Abstract
We have all become more aware of risk and danger over the last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has left few untouched. We have adjusted and adapted to a pace of change demanded by this evolving force of nature that challenges our collective powers of survival. Some of our population have fared better than others. Sadly, many have died. The number of deaths attributed to the pandemic in the UK climbed above 100 000 at the end of January 2021.
The UK has fared badly in the pandemic and our powers of survival, measured by the decisions of our politicians at least, reflect a certain lack of survival fitness. There are other facets to our poor collective fitness that have proved costly to pandemic survival. Obesity, overcrowding and poverty put us at greater risk of death, not least from COVID-19 infection. Public health and politics are again centre stage, with general practice offered a starring role. As ever, success for our participating audience of patients and citizens requires a stellar performance from all the players.
In the spotlight, vaccination efforts have put us ahead in the race to protect our citizens and general practice is leading the charge. As I write, the online practice forum is showing a succession of volunteers for vaccination sessions and this includes all members of the practice team; our upcoming trainee has been redeployed to frontline COVID duties.
In the heat of this battle, we can see that general practice is always central to the good health and safety of our population. We must remember this and carry on with renewed conviction and belief in the value of our work. The scope of this work and the potential to improve wellbeing, morbidity and mortality is again evident in the range of articles presented in this issue.
Safe practice requires us to adopt a variety of measures to encourage good practice and reduce risk, including the risk of mistakes. Some measures have been abandoned or deemed impractical this year. Are you still having significant event meetings? What about appraisal? At the same time, there is concern that some risks have been heightened by the pandemic. It is not a good alignment of circumstance. Sabana Shaikh and Rubina Malik remind us of this in their account of safeguarding in children. Time will tell just how damaging the pandemic has been to the wellbeing and education of children.
Prevention of disease and suffering is the aim of neonatal blood spot screening. It is an important and very effective programme that carries on without fanfare. Thulani Ashcroft’s article details the scope and purpose of this screening. We know afresh how prevention of disease gains attention when it fails.
Jenny Walton and Angus Kaye describe some of the changes that occur with ageing. These pose challenges for general practice in many and different ways, not least for holistic care and good communication. They describe some of the additional problems caused by the pandemic. Dementia is becoming more prevalent as the population ages. Sherrie Samuels describes some of the behavioural problems that occur in patients with dementia. These are often the first sign of dementia and can be distressing for patients and carers alike.
Lucy Boyles and Callum Baxter describe the assessment and management of premenstrual syndrome and inform about the aetiology and epidemiology of disruptive symptoms that often lead sufferers to seek help from GPs. This article will encourage us to ensure better help is available.
Breastfeeding is unfortunately associated for some patients with pain and sometimes with breast infection. Serena Strickland and Rishabha Sharma describe the variety of breast infections suffered by patients and the management required.
Lockdown and professional stress may well make it the perfect time for the escapism of a good read. The benefits of reading for pleasure are well described by Timothy du Sautboy and remind us to promote these with family, friends and patients.
As ever News and Views from Clare Etherington and Kathryn Steven signpost a valuable array of topical nuggets that reflect challenges, opportunities and successes from general practice and the wider world.
We are pleased to include an introductory article from Adam and Sophie, the new Co-Chairs of your AiT Advisory Network. I hope they encourage you to get involved in shaping the future of general practice. We hope you will feel inspired to share your enthusiasm by writing something for InnovAiT. We know, now more than ever, that important work needs the energy and commitment of good people like you. Keep safe and carry on until some calm returns.