BMJ : British medical journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Randomised controlled trial of a short course of traditional acupuncture compared with usual care for persistent non-specific low back pain.
To determine whether a short course of traditional acupuncture improves longer term outcomes for patients with persistent non-specific low back pain in primary care. ⋯ Weak evidence was found of an effect of acupuncture on persistent non-specific low back pain at 12 months, but stronger evidence of a small benefit at 24 months. Referral to a qualified traditional acupuncturist for a short course of treatment seems safe and acceptable to patients with low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture care for persistent low back pain: cost effectiveness analysis.
To evaluate the cost effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent non-specific low back pain. ⋯ A short course of traditional acupuncture for persistent non-specific low back pain in primary care confers a modest health benefit for minor extra cost to the NHS compared with usual care. Acupuncture care for low back pain seems to be cost effective in the longer term.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Immediate computed tomography or admission for observation after mild head injury: cost comparison in randomised controlled trial.
To compare the costs of immediate computed tomography during triage for admission with those of observation in hospital in patients with mild head injury. ⋯ Patients with mild head injury attending an emergency department can be managed more cost effectively with computed tomography rather than admission for observation in hospital.