International journal of evidence-based healthcare
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Sep 2011
ReviewA systematic review of the effectiveness of primary health education or intervention programs in improving rural women's knowledge of heart disease risk factors and changing lifestyle behaviours.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability for women in Australia. Women living in rural areas are at greater risk of heart disease, because of limited access and availability of healthcare in rural areas. Lifestyle is a major determinant to the risk of heart disease. Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diet, physical activity and alcohol intake can be controlled or modified by lifestyle changes. As heart disease develops over many years, women need to be following healthy lifestyle practices and reduce their chance of a first or recurrent heart attack. ⋯ The results of this review suggest that in rural areas, lifestyle interventions delivered by primary care providers in primary care settings to patients at low risk appeared to be of marginal benefit. Resources and time in primary care might be better spent on patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with diabetes or existing heart disease.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Sep 2011
ReviewAnxiety in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment: a systematic review.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and anxiety is a psychological morbidity that is inevitable. Many researchers have investigated the prevalence and detrimental effects of anxiety in breast cancer treatment, but little is known about differences in anxiety level among women receiving different breast cancer treatments. A systematic review of all available literature was needed to attain better understanding of anxiety in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. ⋯ The prevalence and intensity of anxiety have been shown to be pronounced among breast cancer women who were undergoing/had undergone one or more of the three treatments. Chemotherapy, as compared to other treatments, is shown to be associated with a higher anxiety level. With the prevalence, intensity and correlated factors of anxiety identified through this review, future research may investigate the interventions that could help alleviate anxiety among these patients. Anxiety is prevalent in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to identify signs of anxiety in patients and design interventions to help alleviate it earlier.
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Int J Evid Based Healthc · Sep 2011
Evaluating the role and value of a national office to coordinate Liverpool Care Pathway implementation in New Zealand.
New Zealand is one of 20 countries implementing the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) to improve quality care of the dying. The LCP is an integrated care pathway that guides healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-based, best practice care to dying patients and their families in the last days and hours of life, irrespective of diagnosis or care setting. Currently the LCP Central Team coordinates LCP implementation and dissemination for all international collaborating countries except New Zealand, from its base in Liverpool in the UK. With the support of the LCP Central Team, New Zealand is the first country to establish a National Office to assume the responsibility for promoting the sustainable implementation of the LCP within its own borders and context of end-of-life care. ⋯ Having a National LCP Office in New Zealand to coordinate sustainable LCP implementation and maintain the integrity of the LCP program within the context of the country's own healthcare system was seen as crucial by key stakeholders.