Biomedical subjects

E M Griffin

Publications and source records attributed to E M Griffin.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Repeat prescribing of ulcer healing drugs in general practice--prevalence and underlying diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term use of ulcer healing drugs in the management of dyspepsia is controversial. We have investigated repeat prescribing of these drugs in a general practice population. AIMS: To identify the number of patients authorized to receive repeat prescriptions for ulcer healing drugs, and to review the investigation status and diagnosis in these patients. SUBJECTS: A total of 15,495 patients registered with eight general practitioners in seven general practices in Dundee, UK. METHODS: Case ascertainment by review of practice repeat prescribing registers. Data regarding investigation and diagnosis obtained by retrospective review of general practice case records. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-nine (4.4% of the total population) were authorized to receive repeat prescriptions for ulcer healing drugs. Six hundred and fifty-one (4.2%) were authorized to receive repeat prescriptions for H2-antagonists. Ranitidine was prescribed in 583 (86% of patients receiving ulcer healing drugs). Endoscopy had been performed in 426 (63%) and barium meal alone in 113 (17%); 140 (21%) had not been investigated. A diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease or oesophagitis was established in 382 (56%). However, 157 investigated patients (23% of all patients on ulcer healing drugs) did not have a peptic diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of repeat prescribing of ulcer healing drugs in the general practice population studied was 4.4%, but 44% of these patients did not have a confirmed diagnosis of acid peptic disease.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

PubMed1996

Portfolio-based learning and general practice vocational training.

This action research project developed a portfolio-based learning system, based around a 'log dairy,' with the trainers and general practitioner registrars of one training region in the UK. For those that found benefit from the system, the diary became an important way of holding all the events of a training year together; a way of looking back, in order to view the progress made, and looking forward, to view potential learning needs. Such portfolios were not found to be effective formal assessment mechanisms because the threat of assessment influenced the type of material collected. The enthusiasm of trainers was crucial in encouraging use of the model. The action research process was fundamental in stimulating explorations of ideas on reflective learning. There remains some resistance to the idea of reflective writing, and in this context, portfolios may be one educational tool for use by some, but which may not be universally applicable. Their development and implementation requires considerable local support through facilitation.

Family Practice↗

PubMed1994

Information use, information perceptions and information flows in primary care medical practice.

A research project funded by the Welsh Office and undertaken by the Department of Information and Library Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth examined the information systems in place in a sample of general medical practices in Wales. Shortcomings were identified in patient records, the supply of medical information for patients, staff training and staff communications. Practices lacked coherent information management strategies to relate information to practice goals and to define responsibility and protocols for information tasks. Unless rectified, these deficiencies will inhibit the viability of primary care data as a basis for medical research, audit and for identifying the health needs of communities.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