I have recommended that NHS England set up a system for monitoring the safe use of the most potent teratogenic medications, starting with the safe use of sodium valproate in patients on a pregnancy prevention programme…
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‘Clear guidance and transparency are needed’
In the 16 years of my career as a medic in the pharmaceutical industry, there is one experience that has become all too familiar. I sit in an auditorium. A doctor or other healthcare professional takes the stage to present on behalf of a pharmaceutical company…
‘Informed consent is central to medical innovation’
The advances in medical science are inspiring and continuing to develop at pace from the latest cancer treatments to cutting-edge surgery. We owe so much to the clinical pioneers and brave patients willing to be the ‘first’.
‘Patient safety and surgical innovation – why new isn’t always better’
We often assume that new is better but when things don’t work out as hoped, it’s a different story. This is the culture of surgical innovation. Robots, gadgets, and other novel ways of operating are exciting and they generate attention. Surgeon enthusiasm for improving outcomes sweeps patients along.
Moving patient experiences at WHO
My abiding memory from the WHO Global Conference ‘Engaging Patients for Patient Safety’ was the shocking experiences outlined by patients and families from across the world who had been bereaved or suffered appalling and life-changing harm.
‘What stops us listening to patients’
I’m a medical educator and for many years I have trained doctors and other health professionals to become better listeners. Nearly all the people I have taught have thought they were good at listening but then found how to do so better.