MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'evidence based practice'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:31:28 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709468&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fsensory-integration-research-who-is-it.html This article is another factor analysis study that has to be considered in the context of a number of other studies including Ayres (1989) original cluster and factor analyses that went into SIPT standardization, Mulligan's 1998 and 2000 cluster and factor analyses, and the critically appraised topic written by Davies and Tucker (2008). I'm not sure how many street level practitioners read cluster and factor analysis studies but I don't think that most people put this on top of their reading list. I think this is because we don't spend a lot of time educating practitioners on these methods and what they mean. I personally think that these statistical models are interesting but I also understand that they have a serious fundamental flaw in that they are based on heuristic models of interpre... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709468 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:46:00 +0100 4709468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355913&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fnew-study-on-si-effectiveness-but.html Just a quick couple thoughts as I got a few emails asking me to comment on an article in the new AJOT. The study people are interested in is Effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study. (linked for those of you who have access). The study found that both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements toward goals on the Goal Attainment Scale, but the SI group demonstrated more significant improvement than the FM group. Also, the SI group displayed significantly fewer autistic mannerisms than the FM group as measured by a sub test of the Social Responsiveness Scale.One of the nicest features of this study is that the researchers completed a series of fidelity measures on the interventions. This is a big step forward... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355913 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:30:00 +0100 4355913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207267&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F29%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-106-no-44%2F This article outlines the key challenges in sharing and disseminating research findings within NHS organisations. Staff working in joint posts between university and clinical settings are in a unique position to address these challenges. They should encourage the publication of articles, presentations and implementation of recommendations that are locally relevant. An action research approach is suggested to boost the likelihood of findings being implemented and raising awareness of research to clinical staff. Contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Journals Tagged: Action Research, Evidence Based Practice, Research Dissemination (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207267 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:47:33 +0100 4207267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139188&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F05%2Fresponse-to-the-treasury-committee-inquiry-on-the-spending-review-to-inform-treasury-committee%25e2%2580%2599s-inquiry-on-decision-making-and-other-aspects-of-the-recent-spending-review%2F Title: Response to the Treasury Committee Inquiry on the Spending Review: To inform Treasury Committee’s inquiry on decision-making and other aspects of the recent Spending Review Skinny: Response to the Treasury Committee’s call for evidence on the spending review. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is committed to informing changes in policy and practice based on evidence from research, from practical demonstration work and from the lives of people directly affected by social issues and problems. The response to the Treasury Committee’s inquiry on the spending review registers their concern that the spending review was not sufficiently based on available evidence about poverty and disadvantage in the UK. Publisher: Joseph Rowntree Foundation Size of Publication: 7 Published: 04/11/201... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139188 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:57:23 +0100 4139188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082342&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsoap-opera-in-ny-as-autism-insurance.html I received an interesting mass emailing from Autism Speaks today, which is an advocacy group that is currently supporting passage of the autism insurance bill in NY State. I paused because the email contained the following:"Please stay tuned over the coming hours. The health plans are still working hard to ensure a veto. We need to work together to let the Governor know that we expect him to provide principled leadership and sign S.7000B into law this week."I found this a little confusing because every other autism advocacy group that I know of in NY is opposing this bill, as are the NYS OT Association and the NYS Speech and Language Therapy Association. The concerns are that no other conditions require such a high standard for 'evidence based practice' as this bill and that this may be us... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082342 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:24:00 +0100 4082342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040515&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F07%2Fevidence-based-mental-health-2010-vol-13-no-3%2F Title: Moderate or high physical activity lowers the risk of cognitive impairment in older people Skinny: Physical activity is associated with a variety of beneficial health outcomes, including the prevention of cognitive impairment among older adults, which this article concentrates on. Filed under: Evidence Based Practice, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Older People, Physical Activity Tagged: Cognitive Impairment, Evidence Based Practice, Exercise, Mental Health, Older People, Physical Activity (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040515 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:05:42 +0100 4040515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040516&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F07%2Fquality-and-safety-in-health-care-2010-vol-19-no-4%2F Title: National quality campaigns: who benefits? Skinny: The use of national quality campaigns to foster evidence-based hospital practices is increasing. Because campaigns typically do not limit access to their resources, they may influence non-enrolled hospitals too.  Article examines the relative impact of a national campaign, the Door-to-Balloon (D2B) Alliance, on enrolled and non-enrolled hospitals. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online Filed under: E-Journals, Evidence Based Practice, Hospitals, Impact Assessments, Quality Tagged: Evidence Based Practice, Hospitals, Quality (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040516 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:21:37 +0100 4040516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025795&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsensory-integration-more-evidence-that.html There are quite a few opinion pieces in this blog about the state of sensory integration as a model for occupational therapy - the reader is particularly referred here and here for quick background if needed.Continued evidence that occupational therapists have lost control of the 'sensory integration' narrative can be found in the October 2010 Scientific American Article by Nancy Shute entitled "Desperation drives parents to dubious autism treatments."Sensory integration therapy is described in the article as ranging from "wrapping children in blankets or placing them in a hug machine to having them play with scented clay..." They also note in the article that this intervention costs families up to $200 per hour or $6000 per year. Sensory integration is listed in a chart as Temptations: Du... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025795 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 13:07:00 +0100 4025795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721720&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Foxygen-therapy-for-acute-myocardial-infarction%2F Cochrane Review: Oxygen therapy for acute myocardial infarction The Skinny: Finds no conclusive evidence from randomised controlled trials to support the routine use of inhaled oxygen in patients with acute Acute Myocardial Infarction. A definitive randomised controlled trial is urgently required given the mismatch between trial evidence suggestive of possible harm from routine oxygen use and recommendations for its use in clinical practice guidelines. Filed under: Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Governance, Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Heart Diseases Tagged: Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Myocardial Infarction, Oxygen Therapy, Systematic Reviews (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721720 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:06:07 +0100 3721720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721721&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Fadvice-to-rest-in-bed-versus-advice-to-stay-active-for-acute-low-back-pain-and-sciatica%2F Cochrane Review: Advice to rest in bed versus advice to stay active for acute low-back pain and sciatica The Skinny: Aims to determine the effects of advice to rest in bed or stay active for patients with acute low-back pain (LBP) or sciatica.  Moderate quality evidence shows that patients with acute LBP may experience small benefits in pain relief and functional improvement from advice to stay active compared to advice to rest in bed; patients with sciatica experience little or no difference between the two approaches. Low quality evidence suggests little or no difference between those who received advice to stay active, exercises or physiotherapy.  More research is required. Filed under: Clinical Governance, Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Primary Care Tagged: Back... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721721 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:10:18 +0100 3721721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707024&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fimportance-of-public-participation-and.html Many states are struggling to develop budgets and are under severe pressures from seemingly endless mandates from many different sources. Some mandates come from federal laws and others come from contractual obligations and still others come from the constituents themselves. Locally, the end result of this is seen in a NY state budget process that has gone from the original inanity of 'three men in a room' backroom dealing to 'one man making dictatorial emergency extensions.' At this point the populace has been so effectively removed from the budgetary process that I am not even sure they realize yet that lobbying in all of its forms (direct and proxy) is functionally dead. I find it amusing that at least the New York 'three men in a room' process could be lobbied - who would have thought ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707024 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:08:00 +0100 3707024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679737&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F17%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-303-no-19-2%2F This article aims to determine whether a flexible treatment-delivery model for multiple primary care anxiety disorders (panic, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders) would be better than usual care. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals, Primary Care Tagged: Anxiety, Evidence Based Practice, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Primary Care, Randomised Controlled Trials (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679737 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:59:40 +0100 3679737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644711&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Fa-high-performing-nhs-a-review-of-progress-1997-2010%2F Title: A high-performing NHS?: A review of progress 1997-2010 The Skinny: King’s Fund report assesses how much progress the NHS has made in the following eight areas: access safety health promotion and management of long-term conditions clinical effectiveness patient experience equity efficiency accountability. It identifies important achievements, including major reductions in waiting times and rates of health care associated infections and progress in reducing smoking rates. There has been a concerted effort to implement national standards of care for major diseases across the NHS which has contributed to the continued falls in deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease. There are less obvious changes too, including improvements in data collection and reporting, at a national and ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644711 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:56:24 +0100 3644711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640954&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fphlebology-2009-vol-25-no-3%2F Contents page Fade Fave: The use and abuse of hypothesis tests: how to present P values Fade Skinny: Highlights some of the key issues involved in performing and interpreting hypothesis tests. Describes the general approach taken in performing a hypothesis test with a focus on how to state the null and alternative hypothesis, and why two-sided tests are usually more appropriate than one-sided tests. