Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)

Mood disorders during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:43:14 GMT

The booklet aims to make women and their families aware of the treatment and care they should expect to receive if they have a mood disorder during pregnancy and after the birth of their child. It also aims to help women, their partners and their families to manage their condition by understanding the latest research evidence.
This booklet is based on the recommendations from the SIGN national clinical guideline on perinatal mood disorders.
Our guidelines are based on medical and scientific research.

SIGN Autism Spectrum Disorders Patient App launched

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:29:56 GMT

The first in a series of Apple and Android smartphone apps based on SIGN Patient Booklets has just been launched. The SIGN Autism app contains two sections, one for parents and carers of children and one for young people who:

may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD);
or have already been diagnosed with ASD.

The app describes:

what ASD is;
how it is diagnosed; and
what can help.

The app also contains details of support organisations and other places where you can get more information, together with a glossary.

SIGN Discharge Document peer review draft published

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:28:41 GMT

This SIGN discharge document replaces SIGN 65 and reflects a number of developments including advances that have been made with regard to the production, use and transmission of electronic documents within NHSScotland, changes in terminology, and the importance of medicines reconciliation. SIGN 5 and SIGN 65 reflected the fact that many discharge documents were still produced and/or printed on paper and transmitted by post, hand or fax. This update reflects the fact that the production and communication of documents by electronic means within both primary and secondary care is becoming more common.
Despite these developments, the essential components of a DD remain largely unchanged with the content, quality and accuracy of the information contained in the DD and timely transmission to the GP being the key aspects.

e-CPD Module - Autism Spectrum Disorders added

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:15:50 GMT

SIGN has an interest in supporting the implementation of its guideline recommendations. It is recognised that continuous professional development (CPD) activities are one component of a successful implementation strategy
e-CPD activities can provide an interactive and accessible means of learning and receiving feedback on their level of understanding of a topic, such as a SIGN guideline.

In 2008 the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges funded collaborative work between SIGN and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) on the development of e-CPD modules based on SIGN guidelines. With the agreement of RCPSG we are launching this e-CPD module.

Users achieving the pass mark of 80% will be awarded a certificate for inclusion in their CPD portfolios. We are currently seeking formal CME accreditation for the modules.

Management of perinatal mood disorders published

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:14:59 GMT

The guideline will be of interest to midwives, health visitors, clinical psychologists, community mental health services, general practitioners, pharmacists, obstetricians and psychiatrists, with other community agencies, such as voluntary organisations and social services.