The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of April 2019. This month there are three guidelines that impact upon primary care.
The Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women guideline has been published. It covers assessing and managing urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women aged 18 and over. It also covers complications associated with mesh surgery for these conditions. It updates and replaces four previous guidance documents.
The Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment guideline has been published. It covers preventing and treating surgical site infections in adults, young people and children who are having a surgical procedure involving a cut through the skin. It focuses on methods used before, during and after surgery to minimise the risk of infection.
The Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage: diagnosis and initial management guideline has been published. It covers diagnosing and managing ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in women with complications, such as pain and bleeding, in early pregnancy (that is, up to 13 completed weeks of pregnancy). It aims to improve how early pregnancy loss is diagnosed, and the support women are given, to limit the psychological impact of their loss.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.