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 However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time.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.
The painful ear
Dr Alex SL Toh
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 198–203
Otalgia is one of the most common presentations in UK general practice, especially in the very young and out-of-hours. Otalgia can affect other age groups as well and is either primary (from the ear) or secondary (referred from elsewhere). This article covers clinical assessment and management. Unexplained unilateral referred otalgia persisting for more than 4 weeks, with normal otoscopy requires urgent Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) referral under the 2-week-wait rule.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Dr Chitra Nair
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 204–208
‘Blindness separates us from things, deafness separates us from people’, according to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. Noise exposure is a leading cause of preventable hearing loss and the second most common cause of sensorineural deafness after presbycusis. In 2007, 45% of patients identified by audiology with hearing loss and seen by their GPs were not referred. This article promotes prompt audiology or ENT referral of noise-induced hearing loss, noise awareness and hearing conservation.
Oral manifestations of systemic disease
Dr Timothy Crossman and Professor Helen E Smith
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 209–215
Oral manifestations of systemic disease are relatively common but require awareness, knowledge and a systematic approach to examination. This article discusses common and some rarer examples, recommending referral where diagnosis is unclear, occasionally urgently.
Travelling to altitude
Dr Beth Hall-Thompson
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 217–223
Adventure and activity holidays are getting more popular. Many travellers are ignorant of the real risks to life at high altitude. This article outlines risk awareness, preparation, preventive measures and risk assessment, incorporating risk attached to destination, but also to co-morbidities. Sign-posting to www.fitfortravel.nhs.net and the Medex website is recommended.
Malaria: Prevention and treatment
Dr Laura French, Dr Thomas Gray and Dr Pavithra Natarjan
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 224–232
Malaria is the most important tropical parasitic disease with 3.3 billion people in the world at risk and 660 000 deaths annually. This article reminds us of the relevance to UK general practice of knowledge and guidance on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Consider a diagnosis of malaria in anyone who has travelled to the tropics in the last year presenting with fever.
Assessment of carers of people with dementia
Dr Johanne Dow and Professor Louise Robinson
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 233–240
Two-thirds of around 1 million people with dementia in the UK are supported by family carers, a vital resource to society and the economy. The need for care and the numbers of carers are set to increase. GPs are well placed to assess risks to carers and improve the social and psychological health of carers with better awareness and annual assessments.
Technology to aid continuous professional development
Dr Hussain Gandhi
InnovAiT 2015 8(4): 241–246
This article outlines ways that technology can be harnessed to aid the constant endeavour of continuous professional development. Hardware, programs, e-learning, notepad facilities and social media all present useful tools and endless options.