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Evidence Based Practice, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640954 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:49:31 +0100 3640954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629894&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fparent-questions-auditory-intervention.html Dear Dr. Alterio:I read your article on Tomatis and other auditory integration programs. My son has autism, and we are midway through a program that uses a form of Tomatis. Their company is called {REDACTED}.My gut is telling me that this may be a scam, but as a concerned parent with a child with Autism I'll admit that I am easy prey. During one visit the instructor (I now question whether she was an OT) told me that my son fell asleep during the session. I asked how long he was asleep, and she said about 45 minutes (the session was only 80 minutes long). She then proceeded to tell me that that was ok, because he had the head phones on during that time. Anyway, before I sink another $4k into this program, I would be interesting in knowing if you've heard anything about this facility, as we... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629894 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100 3629894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581554&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F20%2Fhealthy-weight-healthy-lives-a-research-and-surveillance-plan-for-england-update-on-progress%2F Title: Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: a research and surveillance plan for England – update on progress Skinny: Overview of key strategic developments and partnerships on developing the evidence base on obesity since the publication of Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: a research and surveillance plan for England. It recognises that developing the evidence base is an ongoing progress and a long-term venture. However, even within this first year, considerable progress has been made in terms of building upon existing infrastructure and investments. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 20p. Published: 24/03/2010 Filed under: Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, NHS, Obesity, Public Health Tagged: Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Interagency Relations, Obesity, Public Health (So... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581554 Thu, 20 May 2010 04:15:13 +0100 3581554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573635&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F18%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-106-no-18%2F Fade Fave: How do we deliver best practice? Fade Skinny: Using evidence to improve productivity and efficiency is not as straighforward as may first appear. The article reports on the discussions by a panel of experts on the difficulties of adopting and delivering best practice. Contact the library for a copy of this article Filed under: Ooops Missed Category! Tagged: Best Practice, Commissioning, Evidence Based Practice, NHS Evidence, Quality (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573635 Tue, 18 May 2010 07:30:11 +0100 3573635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416388&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Frole-of-occupational-therapy-for.html Behavioral problems in children are sometimes difficult to solve. Caregivers and even professionals often search for what I call an 'easy button' to solve complex problems. I have always believed that using a general systems methodology prevents the inappropriate reduction of complex system problems to single-point causes.Human beings are meaning-making creatures, however, and that causes us to sometimes reduce complex data into single-points even though it doesn't make sense to do so. As an obtuse example - if you ask the average person what caused the shuttle Challenger to explode they will tell you that it was Morton Thiokol and faulty O-rings. Although that is true, it is more true that there were other factors including cold temperatures, design errors, lack of redundancy, and flawed ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416388 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:22:00 +0100 3416388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267225&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fare-we-focusing-on-best-things-so-we.html The value of anecdote is not in capturing a comprehensive analysis of a system's problems - but rather in making an example of a small issue that reflects a broader pattern. I understand that use of anecdote as a tool can also be fundamentally incorrect or even dangerous but I hope that I have documented enough other information about the early intervention program (in places like here and here) so that this presentation will be honest and fair.I also understand that any 'for the children' rhetoric causes large swaths of people to immediately tune out of a conversation but it is difficult to frame this discussion about early intervention services outside the context of how it actually impacts children and families. The truth is that the future is a little uncertain about early intervention... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267225 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:49:00 +0100 3267225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231423&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2Feducation-for-primary-care-2009-vol-20-no-6%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Online learning in primary care: the importance of e-professionalism Fade Skinny: Electronic learning for medical professionals has transformed medical education. Medical professionals are increasingly engaging with colleagues and clinicians via instant messaging, social networking sites and podcasts to seek answers to clinical questions or for opinions or discussions on aspects of healthcare as the need arises.  The biggest concern for networking sites and for blogging is confidentiality. The concept of e-professionalism is discussed which includes confidentiality, awareness of online personas, admissions during the postings and student safety decisions. Contact the library for a copy of this article Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals, Primary Care Tagged:... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231423 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:06:15 +0100 3231423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189437&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Ffolk-taxonomies-and-sensory-processing.html This article effectively demonstrates how professional training and item wording can strongly impact the way that different diagnosticians interpret common behavioral attributes.When people think that a disorder is present I believe that it is most important to begin with actually determining if there is a functional behavioral problem that is interfering with ability to carry out everyday tasks. That can help us avoid falling into the trap of labeling every nuanced form of trait or characteristic difference that people may express. Humans are natural 'meaning-makers' and we don't advance the cause of understanding our patient's concerns unless we improve our ability to become armchair anthropologists about our own professional culture.It might be interesting to write a blog post and call ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189437 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:50:00 +0100 3189437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185279&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F19%2Fjournal-of-evaluation-in-clinical-practice-2009-vol-15-no-6%2F contents page Fade Fave: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident’: deconstructing ‘evidence-based’ medical practice Fade Skinny: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) claims to be based on ‘evidence’, rather than ‘intuition’. Argues that EBM’s strict distinction between admissible evidence (based on RCTs) and other supposedly inadmissible evidence is not itself based on evidence, but rather, on intuition. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Evidence Based Practice (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185279 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:47:19 +0100 3185279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182150&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F17%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-108-no-1%2F This article reports on an alliance between NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and The Joanna Briggs Institute in Australia set up to promote and facilitate the use of online tools and resources to support the development of  practice and ultimately, to enhance care. This article summarises the tools available and discusses the implementation and evaluation of this project. Contact the library for a copy of this article Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Clinical Practice, Electronic Resources, Evidence Based Practice, Nursing, Online Learning (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182150 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:55:30 +0100 3182150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133554&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F31%2Fimpact-of-alcohol-consumption-on-young-people-a-systematic-review-of-published-reviews%2F Title: Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Young People: A Systematic Review of Published Reviews Skinny: Systematic review identifying theadverse consequences of drinking alcohol during childhood and adolescence which would seem to outweigh the modest number of positive impacts. Overall, it seems that delaying the age of alcohol initiation and limiting the amount drunk by young people is likely to enhance their health and well-being. Publisher: DCSF Size of Publication: 69p. Published: 30/12/2009 Posted in Alcohol, Children, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Young People Tagged: Alcohol, Children, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Young People (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133554 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:22:24 +0100 3133554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084714&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fbirth-and-beyond-a-review-of-the-evidence-about-antenatal-education%2F Title: Birth and beyond: a review of the evidence about antenatal education Skinny: Synthesises published evidence concerning the cost and effectiveness of antenatal education, alongside evidence about stakeholder perspectives. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:65p. Published: 08/12/2009 Posted in Antenatal Care, Grey Literature, Midwifery, Obstetrics Tagged: Antenatal Education, Cost Effectiveness, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Midwifery, Obstetrics, Stakeholder Engagement (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084714 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:32 +0100 3084714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067331&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fquestions-about-aotas-response-to.html The National Autism Center published a comprehensive National Standards report regarding evidence-based practice guidelines for children and young adults who have autism. The report is an excellent summary of research about intervention methods and effectiveness. It was particularly interesting to me that this report referenced and hoped to expand on the New York State Early Intervention Clinical Practice Guidelines for autism spectrum disorders which of course is a document that is familiar to many of the families in my geographic area. The NYS guidelines were published ten years ago so an update to include new research was needed.The new report focuses on quantitative studies and in this sense some important occupational therapy literature may not have met the inclusion criteria. There h... