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Community pharmacy in the UK is often described as the most accessible of all primary healthcare providers, situated on the 'high street' and requiring no appointment. But what does the new public health movement mean for pharmacy, and where is pharmacy in terms of the new public health agenda? In this paper, the authors provide a critical assessment of pharmacy's response to this agenda through a review of key pharmacy relevant policy documents. In particular, in the context of pharmacy's re-professionalization agenda, they assess the contribution of pharmacy to public health from a micro- and macro-level framework. The aim is to provide a critical context in light of current proposals for the profession to develop a public health strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the job competence/functional analysis methodology that is used widely within the UK workforce and throughout the world. This outcomes-based approach to competence focuses on the description of the outcomes of work performance and is not concerned with job or professional titles. The four stages of functional analysis are outlined and illustrated with a functional map developed for the ophthalmic sector. The nature, purpose and format of occupational standards are described and illustrated, along with common errors in developing occupational standards. The knowledge and understanding of requirements that are described with the occupational standards can be used for curriculum development, but the de-linking of standards, learning and assessment means that qualifications can be awarded that are independent of any one learning process, and formal learning programmes are no longer the only access route to the qualification. This approach to competence can support meaningful discussions about how work may be shared between healthcare professions without compromising standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the teaching of clinical neurology in Great Britain. Clinical educators should teach neurology in a way that they preferred to learn during their medical education years. Professors and lecturers are now using the Research Assessment Exercise. They are also under pressure to write papers in the "Lancet" or "Nature."

