Letters

Use of diversionary devices, such as the flash-bang grenades used in the Sydney siege, comes with risks to vision and hearing

Annette K Hoskin BOptom, MBA · Marcus D Atlas MB BS, FRACS · David A Mackey MD, FRANZCO

Tantalising possibility of nationwide elimination of malaria in Solomon Islands

Harin Karunajeewa MB BS, FRACP, PhD · Andreea Waltmann · Lyndes Wini · Ivo Mueller

Placement in rural general practices is a key part of medical student training

David Garne MB ChB, DCH, MIPH(Hons) · Ian G Wilson FRACGP, MAssessEval, PhD

There is a significant body of evidence demonstrating effectiveness of telemonitoring in improving CHF outcomes

Sally C Inglis PhD, BHSc(Hons), BN · Robyn A Clark PhD, FACN, FAHA

In reply: Further research on the benefits and application of telehealth would be welcomed

Karen Page RN, DN, BEd

Governments must strengthen regulations to break the nexus between alcohol advertising and sport

Brian Vandenberg MPH, BA(Hons), BAppSci · Kathryn E Chapman BSc, MNutrDiet

Firearms control in Australia is not the responsibility of the medical profession

Matthew M Large BSc(Med), MB BS, FRANZCP

In reply: Doctors will use their clinical judgement to identify patients whose access to firearms poses a risk

Anne P F Wand MB BS, MPsych, FRANZCP · Carmelle Peisah MB BS(Hons), MD, FRANZCP

Addressing a critical period with thoughtful research and imagination

Murray G Williams

A more comprehensive evaluation of outcomes is needed

Karyn E Alexander MB ChB, MPH · Bianca Brijnath PhD, BA(Hons) · Danielle Mazza MD, FRACGP, DRANZCOG

Long-term follow-up is essential

Rae Thomas PhD · Christopher B Del Mar MD, FRACGP, FAFPHM

PCR diagnoses more cases of measles and mumps in vaccinated people than serological testing

David J Speers FRACP, FRCPA, FACTM · Gary K Dowse MSc, DTMH, FAFPHM

Restricting off-label use of this drug is not in the interests of breastfeeding women and their babies

Luke E Grzeskowiak PhD, BPharm(Hons), GradCertClinEpid · Lisa H Amir MB BS, MMed, PhD

Screening with cultures from rectal swabs before prostate biopsy is not indicated

George Mirmilstein MB BS(Hons) · John Ferguson DTM

Gastroduodenal tuberculosis is rare and is often misdiagnosed as peptic ulcer disease

Rekha Pai Mangalore MB BS · Vivian Liang MB BS · Kalyani Tharmarajah MB BS, BMedSci

Evidence of value in screening for TB, strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis in this population

Greta A Gurry · Claire Dendle MB BS, FRACP, GCHPE · Ian J Woolley FRACP, MD, DTMH

Although associated with lifelong risk, overwhelming post-splenectomy infection is preventable

Ravindra Dotel MB BS · Iain B Gosbell FRACP, FRCPA, FASM · Ann Hofmeyr MB ChB, FRACP, FRCPA

We have a duty to consider the health impacts of climate change

Colin D Butler BMed, MSc(Epidemiol), PhD · Peter W Tait MB BS, FRACGP, MClimChng

It is time to implement a clinical risk management system in general practices

Anish M Philip BPharm(Hons), GradCertPP

In reply: A new patient safety collaborative manual should help with capturing, analysing and preventing harm in general practice

Amr Abou Elnour MB BCh, PhD, GradDipPHC · Dale Ford MB BS, FRACGP, FACRRM · James A Dunbar MD, FRCPEdin, FRCGP

Medication reviews and multidisciplinary input prevent harm

Lisa Kouladjian BMedSc(Hons), MPharm, AACPA · Timothy F Chen PhD, DipHPharm, BPharm · Sarah N Hilmer MB BS(Hons), FRACP, PhD

Consumers can play a major part in antimicrobial stewardship

Georgina Kilroy BPharm, GradDipClinPharm

In reply: Our focus was the providers’ perspectives, but we acknowledge the importance of the consumer alongside

Ching Jou Lim BPharm(Hons), PhD · Megan W-L Kwong MB BS, BMedSci · David C M Kong PhD, BPharm, MPharm

General practice needs to be the pivot in the national screening program

Oliver R Frank PhD, FRACGP, FACHI · Nigel P Stocks DipPH, MD, FRACGP

There are few useful indications for groin ultrasounds

David Phillips MB BS, FRCS, FRACS