Cluster randomized controlled trial of TIA electronic decision support in primary care.

Objective: To test if TIA/stroke electronic decision support in primary care improves management.

Methods: Multicenter, single-blind, parallel-group, cluster randomized, controlled trial comparing TIA/stroke electronic decision support guided management with usual care. Main outcomes were guideline adherence and 90-day stroke risk.

Tackling 'wicked' health promotion problems: a New Zealand case study.

This paper reports on a complex environmental approach to addressing 'wicked' health promotion problems devised to inform policy for enhancing food security and physical activity among Māori, Pacific and low-income people in New Zealand. This multi-phase research utilized literature reviews, focus groups, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews. Participants included members of affected communities, policy-makers and academics.

Are physical activity interventions in primary care and the community cost-effective? A systematic review of the evidence.

Background: The health and economic burden of physical inactivity is well documented. A wide range of primary care and community-based interventions are available to increase physical activity. It is important to identify which components of these interventions provide the best value for money.

Cost-effectiveness of exercise on prescription with telephone support among women in general practice over 2 years.

Aim: To assess the cost-effectiveness of exercise on prescription with ongoing support in general practice.

Methods: Prospective cost-effectiveness study undertaken as part of the 2-year Women's lifestyle study randomised controlled trial involving 1089 'less-active' women aged 40-74. The 'enhanced Green Prescription' intervention included written exercise prescription and brief advice from a primary care nurse, face-to-face follow-up at 6 months, and 9 months of telephone support.

Government paralysis? Stable tobacco prices mean preventable deaths and disease persist, along with health inequalities in New Zealand.

Tobacco affordability, prices and tobacco tax rates have considerable effects on smoking uptake, consumption, and quitting. We examined the trends in New Zealand per capita tobacco consumption and real cigarette prices from 1975-2008. Since 1984, there has been a close inverse relationship between real price and per capita tobacco consumption.

Effect of insulating existing houses on health inequality: cluster randomised study in the community.

Objective: To determine whether insulating existing houses increases indoor temperatures and improves occupants' health and wellbeing.

Design: Community based, cluster, single blinded randomised study.

Setting: Seven low income communities in New Zealand.