Arch Intern Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cost-effectiveness of B-type natriuretic peptide testing in patients with acute dyspnea.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a quantitative marker of heart failure that seems to be helpful in its diagnosis. ⋯ Testing of BNP is cost-effective in patients with acute dyspnea.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Lowering the threshold for discussions of domestic violence: a randomized controlled trial of computer screening.
Women experiencing domestic violence (DV) frequent health care settings, but DV is rarely identified. ⋯ Computer screening for DV increased but did not guarantee that DV would be addressed during ED encounters. Nonetheless, it is likely that low-cost interventions that allow patients the opportunity to self-disclose can be used to improve detection of DV.
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Comment Letter Comparative Study
Breast cancer prevention: time for randomized controlled trials with statins.
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The role of clinical pharmacists in the care of hospitalized patients has evolved over time, with increased emphasis on collaborative care and patient interaction. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the published literature on the effects of interventions by clinical pharmacists on processes and outcomes of care in hospitalized adults. ⋯ The addition of clinical pharmacist services in the care of inpatients generally resulted in improved care, with no evidence of harm. Interacting with the health care team on patient rounds, interviewing patients, reconciling medications, and providing patient discharge counseling and follow-up all resulted in improved outcomes. Future studies should include multiple sites, larger sample sizes, reproducible interventions, and identification of patient-specific factors that lead to improved outcomes.