Trials
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on outcomes in patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a major public health problem worldwide because of its high and increasing prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Little attention has been paid to earlier stages of COPD or before it has developed. Reportedly, TCM may have some advantages in relieving symptoms and reducing the incidence of COPD exacerbations. We postulate that patients with COPD will benefit from therapy with TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation. ⋯ We postulate that patients with COPD will benefit from therapy with TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Well London program--a cluster randomized trial of community engagement for improving health behaviors and mental wellbeing: baseline survey results.
The Well London program used community engagement, complemented by changes to the physical and social neighborhood environment, to improve physical activity levels, healthy eating, and mental wellbeing in the most deprived communities in London. The effectiveness of Well London is being evaluated in a pair-matched cluster randomized trial (CRT). The baseline survey data are reported here. ⋯ Randomization of social interventions such as Well London is acceptable and feasible and in this study the intervention and control arms are well-balanced with respect to the primary outcomes and key sociodemographic characteristics. The matched design has improved the statistical efficiency of the study amongst adults but less so amongst adolescents. Follow-up data collection will be completed 2012.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A benefit-finding intervention for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer disease: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.
Caregivers of relatives with Alzheimer's disease are highly stressed and at risk for physical and psychiatric conditions. Interventions are usually focused on providing caregivers with knowledge of dementia, skills, and/or support, to help them cope with the stress. This model, though true to a certain extent, ignores how caregiver stress is construed in the first place. Besides burden, caregivers also report rewards, uplifts, and gains, such as a sense of purpose and personal growth. Finding benefits through positive reappraisal may offset the effect of caregiving on caregiver outcomes. ⋯ The emphasis on benefits, rather than losses and difficulties, provides a new dimension to the way interventions for caregivers can be conceptualized and delivered. By focusing on the positive, caregivers may be empowered to sustain caregiving efforts in the long term despite the day-to-day challenges. The two parallel trials will provide an assessment of whether the effectiveness of the intervention depends on the mode of delivery.