A laser eye procedure can be effective and safe if used early as treatment for glaucoma
Using a laser to improve drainage of fluid within the eye showed similar results to eye drops as a first-line treatment for adults with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (raised pressure in the eye). It improved vision without increasing the risk of adverse events. It was preferred by patients and also associated with lower ...
Iron deficiency in people with chronic kidney disease can be managed with either oral or IV therapy
For people with chronic kidney disease who are also iron deficient, intravenous iron improves haemoglobin levels and iron stores faster than oral iron. However, the evidence is inconclusive about whether it influences survival, cardiovascular death, or quality of life. Adverse effects and such as allergic reactions or gastrointestinal side effects and other practicalities are likely ...
Centralising stroke services can save lives
Changing access to more specialised stroke centre care in one city (London) was estimated to save an additional 96 lives per year (1%) compared to the reductions occurring in the rest of England. These improvements were sustained over time. Other cities did well on quality of care indicators, including time to admission in a stroke ...
Decision support tools can help GPs reduce antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory conditions
A 12% reduction in GP antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory conditions was achieved through the use of electronic decision and training tools. This reduction did not increase the risk of serious infections compared to usual care. The low-cost intervention in this large NIHR-funded trial included a short training webinar for GPs and feedback on their practice’s ...
A traditional implant is as effective as more expensive newer types for people over 65 having a hip replacement
A commonly used, cheaper implant used in total hip replacement surgery is as effective as more expensive options for over-65s, a new study has found. A range of prosthetic implants is used for hip replacement, including newer and more expensive options, with different surface materials and some that do not require cement. They may wear ...
Smartphones may help people with diabetes manage their condition better
People with type 2 diabetes using smartphone apps or message services feel more confident about their ability to manage their condition, are more likely to engage in self-care activities and have a better quality of life. Smartphone self-management technologies can be split into two main types: applications where users can record data and view information, ...
Partial knee replacements have some short-term advantages compared to total knee replacements
Replacing one side of the knee, unicompartmental knee replacement, may result in shorter hospital stays, fewer short-term complications, faster recovery and better knee function than total knee replacements. However, about 8% need revision by five years - about two to three times the rate with total knee replacements. People with pain and immobility from osteoarthritis ...
Goal-setting can help people with early-stage dementia improve function
Goal-setting as part of cognitive rehabilitation delivered by occupational therapists helped people with early dementia progress towards independence in daily tasks, with benefits lasting for nine months. This approach focuses on the everyday tasks needing concentration and memory and prioritising those that matter most to individuals, from using the cooker or answering the phone. The ...
Treating asymptomatic MRSA on discharge from hospital reduces risk of later infection
Use of medicated creams, mouthwash and body wash for six months after discharge from hospital led to a 30% lower risk of MRSA infection, compared with basic hygiene education. This study was carried out in the USA using 2,121 adults who had tested positive for MRSA in hospital, but who had no symptoms. Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus ...
Better care of deteriorating patients has reduced US mortality after surgery
Improved management of deteriorating patients with surgical complications has reduced the number of deaths in US hospitals rather than it being due to fewer complications. Over the past 10 years, complication rates have remained fairly similar. It is the reduction in 'failure to rescue' that has made the main difference in mortality. It is unclear if ...
NIHR is the nation's largest funder of health and care research and provides the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive. NIHR Evidence is managed by NIHR with a funding contribution from Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government.
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