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067331 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:37:00 +0100 3067331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039736&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fconsultation-on-proposals-for-the-innovation-pass-pilot%2F Title: Consultation on proposals for the Innovation Pass pilot Skinny: Seeks views from the NHS, industry and other stakeholders on the Government’s proposals for an Innovation Pass pilot.  These proposals will be revised in light of comments received as part of this consultation and will be used to inform the first set of decisions for the pilot in 2010/1.  The Innovation Pass will make selected innovative medicines available on the NHS for a time-limited period, prior to a NICE appraisal.  Funding will be drawn from a new ring-fenced £25m budget, set aside exclusively for the Innovation Pass. The Pass gives earlier access to innovative drugs for patients with the greatest need, and at the same time it will facilitate the collection of further information to support a subsequent NIC... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039736 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:46:16 +0100 3039736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993725&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F15%2Fbristol-myers-squibb-pharmaceuticals-ltd-r-on-the-application-of-v-national-institute-for-health-and-clinical-excellence-2009%2F Title: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd, R (on the application of) v National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [2009] The Skinny: Challenges of the decision of the defendant, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) refusing to recommend the use of abatacept (ABA) for treatment in connection with rheumatoid arthritis in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Publisher: Bailii Size of Document: Webpage Case No.:EWHC 2780 (Admin) (06 November 2009) Posted in Jurisprudence Tagged: Arthiritis, Cost Effectiveness, Drug Therapy, Evidence Based Practice, Jurisprudence (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993725 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:11:20 +0100 2993725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993732&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F15%2Fneonatal-services-toolkit%2F Title: Neonatal services toolkit – updated 12 November 2009 Skinny: New guidance to help the NHS improve the care provided for premature and sick babies and their families.  NHS staff from across England and members of Bliss (the baby charity) have helped to develop the toolkit, which provides evidence based guidance for all neonatal services.  Neonatal care should be more family-centred ensuring that the psychological as well as physical needs of babies and families are considered.  The toolkit created by and for the NHS provides guidance on how to improve services in the areas that really matter to parents including: Communication and inclusion in decision making Access to psychological and social support Improved access to and availability of specialised transfer services Safe... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993732 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:42:06 +0100 2993732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989424&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Ffeedback-on-alternatives-to-therapy-cap.html Occupational therapy payment restrictions, typically referred to as 'therapy caps' on Medicare Part B, are daily concerns for all occupational therapists working in private practice, outpatient clinics, and nursing facilities. AOTA is participating in a long-term project aimed at finding an alternative to the current cap system. RTI International, the entity that was awarded the government contract to conduct this research, states that "CMS envisions a new method of paying for outpatient therapy services that is based on classifying individual beneficiary’s needs and the effectiveness of therapy services, e.g., diagnostic category, functional status, health status. Currently, CMS cannot evaluate or implement this type of approach because CMS does not currently collect the appropriate dat... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989424 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0100 2989424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807898&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcut-to-chase-simple-question-that.html At the beginning of each school year I marvel at how big of a challenge it is to get everything organized. Education is not new, drawing school district lines is not new, establishing bus schedules is not new, and determining outcome measures for education is not new - but each year it is as if no one has ever done it before, and people are left floundering around trying to figure out what needs to be done and how it needs to be done!In my own little OT corner of the universe we came upon the issue of 'what are the best scissors for preschoolers to learn how to cut with?' Well there are no shortage of opinions but there is very little evidence I could find. That was a little surprising given the length of time we have been teaching preschoolers how to use scissors.Having practiced OT for o... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807898 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:39:00 +0100 2807898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793107&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F14%2Fannals-of-rheumatic-diseases-2009-vol-68-no-10%2F contents page Fade Fave: Management of Behçet disease: a systematic literature review for the European League Against Rheumatism evidence-based recommendations for the management of Behçet disease Fade Skinny: Finds good evidence supporting the use of azathioprine and ciclosporin A in eye involvement and interferon (IFN) in mucocutaneous involvement. There were no RCTs with IFN or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists in eye involvement. Similarly controlled data for the management of vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological involvement is lacking. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Access from Home, Access from Work, Access in the Library, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Behçet Disease, Current Awareness, E-Jo... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793107 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:54:29 +0100 2793107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765960&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F04%2Fthe-lancet-2009-volume-374-issue-9692%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Avoidable waste in the production and reporting of evidence Fade Skinny: Asks the crucial question how much research is wasted because those who might benefit from it cannot afford to see its results? (Print Subscription Held by the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Journals, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765960 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:30:47 +0100 2765960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709077&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fbritish-journal-of-healthcare-management-2009-volume-15-issue-8%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Implementing Lean in primary care Fade Skinny: Focus’ on the implementation of Lean in a provider service to promote quality service and evidence based outcomes in the delivery of primary care. (Print copy held at the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Current Awareness, Evidence Based Practice, Journals, Lean Thinking, Outcomes, Primary Care, Quality (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709077 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:00:01 +0100 2709077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709095&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fassessing-complementary-practice-building-consensus-on-appropriate-research-methods-report-of-an-independent-advisory-group%2F This report aims to establish a consensus on the ways in which research might be conducted that both the conventional and complementary health care communities can support. Publisher: King’s Fund Size of Publication: 32p Published: 10/08/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Complementary Medicine, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Quality Tagged: Complimentary Therapies, Cost Effectiveness, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709095 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:59:37 +0100 2709095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688945&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsubjective-conversation-about-issue-of.html My occupational therapy practice is sometimes as much about parents as it is about children - and in fact the two are so intertwined that making the distinction is irrelevant. We get questions all the time about parenting decisions - and as these are directly related to both parenting and childhood occupations we try to help. Summertime is famous for conversations about retention.I have read all the studies - but won't list them here because they may not apply. Still, the studies state that there is sometimes temporary/immediate benefit to grade retention but that those benefits disappear in subsequent years.The problem with the studies is that they are done on such a large and heterogeneous group that it is difficult to say exactly who these results apply to. Parents and teachers and admi... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688945 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:47:00 +0100 2688945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2671124&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Freforming-funding-for-school-based.html Nearly three years ago I offered to work for NYS for free to help tackle the problems of Medicaid fraud for special education services (see http://abctherapeutics.blogspot.com/2006/06/new-york-states-medicaid-problem-in.html). The system needs reform badly - and although I never expected to be asked to serve I was actually quite sincere in my concern and desire to effect some improvement in the system.As I predicted back then, there would eventually come a day of reckoning to pay for the fraud and abuse - and it seems that we are at that day. In today's Albany Times Union, reporter James M. Odato informs us that the New York State Education Department is withholding Medicaid payments to school districts in accordance with a settlement agreement that has NY State paying out hundreds of mill... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2671124 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:52:00 +0100 2671124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645590&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffun-filled-game-of-day-guess-cses.html Why would a CSE chairperson who has worked in the field for over 20 years suddenly want more information on the Beery VMI?? This chairperson has seen this assessment used hundreds of other times... so why more information now??Inquiring therapists want to know.re: Johnny XXXTo Whom it May Concern:At the request of the district CSE Chairperson, here is additional information regarding Johnny's performance on the Beery VMI. Quite honestly this is an unusual request as this test is perhaps the most commonly used assessment in school-based occupational therapy and I do not understand why special explanations are required for this child. I am hopeful that this information will help to get an appropriate plan for this child into place.The Beery Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration 5th ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645590 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:32:00 +0100 2645590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591408&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fevidence-for-transforming-community-services%2F Documents: Overview Review: acute services in the community Review: services for children and families Review: services for long term conditions Review: rehabilitation services Review: wellbeing and health inequalities Review: services for end of life care The Skinny: Independent research by , The Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) at the University of Birmingham to examine the evidence for a range of community services, commissioned by DH to underpin the guidance within the 6 transformational guides: Publisher: DH Size of Document: 10p (25p,  18p, 27p, 21p,  24p and 15p) Posted in Grey Literature, NHS, Primary Care Tagged: Acute Services, Chronic Diseases, Closer to Home, Equity, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, NHS, Organisational Design, Paediatrics, Palliative Care, ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591408 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:41:29 +0100 2591408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556181&cid=t_157020_111_f&fid=38039&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsomedaynurse.