A community-based educational intervention to improve antithrombotic drug use in atrial fibrillation.

Background: Despite evidence that antithrombotics are effective in reducing the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), they remain underused.

Objective: To perform a controlled trial of a comprehensive educational program promoting the rational prescribing of antithrombotics for stroke prevention in AF.

Methods: The intervention was conducted in Southern Tasmania, Australia, using Northern Tasmania as a control area.

Accuracy and clinical usefulness of the near-patient testing CoaguChek S international normalised ratio monitor in rural medical practice.

Objective: To compare the accuracy and clinical usefulness of the near-patient testing CoaguChek S INR monitor in rural medical practice. DESIGN, SETTING AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: General practices were identified through Australian university departments of rural health. Study investigators trained general practitioners and/or practice nurses in the use of the CoaguChek S INR monitor.

Ipratropium treatment of acute airways disease.

Objective: To examine the use of ipratropium bromide in adults with acute exacerbation of either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during admission and at discharge from 3 teaching hospitals.

Methods: An extensive range of clinical and demographic data was retrospectively extracted from the medical records of consecutive patients aged >/=12 years admitted to the medical wards of the hospitals during 1999-2001 with acute exacerbations of asthma or COPD, either as a primary diagnosis or as a major comorbidity.

Results: Data were gathered for 302 patients (97 with asthma, 205 with COPD).