HANDI – A handy resource for non-drug management of patients.
Do you ever feel unsure recommending non- drug treatments for patients with the variety of health conditions that may walk through your clinic door? Do you need a HANDI resource?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recognise this challenge and have created an excellent resource in the Handbook of Non-Drug Interventions (HANDI). This is a collection of interventions present with the evidence to back their use graded by the Australian National Health and Medicine Research Council (NHMRC).
Covering a variety of clinical areas such as cardiology (ie Valsalva manoeuvre of treating Supraventricular tachycardia), musculoskeletal ( ie exercise for acute low back pain) and ‘others’ such as graded exercise programmes for chronic fatigue syndrome, the usefulness of Epley’s manoeuvre for vertigo or cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic insomnia.
Each section gives information on the indication, contraindication, precautions, adverse effects, description on how to advise on the intervention, useful hints and tips and the evidence behind the intervention.
The list is expanding, and a useful way to show patients the evidence behind many of the effective, alternative methods of treating their health issues without or in addition to medications.
So, eGPlearners, I highly recommend exploring the site and even sharing within your own networks, or comment to discuss further.
ps if interested the RACGP also have a plethora of encouraging and engaging videos on their Youtube channel. My particular favourite is the following ad which shows the true power of continuity in general practice, while not all the parts are now what modern General practice focuses on, the impact that continuity can have, the journey is one many GPs cherish and enjoy.
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||