Since 2000, the British House of Lords and the Government have been working towards a regulatory scheme for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Britain, a scheme that will include āyurveda. The present paper discusses these regulatory moves by the Government, and suggests that shortcomings in the range and type of evidence taken into account by the various Government agencies will leave a legacy of difficulties for CAM practitioners and their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professions are increasingly studied from an international perspective, and understanding context is key to cross-national comparison of professions. This paper builds on studies of health service work in different countries and introduces actor-centred governance as a framework for comparing professions. The framework conceptualises context as institutions and, as such, offers a more systematic analysis of context and the interplay between context and actors. The framework is applied to a comparative study of community nursing in Britain and Germany, which includes a local case study of the governance of internal boundaries. Actor-centred governance helps to map out different actors and the interplay among them, to identify different types of institutions, and to trace how institutions relate to actors and vice versa. As such, actor-centred governance allows for a more systematic analysis of similarities and differences, and facilitates comparisons across different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conjunction with its growing popularity, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United Kingdom has witnessed increasing professionalization, partly prompted by the landmark Parliamentary Inquiry that reported in November 2000. Professionalization has become a significant strategy for practitioner associations and a key focus for the government, media, and patient groups. It is being driven by concern over the interests of patients and consumers, and in relation to the possible integration of certain forms of CAM into publicly funded healthcare. It is, moreover, being reconfigured in explicitly national terms. This paper draws on research into practitioner associations representing nine CAM modalities in the UK—aromatherapy, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic, crystal healing, feng shui, ‘lay’ homeopathy, medical homeopathy, osteopathy, and Radionics—, examining the recent wave of professionalization in relation to Foucault''s concern with ‘techniques of the self.’ It highlights the contrasting experience of an association of Chinese herbalists seeking statutory self-regulation (SSR) and an association of chiropractors that was instrumental in securing SSR for chiropractic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is the first of a two-part series of articles presenting the role of the clinical librarian (CL) in the UK today. It situates the CL concept historically, and specifically reports the findings from a study in 2002 (Skinner, The Role of the Clinical Librarian in the UK. MSc Dissertation. Loughborough University: Department of Information Science). The impetus for the 2002 study was the awareness of an increase in job advertisements within the NHS for roles seeking to enhance the practice of evidence-based medicine, which included elements of clinical librarianship. Therefore the research was undertaken to establish whether this increase was coincidental, or the beginning of a new professional role for librarians. A content analysis of CL job advertisements, examining job titles and duties was undertaken. Twenty-three advertisements were scrutinized, and these results are presented here. As a complementary investigation, a postal questionnaire was sent to a sample of practising CLs in the UK. Several duties can be classified as core to the role of the CL. However there is a great diversity of duties attached to this core, reflecting an absence of nationally accepted practice. Further work was necessary to assess current practice and how clinical librarianship can continue to grow at local and national levels. This is addressed in Part Two of this series. Policy • Acceptance of diversifying role in medical information provision • Logistical considerations of CL personnel and their physical positioning within acute settings Implications for practice • Establishing national professional guidelines for CLs • Establishing consistency in nomenclature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the concept of 'learning climate'. It attempts to describe GP registrars' (GPR) perceptions of the learning climate of their training year using qualitative interviews, which were analysed using modified grounded theory. The themes that emerged from this analysis formed a model of the climate of the training year from a learners' perspective. This was compared with criteria from training practice inspection, as this is the process that is currently used to evaluate the learning climate of training practices. Eleven GPRs were interviewed from ten training practices in southeast Scotland between May 2001 and February 2002. The analysis of the GPR interviews produced themes that emphasized GPRs' psychological development and their needs as learners, in particular describing a tradeoff between their need for socio-emotional support (security) and their need for stimulation/challenge (growth). Their descriptions of the learning climate fitted poorly with existing training practice assessment criteria. These criteria emphasised the achievements and skills of the trainer and the physical requirements of the practice to provide a good standard of GP training. It was concluded that the current process of training practice inspection does not take into account the learning climate of GP training from the perspective of the learner. Training practice inspection could become more learner centred if relevant questions were posed to the GPR during training practice inspection. These questions could be guided by a model of GPRs' perceptions of their learning climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terms practice development (PD) and health care governance (HG) have become synonymous with quality and modernization. However, limited activity has been devoted to deciphering why this is the case and what the potential benefits of PD and HG are in supporting the National Health Service modernization agenda. The paper attempts to demystify this issue by providing an insight into the drivers for modernization and through outlining the emerging debates associated with how and why PD and HG may provide the recipe for modernization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to calls to improve the efficacy of health care services, there is an increasing focus on the processes of achieving a continuous improvement of services and practices. One specific response is that of the NHS Modernization Agency and National Health Service University in relation to the Discipline of Improvement in Health and Social Care. This paper draws on a study that explored the underpinning knowledge base of the Discipline of Improvement and focuses on describing the framework that was developed. The two-dimensional framework is composed of five primary categories, which cross-link to 11 competencies. The study concludes that the Discipline of Improvement draws together a group of ideas that together cohere to form a distinctive model to aid the improvement of health care. While some of these ideas are well-established, the way in which the Discipline of Improvement makes connections between them offers something new to our understanding of change in the complex world of health care provision, and to nursing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although the successful retention of National Health Service (NHS) nursing staff is a policy concern, evidence suggests that substantial numbers of registered nurses continue to leave the profession, and some to own and run small caring-related business. At the same time, private complementary medicine has undergone a rapid expansion in recent years, and initial impressionistic evidence suggests that many therapists are former nurses. AIMS: The paper investigates the motivations and experiences of nurses who have either left nursing altogether, or substantially reduced their involvement, and who now practise complementary medicine in the private sector. It also investigates the issue of whether they would consider returning to practise complementary medicine within the NHS. METHODS: A combined questionnaire (n = 63) and semi-structured interview (n = 11) survey was used to collect detailed attitudinal data from respondents. The analytical approach to the interview data used a form of constant comparative analysis which was derived from the principles of grounded theory. In particular, the interviews were developed and refined from each other as they progressed. RESULTS: The majority of therapists operate independently, either from their own homes or from small rented premises. They were originally motivated by a disillusionment with the health service and particular aspects of their former jobs. However, equally they were attracted by the therapies themselves, the conceptual paradigms which underpin them and the different experiences of practice. Despite stating a disillusionment with the NHS, most respondents expressed a cautious willingness to potentially re-enter the NHS to practise complementary medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Many practising complementary therapists are registered nurses who may be willing to re-enter the formal health service. It is therefore argued that a greater synergy between orthodox and complementary medicine may be one way of addressing shortages of nursing labour, and in particular this form of drop-out, whilst meeting evolving consumer health care demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English nursing and medical students’ attitudes towards organ donation The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to examine nursing and medical students’ attitudes towards organ and corneal donation. A sample of 72 nursing and medical degree students from a British University, completed a 61-item self-administered quantitative questionnaire, adapted by) from an original tool devised by). The findings revealed that all but one of the respondents had an overall positive attitude towards organ donation; a significant relationship was found to exist between the extent of this positive attitude held by each student and their personal willingness to donate organs. In total, 74% of the student nurses had already signed a donor card, compared to only 43% of the medical students, and the difference in the two groups’ personal commitment towards donation was significant (P=0·005). However, this disparity between the nursing and medical students was not evident when students were questioned about personally accepting organs, for survival. Most respondents agreed that they would take some form of transplanted organ or tissue into their body, if it was needed to maintain life. Overall, the study revealed that although this group of student nurses seem to be in favour of organ donation, with many willing to sign a donor card, doubts still exist in the medical student group. Further work is required to understand this phenomena. A comparison of the data with an earlier study completed by) indicate that student nurses may have a more positive orientation to donation than qualified staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the Nursing Lecture 1977, delivered on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting of the Royal College of Nursing in London on November 23, 1977. The author traces the history and discusses the implications of the EEC Nursing Directives, put into the perspective of the nursing histories of the nine countries within the European Economic Community. She focuses, in particular, on the strengths of the nursing profession in the United Kingdom and argues that the Nursing Directives can lead to enhancement of nursing services and nursing education, better cooperation between health care professions and a stronger voice for the nursing profession, throughout the EEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports developments related to medicine in Great Britain. List of proposals in the white paper; Plan of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council for Research to study twins with rheumatoid arthritis; Selection of Edward Parks, vice chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals as the chairman of the committee.

