Lack of benefit of a primary care-based nurse-led education programme for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest cause of locomotor disability and forms a major element of the workload of the primary care team. There is evidence that patient education may improve quality of life, physical functioning, mental health and coping as well as reducing health service use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a primary care-based patient education programme (PEP) using a randomised controlled trial.

Primary care-based evaluation of patient education for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Primary healthcare research in the UK has expanded in conjunction with the wider agenda of a primary care led National Health Service (NHS). This reflects international reconsideration of the place of primary healthcare within national healthcare systems. However the role and standing of research in primary care tends to be marginal and less influential than that originating in research establishments or medical schools pursuing biomedical investigations.

Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring of gentamicin in the elderly.

Gentamicin is frequently used in elderly patients as serious infection, particularly Gram-negative bacilli, remains one of the major health problems experienced by this age group. A number of physiological changes in drug disposition occur with ageing and potentially these can affect gentamicin pharmacokinetics. In particular, there is a measurable decline in renal function, especially after the aged of 65.

Evaluation of education for people with osteoarthritis of the knee: recruitment and retention issues in study design.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often disabling condition affecting older adults. Treatment using anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often contributes to morbidity ( 1 ). It is a common reason for people seeking help from primary care ( 2 ).

Effect of oral levodopa treatment on articulatory function in Parkinson's disease: preliminary results.

To quantify lip function in 16 patients with Parkinson's disease, a computerized semiconductor lip pressure transducer system was used prior to subjects being administered oral levodopa and at approximately 0.5 hr, 1.5 hr, and 3.