NICE calls for routine HIV tests in high prevalence areas

GPs should offer routine HIV testing when registering new patients in areas of high prevalence, says NICE. Two pieces of complimentary guidance have been published aimed at increasing the uptake of HIV testing among people from black African communities and men who have sex with men.

NICE publishes guideline on diabetic foot problems

NICE has published a guideline for the care of people with diabetic foot problems in hospital, as the number of people with diabetes continues to rise. The guideline aims to help overall management of diabetic foot problems and to reduce variations in practice.

NICE guidance can help stub out smoking

NICE's public health guidance can help local communities take an evidence-based approach to reducing smoking rates, according to the government's tobacco control plan. The plan Healthy Lives, Healthy People was published earlier this month and sets out how local communities can take a leading role in reducing smoking rates in England over the next five years.

More people receiving checks for blood clot risk, following NICE's call for screening  

The number of people who are being screened for their risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) on admission to hospital has increased following recommendations made by NICE, figures reveal. A total of 68 per cent of the 2.9 million adult patients who were admitted to care in England between October and December last year were checked for their risk of blood clots.

Did you know that NICE produces podcasts to help you put guidance into practice?

Recorded with experts who have been involved in the development of NICE guidance, the podcasts offer advice and tips on the key recommendations.

Podcast topics include the updated anaemia in CKD guideline and the guidance on the use of the Sequent Please balloon catheter.

This month, NICE has produced podcasts for the diabetic foot problems and psychosis with substance misuse guidelines.

NICE's Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme has undertaken an evaluation of BRAHMS copeptin assay to rule out myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain. We would like to receive comments from anyone with an interest in the BRAHMS assay or cardiology as a general area.

There are just 6 days left to comment on the potential new indicators under consideration for the 2012/13 quality and outcomes framework (QOF). There are 29 potential new indicators across nine domains, including ones for asthma, diabetes, physical activity and obesity.

  Laser correction of refractive error following non-refractive ophthalmic surgery

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