Aust Prescr
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The important first step in the critical appraisal of a randomised trial is not an evaluation of the statistical analyses. The most important aspect to consider when reviewing a study of a new drug is the appropriateness and quality of the trial design and methods The next most important aspect is the effect size of different treatments and its clinical significance. Rather than reporting statistical significance, studies should report the difference between treatments and its precision Over-reliance on statistical significance and p values may lead to incorrect conclusions. Trial reports about drugs should therefore avoid the term statistical significance and quote p values with caution.
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Most patients with dementia have behavioural and psychological symptoms. The first-line treatments for these symptoms are not drugs, but behavioural and psychological interventions Antipsychotic drugs are widely prescribed for people living with dementia. ⋯ Trials of deprescribing are therefore recommended Behaviours should be seen as symptoms that have an underlying cause. Treatment should target these causes, rather than the resultant behaviours.