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The author notes that significant preventiative measures for ovarian cancer include the hysterectomy and tubal sterilization, and assesses the accuracy of women's self-reports of these procedures. Women seem to have good recall of past histories of these procedures, allowing their long-term effects to be assessed with reasonable accuracy from self-reports.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the educational needs of general practitioners with regards to the diagnosis and management of hereditary haemochromatosis., Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to all 216 GPs in a suburban division of general practice, with a response rate of 91 (42.1%). The survey covered GPs knowledge of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, management and prognosis of haemochromatosis; attitudes toward management; beliefs regarding the prevalence of haemochromatosis and its relationship to other conditions; and management practices., Results: The relative prevalence, symptoms, signs, diagnostic requirements and prognostic factors associated with haemochromatosis were generally well recognised. The specifics of management is an area of educational need; in particular, venesection goals, dietary recommendations and the role of liver biopsy in diagnosis. Respondents were generally not comfortable managing haemochromatosis without specialist support, most commonly from a gastroenterologist. Of 80% of GPs who reported having patients with haemochromatosis, 41% primarily managed the condition., Discussion: The management of haemochromatosis in general practice could be improved by an educational campaign targeting GPs and the referral of uncomplicated patients back to their GPs from specialist services.

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition that poses diagnostic and management challenges for doctors and their patients., Objective: This article outlines an approach to the diagnosis and management of CPP in women, lists a range of possible aetiologies, and provides additional information on three conditions commonly associated with CPP: endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and irritable bowel syndrome., Discussion: Chronic pelvic pain may be due to one or several aetiologies, while in some women no specific cause is identified. All women should be advised that even though limited medical knowledge sometimes precludes the assignation of a definite cause and cure, the pain can be managed, and psychological support can be provided. A multidisciplinary approach can be beneficial.

Background: Fatigue is a common presentation in general practice and its diagnosis and management can be a source of frustration to both doctor and patient. Although it may exist independently of other diagnoses, and in conjunction with physical disorders, fatigue is strongly associated with psychological disorders., Objective: We propose an approach to the diagnosis and management of the psychological and psychiatric causes of fatigue, and present two clinical cases to highlight some of the discriminating features., Discussion: Psychological causes should be considered in all patients with fatigue. Awareness of the range of causes of fatigue, experience in using readily available screening tests to detect psychological disorders, and knowledge of the recommended management regimens will facilitate the delivery of quality care to patients and the reduction of the morbidity associated with the underlying conditions.

Introduction: Little is known about general practitioners' confidence and competence in managing medical emergencies, yet these qualities are vital to maximise patients' chances of survival., Aim: To document the distribution and determinants of GPs' self reported levels of comfort and competence in managing medical emergencies, and GPs' interest in attending an emergency skills update course., Methods: We conducted a random sample survey of 900 GPs in current clinical practice in southeast Queensland., Results: Five hundred and twelve (57%) GPs responded to the questionnaire. An association between perceived levels of competence and the amount of training GPs received was demonstrated (P < 00.05 for 14 of 16 listed emergency skills), as was an association between level of comfort in managing emergencies and the frequency with which such emergency types are encountered in practice (P < 0.05 for 8 of 18 listed emergencies). Sixty-nine percent of GPs expressed interest in attending a specifically designed emergency medicine update course., Conclusion: Postgraduate training in and experience with medical emergencies is important for GPs' confidence and competence in dealing with such emergencies. A proposed update course designed specifically for GPs was strongly supported.