Citation
Morris, B. (2001), "New guidance on meningitis for GPs", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 14 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2001.06214fab.008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
New guidance on meningitis for GPs
New guidance on meningitis for GPs
In April the Meningitis Research Foundation in the UK launched new guidance notes for GPs, Meningococcal Meningitis and Septicaemia: Diagnosis and Treatment in General Practice, in the form of a booklet and wall chart. This resource was developed through consultation with experts in the field of meningococcal disease and market tested with GPs.
During the last decade, cases of meningococcal disease in the UK have risen to a 50-year high. Despite the resounding success of the recent vaccination programme against Group C meningococcal disease, cases of Group B, which is not vaccine preventable, are still rising. The increase in meningococcal disease has attracted huge media attention, with GPs often in the firing line when cases have been missed. This new resource aims to help GPs in the recognition of meningococcal disease, particularly in the early stage, emphasising key factors to identify severely ill patients.
The need for the booklet was identified as a direct result of initial findings from a study of healthcare delivery and outcome of meningococcal disease in children, carried out at Imperial College School of Medicine and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and funded by the Foundation.
Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said:
Meningococcal disease develops so quickly that a child could be fighting for life within hours of the onset of symptoms. This is why prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are so crucial. We are delighted to be working with the British Medical Association to bring this vital new resource to General Practitioners.
Dr Laurence Buckman, BMA GP Negotiator said:
The British Medical Association is pleased to support the Foundation's revised booklet for General Practitioners. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment of meningococcal disease in its early stages is vital in saving lives and reducing morbidity. We hope that the booklet and wall chart will aid GPs in the recognition of meningococcal disease.
Further information from the Meningitis Research Foundation. Tel: (+44) (0) 1454 281811.