Today The BMJ publishes two examples of bias—one of publication bias and one of political bias. • Michael McCarthy reports on how researchers in the Netherlands have shown that the reporting of clinical trials on seven antidepressants was subject to publication bias. The researchers, from the University Medical Centre Groningen, found there was a significant […]
Category: The BMJ today
The BMJ Today: The role of facemasks, UK election watch, India health spending, and hearing your views
• Our most recent State of the Art Review looks at the evidence for the role of facemasks in the prevention of infection in both community and healthcare settings. A stunning interactive infographic explains which facemask the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend for seasonal flu, pandemic influenza, coronavirus, […]
Food banks, clinical leadership, and losing touch
• Analysis: With the economic crisis and austerity measures looking to be a key focus of the election debate, this analysis article released today is a timely reminder of the impact such measures might be having on population health and wellbeing. “The number of local authorities with food banks operated by the Trussell Trust, a […]
The BMJ Today: Thinking about common and not so common conditions
• Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin that is commonly seen in general practice. The latest practice pointer looks at its diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management, and prevention. One particular aspect about its management is that first line treatment comprises shampoo containing either ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, or zinc pyrithione. • Iron deficiency […]
The BMJ Today: Lucentis vs Avastin, teenagers with back pain, and a maternal blood test for Down’s syndrome
• The BMJ‘s investigation looking at why UK doctors have had difficulty prescribing the drug Avastin to treat wet age related macular degeneration rather than the more expensive Lucentis has provoked some interesting responses, including ones from Niall Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council, and Stephen JW Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the […]
The BMJ Today: Lucentis vs Avastin, fracking, and delusional infestation
Good morning. Here’s what is new on thebmj.com today. The BMJ Investigation: Lucentis vs Avastin • Why have UK doctors had difficulty prescribing a cheap, safe, and effective drug (Avastin) and instead turned to a far more expensive one (Lucentis) for the treatment of wet age related macular degeneration? An investigation by The BMJ’s investigations editor Deborah […]
The BMJ Today: Promises, promises—the general election, the NHS, and political sensitivity over major incident reporting
• In the week of the formal launch of the UK general election campaign, with NHS policies set to take centre stage, The BMJ publishes an analysis article looking at politicians’ pledges on access to primary care. Thomas E Cowling and colleagues go behind the rhetoric and look at the evidence on getting a GP […]
The BMJ Today: The joys of general practice, the dangers of glyburide, and a clash of care models
• Being a GP is still the best job in the world, writes Margaret McCartney, despite the many problems facing the profession. She notes that GPs witness the life stories of people and their families unfolding in real time, and she finishes with a call to arms for those who are considering general practice: […]
The BMJ Today: What airlines can learn about safety from medicine, health coaches from Dunkin’ Donuts, and a seven day NHS?
Blog: The aviation industry needs to address human factors in flight safety “Has the airline industry’s approach to safety been skewed towards the mechanical, technical, and engineering aspects of the aircraft rather than the human factors important to flying?” asks Kallur Suresh, a consultant psychiatrist at North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, after speculation […]
The BMJ Today: Fatal cardiovascular risk in LMICs, indefensible care, and Mission Indradhanush
• A new risk scoring system, as reported in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, has estimated that a higher percentage of people are at a greater risk of fatal cardiovascular disease in low and middle income countries than in high income countries. The Globorisk system, led by researchers Kaveh Hajifathalian and Peter Ueda of the […]