The benign prostatic hyperplasia registry and patient survey: study design, methods and patient baseline characteristics.

Objective: To describe the design and baseline cohort characteristics of the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Registry and Patient Survey, an ongoing, prospective, observational, disease registry documenting management practices and patient outcomes in men in the USA with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH (LUTS/BPH) in actual clinical practice settings.

Patients And Methods: Men with LUTS/BPH who were either untreated or treated with alpha(1)-adrenergic blockers (ABs), 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), a combination of these medications, or anticholinergics, and who met selection criteria, were enrolled at sites throughout the USA. At each visit, standardized forms and validated questionnaires were completed to assess the physicians' management practices and patients' clinical characteristics, sexual function, and health-related quality of life.

Clinical trial of an Internet-based case management system for secondary prevention of heart disease.

Purpose: Despite demonstrated benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor reduction, only 11% to 38% of eligible patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Women and older adults are particularly less likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation. In an effort to broaden access to cardiac rehabilitation, the authors developed an alternative Internet-based program that allows nurse case managers to provide risk factor management training, risk factor education, and monitoring services to patients with CVD.

Constructing an algorithm for managing type 2 diabetes. Focus on role of the thiazolidinediones.

With the understanding of type 2 diabetes mellitus constantly evolving, and with the introduction of many new agents during the past few years, it is often difficult to keep up to date with the management of type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, oral pharmacologic treatment, and proposed diabetes treatment algorithms, which aim to guide clinicians in the use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) earlier in the course of diabetes. This is important because studies indicate that sulfonylureas, biguanides, and insulin do not protect the beta cell and cannot provide sustainable glycemic control.

Process improvement approach to the care of patients with type 2 diabetes. Providing physicians with tools to increase compliance and improve outcomes.

Diabetes care relies on patient/physician-initiated programs of periodic evaluation, monitoring, and treatment interventions. Clinical practice guidelines can assist clinicians in diabetes care. To improve outcomes, these methods must be designed and implemented in a way that promotes change in physician behavior.