India's Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011 is criticized for lacking specific criminal penalties and civil protections for whistleblowers. Despite this, organizations like Medileaks offer a platform for doctors to share information about malpractices in medicine.
A study published in The BMJ found that older patients who stayed in the hospital for less than 10 days after a hip fracture were more likely to die. The research analyzed data from 116,111 Swedish residents and showed that shorter hospital stays increased the risk of death.
A senior doctor's interviews reveal widespread irrational drug prescribing, kickbacks for referrals, and unnecessary investigations in India's private healthcare sector. The system largely treats patients as revenue generators, without rationality or medical logic.
The tobacco industry deployed massive third-party lobbying to subvert the revised European Tobacco Products Directive, which became national law next year. The directive includes increased graphic health warnings and restrictions on cigarette packs but was weakened due to industry interference.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine reveals that the UK 'fit note' is associated with fewer people taking long-term sick leave of 12 weeks or more. However, the proportion of people off work with depression, anxiety, and stress has increased.
Research links water fluoridation above 0.7 mg/l to a 30% higher than expected rate of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in England. Researchers suggest switching to non-fluoride-based interventions to protect tooth health.
Research finds that napping beyond 2 years of age is associated with reduced night-time sleep quality in young children. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, analyzed data from 26 studies and found that prolonged napping delays sleep onset and shortens overall night-time sleep duration.
A survey of 2500 Dutch doctors found that 86% would consider helping a patient to die under certain circumstances. Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide varied by condition, with most willing to help patients with cancer or other physical diseases, but fewer for those with mental illnesses.
Choosing a screen name with a letter starting in the top half of the alphabet can maximise online dating success. A 70:30 ratio of who you are and what you're looking for is also key, while humour, physical fitness, and genuine profiles can increase likability. Men and women have different preferences when it comes to names and traits.
Public health scientists receiving funding from companies like Coca-Cola and Mars have also advised on nutritional guidance, raising questions about bias and conflict of interest. Research funded by the sugar industry has been linked to obesity crisis solutions.
A study found that graduated licensing can reduce crashes by 20-30% among young drivers. Experts urge the government to introduce a
Research suggests that any potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption may only apply to women over 65, and even then, the evidence is limited. High alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 conditions and costs £55bn annually in England.
A study published in The BMJ found that children who drowned and suffered cardiac arrest with hypothermia have poor outcomes if resuscitation continues for more than 30 minutes. Most children (89%) died, while only 11% survived with severe neurological damage.
Research concludes that historical dietary guidelines on fat consumption in the US and UK were not supported by solid trial evidence. The analysis of six relevant trials found no difference in deaths from coronary heart disease between treatment and comparison groups.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smoking impairs the response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory back arthritis. Current smokers responded significantly less well to treatment and achieved smaller reductions in disease activity scores compared to non-smokers.
Two-thirds of primary care health professionals want to widen exemption criteria for long-term conditions and lower or abolish charges altogether. The current system is seen as a barrier that prevents some people from receiving necessary prescriptions.
A study of almost 6500 people found that recent gut and urinary tract infections were associated with a significantly lowered risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Infections within the past two years reduced the risk by 29%, 22% and 20% respectively.
A healthy diet rich in whole grains and polyunsaturated fats is associated with a lower risk of chronic lung disease, according to a study published in The BMJ. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 was found to be linked to a one-third lower risk of newly diagnosed COPD.
A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.
A large study published in BMJ Open found that teens who spend more than 2 hours on screens after school are strongly linked to longer sleep onset latency and shorter sleep duration. The research suggests that screen time may replace sleeping time or interfere with sleep by stimulating the nervous system.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
Research on 224 professional fighters found smaller brain volumes and slower processing speeds associated with repeated head blows. Higher Fight Exposure Scores were linked to greater cognitive impairment and mental slowing.
A 20-year study found that over one-third of children in England are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among younger children appears to have stabilized, but this is not cause for complacency. The study's findings highlight the need for effective public health strategies and policies to address childhood obesity.
New research published in The BMJ finds that financial rewards motivate pregnant women to quit smoking. A study of 612 pregnant smokers showed that those offered shopping vouchers had a 69% quit rate compared to 23% in the control group.
Sexual offending treatment programs in prisons and hospitals have been shown to be ineffective in reducing recidivism rates, with most offenders releasing back into society posing the same level of risk as before treatment. Experts argue that only proven treatments should be used to rehabilitate offenders effectively.
A study found that both intentional and unintentional weight loss increase fracture risk, particularly hip fractures, contradicting the long-held belief that weight gain protects against fractures. Weight loss was also associated with a 65% increase in hip fractures.
