More abbreviations

ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
BMI body mass index
BMJ British Medical Journal
BTS British Thoracic Society
CHD coronary heart disease
CKD chronic kidney disease
CPD continuing professional development
CRP C-reactive protein
CURB-65 confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure (composite score)
DVT deep vein thrombosis
EBM evidence-based medicine
EBP evidence-based practice
ECG electrocardiogram
eGFR estimated glomerular filtration rate
ENT ear, nose and throat
GMS general medical services
GP general practitioner (family physician)
GTT glucose tolerance test
IBS irritable bowel syndrome
ICU intensive care unit
IT information technology
LDL/HDL low-density lipid to high-density lipid ratio
MI myocardial infarction
MMR measles, mumps and rubella
MMSE Mini Mental State Examination
MRCGP Membership of the RCGP (examination)
MRCP Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (examination)
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
NHS National Health Service
NICE National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
NSF national service framework
PCT primary care trust
Abbreviations xix
PSA prostate-specific antigen
QOF Quality and Outcomes Framework (of new GP contract)
QPA Quality Practice Award (by RCGP)
R&D research and development
RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
rep pharmaceutical company representative/detail
SECI socialization, externalization, combination and internalization
SIGN Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
SOPHIE the term for a pop-up computerized guide in Lawndale’s IT system
SSRI selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (an anti-depressant)
STD sexually transmitted disease
TB tuberculosis