Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Primary care management of vulnerable adults
Dr Jessica Maddams
InnovAiT 2013 6(3): 125–132
DOI:
As doctors, patient safety should be a primary concern. However, several high-profile inquiries into patient safety have raised concerns about how our most vulnerable patients are protected from harm. The Department of Health has issued guidance to doctors in the hope of improving safeguarding practice in England and Wales. This article summarises the key messages contained in the guidance.
Annual health checks for people with learning disability
Dr Jessica Maddams and Dr David Pearson
InnovAiT 2013 6(3): 133–139
DOI:
Annual health checks for adults with learning disabilities are now being offered in general practices across the UK, to improve access to mainstream primary healthcare and detection of unmet health needs. This article covers the rationale behind annual health checks and the evidence regarding the health benefits of comprehensive health checking in this group.
Sexual health and learning disability
Dr Elizabeth Shiner, Dr Anne-Marie Skitt, Dr Will Mackintosh, and Dr Shawn Sacks
InnovAiT 2013 6(3): 140–146
DOI:
It is well recognised that the healthcare of those with learning disability has traditionally fallen behind the care received by the general population. Difficulties arise from unique communication problems, establishing consent and third party involvement from families and carers. This article aims to set out some of the areas of difficulty and offers guidance to ensure the subject can be approached with confidence.
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis
Dr Azeem A Ahmed
InnovAiT 2013 6(3): 155–158
DOI:
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition characterised by pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle. Giant cell arteritis is a vasculitis involving large and medium vessels. Both disorders are characterised by an inflammatory response and respond to corticosteroid therapy. Giant cell arteritis is a major cause of irreversible visual loss, and ophthalmic complications can occur in up to 30% of patients. Significant morbidity can result from corticosteroid side-effects. Both conditions are covered in detail in this article.