Effective clinical practice : ECP
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Enhanced access to primary care for patients with congestive heart failure. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group on Primary Care and Hospital Readmission.
To determine whether enhanced access to primary care affects the diagnostic evaluation, pharmacologic management, or health outcomes of patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ Compliance with recommended CHF testing and treatment guidelines was equally high in both study groups. Enhanced access to primary care did not improve patients' self-reported health status and was associated with more frequent hospitalizations.
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Comparative Study
Medical versus surgical treatment for low back pain: evidence and clinical practice.
Although low back pain is one of the most common health problems, it is still difficult to choose between surgical and medical treatment. ⋯ The literature comparing the efficacy of surgical and medical treatment for low back pain is limited. Not surprisingly, the use of surgery for low back pain varies widely across the United States. To establish clinical consensus, we need better evidence about the efficacy of surgery.