Thomas Downes
@tomdownes.bsky.social
GP in Midlothian and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Dundee. Interested in multimorbidity, applicability and polypharmacy.
Are you a GP registrar about to start your out-of-hours (OOH) shifts? Or a qualified GP looking to get back into OOH? Check out our new article to help get you ready @rcgp-innovait.bsky.social
#primarycare
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
#primarycare
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Are you a GP registrar about to start your out-of-hours (OOH) shifts? Or a qualified GP looking to get back into OOH? Check out our new article to help get you ready @rcgp-innovait.bsky.social
#primarycare
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
#primarycare
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
🎉 Congrats to Sameera Toenjes and her team for an excellent publication in @plosone.org highlighting the perspectives of primary care clinicians regarding perceived barriers, facilitators, and team roles in addressing prescribing cascades:
Read the full article here!
buff.ly/yscPvts
Read the full article here!
buff.ly/yscPvts
October 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
🎉 Congrats to Sameera Toenjes and her team for an excellent publication in @plosone.org highlighting the perspectives of primary care clinicians regarding perceived barriers, facilitators, and team roles in addressing prescribing cascades:
Read the full article here!
buff.ly/yscPvts
Read the full article here!
buff.ly/yscPvts
Proud to see our research featured on my news feed this morning:
Frailty index could improve life for younger patients www.bbc.com/news/article...
Frailty index could improve life for younger patients www.bbc.com/news/article...
October 15, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Proud to see our research featured on my news feed this morning:
Frailty index could improve life for younger patients www.bbc.com/news/article...
Frailty index could improve life for younger patients www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
"Undermining confidence in one of the few safe and effective pain and fever relief drugs in pregnancy risks causing unintended harm."
Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials and evidence gaps enable unsubstantiated claims, @louiseckenny.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials and evidence gaps enable unsubstantiated claims, @louiseckenny.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
October 2, 2025 at 3:47 PM
"Undermining confidence in one of the few safe and effective pain and fever relief drugs in pregnancy risks causing unintended harm."
Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials and evidence gaps enable unsubstantiated claims, @louiseckenny.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials and evidence gaps enable unsubstantiated claims, @louiseckenny.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/391/...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Reposted by Thomas Downes
As we head into autumn, in many instances, patient expectations following a community acquired pneumonia can have a profound effect on repeat appointments (“I feel better but I’m still coughing, Doc”). Here’s a timely reminder from NICENG250
September 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
As we head into autumn, in many instances, patient expectations following a community acquired pneumonia can have a profound effect on repeat appointments (“I feel better but I’m still coughing, Doc”). Here’s a timely reminder from NICENG250
Reposted by Thomas Downes
VERY EXCITING
launch of the CENTRE FOR EVIDENCE AND VALUES IN HEALTHCARE at the Uni of St Andrews
first event 31st October with Sir David Haslam and Scotland's new patient safety commissioner Karen Titchener
find out more here medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/centreforevi...
please sign up and come
launch of the CENTRE FOR EVIDENCE AND VALUES IN HEALTHCARE at the Uni of St Andrews
first event 31st October with Sir David Haslam and Scotland's new patient safety commissioner Karen Titchener
find out more here medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/centreforevi...
please sign up and come
September 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
VERY EXCITING
launch of the CENTRE FOR EVIDENCE AND VALUES IN HEALTHCARE at the Uni of St Andrews
first event 31st October with Sir David Haslam and Scotland's new patient safety commissioner Karen Titchener
find out more here medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/centreforevi...
please sign up and come
launch of the CENTRE FOR EVIDENCE AND VALUES IN HEALTHCARE at the Uni of St Andrews
first event 31st October with Sir David Haslam and Scotland's new patient safety commissioner Karen Titchener
find out more here medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk/centreforevi...
please sign up and come
Reposted by Thomas Downes
More women in cardiovascular trials still needed (and CVD trials are pretty good compared to other medical specialties...)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Participation of Women in Cardiovascular Trials, 2017 to 2023
This systematic review describes the representation of women across a broad range of cardiovascular trials registered from 2017 to 2023.
jamanetwork.com
September 2, 2025 at 10:37 AM
More women in cardiovascular trials still needed (and CVD trials are pretty good compared to other medical specialties...)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
The electronic frailty index (eFI) is used to identify older adults (≥65 years) who may be living with frailty. In our new study, we found that the eFI also identifies younger adults (18-64 years) at high risk of mortality and hospital admission:
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#frailty #medsky
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#frailty #medsky
Applicability of the electronic frailty index in younger and older adults in England: a population-based cohort study
Similarly to older adults, the eFI identifies younger adults with frailty at high
risk of mortality and emergency hospital admission. The eFI might be a tool to identify
individuals for further assess...
www.thelancet.com
September 1, 2025 at 6:26 AM
The electronic frailty index (eFI) is used to identify older adults (≥65 years) who may be living with frailty. In our new study, we found that the eFI also identifies younger adults (18-64 years) at high risk of mortality and hospital admission:
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#frailty #medsky
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
#frailty #medsky
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Delighted & proud that our carehome meds opt team at East Lancs Hospitals have allowed Evelyn,a 101yo lady to achieve what matters to her. Hoping other carehome providers start to implement now. Empowering care staff.
www.carehomeprofessional.com/medication-n...
