News archive
07 September 2007
Welcome to the new-look HTA website
Welcome to the new-look HTA website! The new site provides all the existing services provided by the HTA programme, including detailed project information and search facilities. In addition, we hope that new features such as a ‘what’s related’ section, a rolling ‘latest news’ bar, and a logical and intuitive site structure will make it easier for you to use and enjoy our site.
17 August 2007
NHS Stop Smoking Services assessed
New research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme will review the effectiveness of relapse prevention strategies provided by NHS Stop Smoking Services to help those who have quit smoking from re-starting.
1 August 2007
New heart attack test assessed
New research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme is investigating a new blood test for helping diagnose or rule out heart attacks. Acute chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency hospital admissions. Many cases are eventually found to be due to causes other than heart attack, but current tests are often unable to rule out heart attack quickly and the patient has to be admitted to hospital before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
24 July 2007
HTA research investigates language therapy for children
New research published by the NIHR HTA programme suggests that well trained, well supported and well motivated speech and language therapy assistants can act as effective surrogates for speech and language therapists in delivering cost-effective services to children with primary language impairment.
27 June 2007
Health Technology Assessment's influence confirmed by latest impact factors
The influence and impact of Health Technology Assessment, the journal of the HTA programme, has been confirmed in the latest published impact factors. The 2006 impact factor is 5.29, the first it has received, and ranks the journal in the top 10% of medical and health-related journals.
19 June 2007
BMJ publishes HTA-funded review
HTA-funded research published in the BMJ on the 4 June 2007 has reviewed the effectiveness of different diagnostic tests for lower limb peripheral arterial disease.
18 June 2007
NHS research evaluates treated catheters
New research commissioned by the NIHR HTA programme aims to find out which is the best type of urethral catheter for reducing urinary tract infections in hospital patients.
7 June 2007
NHS research targets breastfeeding in special care units
New research commissioned by the NIHR HTA programme will investigate the best ways to encourage mothers whose babies are in special and intensive care units to breastfeed.
29 May 2007
Research investigates link between blood sugar levels and reduction in child deaths in ICUs
New research funded by the NIHR HTA programme will investigate whether controlling the blood sugar levels of children in intensive care helps reduce deaths and serious complications.
14 May 2007
Research investigates exercise referral
New research published by the NIHR HTA programme suggests that GP referral for exercise classes, community-based walking, and advice on increasing physical activity may be equally effective methods to help people at risk of cardiovascular disease to improve their levels of physical activity in the short term.
26 March 2007
Research finds newer drug for partial epilepsy is superior, but old tops new for generalised seizures
New research commissioned by the NIHR HTA programme suggests that a newer drug for treatment of partial epilepsy is clinically superior to the existing drug of first choice for the condition, while an older drug is better than new for treatment of generalised seizures.
21 March 2007
New research investigates recruitment of children to clinical trials
New HTA research is investigating ways to improve the recruitment of children to clinical trials.
13 March 2007
Trial targets treatment for prostate cancer
As Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (19 – 25 March) highlights the most common cancer of men in the UK, the largest ever global trial in the area of prostate cancer is investigating the best treatments for the disease.
13 March 2007
Major chlamydia study publishes results
One of the largest studies to investigate screen ing for chlamydia has published its full results.
27 February 2007
Research investigates written information for patients
New research published by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme suggests that most patients do not value the written information provided with prescribed or purchased medicines and feel it doesn't meet their needs.
26 January 2007
Research investigates whether vitamin helps to treat depression
New research commissioned by the NIHR HTA programme is looking into whether the vitamin folate can help in the treatment of depression.
22 January 2007
Early test results reduce maternal anxiety
18 January 2007
Research targets smoking in pregnancy
13 December 2006
Research topics advertised
13 December 2006
HTA programme welcomes treasury report
11 December 2006
Trial investigates self treatment for verrucae
08 December 2006
Water softeners for child eczema assessed
29 November 2006
US news service promotes HTA
28 November 2006
Algorithms for diagnosing abdominal pain
6 October 2006
Simple test for strep throat assessed
26 September 2006
PAC offers no benefit for patients, according to new research
12 September 2006
New research to examine effectiveness of antidepressants for depression in dementia
23 August 2006
US news service promotes HTA
7 August 2006
Major chlamydia study set to publish
20 July 2006
HTA research headlines Times supplement
12 July 2006
Public Health in NHS reasearch spotlight
28 June 2006
Pressure ulcers trial to publish
12 June 2006
Research investigates screening for anal cancer
25 May 2006
US news service promotes HTA
25 May 2006
New information leaflets
23 May 2006
Best testing strategy for DVT identified
19 May 2006
HTA supports International Clinical Trials Day
17 May 2006
NIHR launches website
17 May 2006
Imaging assessment
15 March 2006
NHS to fund more clinical trials
3 March 2006
Health minister visits HTA programme
3 February 2006
GI protection best for all NSAID patients
31 January 2006
European Network for HTA starts work
30 January 2006
HTA funding set to increase
17 January 2006
HTA editorial in BMJ
16 January 2006
Major chlamydia study publishes results
28 November 2005
Lancet publication for HTA-funded BASIL trial
18 November 2005
Positive effects of CBT eroded over time
10 November 2005
Critical incidents guide puts spotlight on patient safety
31 October 2005
Shared care for rheumatoid arthritis
Hospital visits for patients with stable established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could be reduced according to new research commissioned by the HTA programme.
11 October 2005
Landmark 300th monograph published
11 October 2005
HTA hosts first biennial event
6 October 2005
Personal Award Scheme
16 September 2005
Liver disease support for GPs
7 September 2005
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