bmj.com:

Research

RCT of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage for chronic and recurrent back pain

In adults with recurrent or chronic low back pain, all three interventions led to better self reported function and less pain at three months, but only exercise prescribed by general practitioners and training in the Alexander Technique had sustained benefit at one year (MRCT ATEAM trial). Supervised exercise is effective but needs to be tailored to patients' preferences and expectations, says the accompanying editorial. (Picture credit: Tony Hutchings/Getty Images)

News

Health facilities in Georgia have been attacked

The Georgian Medical Association has appealed for help in the crisis created by the recent conflict with Russia. It has complained that doctors, ambulances, and medical facilities have been attacked in an indiscriminate campaign in which civilians have also been killed by cluster munitions.
More news published on 19 August:

Comment

The luck of the draw

New Labour came to power promising to do away with the postcode lottery in health care, but inequity is still rife. Ike Iheanacho is impressed by a documentary that illustrated just how nonsensical things have become

Research

Ethnic stereotypes and the underachievement of UK medical students from ethnic minorities

This qualitative study shows that in one London medical school, Asian clinical medical students were negatively stereotyped by clinical teachers and students as overdependent on book learning and quiet in class. In an accompanying commentary, medical student Hugh Ip reflects on his experiences since arriving in the UK five years ago.

Comment

CME and the pharmaceutical industry

The writing may be on the wall for the relationship between pharma and medical education.

Ray Moynihan: Is the relationship between pharma and medical education on the rocks?
Suzanne Fletcher: Pharma and CME: View from the US
Alfredo Pisacane: Rethinking continuing medical education

Education

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Histopathologist N J Sebire and molecular oncologist M J Seckl review detection and management of the most common form of gestational trophoblastic disease: hydatidiform mole.

Education

How effective are some common treatments for traumatic brain injury?

Surveys show that mannitol, hyperventilation, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and barbiturates are commonly used to treat traumatic brain injury. Yet the effects of such treatments are uncertain. This is the latest in our series of occasional articles highlighting areas of practice where management lacks convincing supporting evidence. (Photo credit: Vasiliy Yakobchuk/Fotolia.com)