The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Prevalence of treatment-resistant depression in primary care: cross-sectional data.
Antidepressants are often the first-line treatment for depression in primary care. However, not all patients respond to medication after an adequate dose and duration of treatment. Currently, there are no estimates of the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) from UK primary care. ⋯ The high prevalence of TRD is an important challenge facing clinicians in UK primary care. A more proactive approach to managing this patient population is required to improve outcome.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
'Someone batting in my corner': experiences of smoking-cessation support via text message.
The txt2stop trial demonstrated that smoking-cessation support delivered by text message doubles biochemically verified abstinence at 6 months. There was no significant heterogeneity in any of the pre-specified subgroups. ⋯ Although the intervention did stimulate craving in some participants at some times, recipients reported that it also provided emotional support and reinforcement at temporally appropriate moments. It was successful at helping people to quit smoking but could be used together with other forms of smoking-cessation support.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Patient self-monitoring of blood pressure and self-titration of medication in primary care: the TASMINH2 trial qualitative study of health professionals' experiences.
Self-monitoring with self-titration of antihypertensives leads to reduced blood pressure. Patients are keen on self-monitoring but little is known about healthcare professional views. ⋯ Health professionals wanted more patient involvement in hypertension care but needed a framework to work within. Consideration of how to train patients to measure blood pressure and how home readings become part of their care is required before self-monitoring and self-titration can be implemented widely. As home monitoring becomes more widespread, the development of patient self-management, including self-titration of medication, should follow but this may take time to achieve.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Flurbiprofen microgranules for relief of sore throat: a randomised, double-blind trial.
Many people with sore throat seek, and are often inappropriately prescribed, antibiotics. ⋯ Microgranules containing flurbiprofen 8.75 mg provided fast and effective relief from sore throat due to URTI and represent an alternative treatment option to antibiotic therapy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Reducing the time before consulting with symptoms of lung cancer: a randomised controlled trial in primary care.
Most individuals with lung cancer have symptoms for several months before presenting to their GP. Earlier consulting may improve survival. ⋯ Behavioural intervention in primary care shortened the time individuals at high risk of lung disease intended to take before consulting with new chest symptoms (the secondary outcome of the study), but increases in consultation rates and the proportions of consultations within target times were not statistically significant.