British medical bulletin
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British medical bulletin · Jun 2017
ReviewThe effectiveness of prolotherapy in treating knee osteoarthritis in adults: a systematic review.
Osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to symptoms such as pain, stiffness and decreased function. OA is treated with a wide range of modalities, both conservatively and surgically. Prolotherapy has been used to treat various musculoskeletal problems and has shown some promise. ⋯ Future research should focus on larger sample size, standardization of treatment protocol and basic science evidence.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2017
ReviewImplementing electronic records in NHS secondary care organizations in England: policy and progress since 1998.
A number of different policies have aimed to introduce electronic records into National Health Service (NHS) secondary care organizations in England over recent years. There has been little formal attempt to explore the overall impact of these policies (as opposed to evaluations of individual initiatives) and how they have developed and progressed over time. ⋯ Research exploring the costs and benefits of different approaches to introducing electronic records is needed.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2017
ReviewFunctional assessment of thoracic aortic aneurysms - the future of risk prediction?
Treatment guidelines for the thoracic aorta concentrate on size, yet acute aortic dissection or rupture can occur when aortic size is below intervention criteria. Functional imaging and computational techniques are a means of assessing haemodynamic parameters involved in aortic pathology. ⋯ With further validation, functional assessment of the aorta may help identify patients at risk of aortic complications, and introduce new haemodynamic indices into management guidelines.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2017
ReviewMeasuring maternal mortality: a systematic review of methods used to obtain estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in low- and middle-income countries.
The new global target for maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is a ratio below 70 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030. We undertook a systematic review of methods used to measure MMR in low- and middle-income countries. ⋯ Based on the strengths and feasibility of application, RAMOS may provide reliable and contemporaneous estimates of MMR while civil registration systems are being introduced. It will be important to build capacity for this and ensure implementation research to understand what works where and how.