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 However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time.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 March 2018 issue covered a varied range of topics within the feature articles, but don’t forget there are some noteworthy short articles and regular features that are still useful. See, for example, Crammer’s Corner on using consultation models in training.
Vascular birth marks
Dr Sian Loe
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 129–132
Over one in 300 children are born with a vascular birthmark, excluding the salmon patch. This article provides an overview of presentation, complications and treatments. The majority (over 80%) do not need treatment. Complications can occur and should prompt referral. There are often psychosocial consequences; some patients will benefit from referral to support groups.
Avoiding delay in diagnosing melanoma of the foot
Dr Bryan Murphy and Dr Olivia Dolan
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 133–137
Cutaneous melanoma is relatively rare but can be an aggressive cancer. Young patients are increasingly affected. Melanoma in the foot or nails is unusual but can go unnoticed or mistaken for benign conditions. This article highlights what to look out for and the referral pathways for timely assessment and earlier intervention.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Dr Rodrick Babakhanlou
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 138–142
Lower intestinal bleeding covers bleeding from the bowel distal to the ligament of Treitz and presents often in primary care. This article focuses on common causes, presentation, assessment and management. This is a problem that is subject to regular review and the latest guidance should always be followed.
Rectal bleeding
Dr Rodrick Babakhanlou
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 143–146
Rectal bleeding is defined as the passage of blood from the anus. It is common in all age groups and most cases can be appropriately managed in primary care. This article covers common causes, assessment and important guidance on referral. The red flag features that require 2-week-wait referrals are detailed here, but the latest guidance should always be followed.
Assessment of the returning traveller
Dr Ewan Clark, Dr Michael Diamon and Dr William Donovan
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 148–154
Until the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent of global travel had steadily been increasing. The full spectrum of travel-related illness is too extensive for a single article, but an overview of clinical presentations and management is usefully presented here.
Interpretation of chest radiographs
Dr Ramona-Rita Barbara and Dr Eryl A Thomas
InnovAiT 2018 11(3): 155–161
This article provides a concise and useful summary of some of the fundamental knowledge required when interpreting chest radiographs. Chest radiographs may not be encountered very often in primary care, but this article will help in other clinical attachments and when reading reports.