The study found that up to 1% of UK children have coeliac disease blood markers, with diagnoses rising by 39% in boys and doubling in girls between 1993 and 2012. Children from less well-off backgrounds are half as likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
A new checklist from Australian doctors aims to prompt frank discussions about end-of-life care and minimize futile treatments. The CriSTAL tool assesses 29 predictors of death in elderly patients, helping healthcare professionals recognize the inevitability of death and provide more appropriate services.
Research found statins had greatest impact on affluent populations, widening health inequalities. A total of 20,400 lives were saved due to reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol between 2000-2007.
The BMJ reports on the widespread corruption in India's private medical colleges, where capitation fees of up to 10 million rupees are paid for admission. This leads to a decrease in government seats and an increase in inequity between rural and urban healthcare standards.
Research suggests that aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week may be unrealistic for some adults, particularly older individuals. Increasing daily physical activity by even small amounts can lead to significant health benefits, as shown in studies of moderate to vigorous exercise.
A UK hospital performed the world's first successful organ donation from a newborn, involving kidney and liver cell transplants. The donor was just over 3 kg at birth and had poor brain oxygenation, leading to her death; however, her parents agreed to donate her organs for other patients in need.
A common gut microbe may protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. The study found that women with MS who tested positive for Helicobacter pylori had lower disability scores than those who tested negative.
Joining a walking group improves lung power, physical functioning, and general fitness, with few side effects, according to an analysis of available evidence published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study found wide-ranging benefits for adults with various long-term conditions.
A recent survey of over 95,000 UK doctors found that those referred to the General Medical Council are most at risk of mental ill health. The study suggests that the process can lead to defensive medicine, causing harm to patients and increasing healthcare costs.
A new study published in The BMJ found that employees who work more than 48 hours per week are more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from 333,693 people across 14 countries and found a significant association between long working hours and increased risk of higher alcohol use.
Experts argue that widespread hepatitis C screening may not lead to net clinical benefit, citing potential harms and a lack of strong evidence. Many patients infected with hepatitis C will not develop end-stage liver disease, rendering unnecessary treatment.
A lack of regulation puts clinical physiologists at risk of causing harm to patients. Clinical physiologists must be properly regulated to ensure patient safety.
A small study found that UK trainee doctors still struggle to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Despite updated guidelines and training, many doctors lack basic knowledge of treating the condition, which causes breathing and circulatory problems.
A study analyzing over 90,000 patient records found that few UK family doctors are treating obesity and overweight patients appropriately. Lifestyle change is the most common weight management plan offered, but progress on weight loss is often not tracked after an intervention has been introduced.
The article highlights the lack of injury data in youth rugby, putting junior players at risk. Creative match scheduling and preseason training can help improve safety, but a comprehensive dataset is needed to set rational policies.
A UK study has found that some popular breathalyzers may not accurately detect alcohol levels, potentially putting drivers at risk. The study's findings suggest that even devices with high sensitivity rates may still provide false reassurance about a person's safety to drive.
Research reveals that half of US teen driver fatalities involve vehicles 11+ years old and lacking standard safety features. Parents are advised to prioritize safety over cost when purchasing a car for their teenager.
Researchers found that less than half of UK prescriptions for antipsychotics were issued for main licensed conditions, with many prescribed to older adults for anxiety and dementia. This misuse increases the risk of side effects in this age group.
Researchers calculate that lungs excrete 8.4kg of CO2 when 10kg of fat is fully oxidized, shedding unwanted pounds. By breathing, individuals can lose up to 200 grams of carbon daily, with exercise further increasing weight loss through increased metabolic rate.
A study analyzed 45 top-grossing children's cartoons and found that key characters were twice as likely to die as counterparts in adult films. Grisly deaths, such as shootings and stabbings, were common in these cartoons.
A team of Dutch researchers analyzed reported cases of Nintendo-related injuries and found a range of problems including seizures, incontinence, and tendonitis. Most issues are mild, but playing for extended periods or without breaks can lead to more severe health consequences.
A study found that current magazines, especially gossipy ones, are more prone to disappearance from waiting rooms. Non-gossipy magazines remained intact, and their loss was often linked to cost savings.
Researchers found that left-wing individuals spend more time engaging in vigorous physical activity and walking compared to political centrists. Meanwhile, those who don't reveal their political beliefs are the most physically inactive.
Westgate Medical Practice introduced a novel appointment system where patients can attend at designated times, reducing wait times and increasing patient satisfaction. The practice saw an improvement in work patterns for nursing staff and a significant increase in patients seeing their preferred doctor.