Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study.

Background: We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.

Methods: An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants' mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.

Systematic detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary health care: a community based prospective study of three methods.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a co-dominantly inherited disease of cholesterol that markedly increases risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), is significantly under-diagnosed. Primary health care is increasingly seen as a setting in which to increase the detection rate of index cases. We report a prospective study of three methods of case detection using pre-existing primary health care services in one community.

Can patients be accurately assessed for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care?

Objective: Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most prevalent monogenic condition causing premature coronary artery disease, although the majority of individuals remain undiagnosed. We sought to investigate whether individuals with FH could be accurately identified in primary care.

Methods: The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria scores (DLCNCS) assessed by general practitioners (GPs) were compared with DLCNCS assessed by specialists using primary care data in 153 individuals.