International journal of clinical practice
-
The aim of this review was to outline current forms of surgical simulation and methods of assessing technical skills using these forms of simulation. To review this subject, a literature search was done using key words 'assessment', 'simulation', 'surgery', 'technical skills' and 'virtual reality'. Simulation in surgery has several forms, inorganic (synthetic & computer) and organic (animal or cadaver). ⋯ This can be achieved if the same assessment tools are used in both environments. Surgical training is entering a new era, with increased scrutiny and an evolving work and training environment. We as surgical teachers must ensure that the surgeons of the future are as competent as or better than their predecessors using these new modes of training which we have access to.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2007
ReviewMaximising antihypertensive effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers with thiazide diuretic combination therapy: focus on irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
Evidence-based guidelines for the management of hypertension are now well established. Studies have shown that more than 60% of patients with hypertension will require two or more drugs to achieve current treatment targets. ⋯ These data indicate that the ARB/HCTZ combination has greater potency and a similar side effect profile to ARB monotherapy and represents a highly effective approach for attaining goal BP levels using a therapeutic strategy that very effectively lowers BP, is well tolerated and minimises diuretic-induced metabolic effects.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2007
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in treatment refractory patients with various neuropathic pain entities in clinical routine.
Conventional approaches to the management of neuropathic pain (NeP) often yield unsatisfactory results. We aimed to investigate pregabalin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-analogue, in a wide range of pregabalin naive patients with treatment refractory NeP. ⋯ Our findings suggest that pregabalin is an effective and well-tolerated drug in difficult-to-treat NeP patients under daily clinical practice conditions. A flexible dosing approach appears appropriate to ensure patient compliance and treatment success.
-
Obesity is fast becoming the major cause of premature death in the developed world. The rising prevalence of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities also elevates healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. ⋯ However, the current pharmaceutical treatment available to combat this epidemic remains limited. We review the efficacy and pharmacology of the anti-obesity agents currently used in clinical practice as well as some of the potential agents in phase II and III trials.
-
This was a study of 30 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to assess the ease of use and preference of four dry powder inhalers -- accuhaler, aerolizer, handihaler, turbohaler -- the accuhaler and turbohaler are multidose devices, whereas the aerolizer and handihaler are single dose devices. ⋯ In COPD patients starting on dry powder inhalers, multidose devices appear to be preferred, have fewer problems and are easier to use effectively.