A group of UCL Mental Health Masters students summarise an RCT on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the MARQUE intervention (Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of Life) for agitation in people with dementia in care homes.
[read the full story...]Oral mucositis in cancer patients: the effect of oral supplementation
This review of of the effects of oral supplementation on the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy included 12 RCTs and suggest that Zinc supplements may be beneficial.
[read the full story...]Do nurses and social workers AMHPs make similar decisions in Mental Health Assessments?
Martin Stevens reviews a study by Kevin Stone, which compares the decision-making of nurse and social worker Approved Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs) undertaking Mental Health Assessments.
[read the full story...]COX-2 inhibitors for pain management after third molar removal
This review comparing the efficacy of Cox-2 inhibitors with ibuprofen after third molar removal included 12 RCTs suggesting that COX-2 inhibotors and Ibuprofen provide similar pain relief at 6, 8, and 12 h after third molar removal.
[read the full story...]Caries progression rates in Western populations
This review of progression rates in the primary and permanent dentition included 43 studies the majority in permanent teeth(32) providing an estimate of caries incidence rate of 0.11 (95%CI; 0.09–0.13) per person- year at risk.
[read the full story...]Cognitive functioning in psychosis: is neuropsychological decline continuous, generalised, and specific to schizophrenia?
Emmeline Lagunes Cordoba and Derek Tracy explore a case control study that looks at cognitive change in people with schizophrenia and other psychoses in the decade following the first episode.
[read the full story...]iCBT for panic disorder
A group of UCL Masters students summarise an RCT (the PAXPD trial) of iCBT for panic disorder, which compared guided (via real-time video sessions) with unguided self-help treatment and a waitlist control.
[read the full story...]Caries experience and dental care in children with and without learning disabilities
This review of caries experience and dental care provision in children with and without learning disabilities included 25 cross sectional studies with findings suggesting no overall difference in caries levels between the two groups.
[read the full story...]Music groups on acute mental health inpatient wards
Una Foye highlights a small qualitative study that explores the benefits of establishing music groups on acute mental health inpatient wards. She reflects on the boredom felt by many inpatients and the importance of social connection and a positive ward atmosphere that may indirectly improve recovery and mental well-being.
[read the full story...]Dental Implants: Survival at sites of previous implant failure
Mark Steven-Howe takes a look at a systematic review of survival rates of dental implants placed at sites of previous implant failure. Eight retrospective cohorts were included and while good survival rates were reported over 1-5 years the findings need to be interpreted very cautiously as the studies are at high risk of bias.
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