The article offers various developments taking place in the field of medicine in Great Britain. It is reported that, a woman from the Republic of Ireland has won a court case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) against the restrictive abortion legislation of Ireland, to go for abortion. The government of Great Britain, as reported, had issued a white paper in July 2010 indicating that it will bring a value-based pricing policy for medicines by the year 2014.

Significant event auditing has been described for 5 years and it is slowly gaining credibility as an effective method of quality assurance in British general practice. This paper describes what it is, what its background is, how it is done and whether it is effective. While it needs a positive team culture – and therefore may not suit every practice – where it is used it appears to be a useful adjunct to a clinical audit programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2008 the UK government, supported by the Royal College of Nursing, stated that nursing care would be measured for compassion. This paper considers the implications of this statement by critically examining the relationship of compassion to care from a variety of perspectives. It is argued that the current market-driven approaches to healthcare involve redefining care as a pale imitation, even parody, of the traditional approach of the nurse as "my brother's keeper". Attempts to measure such parody can only measure artificial techniques and give rise to a McDonald's-type nursing care rather than heartfelt care. The arguments of this paper, although applied to nursing, also apply to medicine and healthcare generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents updates on healthcare proposals in Great Britain out for consultation. A consultation paper from The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health, called Exploring a Federal Approach to Voluntary Self Regulation of Complementary Healthcare describes the rationale for, and possible structure of, a single voluntary regulatory body to cover all complementary healthcare professions. The consultation paper from the Department for International Development provides an overview of the world health situation and asks for responses to ten questions about health.

Editorial. Presents an announcement by the British Medical Journal Publishing Group (BMJ) of the creation of some controls on bmj.com which will have some users paying for some content. Decision made as revenues decrease from fewer paper subscriptions due to the currently free access website and as job advertisers use the National Health Service web site and UK Pharmaceuticals advertise less; Plan which will allow BMA members and users of the World Bank's low to lower middle income countries free access in addition to keeping the studentbmg.com site free; Timetable and exemptions from new fee schedule.

