BMJ Media Bias

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Contribution of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion (AGATA): protocol for a prospective comparative study

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Introduction Adnexal torsion is a surgical emergency and its prognosis depends on the time elapsed prior to treatment. The diagnosis relies on pelvic ultrasound in which sensitivity remains low and may lead to misdiagnosis. The primary objective is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion in women with suspected adnexal torsion. The secondary objectives are: (1) to describe the perfusion parameters of the ovaries by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, (2) to compare diagnostic performance of contrast ultrasound with bidimensional (2D) Doppler for the detection of adnexal torsion, (3) to describe the perfusion parameters of the ovarian as a function of the degree of adnexal torsion, (4) to compare perfusion parameters before and ...

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Covid-19: Lockdowns and masks helped reduce transmission, expert group finds

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were “unequivocally” effective when rolled out in tandem during the covid pandemic and led to “powerful, effective and prolonged reductions in viral transmission,” says a report by a team of experts brought together by the Royal Society.1The team reviewed thousands of studies undertaken around the world during the pandemic, including randomised controlled trials and observational studies, to assess the effectiveness of six NPIs: face coverings; social distancing and lockdowns; test, trace, and isolate; travel and border restrictions; environmental controls; and communications.They found “clear evidence” that the strict implementation of NPI packages was effective in reducing the transmission of covid-19 and that these were “most effective” when applied at times of low transmission intensity, showing ...

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Better and safer: a new ambition for GPs in England

Katie Bramall-Stainer describes herself as outspoken, effective, and efficient. She’s someone who relishes detail and can’t sleep if she hasn’t finished scrutinising the fine print of a proposed GP contract or a liability agreement. These are traits, one might hope, that are well suited to the job for which she has just been elected—chairing the BMA’s GP Committee (GPC) in England.Inauspicious beginningsBramall-Stainer became GPC chair on 3 August,1 after a difficult period for the committee. Farah Jameel, the London GP who was elected chair in November 2021 and the first woman in the post,2 was on maternity leave when she was reportedly suspended by the BMA 12 months into the role.

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Do doctors need to be told to be kind?

On 22 August 2023, the General Medical Council (GMC) published the latest version of Good Medical Practice, its guidance for doctors.1 The guidance will come into effect on 30 January 2024, but it has already been widely debated by doctors on social media. The target of the discussion is the introduction of a requirement to treat patients and colleagues with “kindness, courtesy, and respect.”Critics of the guidance say “kindness” is too subjective. They say it is patronising. They say it will prevent doctors from speaking out, or sharing unpleasant news. They say it will result in frivolous complaints and referrals to the GMC, with a disproportionate impact on women and doctors trained abroad.The GMC, at paragraph 23 ...

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Physician associates in the NHS

Physician associates, also known as physician assistants, have become an established part of the healthcare workforce in many countries. They undertake varied clinical functions in both hospitals and primary care,1 and, at a time of global physician shortages, are intended to help meet rising demand for care.Research from the US, UK, and elsewhere has suggested that physician associates can deliver safe, cost effective care.2 But their use in primary care in England is under intense scrutiny following the case of 30 year old Emily Chesterton, who died after a physician associate failed to diagnose and treat her deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus at two consultations and did not seek advice from a doctor.3 Deployment, scope of ...

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Updating Good Medical Practice guidelines: a first step towards tackling sexism and sexual misconduct in healthcare

Sexism and sexual harassment and assault are uncomfortable to talk about in any environment. But in the past few years, the medical community has started to raise its voice to confront this damaging culture that permeates the whole of healthcare. The latest update to Good Medical Practice sees the General Medical Council (GMC) introducing guidance on these forms of sexual misconduct for the first time. After much campaigning, this is a sign of progress, but we must remember that there is much more work to do to stop these behaviours.Since the BMA’s Sexism in Medicine report was published in 20211 we have gained some idea of the prevalence of these problems—91% of female doctors have experienced sexism ...

BMJ     Aug 26, 2023

Do doctors need to be told to be kind? - The BMJ

On 22 August 2023, the General Medical Council (GMC) published the latest version of Good Medical Practice, its guidance for doctors.1 The guidance will come into effect on 30 January 2024, but it has already been widely debated by doctors on social media. The target of the discussion is the introduction of a requirement to treat patients and colleagues with “kindness, courtesy, and respect.”

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023

Cleophas Bharathan Benedict - The BMJ

Cleophas Barathan Benedict, or Cleo, as he was known to everyone, was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He came to the UK aged 7 years and lived with his family in Slough, where he did his initial schooling. Cleo graduated from St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School in 1987. After initial jobs at Barts and in Brighton, he …

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023

Physician associates in the NHS - The BMJ

Physician associates, also known as physician assistants, have become an established part of the healthcare workforce in many countries. They undertake varied clinical functions in both hospitals and primary care,1 and, at a time of global physician shortages, are intended to help meet rising demand for care.

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023

UK medical research funders must do more to support sex and gender equity

Disaggregating research data by sex and gender helps improve the relevance, validity, and clinical impact of findings, argue Kate Womersley and Robyn Norton Biomedical, health and care research

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023

Good medical practice a missed opportunity to embed sustainability in ethical standards

The General Medical Council’s (GMC) updated guidance, Good Medical Practice, is a disappointing missed opportunity to embed sustainability as a core focus of medical practice.Following extensive consultation, which received more than 4,600 responses from across health professionals, patients and carers, the updated guidance includes very little reference to sustainability. Two duties have been added under a new heading on managing resources effectively and sustainably. This does not go far enough.The climate crisis is a health emergency, and health workers have a duty to be educated, informed, and knowledgeable about the impacts on their patients and the public, and on the important changes that will be needed to the way in which care is delivered.In May this year, ...

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023

Sixty seconds on . . . underwear

I’ll keep it brief NHS England has partnered with supermarket Morrisons to put cancer awareness messaging on underwear labels.1 The initiative will urge the public to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer.Another a-wear-ness campaign?That’s right. According to the announcement the labels will contain “NHS guidance” alongside the standard sizing and care information, while a QR code will also appear on packaging and tags, directing customers to more detailed information on the NHS website.PantaloonacyThe underwear will be available in 240 stores across the south west of England, with the rollout starting with men’s boxer shorts, followed by crop top bras in the coming months.Time to buckle upNHS England has said ...

BMJ     Aug 25, 2023