#FindyourEvelyn #SafeDeprescribing
www.carehomeprofessional.com/medication-n...
#FindyourEvelyn #SafeDeprescribing
Public/ private medication trial achieves 'remarkable' results
A partnership between an NHS Trust and a private social care provider which aimed to reduce medications for residents is set to be rolled out nationwide
www.carehomeprofessional.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Delighted & proud that our carehome meds opt team at East Lancs Hospitals have allowed Evelyn,a 101yo lady to achieve what matters to her. Hoping other carehome providers start to implement now. Empowering care staff.
www.carehomeprofessional.com/medication-n...
#FindyourEvelyn #SafeDeprescribing
www.carehomeprofessional.com/medication-n...
#FindyourEvelyn #SafeDeprescribing
Reposted by Thomas Downes
MHRA approves UK’s first new type of antibiotic for urinary tract infections in nearly 30 years
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.uk/government/n...
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.uk/government/n...
MHRA approves UK’s first new type of antibiotic for urinary tract infections in nearly 30 years
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety of gepotidacin under close review.
www.gov.uk
August 28, 2025 at 6:35 AM
MHRA approves UK’s first new type of antibiotic for urinary tract infections in nearly 30 years
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.uk/government/n...
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Ever wonder what percentage of hospital admissions are caused by medications? 💊
A systematic review published in the Age and Ageing Journal finds adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events (ADEs) are significant causes of hospitalization in older adults.
buff.ly/4Vuv4T2
A systematic review published in the Age and Ageing Journal finds adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events (ADEs) are significant causes of hospitalization in older adults.
buff.ly/4Vuv4T2
August 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Ever wonder what percentage of hospital admissions are caused by medications? 💊
A systematic review published in the Age and Ageing Journal finds adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events (ADEs) are significant causes of hospitalization in older adults.
buff.ly/4Vuv4T2
A systematic review published in the Age and Ageing Journal finds adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events (ADEs) are significant causes of hospitalization in older adults.
buff.ly/4Vuv4T2
Reposted by Thomas Downes
As we age, changes in our bodies can affect drug exposure, leading to potentially increased risks of both medication toxicity and treatment failure. 💊
Great review article highlights major age-related physiological changes that can impact drug use:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Great review article highlights major age-related physiological changes that can impact drug use:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
August 2, 2025 at 4:34 PM
As we age, changes in our bodies can affect drug exposure, leading to potentially increased risks of both medication toxicity and treatment failure. 💊
Great review article highlights major age-related physiological changes that can impact drug use:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Great review article highlights major age-related physiological changes that can impact drug use:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Open letter from the heads of Scotland’s medical schools on the threat to the clinical academic workforce.
“If we do not act, we risk weakening the very system that has delivered some of the most transformative advances in modern medicine”
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/clinicalacad...
“If we do not act, we risk weakening the very system that has delivered some of the most transformative advances in modern medicine”
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/clinicalacad...
Scotland’s Quiet Crisis: Why Clinical Research Needs Urgent Rescue — Universities Scotland
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk
August 1, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Open letter from the heads of Scotland’s medical schools on the threat to the clinical academic workforce.
“If we do not act, we risk weakening the very system that has delivered some of the most transformative advances in modern medicine”
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/clinicalacad...
“If we do not act, we risk weakening the very system that has delivered some of the most transformative advances in modern medicine”
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/clinicalacad...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Our realist review from #RESOLVE study funded by @nihr.bsky.social published today
@thementalelf.bsky.social @sapc.ac.uk @cmhpcommunity.pharmsky.app
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
@thementalelf.bsky.social @sapc.ac.uk @cmhpcommunity.pharmsky.app
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Non‐pharmacologicaL InterVEntions for Antipsychotic‐Induced Weight Gain (RESOLVE) in People Living With Severe Mental Illness: A Realist Synthesis
Introduction
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) but are associated with rapid weight gain and several physical and mental risk factors. Early, p.....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
July 28, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Our realist review from #RESOLVE study funded by @nihr.bsky.social published today
@thementalelf.bsky.social @sapc.ac.uk @cmhpcommunity.pharmsky.app
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
@thementalelf.bsky.social @sapc.ac.uk @cmhpcommunity.pharmsky.app
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
BMA and other national medical organisations come together as a voice for doctors in Europe to call for immediate action in Gaza
The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) expresses deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the desperate levels of starvation experienced by the population.
Press release: www.cpme.eu/api/document...
Press release: www.cpme.eu/api/document...
July 29, 2025 at 8:09 PM
BMA and other national medical organisations come together as a voice for doctors in Europe to call for immediate action in Gaza
Reposted by Thomas Downes
A study highlighting sex differences in antihypertensive prescription patterns and efficacy in primary care reveals that women achieve better blood pressure control with lower doses and distinct drug types. This calls for sex-specific optimisation in hypertensive management
➡️doi.org/10.3399/BJGP...
