The New Zealand medical journal
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To estimate the burden of visual impairment attributable to smoking in New Zealand. ⋯ Smoking is a major cause of untreatable visual impairment and also a significant reason for cataract surgery in New Zealand. There is a need for more intensive tobacco control activities in New Zealand.
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To describe the Wellington Neurosurgical Unit's recent experience of managing tuberculosis between January 1998 and January 2001. ⋯ The number of patients presenting with neurotuberculosis appears to have increased recently in the Wellington region. The high proportion of paradoxical progression in our series is unusual. Neurosurgical intervention may be required for diagnosis, to treat hydrocephalus, or to relieve mass effect. Management is prolonged and often complex, and close co-operation is required between the neurosurgical team and a physician experienced in the management of tuberculosis.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Do preformatted charts improve doctors' documentation in a rural hospital emergency department? A prospective trial.
To determine if the introduction of preformatted patient record charts improved documentation by doctors in a rural emergency department. ⋯ A structured proforma does improve documentation. However, the improvement is small and further studies are required before use of preformatted patient records for the undifferentiated emergency department patients can be recommended.
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Comparative Study
The use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.
To investigate the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) with recuperating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. To study prevalence rates and changes in clinically relevant anxiety and depression during rehabilitation. ⋯ Clinically relevant anxiety, indicated by higher HADS scores, was more common in patients with severe COPD, a past history of anxiety or depression and females. Anxiety and total mood improved during inpatient rehabilitation. The use of this instrument with New Zealand COPD patients may improve identification and treatment of anxious and depressed patients.