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F29%2Fevidence-based-guides-for-neuro-care%2F While panning the interwebs for neuro nursing gold, I came across a cool collection published by the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN). The AANN has created a series of evidence-based guidelines intended to provide an overview on caring for patients with brain disorders. Guidelines outline etiology, treatments, nursing considerations, legal aspects of care, patient and family teaching, and other pearls. Topics include: Care of the Patient With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Care of the Patient With Seizures and more. This guides are great for new nurses trying to brush up on their neuro care, as well as seaoned neuro nurses looking to stay on top of the lastest evidence-based care. image credit (Source: How I Spent My Nursing Education) How I Spent My Nursing Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556181 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:40:57 +0100 2556181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442932&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36770&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetaot.com%2Fblog%2Fanother-case-role-blurring There are several examples of role blurring with (or due to interaction with) physiotherapists in the British Association of Occupational Therapists' internet discussion forum[1,2,3,4]. Currently, National Health Service physiotherapists seem to be moving away from 'physiotherapy' in musculoskeletal settings towards biopsychosocial treatment. One even suggested scrapping massage as a physiotherapy modality[5]. I believe that physiotherapists are now addressing problems with treatment approaches that would be better addressed by occupational therapists, or perhaps clinical psychologists. This may be detrimental to all of the concerned professions as well as patients, so I wrote a letter to express my opinion[6]. Unfortunately I feel that the editing took some of the weight out of my argumen... meta-ot blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442932 Wed, 27 May 2009 12:40:33 +0100 2442932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380695&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Feye-eye-its-nhs-evidence%2F Staring out of the screen at me this morning is NHS Evidence the new google like search to give ready access to best evidence in the NHS.  Got to say I’m impressed with response speed to a quick search for (flu OR influenza OR h1n1) (swine OR porcine) as it’s the topic of the moment and as quick as a flash came back with 58 results. Initial reaction is they look relevant and useful resources.  As ever though the Grey Literature is the bit that intersts me and there is a nice little filter on the left hand side of the results that allows me to filter the grey literature.  Of the four results it brings back, none is on topic, see list below and see if you can find the link! Outbreaks of influenza and influenza-like illness in schools in England and Wales, 2005/06 How can ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380695 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:19:55 +0100 2380695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234622&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fsensory-integration-how-occupational.html I am working with a student who is completing a literature review on the concept of fidelity in sensory integration. At the same time I am completing a book chapter on entrepreneurship and today came to an interesting perspective on the state of sensory integration theory and practice models. Reality dictates that people purchase goods and products and will pay for them based on some value formula. Occupational therapists have famously made references to the value of their services - from Mary Reilly's belief that OT could be one of the great ideas of 20th century medicine to the more recent AOTA branding campaign on how OT helps people live life to its fullest. If both of these statements were true people would be flocking to seek out and pay for our services. Is this the case? Certainly ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234622 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:11:00 +0100 2234622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2138524&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fpsychosocial-occupational-therapy-in.html I am not certain how many problems can be solved at odd hours of the morning, but it is 4:30am and I can't shake some concerns I have about psychosocial intervention models in schools.According to all data, occupational therapists are less frequently employed in psychosocial practice settings. There are all kinds of complexities behind this includinghistorical lack of parity for reimbursement in mental health systems that drove professionals out of psychosocial practicelost opportunities for OTs to have legislative inclusion as QMHPslack of vision and leadership in articulating the occupational therapy scope of practiceanalysis paralysis and inability to implement plans to reverse negative practice trendslack of mental health fieldwork mandates for occupational therapy studentsThese contri... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2138524 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:29:00 +0100 2138524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110545&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F16%2Fclostridium-difficile-infection-how-to-deal-with-the-problem%2F outlines newer evidence and approaches to delivering good infection control and environmental hygiene and updates the 1994 DH/PHLS guidance (Clostridium difficile infection: Prevention and management). Posted in Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Infection Control, NHS   Tagged: Clostridium Difficile, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Guidance, Infection Control    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110545 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:45:48 +0100 2110545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093233&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fhow-do-i-choose-occupational-therapist.html I received this question in email the other day: Any tips (in a past or future posting on your blog) about how a parent can go about choosing an OT? We've been taking our 5-year old autistic son to an OT who is very nice and caring and with whom our son works well, however, she has recommended Wilbarger brushing, Therapeutic Listening and books written by Jean Ayres. Also, there seems to be no concern at all for when therapy might end - we have been paying privately for the past 2 years and just now got insurance that covers OT. I would like to find a new OT and would appreciate it if you could give some specifics about how to find one who is more interested in evidence-based approaches. It sounds like a judicious use of Wilbarger would be ok, taking into account the attitude of the OT tow... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093233 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0100 2093233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2086829&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F07%2Fjon-trip-dispenser%2F Trip Answers is a new site from the people that are behind the wonderful Trip Database (see posts Use TRIP to Navigate to Best Evidence, …and I though QI involved Stephen Fry, Was that Trip to Bethlehem Critical? for details).    It aims to be a resource where clinicians can easily find answers to their question by building a repository of clinical questions and answers drawn from a wide number of sources around the world. Well laid out, simple to navigate with great use of tag clouds (love the Tag Cloud of Uncertainty as a concept) and a clear rating system for the answers given it’s everything we expect from a Trip product. Posted in Digital Repositories, Electronic Resources, Evidence Based Practice, Information Systems, Useful Weblinks   Tagged: Clinical Qu... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2086829 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:05:58 +0100 2086829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075794&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ffunding-difficulties-persist-for-ny.html Background reading: New York State's Medicaid Problem in the SchoolsGovernor Patterson's proposed budget cuts to the Early Intervention program have professionals across the state wringing their hands - read about the speech therapy association's concerns here. Although there are no public documents available currently from occupational therapists I have been sent a lot of internal communication from NYSOTA about that group's concerns.Some of the concern is about the possibility of implementing family cost sharing for EI services. New Jersey advocacy groups are already on the record against these models. Reasonable cost sharing is a functional model - but of course there are always individual exceptions and sad stories to any cost sharing model that will make the front pages of the 'Living... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075794 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:21:00 +0100 2075794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053855&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fempirical-vs-innate-knowledge-in.html I received an email from the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation about today's NY Times article discussing the process of how disorders are included in the DSM.The email expressed excitement that awareness of sensory processing disorder was growing. I think that awareness of any problems that children have that can impact their ability to function is good - but I remain unconvinced that we are anywhere near ready for DSM inclusion of sensory processing disorder, if such a unitary disorder even exists. I have blogged about this topic before here.As the title of this entry suggests, my primary sticking point is the problem of empiricism vs. innatism. Empirical analysis suggests a process where there is NO prior knowledge and everything learned is written upon the 'blank slate' of consciou... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053855 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:51:00 +0100 2053855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021332&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F08%2F1847%2F : Kicking Bad Habits final report from the King’s Fund looks at the impact of health promotion and social marketing. It recommends The NHS needs to make better use of social marketing techniques and data analysis tools like geodemographics to identify, target and effectively communicate messages and motivate people to change how they live. Public health programmes shouldn’t rely on just one approach – such as information campaigns or financial incentives – as the evidence shows the most effective behaviour change interventions employ a variety of tactics. A robust evaluation – of short- and long-term changes in behaviour and health outcomes – should be made a requirement of all public health programmes in order to build an evidence base for the future. Frontline staff shou... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021332 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:13:55 +0100 2021332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943296&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F07%2Fcommissioning-iapt-for-the-whole-community%2F is intended to assist commissioners (including practice-based commissioners), to deliver Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services that are effective and appropriate for the whole community, using innovative ways of meeting the needs of local people. Posted in Commissioning, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Mental Health, Practice Based Commissioning, Primary Care, Quality   Tagged: Commissioning, Grey Literature, Mental Health, Practice Based Commissioning, Primary Care, Psychology    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943296 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:05:10 +0100 1943296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1911300&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F27%2Fhepatitis-c-quick-reference-guide-for-primary-care%2F is a single sheet of concise information and good practice advice about hepatitis C testing and diagnosis for use by doctors and nurses in primary care, including a testing and diagnosis flowchart. Posted in Grey Literature, Hepatitis, NHS, Primary Care, Quality   Tagged: Diagnosis, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Hepatitis C, Primary Care    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1911300 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:18:13 +0100 1911300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901316&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F24%2Fpopulation-tobacco-control-interventions-and-their-effects-on-social-inequalities-in-smoking%2F from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination finds: Tentative evidence that the effect of increasing the unit price of tobacco may vary between ethnic and socio-economic groups and between men and women. No strong evidence that restrictions in workplaces and public places are more effective in reducing smoking in more advantaged groups. Smoking restrictions in schools are more effective in girls and in younger school children, but no evidence with respect to other social gradients.  