^ Back to Top

BPJ 25 December 2009

Best Practice Journal

Assessment and management of infectious gastroenteritis

Every year around 200,000 New Zealanders acquire a food associated illness. Gastrointestinal diseases account for the majority of all disease notifications in New Zealand. The majority of cases of infectious gastroenteritis are self-limiting and most people do not seek medical attention. When people do present, the key clinical issue is the prevention of dehydration. Empirical use of antibiotics is not usually indicated. View Article

Generalised anxiety disorder in adults

Anxiety disorders are the most frequently seen mental disorder in general practice and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common types. GAD is often seen in people who also have major depression. Psychological and drug therapies are equally effective in the treatment of GAD but the relapse rate for psychological therapies may be lower. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are the first line option for drug treatment of GAD. View Article

Non-occupational exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Rates of HIV infection are increasing in New Zealand, especially among men who have sex with other men. GPs are often the first point of contact for people who have been exposed to HIV. Referral to an infectious disease specialist for post exposure prophylaxis may be appropriate in some cases. Regular HIV testing should be considered as a routine aspect of healthcare for people at risk of HIV exposure. View Article

Smoking related cancer morbidity and mortality

The majority of people with cancer will initially present to general practice, therefore GPs have an excellent opportunity to make a difference with early detection and the initiation of speedy referral to specialist services. However, the difficulty is to achieve improved cancer detection without increasing unnecessary referrals, which may reduce access to services for people who need them. View Article

Upfront: Discussing weight loss in general practice

New Zealanders are getting fatter. That’s a fact. When a problem is getting worse, it is time to reassess the methods we are using to solve it. Is general practice addressing obesity and weight loss in the right way? View Article

Snippets: Aspirin for CVD & Paracetamol post-vaccination

Should aspirin still be used for primary prevention of cardiovascular desease? Reconsider paracetamol use post-vaccination View Article

Correspondence: Oxycodone

View Article