February coverage 2007
28 February 07 Pharma Times
Patients 'do not value' PILs: HTA report
Most patients do not value the patient information leaflets (PILs) inserted in medicine packs, according to a NHS R&D Health Technology Assessment report published this week. The report is likely to prove influential: the authors presented their findings to the Commission on Human Medicines' Expert Advisory Group on Patient Information. [more]
27 February 07 Medical News Today
Most patients don't value the written information provided with prescribed or purchased medicines
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. It recommends that patients need information that is tailored to them, set in the context of their illness and containing information on both the benefits of the medicine and any side effects. The researchers also suggest that people who take medicines should be involved in the development of such information, to make sure it meets their needs. [more]
17 February 07 The Pharmaceutical Journal
Written information of little value, say patients
Patients believe the written medicines information they receive is of little value and fails to increase their knowledge, according to the results of research published this week. However, changes to the way information is now presented are likely to make it more useful. [more]
9 February 07 BMJ
Minerva - Giving women early results from a partial but rapid amniocentesis test seems to significantly reduce maternal anxiety
Practices should test more men for chlamydia, according to a major UK report on STIs. The main focus of the national chlamydia screening programme in England is on women aged 16-24 who attend contraceptive clinics. [more]
3 February 07 Medical News Today
Research investigates whether vitamin folate helps To treat depression
New research commissioned by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme is looking into whether the vitamin folate can help in the treatment of depression. One in five people experience depression during their lives and only half of these people respond to antidepressant treatment. [more]
2 February 07 The Clinical Services Journal
Endoscopy nurses are thorough
The Clinical Services Journal reports on research activity concerned with three areas: endoscopy practice, eczema in children, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) effectiveness for women who are pregnant. Research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme suggests that there is little difference between nurses and doctors in performing diagnostic endoscopy – but that endoscopy conducted by doctors is likely to be more cost-effective. Nurses conducting diagnostic endoscopy are notably thorough. [more]
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