Evidence-Based Cough Treatment?
A study published in the British Journal of Medicine analyzed numerous randomized, controlled trials that compared cough reduction between oral over-the-counter (OTC) medications and placebo use in ambulatory adults presenting with respiratory infection and acute cough. Fifteen trials were found that measured the efficacy of OTC cough medicines. Nine of the 15 trials found that OTC cough medication was no more effective than a placebo with results of the remaining six trials of marginal clinical significance.
The authors commented that the review reveals that evidence-based data on OTC cough treatments is questionable and several pharmaceutical manufacturers funded several of the trials. The authors also stated that "although OTC cough medications are generally well tolerated, there is little evidence for or against their effectiveness, and they cannot be recommended to patients as a treatment for acute cough."
Schroeder, K., & Fahey, T. (2002). Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults. British Medical Journal, 324: 329-331.
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Same Gain, Less Pain
Shorter needles for both insulin syringes and pens will mean less pain for patients. Becton Dickinson and Company of Franklin Lakes, NJ, has introduced 5mm (3/16 inch) Mini needles that should decrease needle phobia especially in children. The original needles were 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) in length. In this case 7.7 mm is quite a difference! Diabetes Interview, November 2002.
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Oldest Old Are Lucky?
Adults who make it to the 100-year mark have essentially "outlived" the major causes of death in the general population, including most of the diseases for which lifestyle plays a vital role, according to US researchers. Their review of Minnesota death certificates for 1998 found that after age 70 deaths from heart attack, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease declined with age.
For example, heart attack was the cause of death for approximately 7% of individuals who died in their 70s and 80s but only just over 2% of centenarians. Many centenarians died of what is often seen as "old age." Death certificates indicated that 13% had died of "unknown" or "ill-defined" conditions, and 5% of "senility."
Overall, centenarians accounted for just under 2% of deaths among people age 70 and older, according to the report. More than 83% of centenarians were women.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2002; 50: 1561-1565.
Health Information on the Net-Consumer Advantage or Professional Nightmare?
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The positive and negative aspects of universally available Internet health information not reviewed by professionals has become a burning issue, especially to physicians and other healthcare workers who find themselves bombarded by "informed" patients.
The California Healthcare Foundation recently announced the launching of "iHealthBeat," a free, online publication reporting on the Internet's impact on healthcare. Intended for healthcare professionals, the new daily will cover care delivery, access, public health and research, business and finance, and policy. It will rebroadcast speeches and other events online.
Nursing's Agenda for the Future
Leaders from 60-plus national nursing organizations have united around a shared vision for the future of the profession and developed a strategic plan to address the complex, interrelated factors that have created a growing shortage of nurses. The plan, Nursing's Agenda for the Future, focuses on strategies that will move the profession forward in quantum leaps, thereby ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality nursing care.
The plan is available for download at http://nursingworld.org/naf or in bulk orders of 50 copies. To order by phone call (800) 637-0323 and request Publication no. NAF22.
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