Comparative effectiveness analysis of anticoagulant strategies in a large observational database of percutaneous coronary interventions.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most commonly used procedure for coronary revascularization. There are multiple adjuvant anticoagulation strategies available. In this era of cost containment, we performed a comparative effectiveness analysis of clinical outcomes and cost of the major anticoagulant strategies across all types of PCI procedures in a large observational database.

Keys to engaging clinicians in clinical IT.

Suggestions for gaining active participation of clinicians in the design and implementation of a clinical IT system include: Selecting open and easy-to-use systems, Gaining organization-wide buy in, Successfully articulating the benefits of these technologies for both patients and the organization.

A blueprint for assessing public support of citywide smoke-free legislation.

The tracking of public opinion can be a critical component of antitobacco campaigns, such as efforts to enact citywide Clean Indoor Air legislation. Grassroots tobacco control coalitions that work locally to promote smoke-free environments typically encompass individuals from a wide range of public health fields. Although knowledgeable, volunteer groups lack the financial resources to evaluate the impact of local efforts or determine their community's level of support for potential legislation.

Evaluation of involuntary weight loss.

Preview When a patient presents with involuntary weight loss, the etiologic considerations can be overwhelming. To plan a cost- effective workup, physicians need to be aware of the most common causes of weight loss and the tests that yield the most pertinent data. Drs Wise and Craig review the clinical studies on unintentional weight loss and suggest an initial approach to management.