A. Abyad, MD, MPH, MBA, AGSF, AFCHSE Chief Editor

This is the first issue for 2007, after a successful year for the journal in 2006. A number of initiatives were started in 2006 and new members joined the editorial board, which will greatly assist our ongoing success.. The Focus on Quality Care series, which started in 2006, will continue this year.

Throughout the previous years we continued in our efforts to coach authors toward better writing by helping in the writing process and revising the manuscripts and editing. We are hoping to organise a writing and editing workshop for the Middle East in 2007.

We are indebted for all the work of the production team and the editorial board which has contributed to our continuous success. Owing to the large numbers of papers received, and the great increase in readership we are planning to increase the frequency of the journal to 8 issues per year, in addition to starting a paid subscription for hard copies.

In this issue, Bener A , ]Al-Marri S, Azhar Abdulaziz A et al. investigated the link between consultation length and patient assessment care. The objective of this study was to assess the consultation length in a tertiary care teaching hospital and in general practice. The present study in Qatar showed that the average consultation time at the Hamad General Hospital ranged from 7.0 to 17.4 minutes. The average consultation time at the PHC ranged from 4.7 to 8.1 minutes. The authors concluded that the consultation length has increased in Qatar during the decade, however, it is still short by international and western standards.

A cross sectional cohort study from Iraq evaluated mother knowledge, practice and attitude towards childhood survival. The study reveled that the Knowledge and practice of mothers was, generally, not satisfactory towards diarrhoeal disease and ante-natal care, while the knowledge of mothers about ARI risk signs were better. The authors concluded that stressing health education and breast feeding will be of significant value.

A study from Turkey examined the variables that affect patient satisfaction when they are examined by students. The authors reviewed 185 patients; answers to 13 questions. Among the patients, 92.1% pointed out that students' examinations were helpful. 84.1% of the patients felt confidence in the examination. The authors stressed that this study showed that satisfaction with student participation is high, especially in the group of elderly, married, women, and in patients with less education.

A study from Bangladesh and China discussed a new concept of the velocity and Elasticity curves of Pregnancy Wastage and Caesarian Deliveries in Bangladesh. The aim of the authors was to investigate the effect of age of mother as a cause of pregnancy wastage and delivery types. Their results revealed that the risk of caesarian delivery increases with the increased age and this risk increases faster than age.

Ali Keshtkaran A & Keshtkaran V discussed factors affecting neonatal death in Fars Province, Southern Iran, 2004. The authors stressed that neonatal death is the third most common factor of mortality in their country. The authors concluded that there is a need for more attention on care from pre-conception, during pregnancy, and during delivery.

A case report from the UK report discussed Human chorionic gonadotrophin induced Hyperemesis and Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy. The authors stressed that Hyperthyroidism secondary to b hcg is a recognized occurrence. It is something to consider when admitting a patient with hyperemesis as hyperthyroidism worsens and mimics signs of hyperemesis.

Dr Ahmed A evaluated and compared data contained in referral forms sent by primary health care center's physicians to the diabetic clinic, with that adopted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). A total of four hundred and thirty (430) referral forms were collected. The authors concluded that the referral form is an important tool that needs great attention and regular review, to evaluate its components and its efficacy.

A review study from Saudi Arabia discussed the use of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in Diabetes. The author stressed that Diabetes mellitus is one of the diseases that affects different systems in the body. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were the first class of antihypertensive drugs shown to reduce vascular complications among diabetics, independent of blood pressure reduction. The review highlighted the points which are not known by most of physicians using ACEIs, such as the history of ACEIs and the evidence base for the use of this group of therpautics.

Finally I would like to wish all our readers, editorial board and the production team a happy new year.