This is echoed in evidence on the restriction of sales. The effects of health warnings do not  appear to be subject to a social gradient, but their effects have not been examined with respect to income, occupation, or ethnicity, and the evidence with respect to other gradients is not convincing.  The impa... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901316 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:08:39 +0100 1901316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901320&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F24%2Flatest-nice-guidelines%2F Surgical site infection Mental health and older people Chronic pain - spinal cord stimulation Posted in Evidence Based Practice   Tagged: Clinical Guidelines, Evidence Based Practice    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901320 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:30:53 +0100 1901320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1891916&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F20%2Ffinancial-incentives-healthcare-providers-and-quality-improvements%2F The Health Foundation have produced Financial incentives, healthcare providers and quality improvements which uses evidence drawn mainly from US employer studies and those providing public services directed at vulnerable communities. It considers  incentives used to promote positive behaviour change and incentives that remove financial barriers to change. Financial incentives such as prizes, payments and vouchers are the main focus of consideration. It asks whether incentives work across various clinical and public health issues.  This is relevant in the UK as UK-based trials of financial incentives are introduced finding that changes made by patients as a result of incentives tend to be short term and bringing about wholesale behaviour and lifestyle changes is a complex issue.  However... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1891916 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:06:40 +0100 1891916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876820&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fauditory-interventions-trip-down-rabbit.html I posted two and a half years ago about problems with a lack of evidence for the Wilbarger intervention methods. In that post I included a link to http://www.sensorydefensiveness.com/ which at the time was allegedly sponsored by Pat Wilbarger. Now that website curiously redirects and links to a mirror page for Valerie Dejean and The Spectrum Center, which is now located in New York. Apparently they used to have a center in Maryland, but according to documents from the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, it is a matter of public record that a Valerie Dejean surrendered her license to practice for several reasons including:use of the Tomatis Electronic Ear which has been banned by the FDAuse of unlicensed persons to practice occupational therapyfraudulent billing practicesI prev... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876820 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:18:00 +0100 1876820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1872996&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F13%2Fhealthy-weight-healthy-lives-a-toolkit-for-developing-local-strategies%2F updates Lightening the load: Tackling overweight and obesity: A toolkit for developing local strategies and is to help PCTs and Local Authorities plan, coordinate and implement comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage overweight and obesity. It provides information and tools including useful statistics, practical initiatives, evidence of effectiveness, checklists, frameworks and examples of good practice. There are new tools that provide a breakdown of the cost of obesity to every PCT. Other new tools include research from the upcoming Change4Life campaign that provides insight into families views on diet and activity. Posted in Diet, Grey Literature, Health Economics, NHS, Nutrition, Obesity, Physical Activity, Primary Care, Strategic Planning   Tagged: Diet, Evidenc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1872996 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:22:25 +0100 1872996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1871352&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fsensory-processing-characteristics-of.html ConclusionThe research that has been completed on CRPS provides useful information for occupational therapists to consider when investigating sensory modulation disorders. This literature review and exploratory study demonstrates that there is justification for continuing to study the possible relationship between disorders that share common sensory processing factors as they have a significant impact on people’s occupational function.References:Apkarian, A.V., Thomas, S., Krauss, B.R. and Szeverenyi, N.M. (2001). Prefrontal hyperactivity in sympathetically mediated chronic pain. Neuroscience Letters, 311, 193-197.Ayres, A.J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child. Los Angeles: WPS.Baron, R. & Wasner, G. (2001). Complex regional pain syndromes. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 5... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1871352 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:21:00 +0100 1871352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1865404&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F10%2Fthe-commissioner-volume-3-issue-10%2F How to Achieve World Class Commissioning Competencies Improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer Commissioning Specialist Library Commissioning cycle Commissioning Safe and Sustainable Specialised Paediatric Services Review of urgent and emergency care services Payment by Results for Kidney Dialysis Project Group NHS spending NTA launches new guidance for Tier 4 commissioning Transforming services for children with hearing difficulty and their families: a good practice guide Other documents and conferences Feed for Podcast Standard Podcasts [ 5:21m] RSS Feed Posted in Commissioning, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Practice Based Commissioning, Primary Care   Tagged: 18 Weeks, Audiology, Cancer, Children, Commissioning, Commissioning Cycle, Competenc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1865404 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:38:53 +0100 1865404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1863413&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fguest-entry-and-debate-on-what.html I received an email from Michele Karnes who wrote the following in the interest of advancing the debate on recent postings and comments regarding interventions that I consider quackery. Michele writes:This offers a different view in response to your continuing competency column, OT's should be made aware of treatments that are offered to clients/patients, whether it is traditional or non-traditional, a long existing treatment or new one. This enables our OT profession and professionals to better educate the people they treat and interact with.Instead of taking anyone's word that a particular treatment is 'mysticism' (as you put it) or the best thing since sliced bread, the OT who attends a 2-3 hour session can be introduced to the history and theory, what the treatment or program consists ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1863413 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:04:00 +0100 1863413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1847875&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F02%2Fthe-informed-decsions-toolbox%2F The Informed Decisions Toolbox aims to help the health care decision-maker: acquire the best available evidence when making management decisions; assess whether evidence is useful, defined as accurate, applicable, actionable, and accessible; and improve the process by which evidence is used in decision-making Posted in Evidence Based Practice, Useful Weblinks   Tagged: Decision Making, Evidence Based Management, Evidence Based Practice    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1847875 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:37:15 +0100 1847875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1798786&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fprofessional-competence-how-do-you-weed.html We are making strides in promoting continuing competence and ongoing professional development in the occupational therapy profession but there is still work to be done. The current theme running through my head has to do with quacksalvers and quality in continuing education offerings.As far as I can tell, there are few if any standards for the quality in continuing education courses as it relates to the CONTENT of the offering. I read the IACET standards and was disappointed that Standard 7 didn't really delve deeply into the issue of regulation of the QUALITY and CONTENT of continuing education courses. So if the primary standard-setter of quality in continuing education does not address quality of CONTENT, what should be done?As an aside, I don't know that I blame IACET - how could they ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1798786 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:02:00 +0100 1798786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1775498&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F08%2Fthink-research-using-research-evidence-to-inform-service-development-for-vulnerable-groups%2F is a user friendly tool to assist commissioners and service providers to select and monitor evidence based services for vulnerable people. There is a wealth of data on ‘what-works’ – both from the research community, local authorities and service providers – yet this remains largely untapped. The use of research evidence will enable commissioners and service providers to have confidence that services will work – achieving the desired impact for service users and ensuring value for money. In addition, greater transparency and objectivity can be built into the commissioning process by allowing research evidence to guide practice and decision-making. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1775498 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:57:15 +0100 1775498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1705269&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Feffectiveness-of-howdahug-seat-in.html Conclusions: Preschoolers need to develop attending skills so that they can meaningfully participate in typical classroom activities including circle time. Children who are this age have many distracting behaviors that impact their ability to attend. Children who have disabilities may have confounding factors that cause development of attending skills to be impaired. Preschool-aged children were given the HowdaHUG seat and their ability to attend during circle time was measured. Because the study was completed in the natural environment there were many factors that were unable to be controlled for that influenced the children’s ability to attend. Some of the children demonstrated some improved attending in the seats while other children’s attending skills were unaffected by the seats. ... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1705269 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:31:00 +0100 1705269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1675603&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fmore-on-who-should-be-be-treating-in-ei.html This article quotes several health care professionals who question the life-saving measures and efforts that are afforded to critically ill infants.For the second time this week I am deeply disappointed in Dr. Sorensen's opinion.This article is a gross misrepresentation of what happens on a daily basis in neonatal intensive care nurseries. The article suggests that parents who have premature babies secretly wish that they would just die, and that the professionals are forced by the government to provide care that they know is futile, painful, and ultimately cruel. I worked in a neonatal intensive care nursery and this is not what I saw at all.Rather, I saw parents who were devestated that their child was born early and who desperately did anything they could to stay on bedrest, take prescr... