Preference for different relaxation techniques by COPD patients: comparison between six techniques.

Background: A review of the effectiveness of relaxation techniques for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients has shown inconsistent results, but studies have varied in terms of technique and outcome measures.

Aim: To determine patient preference for different relaxation techniques.

Methods: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were presented with six techniques via a DVD and asked to rate the techniques in terms of effectiveness, rank in order of likely use, and comment.

Frequency of non-asthma GP visits predicts asthma exacerbations: an observational study in general practice.

Background: Being able to identify patients at risk of exacerbations is useful as it enables resources to be targeted at these patients.

Aims: To test the theoretically-derived prediction that the frequency of non-asthma related visits to the general practitioner (GP) predicts exacerbations.

Methods: Clinical and demographic data and both self-report and prescription-based adherence data were obtained from 166 patients diagnosed with asthma attending a GP clinic, all of whom were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Guidelines versus practice: UK asthma nurses often recommend intermittent, symptom-driven use of inhaled corticosteroids.

Background: Recent clinical trials suggest that intermittent use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is safe for mild persistent asthma. Intermittent ICS use is inconsistent with current guidelines but is a common form of non-compliance. The aim of this study was to investigate how asthma nurses advise patients to use ICS.

Experiences of patients requiring strong opioid drugs for chronic non-cancer pain: a patient-initiated study.

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain is an increasing problem in health care. This study was initiated by a patient wanting to discover more about the experiences of other patients requiring strong opioid analgesia for such pain.

Aim: To determine the attitudes and experiences of patients receiving long-term strong opioid medication for chronic non-cancer pain in primary care.

Questionnaire survey of women aged 56-59 years: consultations in general practice, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and participation in screening programmes.

Objectives: To ascertain attitudes to consultations in general practice and the gender of the doctor. To determine whether women participate in the National Health Service (NHS) screening programmes available to them and their use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Design: Postal questionnaire survey to women aged 56-59 years.

Concerning women: questionnaire survey of consultations, embarrassment, and views on confidentiality in general practice among women in their teens, thirties and fifties.

Background: Concern exists that women, and in particular teenagers, do not consult in general practice, particularly for contraception because of embarrassment and concern over confidentiality. The aim of this study was to compare reported consultation rates, embarrassment when consulting, and views on confidentiality of women in three age groups.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was used to survey women aged 16-19, 36-39 and 56-59 years attending a semi-rural practice in East Devon, UK in December 1999.