General Debate

Debate Debate

Geocomputation is an emerging field of research that advocates the use of computationally intensive techniques such as neural networks, heuristic search, and cellular automata for spatial data analysis. Since increasing amounts of health-related data are collected within a geographical frame of reference, geocomputational methods show increasing potential for health data analysis. This paper pr...

Inaugural Debate Section - Debate Editor's Note

Clinical inertia in general practice, a matter of debate: a qualitative study with 114 general practitioners in Belgium

BACKGROUND Prescribing that is not concordant with guidelines is increasingly referred to as clinical inertia (CI). However, CI may be only apparent, and the absence of decision may actually reflect appropriate inaction as a result of good clinical reasoning. Our study aimed to: (i) elucidate GPs' beliefs regarding CI and the risk of CI in their own practice, (ii) identify modifiable provider-r...

Education & Debate

Sickle celi disease is listed in the manufacturers' data sheets in the United Kingdom as a contraindication to the use of most combined contraceptive pills; the result is confused advice on family planning to a group ofwomenwho are at substantial risk from both planned and unplanned pregnancy. A study in north London on the use of contraceptives by women with sickle cell disease indicates that ...

Education & Debate

The doctor and the patient enter the examining room and the door is closed. For even the most jaded doctor and the most cynical patient the click of the door catch creates a special and privileged space. In that space trust can develop, needed disclosures can occur, tears can flow, lifelong burdens can be lifted and explored, and information of the most delicate and significant character can fl...