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Preface

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2014

Davor Jurkovic
Affiliation:
University College London
Roy Farquharson
Affiliation:
University of Liverpool
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Summary

Acute gynaecological problems are among the most common reasons for women of reproductive age to seek medical help. Early pregnancy complications account for the majority of gynaecological emergencies. In the UK, emergency gynaecological care used to be provided mainly by junior doctors working in casualty departments. However, it became clear that this model of care was not well suited to meeting the needs and increasing expectations of women. Developments in diagnostic ultrasound, which occurred in parallel, have led to wide acceptance of ultrasound as an essential tool for the assessment of developing pregnancy from a very early stage until delivery. Routine ultrasound scanning to assess fetal health and wellbeing has now been introduced in most developed countries.

To meet demands for more accessible, patient-centred care, early pregnancy assessment units were developed in the UK. This model of care has proved to be very successful and has been adopted by most acute hospitals. Early pregnancy units usually provide an integrated ultrasound scanning service to facilitate diagnostic work-up and to formulate appropriate management plans. Easier access to health professionals with an interest in early pregnancy care and greater availability of ultrasound scanning have resulted in increased attendance at early pregnancy units, with many women wishing to confirm that their pregnancy is normal rather than seeking help for serious medical complications. Improved diagnosis of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy has prompted the development and implementation of more conservative management strategies.

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Chapter
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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  • Preface
  • Edited by Davor Jurkovic, University College London, Roy Farquharson, University of Liverpool
  • Book: Acute Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy
  • Online publication: 05 July 2014
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107786127.001
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  • Preface
  • Edited by Davor Jurkovic, University College London, Roy Farquharson, University of Liverpool
  • Book: Acute Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy
  • Online publication: 05 July 2014
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107786127.001
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Preface
  • Edited by Davor Jurkovic, University College London, Roy Farquharson, University of Liverpool
  • Book: Acute Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy
  • Online publication: 05 July 2014
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107786127.001
Available formats
×