News
06 April 2008
Methods for ear wax removal evaluated
Research has been commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme to review methods for removing earwax. A build up of wax can block the ears causing difficulties with hearing in both adults and children. In the majority of cases if earwax totally blocks the ear, it may present symptoms of hearing loss, earache, tinnitus (noises in the ear), vertigo (the sensation of movement while still), or a cough.
31 March 2008
Research evaluates the effectiveness of UAE
New research published by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme suggests that Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) may provide a useful alternative to hysterectomy for the removal of fibroids. This condition can cause heavy painful periods and impair both urinary and reproductive functions. Currently, the standard treatment for fibroids is hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the womb. UAE is a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy and offers women the possibility of remaining fertile, by reducing the size of fibroids and encouraging the symptoms to disappear.
06 February 2008
Research targets best treatments for childhood Asthma
Asthma affects one in eight children in the UK. New research projects commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme, costing more than £1million, will investigate the best treatments for children with both long-term asthma and severe acute attacks of asthma.
01 February 2008
Research investigates friendly bacteria for babies
New research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme will investigate whether giving premature babies ‘friendly bacteria’ (probiotics) decreases the risk of bacterial infections.
01 February 2008
Research examines exercise in nursing homes
New research commissioned by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme, a programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), is assessing the effectiveness of a group exercise programme combined with staff training, for reducing depression in older people living in residential and nursing homes.
18 December 2007
Reminiscence groups for dementia assessed
New research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme is investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ‘reminiscence groups’ for helping people with dementia and their carers.
14 December 2007
Research evaluates newborn screening test
New research commissioned by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme, a programme of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), is investigating whether the use of pulse oximetry as a screening test for congenital heart disease, could help save the lives of more newborn babies.
30 November 2007
Steroids effective treatment for Bell’s Palsy
Research commissioned by the NIHR HTA programme suggests that early treatment of Bell’s Palsy, a type of facial paralysis, with steroids significantly improves the chances of a complete recovery.
21 November 2007
Screening systems for open angle glaucoma assessed
New research published by the HTA programme suggests that screening the general population for open angle glaucoma (OAG) would not be cost-effective, but that a system of targeted screening may be. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. OAG, the most common form of glaucoma, is without symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and treatment may reduce the burden of sight loss and consequent disability associated with the condition.
20 November 2007
New joint research programme for methodology research to be launched
The Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) have announced a new joint arrangement for methodology research following the Cooksey Review of health funding.
14 November 2007
Early screening for adult hearing impairments
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.
05 November 2007
New strategy for translational research creates new arrangements for clinical trials
The Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) have announced a new joint arrangement for clinical trials. The initiative forms a key part of the developing MRC-NIHR joint strategy for translational research.
30 October 2007
Landmark 400th journal published
The NIHR HTA programme has published the 400th edition of its internationally acclaimed journal series, Health Technology Assessment.
16 October 2007
Largest trial of epilepsy drugs publishes findings
A ground breaking trial of drug treatments for epilepsy has today published its full results. The findings of the trial, commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme, suggest that a newer drug, lamotrigine is clinically superior to the existing drug of first choice for the treatment of partial epilepsy, while an older drug, valproate is better than new for treatment of generalised seizures. Epilepsy is a common disorder affecting up to 1% of the population.
15 October 2007
NIHR Fellowship scheme launched
The NIHR HTA programme’s sister organisation, the Research Capacity Development (RCD) programme, has announced the launch of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Fellowship scheme.
3 October 2007
International trauma trial could save thousands of lives
In a world first, a UK-coordinated clinical trial involving up to 20,000 patients across the globe is testing a new way of stopping blood loss in patients who have suffered a major injury (trauma). Trauma is the second biggest cause of death in young people worldwide, claiming about three million lives each year.
19 September 2007
Treatments for menorrhagia evaluated
New research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme is investigating the effectiveness of alternative types of treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), with the aim of developing a treatment pathway to help doctors decide about the best course of treatment for patients.
News feeds