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1675603 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:57:00 +0100 1675603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1602932&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F09%2Fimpact-assessment-of-a-national-screening-programme-for-abdominal-aortic-aneurysms%2F considers the impact both financial and clinical of developing this national screening programme. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1602932 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:56:13 +0100 1602932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1546568&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F26%2F714%2F from the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) finds that MINAP has collected data for eight years (2000–2008), and since it started has accumulated data on over 607,000 patients. It now receives data from all but one hospital that admit heart attack patients in England and Wales. Increased survival from heart attacks has occurred against a background of faster thrombolytic treatment in hospital, the introduction of pre-hospital thrombolysis and primary angioplasty and the improved use of secondary prevention medication. While there is variation between hospitals, most patients with heart attack are treated sooner after calling for professional help than in 2006/7. The use of secondary prevention medication has continued to exceed the national standards. The early... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1546568 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:32:42 +0100 1546568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543004&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F25%2Ftwice-as-nice-im-in-paradise-latest-nice-guidelines%2F Lumbar infusion test for the investigation of normal pressure hydrocephalus (IP) Implantation of multifocal (non-accommodative) intraocular lenses during cataract surgery (IP) Stent insertion for bleeding oesophageal varices (IP) Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic stenosis (IP) Surgical repair of vaginal wall prolapse using mesh (IP) Rimonabant for the treatment of overweight and obese patients (TA) Head and neck cancer - cetuximab (TA) Psoriasis- adaliumamb (TA) (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543004 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:58:39 +0100 1543004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512060&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F12%2F674%2F Back on May 21st we wrote about the North West contribution to the Darzi Review Healthier Horizons for the North West. The review has seen each of the nine Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) publish their visions for better healthcare during May and early June 2008. The vision documents from outside the North West can be found using the following links. NHS East of England Towards the best, together: A Clinical Vision for our NHS, now and for the next decade NHS East Midlands From Evidence to Excellence - our clinical vision for patient care NHS South Central Towards a healthier future: A ten year vision for healthcare across NHS South Central NHS South East Coast Healthier people, excellent care: A vision for the South East Coast NHS South West The Draft Strategic Framework For Improving... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512060 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:52:50 +0100 1512060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494233&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F05%2Fclinical-guidelines-for-immunoglobulin-use%2F , 2nd ed. aim to ensure best practice in the use of IVIg across all indications, based on available evidence and expert opinion. This supports the DH-initiated National Demand Management Progamme for Immunoglobulin to provide guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving. Also reaching it’s second edition is the Demand management plan for immunoglobulin use, 2nd ed. which provides guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494233 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:36:23 +0100 1494233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1488088&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F31%2Fnhs-hta-themed-update-mental-health%2F focuses on the work of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) HTA programme in the area of mental health. As well as featuring some of the latest trials that the HTA programme has commissioned and funded, the Themed Update contains details of newly published research, and news and views from opinion leaders in the field. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488088 Sat, 31 May 2008 08:59:42 +0100 1488088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472375&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F28%2Fnicely-nicely-latest-guidance-from-nice%2F Anaemia (cancer-treatment induced) - epoetin (alfa & beta) & darbepoetin (TA) Adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab for ankylosing spondylitis Type 2 Diabetes (review) (CG) Lipid Modification (CG) Canaloplasty for primary open angle glaucoma (IP) Endoaortic balloon occlusion for cardiac surgery (IP) Single incision mid-urethral tape insertion for stress urinary incontinence in women (IP) Workplace physical activity (PH) (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472375 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:19:59 +0100 1472375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1433121&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fmeasurement-issues-in-pediatric.html We talk here a lot about evidence based practice, the need for better science in our assessments and intervention, and professional responsibility to make sure all these things happen. On a daily basis we work toward a better 'science' of occupational therapy while at the same time maintaining a close connection to our 'art.' After all, we are often talking about our connections with real people and how we can best offer help. I feel that we are making some changes in the way we think about these issues in our profession, because I hear more and more people talking about real participation and our goals of assuming or resuming normal occupational behaviors. I've been thinking about this topic all week, and now I am kicking myself twice for not going to the national conference this year. T... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1433121 Fri, 09 May 2008 17:33:00 +0100 1433121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1420772&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fresponse-from-wfot.html I received a response from WFOT regarding an email I sent them about a banner ad on their website. Here is their response:From: World Federation of Occupational Therapists [mailto:admin@wfot.org.au]Sent: 03 May 2008 17:25To: 'chris@abctherapeutics.com'Cc: Marilyn PattisonSubject: WFOT: For Info: banner ads on WFOT websiteDear Dr. AlterioMany thanks for your letter and the concerns you raise.I would like to draw to your attention to the following statement on the WFOT website:Placement of advertising either on the WFOT website or in the Bulletin does not imply any endorsement of the advertised products and / or services by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.Based on this I would suggest your criticism of WFOT is somewhat unjustified and your disappointment misplaced. WFOT is st... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1420772 Mon, 05 May 2008 14:00:00 +0100 1420772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1418714&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fnew-sensory-research-for-children-who.html Below is a feed I picked off of ScienceDaily - reporting on a study that was presented at the recent AOTA conference. I wish that more information was available - and I was unable to attend conference this year. I'll have to reserve most of my comments because I just need more information. I am encouraged by the apparent rigor of a double blind design - but wondering if they just used the Sensory Profile as a pre-post measurement. I'll try to find out and post more... Here is the newsfeed:Autistic Mannerisms Reduced By Sensory TreatmentScienceDaily (2008-04-27) -- Children with autistic spectrum disorders who underwent sensory integration therapy exhibited fewer autistic mannerisms compared to children who received standard treatments. Such mannerisms, including repetitive hand movements o... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1418714 Sat, 03 May 2008 13:53:00 +0100 1418714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1415169&cid=t_157020_165_f&fid=36767&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabctherapeutics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fattack-on-evidence-based-assessment-in.html In the past I have blogged about evidence based practice so I don't really feel the need to revisit the topic at length. The use of evidence is not a passing fad but rather represents a real shift in the sophistication of our science. This shift was not just restricted to occupational therapy but occupational therapy was caught up in it. That was a good thing.I am revisiting this tonight because I was visiting the WFOT website and I saw one of their banner ads. The ad was for Schoodles, and the ad said "Changing the way therapists around the world assess children." Kudos to the advertising people at Schoodles because I almost never click on banner ads but I never heard of this assessment tool and was intrigued by the claim.Perhaps the Schoodles people will be sorry that I clicked because I... ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1415169 Fri, 02 May 2008 01:23:00 +0100 1415169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392474&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F23%2Fnice-nice-baby-latest-clinical-guidelines-from-nice%2F Allogeneic pancreatic islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus Intraoperative red blood cell salvage during radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy Interstitial photodynamic therapy for malignant parotid tumours Perioperative hypothermia (inadvertent) Ulcerative colitis - infliximab Abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392474 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:52:45 +0100 1392474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1329003&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F26%2Ftwice-as-nice-latest-nice-guidance%2F Antenatal care Diabetes in pregnancy Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis Maternal and child nutrition Mental wellbeing of children in primary education Sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome (obstructive) - continuous positive airway pressure Asthma (in adults) - corticosteroids Intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery Suburethral sling insertion for stress urinary incontinence in men (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1329003 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:53:16 +0100 1329003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1327434&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F26%2Fsearch-20-tipping-you-the-red-spot-2-evidence-based-reviews%2F Today’s post based on the excellent material from the NLH Search 2.0 SHA Representatives group. When to use them? Whenever you need ready done quality synthesised reviews of the best available evidence. The Content Bandolier - advice about particular treatments for health professionals and consumers based on primary and secondary research. Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews - systematic reviews and protocols for future reviews. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects - abstracts of systematic reviews published in places other than the Cochrane Library Database of Systematic Reviews. NHS Economic Evaluation Database - structured economic evaluations of health care interventions. Health Technology Assessment Database - focussing on prevention and rehabilitation, vacc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1327434 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:34:41 +0100 1327434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307618&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F17%2Freducing-drug-use-reducing-reoffending%2F (summary)  from the UK Drug Policy Commission considers whether the evidence supports programmes in the UK for problem drug-using offenders in the criminal justice system (CJS).  It finds: The principle of using CJS-based interventions to encourage engagement with treatment is supported by the evidence. Following a period of expansion and a focus on quantity, attention should now focus on quality. “Net-widening” to include additional groups of drug-using offenders in CJS‑based interventions may have negative consequences. Community punishments are likely to be more appropriate than imprisonment for most problem drug-using offenders. Prison drug services frequently fall short of even minimum standards. Given the sizeable investment in CJS interventions for drug-depende... