NHS Health Check Programme: a qualitative study of prison experience.

Background: NHS Health Checks began in England in 2009 and were subsequently introduced into English prisons. Uptake has been patchy and there is limited understanding about factors that may limit or enhance uptake in prison settings. Uptake of this programme is a key policy in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in these settings.

A precise measurement of the magnetic field in the corona of the black hole binary V404 Cygni.

Observations of binary stars containing an accreting black hole or neutron star often show x-ray emission extending to high energies (>10 kilo--electron volts), which is ascribed to an accretion disk corona of energetic particles akin to those seen in the solar corona. Despite their ubiquity, the physical conditions in accretion disk coronae remain poorly constrained. Using simultaneous infrared, optical, x-ray, and radio observations of the Galactic black hole system V404 Cygni, showing a rapid synchrotron cooling event in its 2015 outburst, we present a precise 461 ± 12 gauss magnetic field measurement in the corona.

Investigation into different skin conditions in certain occupations.

The aim of this study was to establish whether those working in certain occupations had skin with a Lower moisture content than would be considered normaL. Skin moisture levels were measured as well as visual assessment. Results indicated that all occupational groups studied had skin that was less well hydrated than would be considered normal, although there were significant inter-individual variations within any one group.

Management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: how cost-effective are glycoprotein IIb/IIIA antagonists in the UK National Health Service?

Background: The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (GPAs) represent a new class of drugs to prevent platelet aggregation in the acute treatment of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Systematic reviews have identified serious limitations in published cost-effectiveness analyses, including a lack of UK-specific studies and an absence of studies comparing different protocols for the use of GPAs.

Methods: A model was developed to assess the cost effectiveness of a variety of protocols employing GPAs for patients presenting with NSTE-ACS in the UK.

Patients' satisfaction and quality of life in coronary artery disease.

Objectives: To assess satisfaction of survivors of coronary artery diseases (CAD) with healthcare services and to determine whether specific components of standard health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessment tools might identify areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Method: A specific tool developed to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare needs was administered concomitantly with generic and specific HRQL instruments, on 242 patients with CAD, admitted to an acute coronary unit during a single year.

Results: 92.

Is quality of life measurement likely to be a proxy for health needs assessment in patients with coronary artery disease?

Background: The identification of patients' health needs is pivotal in optimising the quality of health care, increasing patient satisfaction and directing resource allocation. Health needs are complex and not so easily evaluated as health-related quality of life (HRQL), which is becoming increasingly accepted as a means of providing a more global, patient-orientated assessment of the outcome of health care interventions than the simple medical model. The potential of HRQL as a surrogate measure of healthcare needs has not been evaluated.

Need for redefining needs.

Defining needs is difficult due to the inherent complexity of the concept of 'need', so it is not surprising that numerous definitions have been proposed. 'Health' consists of a wide range of characteristics so 'health needs' ought to include personal and social care, health care, accommodation, finance, education, employment and leisure, transport and access. Target-driven standards in areas of health care with a high political profile appear to be replacing the concept of universal provision and clinical need; this major change in clinical care warrants a re-evaluation of health care outcomes.

Unmet health needs in patients with coronary heart disease: implications and potential for improvement in caring services.

Background: Improving the quality of health care services requires tailoring facilities to fulfil patients' needs. Satisfying patients' healthcare needs, listening to patients' opinions and building a closer provider-user partnership are central to the NHS. Few published studies have discussed cardiovascular patients' health needs, but they are not comprehensive and fail to explore the contribution of outcome to needs assessment.