➡️doi.org/10.3399/BJGP...
July 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM
A study highlighting sex differences in antihypertensive prescription patterns and efficacy in primary care reveals that women achieve better blood pressure control with lower doses and distinct drug types. This calls for sex-specific optimisation in hypertensive management
➡️doi.org/10.3399/BJGP...
➡️doi.org/10.3399/BJGP...
Great day at the North Uist Highland Games today. Just about crossed the line in the Men’s 100m Flat Race for 2nd place!
July 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Great day at the North Uist Highland Games today. Just about crossed the line in the Men’s 100m Flat Race for 2nd place!
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Polypharmacy Guidance:
Appropriate Prescribing
Making medicines safe,
effective and sustainable
2025-2028
Scottish Government: Effective Prescribing & Therapeutics Division
Consultation on Draft Guidance
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.scot/publications...
Appropriate Prescribing
Making medicines safe,
effective and sustainable
2025-2028
Scottish Government: Effective Prescribing & Therapeutics Division
Consultation on Draft Guidance
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.scot/publications...
June 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Polypharmacy Guidance:
Appropriate Prescribing
Making medicines safe,
effective and sustainable
2025-2028
Scottish Government: Effective Prescribing & Therapeutics Division
Consultation on Draft Guidance
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.scot/publications...
Appropriate Prescribing
Making medicines safe,
effective and sustainable
2025-2028
Scottish Government: Effective Prescribing & Therapeutics Division
Consultation on Draft Guidance
#Pharmsky #Medsky
www.gov.scot/publications...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Just ten days left to apply for this Research Fellow position, focused on pharmacoepidemiology and deprescribing.
More information about the DIAMOND programme available at: diamond-deprescribing.eu
Full job description here (deadline July 7th): my.corehr.com/pls/rcsirecr...
More information about the DIAMOND programme available at: diamond-deprescribing.eu
Full job description here (deadline July 7th): my.corehr.com/pls/rcsirecr...
June 27, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Just ten days left to apply for this Research Fellow position, focused on pharmacoepidemiology and deprescribing.
More information about the DIAMOND programme available at: diamond-deprescribing.eu
Full job description here (deadline July 7th): my.corehr.com/pls/rcsirecr...
More information about the DIAMOND programme available at: diamond-deprescribing.eu
Full job description here (deadline July 7th): my.corehr.com/pls/rcsirecr...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Hello 👋. We are the official BlueSky account of the Journal of Multimorbidity and Comorbidity - part of Sage Journals @journals.sagepub.com
June 23, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Hello 👋. We are the official BlueSky account of the Journal of Multimorbidity and Comorbidity - part of Sage Journals @journals.sagepub.com
Reposted by Thomas Downes
The impact factors for 2024 are published today - *sigh* - so this is a good moment to send people to the editorial I wrote last month about them, the BJGP, and QRPs/journalology. #primarycare #BJGP
bjgp.org/content/75/7...
bjgp.org/content/75/7...
Medical journalology and questionable research practices
The BJGP is the world’s leading journal in primary care and general practice. I’m happy to defend this assertion but the temptation is to reach for a metric to support the case. And of course, the obv...
bjgp.org
June 18, 2025 at 8:24 AM
The impact factors for 2024 are published today - *sigh* - so this is a good moment to send people to the editorial I wrote last month about them, the BJGP, and QRPs/journalology. #primarycare #BJGP
bjgp.org/content/75/7...
bjgp.org/content/75/7...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Please can we fund the NHS and care by taxing the housing wealth of the over 60s? At time of death, if you like. This is huge, unearned money, and going to drive damaging inequality at inheritance. Taxing workers and businesses is much worse for the economy.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Britain on track to become a ‘National Health State’, says thinktank
Resolution Foundation says half of all public spending will be allocated to the NHS and social care by the end of the decade
www.theguardian.com
June 13, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Please can we fund the NHS and care by taxing the housing wealth of the over 60s? At time of death, if you like. This is huge, unearned money, and going to drive damaging inequality at inheritance. Taxing workers and businesses is much worse for the economy.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Buzzing that our GP practice team won the prize for best overall costumes and decorared pram at the annual Penicuik pram race 2025 🐝
m.youtube.com/watch?v=AKFC...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=AKFC...
Penicuik Pram Race 2025
YouTube video by Top Scotch
m.youtube.com
May 30, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Buzzing that our GP practice team won the prize for best overall costumes and decorared pram at the annual Penicuik pram race 2025 🐝
m.youtube.com/watch?v=AKFC...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=AKFC...
Reposted by Thomas Downes
Starting an antidepressant is associated with a 2-4-fold increased risk of postural hypotension in the first month in people aged ≥60 years doi.org/10.3399/BJGP... #PrimaryCare #Antidepressant #Hypotension #GeneralPractice #Research
May 21, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Starting an antidepressant is associated with a 2-4-fold increased risk of postural hypotension in the first month in people aged ≥60 years doi.org/10.3399/BJGP... #PrimaryCare #Antidepressant #Hypotension #GeneralPractice #Research