The efficacy of treadmill training on balance dysfunction in individuals with chronic stroke: a systematic review.

Background: Physical activity and exercise interventions are useful in facilitating the functional recovery of those with chronic stroke and, routinely, are gait-specific. While treadmill training has proven useful in gait performance recovery post-stroke, its efficacy on balance dysfunction has not been  systematically reviewed.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of treadmill training (TT) interventions on balance dysfunction in individuals with chronic stroke.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of stress ulcer prophylaxis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost of using cimetidine, famotidine, and lansoprazole for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) at our institution and determine which agent was most cost-effective.

Methods: An observational study of adults admitted to the medical, surgical, or cardiovascular intensive care unit was conducted to compare the cost and effectiveness of cimetidine, famotidine, and lansoprazole for SUP. Patients were identified for inclusion during three 2-week periods in 2000.

A cost-benefit analysis of RSV prophylaxis in high-risk infants.

Objective: To determine the cost and benefit of using RSV-IG and palivizumab as prophylactic therapy against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated illness in high-risk infants.

Methods: A nonrandomized, retrospective, cohort control study was conducted comparing the outcomes of patients who received either RSV-IG or palivizumab therapy against RSV during the 1998-1999 RSV season with patients identified from the 1994-1995 RSV season who would have been eligible to receive prophylaxis had either agent been available at that time. Medical record reviews were conducted to gather data regarding the costs associated with both the administration of the prophylactic drugs and the treatment of RSV-associated hospitalizations in both groups.

Medication use evaluation: a work in progress.

The medication use evaluation (MUE) Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) is a dynamic program that is constantly changing to meet the needs of this tertiary care institution. This article will provide an overview of the MUE process at UIHC as well as provide an example of a long-standing initiative that has evolved significantly since its inception in 1993. Examples of four other initiatives also will be provided to demonstrate the scope of this program.