International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2008
The coming of age of a joint elderly medicine-psychiatric ward: 18 years' experience.
There is a large population of elderly medical inpatients with co-existent medical and mental health disorders who pose a significant management challenge for medical, nursing and allied staff. Our hospital has a joint elderly medicine-psychiatry unit to cater for this patient group; this article reviews how this unit was set up and presents a representative sample of inpatients. ⋯ A joint elderly medicine-old age psychiatry ward provides a high standard of care for elderly patients with co-existent physical and mental health needs. We hope that the information presented in this article will be of use to those hoping to set up a similar unit in their own hospitals.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEffects of oxybutynin transdermal system on health-related quality of life and safety in men with overactive bladder and prostate conditions.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is common in men and may exist concomitantly with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and obstruction. We present a subanalysis of results from men with OAB in a 6-month, open-label study of treatment with the oxybutynin transdermal system (OXY-TDS). Broad entry criteria were incorporated to yield a clinically representative population. ⋯ Oxybutynin transdermal system treatment of men with OAB was effective and well tolerated, regardless of history of prostate condition.
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The aim of this review was to outline current forms of surgical simulation and methods of assessing technical skills using these forms of simulation. To review this subject, a literature search was done using key words 'assessment', 'simulation', 'surgery', 'technical skills' and 'virtual reality'. Simulation in surgery has several forms, inorganic (synthetic & computer) and organic (animal or cadaver). ⋯ This can be achieved if the same assessment tools are used in both environments. Surgical training is entering a new era, with increased scrutiny and an evolving work and training environment. We as surgical teachers must ensure that the surgeons of the future are as competent as or better than their predecessors using these new modes of training which we have access to.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2007
ReviewMaximising antihypertensive effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers with thiazide diuretic combination therapy: focus on irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
Evidence-based guidelines for the management of hypertension are now well established. Studies have shown that more than 60% of patients with hypertension will require two or more drugs to achieve current treatment targets. ⋯ These data indicate that the ARB/HCTZ combination has greater potency and a similar side effect profile to ARB monotherapy and represents a highly effective approach for attaining goal BP levels using a therapeutic strategy that very effectively lowers BP, is well tolerated and minimises diuretic-induced metabolic effects.