Current issue

In the May 2012 issue we made scheduled updates to 16 care maps and additional changes to a number of other care maps.

3 new care maps

To ensure that the Map of Medicine meets the needs of our users, our topic coverage is reviewed regularly. As a result of this review, we are pleased to now offer three new care maps:

Barrett's oesophagus; Knee injuries; Perinatal mental health.

16 care maps have received a scheduled update

During the scheduled update process, care maps are evaluated to ensure that all recently published, quality-appraised secondary literature, healthcare policy information and user feedback is included. Practice-based knowledge from clinical experts is then added.

The following care maps received scheduled updates:

Anaphylaxis; Acute kidney injury; Acute otitis media in children and adolescents; Ankle injury; Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children; Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes; Diverticular disease; Intestinal obstruction; Interstitial lung disease; Kidney cancer; Proteinuria in adults; Self-harm; Termination of pregnancy; Thyroid disorders; Traumatic eye injuries.

9 care maps have been updated based on a change in the information landscape

Changes in the information landscape can be identified by different sources, including users, and may necessitate changes to a care map before its next scheduled update.

Map of Medicine continuously monitors the literature, and new information found is critically appraised by our Clinical Editorial team. The impact of new information identified through literature searches or feedback is assessed to determine whether it merits updating the care map before the scheduled update.

The following care maps were updated with new information:

Bone sarcoma; Breast cancer; Colorectal cancer; Food allergy; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis; Lymphoma; Normal birth; Parkinson’s disease.

6 care maps have received additional accreditation

While the editorial methodology for all care maps is accredited by the Chief Knowledge Officer of the NHS, the content of a care map can also be individually accredited by national clinical bodies acting as clinical stakeholders. For example, care maps created with contributors from Royal Colleges or clinical societies may have their content accredited by that organisation.

This accreditation provides assurance to the user that the care map is informed by current best practice. As the Map of Medicine continues to engage new clinical stakeholders for all care maps, the number of care maps carrying accreditations for content will increase.

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has accredited the following care maps for this publication:

Acute coronary syndrome; Alcohol dependence, withdrawal and liver disease; Assessment of STIs; Epilepsy in adults; Headache in adults; Obesity in adults.

For further information on how these changes may affect your local care maps, please contact customersupport@mapofmedicine.com.