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307618 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:07:24 +0100 1307618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1283373&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F06%2Fresponse-to-the-health-select-committees-first-report-of-session-2007-08-on-the-national-institute-for-health-and-clinical-excellence%2F The Government’s Response to the Health Select Committee’s First Report of Session 2007-08 on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence sets out the Government’s response to the Health Select Committee’s report on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). It welcomes and endorses the Committee’s expression of support for and confidence in NICE. Separate reports by the World Health Organisation on NICE’s technology appraisal and clinical guidelines programmes have commended the way in which it discharges its vital responsibilities. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1283373 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:18:37 +0100 1283373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1266524&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F29%2Fsafe-births-everybodys-business-an-independent-inquiry-into-the-safety-of-maternity-services-in-england%2F Safe Births: Everybody’s business: An independent inquiry into the safety of maternity services in England from the Kings’s Fund makes the following recommendations: Teams themselves should: agree safety-focused objectives identify clear roles and responsibilities utilise clear communication standards and protocols Safety should be placed at the heart of shared objectives for maternity services in quality joint working The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Regular reviews of demand and staffing should be conducted with an emphasis on deliveringthe right skill mix todeliver safe services Trust boards and managers should regularly receive information employment levels, skill mix and deployment achieved across all shift. Simple and effectiv... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1266524 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:14:09 +0100 1266524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1261579&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F27%2Fwouldnt-it-be-nice-if-a-bird-of-paradise-landed-at-my-feet%2F Latest guidance from NICE. Prostate cancer Osteoarthritis Ventilation tubes (grommets) in children with OME Irritable bowel syndrome Liposuction for chronic lymphoedema Laparoscopic mobilisation of the greater omentum for use in breast reconstruction Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for mediastinal metastases Psychosis (first onset) - neuroimaging Follicular non-hodgkins lymphoma (recurrent or refractory stage III or IV) - rituximab Community engagement Smoking cessation (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1261579 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:39:36 +0100 1261579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1259899&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F26%2Fin-the-know%2F   (Executive Summary) from the Audit Commision aims to encourage people to think about the information they use whenever they make decisions. It has examples, drawn from many different sources, of how information has been used in improving public services. It notes: When decision makers use information well, local public services improve. The quality and cost of our local public services depend upon the decisions that many people make: users make choices; professionals exercise judgement; managers prioritise; and politicians allocate resources. Using information well in decision making leads to better local public services. Examples vary from reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training to increasing the number of ambulances reaching incidents quickly; i... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1259899 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:56:10 +0100 1259899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1247800&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F21%2Fcks-not-dfs%2F Updated from Prodigy to new CKS Format: Anaemia - iron deficiency Immunizations - childhood Leg ulcer - venous Opioid dependence Palliative cancer care - constipation Clinical summaries of the Topic Reviews issued in February 2008 please follow the links below: Clinical summary: Iron deficiency anaemia – assessment Clinical summary: Iron deficiency anaemia - management Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood programme Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood – children up to 1 year of age Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood – children 1-2 years of age Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood – children 2-10 years of age Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood – children over 10 years of age Clinical summary: Immunizations childhood – additional immunizations Clin... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1247800 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:26:50 +0100 1247800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1244993&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F20%2Fworld-class-commissioning-nhs-confederation-support-interview-with-david-stout-director-pct-network%2F To access this video you will be required to give some details about yourself to HealthExecTV. David Stout, Director of PCT Network at the NHS Confederation, shares his vision for World Class Commissioning and its potential to transform health services and drive improvements in health outcomes. He advises on how Trusts can step-up their current approaches in World Class ways - for example, planning for the longer term needs of the population through more effective public engagement and techniques such as risk stratification. In particular, Mr Stout defines the role of the NHS Confederation and how they are supporting PCTs in their transition. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1244993 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:19:47 +0100 1244993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1244995&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F20%2Fevidence-based-planning-for-world-class-commissioning-transition-interview-with-andrew-beale-executive-director-of-matrix-knowledge-group%2F To access this video you will be required to give some details about yourself to HealthExecTV. The World Class Commissioning initiative provides a major opportunity for Trusts to transform care services and develop new ways of maximising the value of limited healthcare budgets. While Trusts wait for the WCC Assurance Framework, there are many ways to start planning the transition to World Class Commissioning. Evidence-based analysis of population requirements, how money has been spent and how other organisations are approaching commissioning is a key starting point. In this interview, Andrew Beale, Executive Director of Matrix Knowledge Group consultancy, discusses how evidence-based analysis can help Trusts to better understand their current position, population healthcare patterns and to... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1244995 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:52:14 +0100 1244995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1222284&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F11%2Fsmashy-and-nicey-consultations-from-nice%2F Consultations from NICE seeking views on a clinical practice guideline developments for: Familial hypercholesterolaemia: consultation Lipid modification: Consultation on section 4.3 - Cardiovascular risk assessment and requesting views on the use of erlotinib to treat small-cell cancer. Lung cancer (non-small cell) - erlotinib (appraisal consultation) (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1222284 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:54:42 +0100 1222284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207231&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F05%2Fvote-for-pedro%2F From the Center for Evidence Based Physiotherapy based at the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney, as a database it provides the model for yesterdays OT Seeker.  The aim of PEDro is to make the bibliographic details and abstracts of randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in physiotherapy readily available. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207231 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:56:06 +0100 1207231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204613&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F04%2Fot-seeker%2F is a database of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy and was developed by OTs at the University of Queensland and University of Western Sydney. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204613 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:17:41 +0100 1204613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173048&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F23%2Fphysical-activity-and-environment%2F Guidance offering evidence-based recommendations on how to improve the physical environment to encourage physical activity. It demonstrates the importance of such improvements and the need to evaluate how they impact on the public’s health PH008 Physical activity and environment: Quick reference guide PH008 Physical activity and environment: Guidance 2008/004 New NICE public health guidance on creating environments to encourage physical activity PH008 Physical activity and environment: Costing report (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173048 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:47:56 +0100 1173048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1169549&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F23%2Fnot-naughty-but-nice-latest-nice-guidelines%2F Interventions in medicines reconcilliation at the point of admission Physical activity and environment Psoriasis - infliximab Ultrasound guided catheterisation of the epidural space Arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane carbon dioxide removal Mesothelioma - Pemetrexed (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1169549 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:25:03 +0100 1169549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156737&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F17%2Fprescribing-costs-in-primary-care-second-report-of-session-2007%25e2%2580%259308%2F Creating a stir in the news today is House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts (2008) Department of Health: Prescribing costs in primary care: Second Report of Session 2007–08: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. London: TSO it concludes and recommends: The NHS could save more than £200 million a year, without affecting patient care, by GPs prescribing lower cost but equally effective medicines. Generic drugs should be prescribed The proportion of prescriptions written by chemical name rather than by brand name, known as generic prescribing, rose from 51% in April 1994 to 83% in September 2006. Where it is clinically appropriate, GPs should prescribe those available in generic form. The proportion of lower cost prescriptions for some common condit... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156737 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:17:05 +0100 1156737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1140905&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F10%2Fthe-house-of-commons-health-committee-national-institute-for-health-and-clinical-excellence-first-report-of-session-2007%25e2%2580%259308-volume-i-report-together-with-formal-minutes%2F The report identifies the following problems Topic selection. Only a few selected medical technologies are chosen as suitable for assessment as technology appraisals. There is also far too little emphasis on disinvestment. Here we found NICE’s responses to our questions disingenuous. While few older treatments may do no good at all, many will not be cost-effective; The wider benefits of treatment to society, for example to carers, are not included in NICE’s economic evaluations; NICE often does not have all the information it needs to make a full assessment. It does not have access to all the information the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) uses and clinical trials are usually designed without NICE’s work on cost-effectiveness in mind; Experts are no... