Consumer Information and Treatment Resources for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Within Reach but Not Grasp.

In the context of multiple treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a large, growing need for consumer information regarding accessible and effective treatments, this article identifies and reviews available information and treatment resources. Multiple search strategies identified a suite of information sources, including meta-analyses and systematic reviews of PTSD treatments, the program evaluation and implementation literature, the economics literature, Internet sites, and other resources for veteran and civilian consumers. Resources were evaluated with regard to their target audiences, depth and breadth of treatment options covered, nature of the information provided, and accessibility to consumers.

Gender differences in symptoms and care delivery for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Morbidity and mortality for women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are increasing, and little is known about gender differences in perception of COPD care.

Methods: Surveys were administered to a convenience sample of COPD patients to evaluate perceptions about symptoms, barriers to care, and sources of information about COPD.

Results: Data on 295 female and 273 male participants were analyzed.

Economic analysis of a randomized trial of biventricular pacing in Canada.

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) has been shown to affect 5% of the Canadian adult population, and leads to 9.5 deaths per 100 cardiac-related hospitalizations in Canada. The economic outcomes from biventricular pacing for heart failure are not well understood.

Costs of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in the United States: a comparative study.

Objectives: To update the cost of urinary incontinence (UI) for year 2000 and compare it with the cost of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods: Using the cost-of-illness framework, disease epidemiologic data were combined with treatment rates, consequence probabilities, and average cost estimates. All costs reflect the costs during 2000.

Estimated economic costs of overactive bladder in the United States.

Objectives: To estimate the economic costs of overactive bladder (OAB), including community and nursing home residents, and to compare the costs in male versus female and older versus younger populations.

Methods: The National Overactive Bladder Evaluation Program included a representative telephone survey of 5204 community-dwelling adults 18 years and older in the United States and a follow-up postal survey of all individuals with OAB identified and age and sex-matched controls. The postal survey asked respondents about bladder symptoms, self-care use, treatment use, work loss, and OAB-related health consequences.

New technologies and potential cost savings related to morbidity and mortality reduction in Class III/IV heart failure patients in Canada.

Background: Heart failure affects 1-2% of the Canadian population. The 1-year mortality rates in New York Heart Association Class III/IV heart failure patients range from 11 to 44%. This study evaluates costs associated with current management of Class III/IV heart failure and potential savings if morbidity and mortality are reduced.

Newborn hearing screening: costs of establishing a program.

Objective: To evaluate the costs and performance characteristics associated with the start-up phase of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programs, one utilizing automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) and the other using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE).

Study Design: Economic and performance data were collected at the initiation of both screening programs. Data were collected until 1500 newborn infants were screened or until a referral rate for further audiologic evaluation at hospital discharge of less than or equal to 5% was achieved.