Medical Centre

Increasingly, academic dissertations and papers require a lay summary as well as a scientific abstract. It is important to distinguish between the style and content of the scientific abstract and the lay summary. These sections serve different purposes and are intended for different audiences. In this blog, I aim to help you write both effectively, supported by examples. Scientific Abstract The scientific abstract is written for experts, researchers and professionals in your field. It is a concise summary of your research that includes the background, methods, key findings, and implications. The language used is technical and generally assumes the reader has a good understanding of the subject. What to Include in the Abstract: Background/Context: Briefly explain the problem your research addresses. Aim: State the specific objectives of the study. Methods: Summarise the methods used, including any important experimental techniques or data sources. Results: Clearly outline the main findi

A high-fibre diet is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Fibre, a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, plays a key role in various bodily functions. Here are some of the primary benefits of incorporating more fibre into your diet: 1. Improved Digestive Health:  Fibre is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It adds bulk to the stool, which helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. Insoluble fibre, found in foods like whole grains and vegetables, passes through the digestive tract relatively intact and speeds up the passage of bowel contents. 2. Helps with Weight Management:  High-fibre foods can be more filling than low-fibre foods which help controls appetite and reduce overall calorie intake. By slowing the digestion process fibre can make you feel fuller for longer thus aiding in weight management and reducing the likelihood of overeating. 3. Lower Cholesterol Levels:  Soluble fibre, found in foods like oats, bea

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects many millions of people worldwide, making it difficult for them to breathe due to inflamed airways. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone of asthma treatment, significantly improving patients' quality of life by reducing symptoms, preventing asthma attacks, and improving lung function. However, while the benefits of ICS are well-established, there are concerns about potential adverse effects, particularly at higher doses. The Role of Inhaled Corticosteroids Inhaled corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that are commonly prescribed to manage asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the frequency of asthma exacerbations. According to current guidelines, patients should use the lowest effective dose of ICS to manage their asthma effectively. Key Findings from Our Recent Research Study Our recent study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medic

The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have set out ambitious plans for the NHS in their respective election manifestos. The challenge for the next government will be achieving targets in areas such as workforce and access to health services at a time when public sector finances are under severe pressure and there are calls for increased spending in many other areas.  Labour for example has pledged to recruit 8500 additional mental health staff but don’t provide much detail on how this workforce expansion will be funded. The Liberal Democrats have promised to recruit 8000 more GPs to ensure everyone can see a GP within seven days or within 24 hours for urgent needs. However, the recent decline in NHS GPs in England casts doubt on the feasibility of this pledge. The Conservatives propose cutting 5500 managers to save £550 million for frontline services. Yet, the NHS relies on managers to plan services, manage budgets and ensure compliance with healthcare standards. These cuts c

As we approach a general election in the UK, the different political parties are all now starting to present their proposed health policies. It is crucial for the public, journalists and health professionals - and also for politicians from other political parties - to rigorously scrutinise these proposals. This assessment should be based on key criteria to determine their effectiveness and value for money. The following essential questions should be considered when doing this: 1. Will This Policy Improve Patient Experience? Accessibility: Does the policy make healthcare services more accessible to patients, including underserved populations such as poor and ethnic minorities? Quality of Care: Will the policy enhance the quality of care patients receive, including aspects such as safety, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness? Patient Satisfaction: How will the policy impact patient satisfaction and overall experience with the NHS? Equity: Does the policy address health disparities and

Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications simultaneously, is a growing concern, especially among older people. Nearly one-third of people aged over 65 years of age in the UK take five or more medications daily. This is because people are living longer and often have multiple chronic illnesses that require medication. The Risks of Polypharmacy When people take many medications, there's a risk that some may not be necessary or might even be harmful. This can lead to: A heavy burden of managing multiple medications daily, which is time-consuming and stressful for patients. Difficulty in sticking to complex medication routines, especially for people with low health literacy or poor English language skills. Increased chances of adverse drug reactions and interactions, leading to potential harm and is severe cases to hospital admission. Given these risks, optimizing medication use is crucial, especially for those with multiple health issues. Medication Reviews (MRs) One way to add