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1140905 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:00:42 +0100 1140905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1136762&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F08%2Fa-new-health-service-for-liverpool%2F Discussion Document(Summary) is the developing strategic business plan that sets out Liverpool PCT’s top priorities for the next three years and the thinking behind them. It has 8 priorities: 1. Delivering the things that make a big difference Cut deaths from cardiovascular disease by half in under-75-year-olds, compared with 2004 Cut deaths from accidents by 20% in under-75-year-olds, compared with 2004 Cut deaths from cancer by 20% in under-75-year-olds, compared with 2004 Improve the health and well being of children and young people through the initiative - ‘Young Healthy Liverpool’ Everyone living in Liverpool will know more about how to look after their own health and that of their family Everyone living in Liverpool with a health problem will know the right place to go t... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1136762 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:25:47 +0100 1136762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1130908&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F05%2Fmorecambe-and-wise-barker-and-corbett-batman-and-robin-and-other-dodgy-duet-references%2F The Database of Uncertainties about the Effects of Treatments (DUETs) has been established in the UK as a resource to help prioritise research by identifying uncertainties that cannot currently be answered by referring to reliable up-to-date systematic reviews of existing research evidence. DUETs draws on three main sources to identify uncertainties about the effects of treatments: patients’, carers’ and clinicians’ questions about the effects of treatments research recommendations in reports of systematic reviews and clinical guidelines ongoing research, both systematic reviews in preparation and new ‘primary’ studies Top tip: On the home page, for an idea of the content, click on BROWSE on the left hand side, you will see a list of Topic areas covered. ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1130908 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:45:41 +0100 1130908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1109770&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F21%2Fquality-in-primary-care-156-2007%2F Quality in Primary Care in 2007 pp. 321-322(2) Author: Siriwardena, A Niroshan Commissioning for quality pp. 323-324(2) Author: Siriwardena, A Niroshan Improving the quality of care through practice-based commissioning pp. 325-326(2) Authors: Colin-Thomé, David General practice: a heritage industry or the future? pp. 327-329(3) Authors: McShane, Martin; McIvor, John Expanding choice options for older patients in relation to practice-based commissioning: a qualitative study of older patients in a small GP surgery pp. 331-336(6) Authors: Weir, Norman A.; Kotecha, Mehul A.; Goel, Kusum L. Patients’ views on and professionals&#821... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1109770 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:03:58 +0100 1109770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1106948&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F20%2Fwas-that-trip-to-bethlehem-critical%2F New from the Trip Database comes the Critical Care Trip Search which searches the following journals alongside core Trip resources. Critical Care Medicine Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Intensive Care Medicine American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Intensive Care Medicine Critical Care Nurse Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing American Journal of Critical Care Australian Critical Care Anesthesiology Anesthesia and Analgesia British Journal of Anaesthesia Anaesthesia Advanced warning the Fade Nativity is on the way… (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1106948 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:51:09 +0100 1106948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1091279&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F13%2Fcks-is-not-just-for-christmas-but-you-never-thought-it-was%2F The following Prodigy guidance have been reviewed and converted to the Clincal Khowledge Summaries (CKS) format Asthma Conjunctivitis — infective Gingivitis and periodontitis Herpes simplex — oral MI—secondary prevention If you’re not familiar with Clinical Knowledge Summaries, they are concise summaries on the management of 500 commonly encountered scenarios in primary and first-contact care, based on the latest evidence on common acute and chronic diseases and disease prevention. CKS can be accessed from the National Library for Health via your Athens password (register here if you work in the NHS in the North West). If you need any training in using this or any other electronic resources and you work for Liverpool PCT, contact us using the form below. [contact-form] (Sourc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1091279 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:47:13 +0100 1091279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1088656&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F12%2Fsquare-leg-square-root-square-egg-new-fruit-nice-suit-nice-latest-guidance%2F Latest Nice Guidelines are: Interventions in medicines reconcilliation at the point of admission (PSP) Atopic eczema in children (CG) Thoracoscopic aortopexy for severe primary tracheomalacia (IP) Circumferential epithelial radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s oesophagus (IP) Thoracoscopically-assisted mitral valve surgery (IP) Hybrid procedure for interim management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in newborns (IP) Thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal parathyroid tumours (IP) Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest for coronary artery bypass graft (IP) Apologies for the title which will only make sense if you are familiar with the work of the Jazz Butcher but a pun is always worthwhile. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1088656 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:57:49 +0100 1088656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1082845&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F08%2Fall-change%2F How to change practice: Understand, identify and overcome barriers to change  aims to support the NHS and the wider public health community in understanding, identifying and overcoming barriers to change. Set out in three parts, the guide: discusses the types of barriers to change encountered in healthcare, highlighting how awareness and knowledge of what needs to change, and why, are important first steps in enabling change to occur offers practical suggestions on how to identify the barriers to change faced by organisations provides evidence-based advice on what methods work to overcome these barriers, and highlights potential levers to help do this (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1082845 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:17:32 +0100 1082845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1079672&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F07%2Fnational-library-for-health-stroke-specialist-library%2F The Stroke Specialist Library is being developed to provide high quality, evidence-based information on all of aspects of Stroke. This site is aimed at health professionals with an interest in Stroke. Using the traditional NLH hub approach with information divided into Guidance & Pathways, Evidence, Reference, Education/CPD and Patient Information the Library offers information on the following topics. Ischaemic Stroke General / Overviews Causes / Risk Factors Diagnosis Disease Management Prevention Patient Information Rehabilitation Haemorrhagic Stroke General / Overviews Causes / Risk Factors Diagnosis Disease Management Rehabilitation Prevention Patient Information Subarachnoid Haemorrhage General / Overviews Causes / Risk Factors Diagnosis Disease Management Rehabilitation Pre... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1079672 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:48:38 +0100 1079672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076162&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F07%2Fsounds-healthy%2F - Internet Radio for the 3rd Healthcare Revolution, a podcasting service bringing evidence based health information to you in an audio format. Voiced by Sir Muir Grey and extremely well produced - it’s definitely worth a listen.  With audio based e-learning and glossary it’s mightily impressive. Mind you as the corner of the library with unimpeachably indie tastes, I could have done without the Queen on the about cast! (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076162 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:22:12 +0100 1076162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1073110&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F06%2Fand-i-though-qi-involved-stephen-fry%2F Searching for Quality Improvement material just got easier with the Healthcare Quality search from Trip. Journals currently searched are: International Journal for Quality in Health Care International journal of health care quality assurance Quality and Safety in Health Care Implementation Science Medical Informatics and Decision Making Medical Decision Making American Journal of Medical Quality Healthcare Benchmarks and Quality Improvement Journal for Healthcare Quality Journal of Nursing Care Quality Quality Management in Health Care If you want some training in this or searching any other electronic resource and you work for Liverpool PCT use the contact form below to contact the Fade Library. [contact-form] (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1073110 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:09:48 +0100 1073110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1055601&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F28%2Fnice-isnt-just-a-place-in-the-south-of-france%2F Alcohol and schools intervention Asthma (in children) - corticosteroids Hypercholesterolemia - ezetimibe Asthma (for severe persistant allergic) - omalizumab Grenz rays therapy for inflammatory skin conditions Percutaneous Pulmonary valve implantation for right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction Mini/Micro screw implantation for orthodontic anchora ge Laparoscopic techniques for hysterectomy Soft palate implants for simple snoring Soft palate implants for obstructive sleep apnoea Transcranial magnetic stimulation for severe depression (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1055601 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:26:40 +0100 1055601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1049831&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F26%2Fclinical-guidelines-intravenous-immunoglobulin%2F provide guidance on appropriate use of immunoglobulin products and a framework for the promotion of evidence based clinical practice to help improve consistency in patient care. The guidelines support the Demand management plan for immunoglobulin use use makes recommendations on appropriate indications for immunoglobulin and the processes to be implemented by Trusts or SHAs to ensure that immunoglobulin is used appropriately by means of local Immunoglobulin Assessment Panels. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1049831 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:19:20 +0100 1049831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037712&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F20%2Fresearch-evidence-on-the-effectiveness-of-self-care-support%2F from the Department of Health, provides an evidence base on the effectiveness of self care support, such as information, self care support devices, self care skills training and self care support networks in the care of people with long term health conditions, short term ailments and among those taking initiatives to stay healthy. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037712 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:53:52 +0100 1037712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1035553&cid=t_157020_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F19%2Fbenefit-and-costs-of-early-screening-for-hearing-disability%2F Acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability: a study of potential screening tests and models  (Davis) 294 pages, Volume 11, number 42   Research published by the NIHR HTA programme shows that hearing impairment in adults is a major public health problem, with one in ten people aged 55-74 in the UK having substantial hearing problems. The research went on to assess the acceptability, benefit and costs of early screening for hearing disability. The study suggests that systematic screening of people aged 55–74 could provide substantial benefit, is acceptable, cost-effective, and meets the National Screening Committee’s criteria in most respects Researchers from the MRC Hearing and Communication Group at the University of Manchester involved over 35,0... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1035553 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:26:02 +0100 1035553