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Volume 2 - Issue 1
Scottish Universities Medical Journal 2013 Volume 2- Issue 1
Please find below the list of articles and their abstracts. The full journal is available for download below in PDF format an can be viewed online using ISSUU. Individual articles can be downloaded from the links provided.
Download entire SUMJ Vol2 - Issue 1 as a PDF
Vol 2 - Issue 1 Overview of Articles:
An Ageing Society - Are Reformers Forgetting About Paediatrics?
Lloyd Steele (4th Year MBChB, BMSc) University of Sheffield
Abstract:
Change in the NHS is needed given drastic budget cuts and an increased demand for care. Although this change is evident in adult medicine, with many of the ideas contained in the
Government response to the Stafford Hospital scandal already in train, paediatric care has
attracted little attention despite facing similar problems. This essay explores these problems
and the possible solutions.
Cite this article as:
Steele L (2013). An Ageing Society - Are Reformers Forgetting About Paediatrics? Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 4-7
Sustainability and Accessibility of Healthcare in Times of Austerity: Improved Health Promotion and Transportation Remain Essential
Jacob Day (5th Year BM BCh; BA) University of Oxford, New College
Abstract:
The NHS aims to improve the health of the entire UK population. It is constrained by
government budgets and so must consider cost‐effectiveness. To maximise the benefit the
NHS can provide we should focus on improving public health measures, particularly health
promotion, and the accessibility of health services
Cite this article as:
Day J (2013). Sustainability and Accessibility of Healthcare in Times of Austerity: Improved Health Promotion and Transportation Remain Essential. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 8-12

The NHS in Recession - Embracing Technology and Structural Reform Alongside Patient Empowerment Is Key
Shreena Suchak (3rd year MBChB, BMSc) King's College London
Abstract:
The NHS is a symbol of pride for the UK with a fundamental principle to provide
comprehensive healthcare that is free at the point of access for all. Sustaining this caring
concept is something that we should care about. However, in the current political and social
climate real changes are required to allow the NHS to continue serving its fundamental
purpose. This article outlines how empowering patients, embracing technology and
reviewing current NHS structures may be able to help the NHS move through this difficult
period for the UK as a whole.
Cite this article as:
Suchak S (2013). The NHS in Recession - Embracing Technology and Structural Reform Alongside Patient Empowerment Is Key. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 13-19
Person Centred Nutrition: Developing An Innovative Approach to Health Outcome Through Nutrition
Maria King (MSc Personalised Nutrition; Dip ION and BANT) Middlesex University London. Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Management
Abstract:
The disease centred model currently used by conventional medicine has resulted in the NHS
failing to keeping pace with the demands placed on it. Personal Centred Nutrition offers an
alternative approach.
Cite this article as:
King M (2013). Person Centred Nutrition: Developing An Innovative Approach To Health Outcome Through Nutrition. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 20-24
Developing Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management - A Remedy for a NHS in a recession?
Cassie Philp (3rd Year MBChB) University of Nottingham
Abstract:
While use of health services is increasing, the resources available in the NHS remain limited. The health service will only remain sustainable by aiming to prevent ill health. This must be
done for those already suffering from chronic diseases and by preventing the occurrence of
disease from the outset.
Cite this article as:
Philp C (2013). Developing Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management - A Remedy for a NHS in a Recession?. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 25-30
Addressing Individual Lifestyle Choices - Education, Health Promotion and Patient Engagement
Robert Davies (1st year BSc(Hons) Dietetics) University of Plymouth
Abstract:
The NHS has a growing user‐demographic, and with rising demand, the NHS cannot function
in the same way as people have come to know and expect. Innovative ways need to be
employed to improve the accessibility and sustainability of health services. Lifestyle is a
major contributor to the rise in NHS demand as there has been a move away from personal
responsibility and accountability to a culture where cure is better than prevention. To
improve health services, it would be advantageous to design better health campaigns that
employ engaging behaviour models to instil long‐term behavioural changes with regards to
lifestyle behaviours and choices. This article will discuss the need for effective health
campaigns with an emphasis on behaviour models.
Cite this article as:
Davies R (2013). Addressing Individual Lifestyle Choices - Education, Health Promotion and Patient Engagement. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 31-36
The Findings of a Nationwide Audit - The Future of NHS Inflammatory Bowel Disease Services
Rebecca K Grant (1st year MBChB, MA (Hons), MSc) University of St Andrews
Abstract:
Cases of inflammatory bowel disease across the United Kingdom continue to rise. This
article examines the opportunities that exist in different care settings to improve
inflammatory bowel disease services, given the financial constraints currently faced by NHS.
Cite this article as:
Grant RK (2013). The Findings of a Nationwide Audit - The Future of NHS Inflammatory Bowel Disease Services. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 37-41
Proposing a Trial in Home Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes - A way to effectively tackle modifiable vascular risk factors?
Dr Neil Heron BSc (Med Sci) Hons, MBChB, DRCOG, Diploma in Mental Health (Distinction),
DCH, M. ECOSEP, DipSEM(UK&I), MRCGP, MPhil, MFSEM (UK and Ireland)
Abstract:
Stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity that may be prevented by early
intervention following a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). How to optimise such prevention,
however, remains unknown. This paper therefore argues for a randomised controlled trial to
assess the effectiveness of a home‐based cardiac rehabilitation programme, based on the
‘Heart Manual’, begun within 2 weeks of a TIA, compared to usual care. Potential benefits
for patients could include improved well‐being and reduced risk of further vascular events,
including stroke.
Cite this article as:
Heron N (2013). Proposing a Trial in Home Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes - A way to effectively tackle modifiable vascular risk factors? Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 42-46
Application of Mental Health Activity Education Tool in Healthcare - Study Development
Gail Fulton (MSc Health Studies; BSc Hons Health and Sports Studies) University of the West of Scotland and University of Abertay Dundee
Abstract:
Despite the Government providing additional funding for mental health services and
research, it is grossly less than other physical health services. Treatment and positive
development of mental health issues remain the biggest challenge for The Scottish
Government. A connection has been made between physical and mental health and thus
accessible rehabilitation programmes may benefit patients mentally and physically. In the
last two decades, a number of studies, clinical and non‐clinical have highlighted the positive
affiliation between physical activity/exercise and reducing symptoms of depression.
Depression is a major health inequality worldwide affecting 121 million people from all
backgrounds. It has many affecting factors such as biological, psychological and social
implications which are wide ranging from mild to severe depression. Individuals living with
chronic physical health problems can go on to develop mental health problems or mental
health problems can be aggravated by physical health conditions.
Cite this article as:
Fulton G (2013). Application of Mental Health Physical Activity Education Tool in Healthcare – Study Development. Scottish Universities Medical Journal. 2 (1). p. 47-55