and peaceful Christmas to all our readers.
Jonathan Wells has had a busy and stressful year. He tells us how thinking differently about his time off has helped him to manage the stress of work.
It’s Christmas Eve and a disheartened Dr Scrooge has been considering resignation. But might his guardian angel, Clarence, be able to change his mind?
We always knew that there was something a little bit magical about Roger Neighbour. Natasha Houghton and her colleagues explain all.
It's Christmas eve, and a dispirited Dr Scrooge is thinking of packing it all in. But might an unexpected visit change his perspective?
Smoke bombs in cars, Channel 4 film crews, and depositing rocks in car parks — this is the bizarre story of James Douglas's research into the development of PPE.
Prof Trish Greenhalgh and Gilly Mroz discuss findings from their study looking at how the media have portrayed remote consulting in different phases of the pandemic.
Nicholas Surridge brings us a case report about a remarkable case of vinyl-assisted Christmas psychotherapy.
Can pottering in the greenhouse mitigate against the toxic impact of work related stress upon our brains? Jane Roberts examines the evidence.
David Misselbrook previews a bumper week for BJGP readers.
As doctors we know we are invincible and immortal, and if we're not we'd better hide it. John Spicer reviews Clare Gerada's important new book which looks underneath the white coat to examine what happens to human beings who happen to be
2020 has been a distressing year for UK doctors for many reasons. John Frey reminds us that it's no better across the pond.
Is the NHS a service that understands the female health burden and attempts to alleviate it? Judith Dawson investigates the evidence.