The webpage of the BGTHA Journal for health professionals

Title:

Friend or Foe?

How the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) Help and Hinder the Travel Medicine Practitioner.

Authors:

A Willcox^1,2,3, J. Mendelsohn³, J. Dickson³, R. Swadling³, H.Chera³.
1. A Talent 4 Health Ltd, Cheltenham, UK.
2. University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
3. Health Team Ltd, Nottingham, UK.

Contact:

Adrienne Willcox. A Talent 4 Health Ltd. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Citation:  

Willcox PhD, RN.
Mendelsohn RN.
Dickson BSc.GPhC.
Swadling RN.
H. Chera MRPharmS.

Abstract

Practitioners see travellers who have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medication or have an allergy or intolerance to something. An important part of the pre-travel risk assessment is to identify cautions and contraindications between these and any proposed vaccines or antimalarial prophylaxis. Experienced practitioners will know of common contraindications, e.g. the use of mefloquine for travellers with affective disorders. However there are several thousand data relating to such interactions so the responsible practitioner must at times consult SPCs of travel products and concomitant medicines to ensure patient safety. This paper:

1) demonstrates how travel medicine practitioners can use SPCs to promote patient safety

2) identifies information gaps relating to vaccine and antimalarials.

Title:

Journal Watch

Authors:

Dr Mike Townend

Contact:

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Citation:

Abstract: 

A review of published articles on influenza and altitude.

Title:

Displacement and women’s health

Authors:

Melissa Denker

Contact:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Organisation: University of Glasgow (College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences)

Citation:  

Medical student, University of Glasgow (College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences)

Abstract

With a record-breaking number of people displaced worldwide, 2015 saw more than one million refugees entering Europe, causing a crisis at European borders. Refugees face a host of different health problems, especially infection and malnutrition, but women’s health is an area that receives less attention. This review of women’s health problems during displacement shows that there are health issues especially in two main areas: sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and reproductive health. Conditions in refugee camps and conflict situations cause the breakdown of social structures which exist to protect women. Reproductive health is a major issue for refugees because of the risks of SGBV, and the lack of reproductive healthcare in refugee camps. There is a high risk of maternal death; unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are also significant problems.

These problems require serious attention from the international humanitarian aid organisations which help refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) outlines five key objectives to prevent SGBV, while the 2010 Inter-Agency Field Manual on Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings outlines eight main aspects which must be addressed to improve reproductive health. Although progress has been made in tackling refugee women’s health issues, much work remains to be done, and the severe risks to refugee women’s health must be addressed immediately.

Title:

Why is ‘Food Security’ now such an important health issue?

Authors:

Ai Ru Lee and Eric Walker

Contact:

 Ai Ru Lee: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eric Walker: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Citation:

1, Ai Ru Lee (2^nd year Medical student), Global and Travel Health Special Study Module at Glasgow University

2, Eric Walker, Associate Professor in General Practice and Primary care; Glasgow University

Abstract

This article is of special relevance to practitioners with an interest in global health and placements in developing countries, e.g. VSO, NGOs.

Title:

Management of travellers with a food allergy

Authors:

Iain B McIntosh

Contact:

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Citation:  

 BA (Hons), MBGB, FFTM RCPS (Glas). Past President of BGTHA.

Abstract

Food allergies, although common, need not be a barrier to international travel. This update considers the management of travellers presenting in the pre-travel health consultation.

Title:

Book Review

Authors:

Dr Mike Townend

Contact:

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Citation:  

Abstract

A review of Circadian Physiology

Title:

Write an article for the BGTHA Journal

Authors:

Adrienne Willcox

Contact:

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Citation:  

PhD, RN, M. FTM, RCPS(Glas) 

Abstract

Here are the guidelines for authors thinking of writing for the BGTHA Journal, together with some priority topics we wish to commission for 2017. Whether you are a new, aspiring writer or have been published before, please feel free to contact editors Adrienne Willcox and Becky Swadling to discuss your ideas.

Title:

Why The Ebola Virus Outbreak Of 2014 Claimed So Many Lives

Authors:

Ian Campbell Fitzpatrick

Contact:

University Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Organisation: Glasgow University, School of Medicine.

Citation:  

3^rd Year Medical Student, Glasgow University

Abstract

This report reviews what we know about the Ebola virus and discusses in detail why Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia - the three worst affected countries - were so vulnerable. It examines the social and cultural elements that facilitated the spread of the virus as well as the physical and structural challenges these countries faced that crippled their response. It explores the reasons behind why this endemic instilled such incredible fear, conspiracy and division amongst the affected communities which resulted in more fatalities.

Title:

The Annual Symposium of the Faculty of Travel Medicine: Ten years looking to the future.

Authors:

Emley Pine

Contact:

Nomad Travel Clinics

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Citation:  

Specialist Travel Health Nurse Trainer

Abstract

A review of the annual symposium of the FTM in Oct 2016.

Title:

Consider the Montgomery Ruling Final

Authors:

Patricia Armstrong

 Contact:

Pharmacist Assistant Professional Services Manager, Chief Pharmacist’s Office, Boots UK.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Citation:  

FFRPS MRPharmS MFTM RCPS(Glasg)

Certificate Travel Medicine^TM. 

Abstract

Obtaining valid consent is a fundamental part of every travel health consultation and one every travel health professional will be familiar with. A recent high court ruling – the Montgomery Ruling - has raised issues for every healthcare professional to consider.