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BPJ 41 December 2011

Best Practice Journal

Upfront: Vulnerable children and young people in New Zealand

In this conclusion to the series on abused and neglected children we revisit key messages and highlight actions that can be taken by primary care to address this significant problem. View Article

Vulvovaginal health in premenopausal women

Symptoms relating to the vulvovaginal area such as abnormal discharge, itch and pain are common, particularly for women of reproductive age.This article covers the identification and management of bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, retained foreign bodies, vulval itch (including lichen sclerosus and lichen planus), vulval pain and “lumps and bumps” (including complications from hair removal, Bartholin gland cysts and vulval skin lesions). View Article

Appropriate use of cephalosporins

There are very few indications for the use of cephalosporins as first-line antibiotic treatment. Ceftriaxone is used for the treatment of gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease and epididymo-orchitis. It is also an alternative to benzylpenicillin in patients with suspected meningitis. Cefaclor may be considered as a second-line treatment for infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, cellulitis, diabetic foot infection and mastitis. Cephalexin is a third-line treatment for urinary tract infection in pregnant women. View Article

Providing medical advice to travellers

New Zealanders love to travel. It is important that travellers visit their general practice (or travel medicine clinic) at least six to eight weeks prior to departure to an international location. A travel medicine assessment typically includes advice about avoidance of risks, prescription of prophylactic medicines such as antimalarials and administration of indicated vaccinations. View Article

PHO Performance Programme - six years on

The PHO Performance Programme was established in 2005 to improve the health of people enrolled in general practices in New Zealand and to reduce inequalities in health outcomes for high need populations. The results and successes of the Programme over the past six years are presented. Overall, progress has been made in all indicators, although there have been significant challenges in achieving some Programme goals View Article

Updated data sheet for dabigatran etexilate

The dabigatran data sheet was updated in early November 2011 to highlight the importance of an assessment of renal function in people who may be suitable for treatment with dabigatran. View Article

Correspondence: Prochloperazine; Lipid testing

View Article