Plasma transfusions prior to lumbar punctures and epidural catheters for people with abnormal coagulation
Abstract Background The insertion of a lumbar puncture needle or epidural catheter may be associated with peri- and post-procedural bleeding. People who require this procedure may have disorders of coagulation as a result of their underlying illness, co-morbidities or the effects of treatment. Clinical practice in some institutions is to mitigate the risk of bleeding […]
Pharmacological treatment for antipsychotic-related constipation
Abstract Background Antipsychotic-related constipation is a common and serious adverse effect, especially for people taking clozapine. Clozapine has been shown to impede gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation, and has been reported in up to 60% of patients receiving clozapine. In rare cases, complications can be fatal. Appropriate laxatives should be prescribed to treat constipation in […]
Training interventions for improving telephone consultation skills in clinicians
Abstract Background Since 1879, the year of the first documented medical telephone consultation, the ability to consult by telephone has become an integral part of modern patient-centred healthcare systems. Nowadays, up to a quarter of all care consultations are conducted by telephone. Studies have quantified the impact of medical telephone consultation on clinicians’ workload and […]
Interventions for preventing abuse in the elderly
Abstract Background Maltreatment of older people (elder abuse) includes psychological, physical, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Evidence suggests that 10% of older adults experience some form of abuse, and only a fraction of cases are actually reported or referred to social services agencies. Elder abuse is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. Numerous […]
Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid substance use disorder
Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that may develop after exposure to traumatic events. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a behavioural disorder in which the use of one or more substances is associated with heightened levels of distress, clinically significant impairment of functioning, or both. PTSD and SUD frequently […]
Strategies designed to help healthcare professionals to recruit participants to research studies
Abstract Background Identifying and approaching eligible participants for recruitment to research studies usually relies on healthcare professionals. This process is sometimes hampered by deliberate or inadvertent gatekeeping that can introduce bias into patient selection. Objectives Our primary objective was to identify and assess the effect of strategies designed to help healthcare professionals to recruit participants […]
Decision aids for people considering taking part in clinical trials
Abstract Background Several interventions have been developed to promote informed consent for participants in clinical trials. However, many of these interventions focus on the content and structure of information (e.g. enhanced information or changes to the presentation format) rather than the process of decision making. Patient decision aids support a decision making process about medical […]
Pharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders in adults
Abstract Background Somatoform disorders are characterised by chronic, medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). Although different medications are part of treatment routines for people with somatoform disorders in clinics and private practices, there exists no systematic review or meta-analysis on the efficacy and tolerability of these medications. We aimed to synthesise to improve optimal treatment decisions. […]
Non-pharmacological interventions for somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) in adults
Abstract Background Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are physical symptoms for which no adequate medical explanation can be found after proper examination. The presence of MUPS is the key feature of conditions known as ‘somatoform disorders’. Various psychological and physical therapies have been developed to treat somatoform disorders and MUPS. Although there are several reviews […]