The World Cup is now here, but for many of us that just means we will be watching the matches from our couch at home, or, if you’re one of the lucky ones, from the stands in Brazil’s stadiums. Ironically, such a high profile sporting event will foster sedentary behaviour in a lot of us, by […]
Liz Wager: Why aren’t researchers told about reporting guidelines?
I recently gave a talk about guidelines to a group of postgraduate students at a well known, well resourced, and ancient university. The purpose of my talk was to explain the guidelines governing professional medical writers, as this was a careers day for biomedical researchers, who were considering a move into the world of medical […]
The BMJ Today: The World Cup—a win for the alcohol industry?
Today the world’s attention will be focused on the vibrant city of Sao Paulo in Brazil, where the host nation will kick off one of the biggest sporting events in the world in a showdown against Croatia. You may not know that BMJ has had its eye on Brazil for quite some time, and has an […]
Zoe Smith: Changing the story for neglected tropical diseases
While it’s been challenging to make neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) a priority on the global health agenda, until recently, the struggle to raise the conversation beyond niche circles has been even harder. The illnesses are prevalent in places that many would struggle to find on a map, let alone pronounce (echinococcosis and onchocerciasis, for example). Factors […]
Rhys Davies: Ode to a stethoscope
A recent article in The BMJ wondered whether portable ultrasound scanners might soon replace the trusty stethoscope. These ultrasounds are easy to use, sexy, cheap at only £5000(!), and lead to greater confidence at the examination couch. But forgive me if I’m not ready to swap my stethoscope for a tricorder just yet. The invention […]
Billy Boland: The power of “systems” in healthcare
I looked down at my name badge. Although it said chief executive officer, I felt like an impostor. Across the table sat a suitably intimidating panel. The members of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) wanted me to justify why we were keeping open a crumbling hospital with poor outcomes, while the community was […]
The BMJ Today: On with the patient revolution
Can partnership with patients be improved to the benefit of healthcare? We think so, and today we launch a strategy to help make it happen. It’s a delivery on a promise made last year, developed with the help of our international panel. We’ll be including more on, and from, patients throughout the journal—in Research, Analysis […]
Jim Murray: A surprising development in the case of InterMune vs the EMA
InterMune has withdrawn part of its legal challenge to stop the European Medicines Agency from disclosing certain documents, which relate to the medicine Esbriet (Pirfenidone). The company is still looking for a prohibition on disclosure, but has withdrawn its application for an interim order, which would prevent disclosure before the full hearing of the case. (InterMune […]
David Kerr: Death in America
In the United States, even the grim reaper is not immune from political interference. Around two weeks ago, an episode of mass murder happened a few miles from where I live. On 23 May, 22 year old Elliot Rodger took his own life after killing six students, and wounding 13 others in the area known as […]
Chris Hopson: You get what you pay for—a different approach to the 2015/16 NHS tariff is crucial
If you get what you pay for, then 2015/16 risks being a very difficult year for the NHS, as the system affordability challenge, according to Monitor, jumps from 3.1% to 6.6%. This is driven by increasing demand and costs, a flat NHS budget, changes to NHS pension arrangements, and the *Better Care Fund. NHS providers […]