Health technology assessment : HTA
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Health Technol Assess · Mar 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyVenUS III: a randomised controlled trial of therapeutic ultrasound in the management of venous leg ulcers.
To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of low-dose ultrasound delivered in conjunction with standard care against standard care alone in the treatment of hard-to-heal venous ulcers. ⋯ Low-dose ultrasound, delivered weekly during dressing changes, added to the package of current best practice (dressings, compression therapy) did not increase ulcer healing rates, affect quality of life (QoL) or reduce recurrence. It was associated with higher costs and more adverse events. There is no evidence that adding low-dose ultrasound to standard care for 'hard-to-heal' ulcers aids healing, improves QoL or reduces recurrence. It increases costs and adverse events. The relationship between ulcer healing rates and patient recruitment is worthy of further study.
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Health Technol Assess · Mar 2011
ReviewAdalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab and abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor: a systematic review and economic evaluation.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that typically causes a symmetrical chronic arthritis. Timely use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is an essential aspect of disease management, but many patients may not respond even when conventional agents are used optimally. ⋯ This study was funded by the Health Technology Assessment programme of the National Institute for Health Research.
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Health Technol Assess · Mar 2011
Processes in recruitment to randomised controlled trials of medicines for children (RECRUIT): a qualitative study.
To investigate recruitment processes across a range of clinical trials and from the perspective of parents, young people and practitioners to identify strategies to improve recruitment and its conduct across the spectrum of trials of medicines for children. ⋯ This research was commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Health Technol Assess · Feb 2011
ReviewEtanercept, infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and economic evaluation.
Etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab are licensed in the UK for the treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults who have an inadequate response to standard treatment. ⋯ The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Health Technol Assess · Feb 2011
ReviewAn evidence synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research on component intervention techniques, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, equity and acceptability of different versions of health-related lifestyle advisor role in improving health.
There is a need to identify and analyse the range of models developed to date for delivering health-related lifestyle advice (HRLA), or training, for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities in the UK, with particular reference to the reduction of inequalities. ⋯ This study was funded by the Health Technology Assessment programme of the National Institute for Health Research.