Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in Norway. An increasing incidence is observed. CRC develops from benign adenomas in the colon over a long time. This paper reviews the evidence for drug prevention and screening for CRC. ⋯ Acetylsalicylic-acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 inhibitors are shown to reduce adenoma growth, but it remains uncertain whether these drugs reduce the incidence of CRC. The drugs are associated with serious side-effects. Drug-prevention of CRC can therefore not be recommended. Faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is the only CRC screening method where randomised trials have shown to effectively reduce CRC mortality. FOBT has no effect on CRC incidence and reduced compliance and effect have been observed over time. Endoscopic screening has a potentially larger effect, and can theoretically prevent CRC, but high quality studies are needed. Data from randomised trials are awaited for sigmoidoscopy screening. Colonoscopy screening has not been subjected to randomised trials and can thus not be recommended for population-based screening.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Oct 2007
Comparative Study[Workers' perceptions of safety culture at a hospital].
Little is known about the quality of work practices regarding patient safety and the safety culture as such in the Norwegian health care services. ⋯ The results indicate a need to improve safety culture and patient safety in Norwegian health care.
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Sedation of terminally ill patients is a debated issue. The prescription of sedative drugs to dying patients in a Norwegian unit for palliative care has been studied. ⋯ Drugs that may reduce consciousness are often prescribed to dying patients. As long as the aim is to reduce specific symptoms, this is a natural part of palliative treatment. Documentation with specification for the aim of the treatment is mandatory. This is especially important when consciousness is reduced.