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Penicillin and meningococcal disease: case-control study

Amy Davis takes you through an observational study that looked at whether penicillin prescribed by a general practitioner before admission to hospital improved children’s outcomes.

Observations

The soap opera that saves lives

A soap opera on South African television that is run by public health activists is now to be screened across eight neighbouring countries, with the help of a grant from the UK government. Soul City is watched by more than 34 million people in South Africa, over 70% of the population, and tackles a range of gritty health and social issues.

News

NHS sees a steady rise in patient satisfaction over five years

A higher proportion of patients who used hospitals in England in 2007 were satisfied with the care they received than in the previous year, according to a Healthcare Commission survey, which looked at responses from nearly 76 000 inpatients treated at a total of 165 English hospital trusts.

News

Nuffield Council seeks views on ethics of caring for people with dementia

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, a UK independent body that examines ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine, has launched the consultation this week to gather the views and experiences of people who face the challenges of dementia.

Research

Survival of extremely premature babies in a geographically defined population

In this prospective cohort study of 1994-9 compared with 2000-5, survival at 24 and 25 weeks' gestation in the UK Trent region significantly increased, but there was no improvement in survival at 23 weeks and no infants born at 22 weeks survived despite advances in care. The accompanying editorial says that viability is not determined solely by gestational age.

Head to head

Should patients be able to pay top-up fees to receive the treatment they want?

Decisions not to fund some treatments under the NHS have been vigorously contested. Yes, says James Gubb, patients should be able to buy such treatments privately. No says Karen Bloor, this will undermine the whole health system.

News

MPs criticise department's handling of Modernising Medical Careers

The Department of Health's handling of the problems with the Modernising Medical Careers programme last year was "inept," and the leadership it showed was "totally inadequate," according to a report published by the House of Commons' Health Select Committee.

Education

Medical management of Crohn's disease

About 690 000 people in Europe have Crohn's disease, including some 90 000 in the United Kingdom. The estimated healthcare costs are €3.04bn. Current treatment options include biological therapy and use of immunomodulators. J R Fraser Cummings and colleagues review therapeutic potential and associated adverse events.

Review of the week

The writing is on the wall for UNAIDS

The exclusive focus on HIV promoted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is damaging health systems and distorting health financing, and UNAIDS should be closed down immediately, says Roger England, chairman of the Health Systems Network.

BMJ Careers

Bearing witness

Toby Elkington describes being summoned to the General Medical Council.

News

US medical schools should say no to drug company support

A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges suggests that all 129 member medical schools should prohibit pharmaceutical and devices manufacturers from providing gifts, food, and travel to doctors, faculty members, and students.

Feature

Everyone's a radiologist now

Are ultrasound machines truly the stethoscope of the 21st century? Should all doctors keep one in their back pocket? Jacqui Wise reports on the battle over ultrasound imaging.