Ergonomics in consumer product evaluation: an evolving process.

As part of its commitment to empowering people to make informed consumer decisions, the Consumers' Association investigates the convenience aspects of a vast range of products, from cars to garden spades. Evaluation approaches include user trials, convenience checklists and expert appraisals. Our methodology is subject to constant review and refinement to ensure the highest levels of reliability, validity and auditability.

Atenolol in essential hypertension during pregnancy.

Objective: To determine the effect of atenolol on the outcome of pregnancy in women with essential hypertension.

Design: Prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study.

Setting: Hospital clinic.

Awareness among pregnant women of the effect on the fetus of commonly used drugs.

Epidemiological studies have shown that pregnant women continue to take substantial quantities of drugs, particularly those readily available to them without prescription. Little is known of the attitudes and knowledge among pregnant women of the effects of these substances on the fetus. Awareness of the effects on the fetus of commonly used drugs, cigarettes and alcohol among 514 women in the postnatal wards of two maternity units in Glasgow was assessed by self completion questionnaire between October 1987 and April 1988.