Editorial. Comments on the paper 'Delivering the NHS Plan,' which discusses the government's strategy for Great Britain's National Health Service. Commitment to a tax based system that provides free care to all; Plans to create institutions to set, monitor, and ensure national service standards; Earned autonomy of local organisations.

Presents broadcasting programs and papers on medicine in Great Britain. Medical issues discussed in the television program 'Expert Opinion' from BBC 2; Coverage of smallpox tragedy by the papers 'Birmingham Evening Mail' and 'Sunday Mercury'; Message of the radio program 'Woman's Hour' from BBC Radio 4.

The article reports that the periodical "BMJ: British Medical Journal" is launching its seventh annual awards to be held in May 2015 and requests for nominations. It further discusses several categories for 2015 awards including Great Britain research paper of the year, lifetime achievement award and women's health team award.

Reports medical developments in Great Britain as of August 1987. Campaign of British Medical Association against cigarette smoking; Issuance of consultation papers on performance indicators for the health service by the National Health Service Management Board; Announcement on the applications for scientists on cancer research awards.

The article cites innovations adopted for the journal "BJU International" for 2008. Some of the innovative actions being taken include the division of papers into sections, introduction of Comments and Conversations and the development of the Surgery Illustrated section. Starting January 2008, the journal will be published twice each month. The journal's new Web site will also be launched.

Presents medical news briefs. Two cases of West Nile virus which have been confirmed in Irish travelers to Portugal; SARS whistleblower who has been released from prison in China; Fresh outbreak of bird flu in Indonesia; Approval for 20 NHS trusts to become foundation trusts; Implementation of a register of abusers of the elderly in the health care system which will not extend to the NHS staff; Need for peer review to be explained to the public for better understanding of scientific papers.

Editorial. Focuses on changes to Great Britain's General Practice Research Database. Publication of research papers by GPRD; Plans to increase access to the database; How the Internet should make medical research easier.

Indicates that a culture of openness and critical self appraisal among doctors which should make handling concerns about a colleague's performance obsolete, is being resolved by leaders of the medical profession in Great Britain. Details on the National Health Service (NHS) white paper; Indication that doctors with managerial positions where given guidance on how to manage doctors with problems; Why persons who show concerns about their colleagues should be supported.

Presents several views on the field of medicine in Great Britain. Report of Salmonella enteritidis PT 24 infection received by the Communicable Disease Surveillance; Encouragement of young medical researchers to write papers as soon as possible; Association between the risk of colorectal cancer for patients undergoing gall bladder excision.

Presents medicopolitical digests from Great Britain, compiled as of September 27, 1997. Includes news on Scottish doctors' call for a white paper on the National Health Service in Scotland to take account of the underfunding of the service; Plans of the General Medical Services Committee to continue representing all general practitioners regarding their employment or contractual status.

Reports on developments in the field of medicine in Great Britain as of November 23, 1996. Rules on extracontractual referrals; Proposed projects in the National Health Service white paper; Role of ombudsman in clinical complaints; Trusts' flexibility over manpower. INSET: Timetable..

Presents a personal view on the medicopolitical events in Great Britain. Effects of nuclear war on medicine; Recommendations of an increase in the salaries on National Health Service physicians; Reference to a consultative paper issued by the government on a review body proposed by nurses.

Presents several medical related issues in Great Britain. Reports on the blue paper related to primary health care; Association of road accidents with drunk drivers; Retirement of director Gordon McLachlan of Nuffield Provincial Hospitals Trust.

Comments on the publication of agenda for discussion on primary health care by the government in Great Britain. Variety of headlines on health care; Proposals of the government for health care; Interpretation of different papers on the agenda of the government for health care.

Presents information on the importance of media on the field of medicine in Great Britain. Beliefs of news editors and headline writers on newspapers sold by doom and disaster; Access of information by parents with a handicapped child; Citations of papers writer by medical practitioners.