2013

Question 1

Define prevalence

Answer 1

The number of people in a population with a specific disease at a single point in time or in a define period of time

Question 2

Define incidence

Answer 2

Number of new cases of a disease in a population in a specified period of time

Question 3

Actions the government could take to stem the rise in obesity

Answer 3

health education (diet / exercise)
tax (on unhealthy foodstuffs)
legislation (ingredients on cans / labelling)
enforcement of the above legislation
ban on advertising unhealthy food 
improve exercise / sport facilities 
subsidise / fund healthy food 
transport policy 
funding of NHS treatment

Question 4

Examples of what a GP can do to help an obese patient

Answer 4

role model
prescribing
tailored advice (diet / exercise)
referral (dietician etc)
treat diseases that contribute to obesity
arrange to see regularly
education about risks associated with obesity
tackle underlying causes (depression / low self-esteem)

Question 5

Other professionals who could be involved in obesity management or prevention

Answer 5

community dietician 
psychologist 
pharmacist
bariatric surgeon (secondary care) 
practise nurse
school nurse
health visitor 
midwife

Question 6

Difference between statistical and cultural normality

Answer 6

statistical normality = based on the normal distribution curve / standard deviation
cultural normality = based on norms and values within a certain group (community)

Question 7

How might obesity affect an individual on a psychological, physical and social level?

Answer 7

Psychological - reduced self-esteem
physical - difficult to move or keep fit
social - ostracisation by peers

Question 8

What is a gatekeeper?

Answer 8

A person who controls patients’ access (via referral) to specialist/secondary care

Question 9

Advantages of GPs as gatekeepers

Answer 9

keep people out of expensive secondary care
continuity of the doctor-patient relationship
personal advocacy
patient does not know where to go / appropriate referral / use of resources

Question 10

Disadvantages of GPs as gatekeepers

Answer 10

patients have less choice in secondary care
puts stress on GP to know everything about every disease / symptom
dependent on individual GP knowledge, attitudes, skill, practice organisation
puts stress on a good doctor-patient relationship
seeing a GP might increase the time it takes to receive the needed treatment