The Impact of Social Workers in Cirrhosis Care: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Of Review: To report social workers' involvement in supporting patients with cirrhosis.

Recent Findings: Six intervention studies (three published in the past 3 years) highlighed the potential role of social worker-led interventions to improve the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis. In studies of patients with alcohol-related liver disease ( = 4), social workers conducted psychosocial assessments, screened for substance use disorder and psychological distress, coordinated referrals to addiction services, and provided relapse prevention therapy.

Guidelines, training and quality assurance: influence on general practitioner MRI referral quality.

INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an accurate diagnostic test used mainly in secondary care. Uncertainty exists regarding the ability of general practitioners (GPs) to use direct access high-tech imaging pathways appropriately when managing musculoskeletal injury. AIM To evaluate the use of primary care-centric guidelines, training and quality assurance on the appropriateness of GP MRI referrals for patients with selected musculoskeletal injuries.

A qualitative analysis of transitions to heroin injection in Kenya: implications for HIV prevention and harm reduction.

Background: Heroin injection is emerging as a significant dimension of the HIV epidemic in Kenya. Preventing transitions to injecting drug use from less harmful forms of use, such as smoking, is a potentially important focus for HIV prevention. There is, however, little evidence to support comprehensive programming in this area, linked to a shortage of analysis of the social and structural context for transitions, particularly in low-income settings.