Using creative co-design to develop a decision support tool for people with malignant pleural effusion.

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common, serious problem predominantly seen in metastatic lung and breast cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Recurrence of malignant pleural effusion is common, and symptoms significantly impair people's daily lives. Numerous treatment options exist, yet choosing the most suitable depends on many factors and making decisions can be challenging in pressured, time-sensitive clinical environments.

Improving essential obstetric and newborn care in resource-poor countries.

Skilled birth attendance (SBA) and essential obstetric care (EOC) are key strategies for reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity globally. Lack of adequately trained competent staff is a key barrier to achieving this. We assessed the effectiveness of a new package of 'Life Saving Skills - Essential Obstetric and Newborn Care Training' (LSS-EOC and NC) designed specifically around the UN signal functions in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Atenolol and ischaemic heart disease: an overview.

Data generated to date on the use of beta-blockers, especially atenolol, in ischaemic heart disease are reviewed and compared with the results available with the calcium antagonists. Atenolol appears to be effective as an anti-ischaemic agent in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease when reduction in myocardial oxygen supply (ischaemia not preceded by an increase in heart rate and due presumably to functional coronary stenosis) or increase in demand are the likely causes. Based on current concepts and available data, there is convincing evidence to support the use of atenolol across the spectrum of ischaemic heart disease.