One size doesn’t fit all: reimagining medicines information for patients

One size doesn’t fit all: reimagining medicines information for patients This report investigates the current medicines product information paradigm and whether it can be enhanced to more positively influence both patient experience of and adherence with prescription medication. The report also explores if an opportunity exists to improve how this information might be provided in the future using digital solutions with the aim of increasing its value to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Patients, carers, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and senior healthcare system stakeholders were asked what they think about current medicines product information, and if it could be improved using digital solutions. Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network

Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice

Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice This report looked at clinicians’ confidence in talking about and understanding health inequalities. It finds that most clinicians feel they haven't received enough training on health inequalities and would like more as part of their medical education. Of the almost 1,000 clinicians surveyed, 67 per cent of respondents had not received teaching or training in health inequalities within a training programme or as part of their degree, and only 26 per cent felt confident in their ability to reduce the impact of health inequalities in their medical practice. Royal College of Physicians

Regulator criticised over whistle-blower response

Regulator criticised over whistle-blower response Major failings have been identified at the body responsible for regulating England's health and care sector.

Two reviews into the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were ordered after an employment tribunal found surgeon Shyam Kumar had been unfairly dismissed by the independent regulator after raising patient safety concerns.

The reviews found problems with how whistle-blowing concerns were acted on.

But they said there was no evidence of race discrimination in the case. BBC News

See also:

• Listening, learning, responding to concerns Care Quality Commission
• The Elms: CQC apologises to family in care home death case BBC News

Blood tests may spare cancer patients chemo

Blood tests may spare cancer patients chemo A blood test which can detect traces of cancer cells could spare thousands of patients unnecessary chemotherapy every year.

A major bowel cancer trial is examining whether the test can show if surgery has removed all of the tumour.

Doctors say half of patients with stage 3 bowel cancer are cured by surgery alone so by using chemotherapy they are over-treating many people.

About 1,600 bowel cancer patients are being recruited to the UK study. BBC News

NHS could work 'smarter' to help plug workforce shortages, leader says

NHS could work 'smarter' to help plug workforce shortages, leader says The NHS could make “significant dents” in plugging workforce shortages by working “smarter” and more efficiently, its chief strategy officer has said.

Chris Hopson said more staff were needed but the NHS could also work differently to deal with chronic staff shortages. Evening Standard

Mental health hospital facing teen mistreatment claims to shut after Sky News investigation

Mental health hospital facing teen mistreatment claims to shut after Sky News investigation A mental health hospital for teenagers is to close months after Sky News revealed accusations of the overuse of restraint and medication along with inadequate staffing and training.

Former workers claimed the alleged failings at Taplow Manor in Maidenhead, Berkshire, put young people at risk.

Bupa Dental Care to cut 85 practices amid UK dentist shortage

Bupa Dental Care to cut 85 practices amid UK dentist shortage Bupa Dental Care is to cut 85 dental practices this year in a move that will affect 1,200 staff across the UK, amid a national shortage of dentists and “systemic” challenges across the industry.

The private healthcare group said patients at the affected practices had not been able to access the NHS dental service they needed. The Guardian

See also:

• Bupa set to close Corby dental practice - and Wellingborough site is 'under review' Northamptonshire Telegraph

Losing weight cuts your risk of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes - even if you put it back on

Losing weight cuts your risk of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes - even if you put it back on Losing weight can cut the chances of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes — even if you put some of it back on.

Oxford University researchers found those who shed the pounds still enjoyed health benefits five years later, even if they regained a proportion of the weight. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Long-Term Effect of Weight Regain Following Behavioral Weight Management Programs on Cardiometabolic Disease Incidence and Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (open access) Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes