The New Zealand medical journal
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Comparative Study
The use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.
To investigate the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) with recuperating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. To study prevalence rates and changes in clinically relevant anxiety and depression during rehabilitation. ⋯ Clinically relevant anxiety, indicated by higher HADS scores, was more common in patients with severe COPD, a past history of anxiety or depression and females. Anxiety and total mood improved during inpatient rehabilitation. The use of this instrument with New Zealand COPD patients may improve identification and treatment of anxious and depressed patients.
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To describe the Wellington Neurosurgical Unit's recent experience of managing tuberculosis between January 1998 and January 2001. ⋯ The number of patients presenting with neurotuberculosis appears to have increased recently in the Wellington region. The high proportion of paradoxical progression in our series is unusual. Neurosurgical intervention may be required for diagnosis, to treat hydrocephalus, or to relieve mass effect. Management is prolonged and often complex, and close co-operation is required between the neurosurgical team and a physician experienced in the management of tuberculosis.
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To acquaint New Zealand doctorsabout nurse telephone triage using call centre technology, and to report the activities of Healthline, a pilot call centre telephone triage project in New Zealand. ⋯ Healthline is providing a safe and acceptable primary care triage service in its pilot regions and appears to be meeting its first objective of providing timely and appropriate access to health advice and services.