Solutions for Public Health

The Solutions for Public Health website is a goldmine of information about public health, and well worth a look. It contains information on health policy, outcomes, workforce development and commissioning. There is also an excellent publications section where you can find lots of useful statistics.

Today I Learnt That...

TILT (Today I Learnt That) is a new free online learning tool, which aims to capture and share clinical learning. Users can create a personal learning log and also use the site's social networking features, which allows them to follow clinicians and create special interest groups.

This is a brand new and innovative learning tool - well worth exploring.

Exporting from NHS databases into RefWorks

If you regularly use NHS databases and want to be able to export your results into RefWorks reference management software, I've prepared a guide below. Note: you need an NHS Athens account and a RefWorks account to be able to do this.

Image credits: (c) NHS, 2010 (c) RefWorks, 2010

RefWorks_HealthInformationResources

Better understanding and support needed for armed forces veterans

A new report examines the links between mental illness and offending amongst armed forces veterans and calls for more research and support in this area. Findings from Across the Wire, written by Matt Fossey, include evidence to show that only a small percentage of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcoholism and depression are more common. Fossey also states that veterans who have left the armed forces unexpectedly early are more vulnerable to mental illness.

Picture credit: Afghan Villagers Killed By Insurgent Bomb © Getty Images.

Red tape hindering evidence-based practice

Interesting piece in today's Guardian newspaper. Sir Iain Chalmers, editor of the James Lind library, is arguing that red tape and over-regulation of research is hampering proper evaluation of medical treatments. He makes a very interesting point that research results which are disappointing are often never published, thereby skewing the evidence-base. An interesting article and well worth a read.

Image credit: New Technique May Change Debate Over Stem Cell Research © Getty Images.

NMC publishes new guidance and toolkit for raising and escalating concerns

The NMC has published new guidance about raising and escalating concerns about the safety and well-being of patients. The guidance comes with a poster, toolkit, and links for further advice.