PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M A Varnam

Publications and source records attributed to M A Varnam.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

The relationship between primary care and psychiatry: an opportunity for change.

The past two decades have seen the development of a symbiotic relationship between primary care and psychiatric services. The changes which have taken place, however, have been piecemeal and variable in their extent. With some exceptions, they have followed an empirical route, and have come about largely because individual practitioners intuitively felt that they yielded positive results or attractive patterns of working. For the most part, they have not followed the elaboration of a specific theory and although a great deal of subsequent research has been carried out in order to analyse their benefits and limitations, routine practice has been slow to change. The recent reorganization of the health service has yet to exert an appreciable effect on the relationship between the two disciplines. Owing to the newly developing structures and patterns of care, future change is inevitable and brings with it both opportunities and dangers. This paper sets out some of the arguments in favour of a new contract between psychiatry and primary care based on an equal partnership.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Attitudes of doctors to the Alma Ata recommendations in Sri Lanka.

A detailed postal questionnaire was sent to 400 general practitioners, hospital doctors, and Ayurvedic practitioners in Sri Lanka as part of a wider study to investigate the delivery of primary medical care. The responses to questions that were related to the Alma Ata recommendations, which aim at providing "health for all by the year 2000," and the perceived health needs of the population are reported. Basic sanitation, clean water, adequate nutrition, and improved health education were considered to be the most important needs. When asked to suggest one change in health care 30% of the doctors recommended the integration of primary and secondary care services.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1981

Psychotropic prescribing. What am I doing?

A descriptive survey of five weeks' psychotropic prescribing by one general practitioner is presented. Out of 1,543 total contacts, 330 had, by defined criteria, a significant psychological problem. A total of 25 different psychotropic drugs were given to 231 different patients. A number of recommendations for change are suggested to provide a more rational pattern of prescribing.

Drug Utilization↗
PubMed1981

Can teachers cross continents? Experiences in Sri Lanka.

We describe our experience of planning and running a workshop in Sri Lanka to prepare doctors for teaching a postgraduate diploma in general practice. We explore whether British models of education for general practice are applicable in other cultures and put forward a check-list of questions which teachers of general practice who are invited to work abroad should ask themselves.

Education, Medical, Graduate↗