Compared to younger people, older people and those with frailty are more likely to die from acute infections, such as COVID-19, and less likely to survive intensive care. Advance care planning conversations rarely took place with older or frail people before the pandemic, but have now become prominent in the media amidst concerns about denial […]
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Dr Stephen Barclay provides expert help on end of life care in the community during the pandemic
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops, increasing numbers of seriously ill and dying patients are being cared for at home and in care homes by GPs, nurses, and their families and friends. Significant challenges are emerging for primary care practitioners including: symptom management for the dying phase of COVID-19; planning and coordination of […]
Prize-winning thesis by University Lecturer Anna Spathis tackles cancer-related fatigue amongst children and young adults
Dr Anna Spathis, University Lecturer in Palliative and End of Life Care at the Primary Care Unit, was awarded the University of Cambridge Raymond Horton-Smith Prize for the academic year 2018-19. The prize is awarded annually by the School of Clinical Medicine for the best thesis presented for a Doctor of Medicine graduate degree during the academical year. Anna’s […]
Strategies to increase postnatal physical activity should ensure group-based classes with other new mothers accessible and affordable, says new research
New mothers would be more likely to engage in physical activity (PA) if group PA classes with other new mothers were accessible, according to a study published today by Kate Ellis and colleagues in the Behavioural Science Group. After childbirth, mothers’ physical activity levels tend to decline and they are less active than women of […]
Reducing health risks for mothers who develop diabetes during pregnancy: new study explores women’s experiences of post-partum screening
Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy – called gestational diabetes or GDM – have a relatively high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after their babies are born. Blood tests to screen for diabetes after the birth of the baby, and annually thereafter, are recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. However, many women […]
Patients with an ‘empathic’ GP at reduced risk of early death
Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a lower risk of early death if they have a doctor who they describe as showing empathy towards them, a new study from the University of Cambridge has found. Empathy is an important concept within healthcare and as such is emphasised in policy, codes of practice, […]