Hot Water Immersion for Bluebottle Stings.
Hot water immersion for bluebottle stings.
Aust Fam Physician. 2013 Jun; 42(6): 401-2
Hot water immersion can be used to treat bluebottle (Physalia spp.) stings. Bluebottle stings are most common in non-tropical areas and can be very painful. After initial management, hot water (ideally at 42-45°C) applied to the site of the sting for 30-90 minutes can be used to manage pain. If hot water is unavailable, a heat pack may provide an accessible alternative. Hot water application for bluebottle stings has NHMRC Level 2 evidence of efficacy. The most common adverse effect is that the patient cannot tolerate the heat, and there has been one case of a thermal burn reported. HubMed – drug
Obstacles to alcohol and drug care – Are Medicare Locals the answer?
Aust Fam Physician. 2013 May; 42(5): 339-42
Berends L, Lubman DI
Harms related to alcohol and drug use have an enormous cost on the community, yet most patients with substance use disorders do not receive care from primary healthcare providers. The establishment of a system of large primary healthcare organisations (Medicare Locals) across Australia provides an opportunity to address this service gap.This article considers barriers to delivering alcohol and drug interventions from primary healthcare settings, strategies for their resolution, and the ensuing benefits for patients.Help seeking for alcohol and drug problems is low. Stigmatisation can be countered by policy development, training and support to increase staff awareness and skills, and building relationships with specialist services. Co-location, outreach clinics, and collaborative models simplify access, tailor intensity of interventions, and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Screening and brief intervention at intake, with appropriate training and support for nursing staff, can advance the delivery of timely and effective care. HubMed – drug
Mother’s kiss for nasal foreign bodies.
Aust Fam Physician. 2013 May; 42(5): 288-9