Pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment offers no clinical benefit in reducing the pain of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Background The rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis often includes electrotherapeutic modalities as well as advice and exercise. One commonly used modality is pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). PEMF uses electro magnetically generated fields to promote tissue repair and healing rates. Its equivocal benefit over placebo treatment has been previously suggested however recently a number of randomised controlled trials have been published that have allowed a systematic review to be conducted. Methods A systematic review of the literature from 1966 to 2005 was undertaken. Relevant computerised bibliographic databases were searched and papers reviewed independently by two reviewers for quality using validated criteria for assessment. The key outcomes of pain and functional disability were analysed with weighted and standardised mean differences being calculated. Results Five randomised controlled trials comparing PEMF with placebo were identified. The weighted mean differences of the five papers for improvement in pain and function, were small and their 95% confidence intervals included the null. Conclusion This systematic review provides further evidence that PEMF has little value in the management of knee osteoarthritis. There appears to be clear evidence for the recommendation that PEMF does not significantly reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis

Health State Valuations from the British General Public, 1993

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.To establish relative valuations attached to different health states by members of the general public. To identify subgroups within the general population who have significantly different valuations from the rest.Main Topics:Valuations for EuroQol health states were obtained using ranking, visual analogue scaling and Time Trade-off methods. Data collected on respondent's own health status, described by mobility, self care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression, and as a score on a visual analogue scale. Socio-demographic data: age; sex; marital status; education; socio-economic class; size of household; home ownership; cigarette smoking; experience of illness in self and others. Measurement Scales EuroQol Classification System for health states (EuroQol Group, <i>Health Policy</i> 16,199-208, 1990). Time Trade-Off Valuation Method in Gudex, C. (ed.), <i>Time Trade-Off User Manual : props and self-completion methods</i> (York: Centre for Health Economics, University of York, 1994). The TTO Props method was used in this study

Economics of General Practice, 1986-1987

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.To investigate the response of general practitioners to professional and economic incentives in relation to the location of the practice and the characteristics of the practitioners.Main Topics:Variables General characteristics of the practice; premises and equipment; personnel, qualifications, interests, posts held, hours worked; service provision; practice development; practice organisation; financial organisation

Measurement and Valuation of Health, 1989

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.Comparison of health state valuation methods to establish which of the available valuation/scaling methods would be the best to use in the next major study. To establish which descriptive system should be used. To partially replicate Rosser's earlier work.Main Topics:Variables Health state valuation; methodology; individual differences; socio-medical indices Measurement Scales Health locus of control scale from Wallston, Wallston and de Villus, <i>Health locus of control</i> 1987 Eysenck personality questionnaire from Eysenck and Eysenck, <i>Eysenck personality questionnaire</i> 1975 Euroqol questionnaire Pairwise comparison exercise Magnitude estimation exercise Time trade-off exercise Category rating exercis

Health Evaluations, 1984-1985

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this survey was to investigate health self-ratings and evaluations as a function of age,sex and other potentially influential factors.Main Topics:Health self-ratings, health evaluations, independent health status measures, socio-demographic characteristics, psychometric variables (health locus of control beliefs and negative life events), health conceptions/definitions and health behaviours. Measurement Scales Multidimensional health locus of control scales (Wallston, K.A., Wallston, B.S. and De Vellis, R., <i>Health Education Monographs</i>, 6, 160-170 (1978) Life Experiences Survey (Sarason, G., Johnson, J.H. and Siegel, J.M., <i>Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology</i>, 46,932-946 (1978

Measuring Public Preferences Regarding Equity in Health, 2000

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The study sought to: identify what ordinary citizens interpret as 'fairness' in relation to health and health care; examine the relative importance placed by the public on different terms of equity and the extent to which they are prepared to trade off efficiency against equity in the distribution of health care resources; present the results in a form which helps policy makers determine the weight to place on equity considerations when designing policies to address variations in health; furnish health authorities and others with the means to ask citizens meaningful questions in relation to equity.Main Topics:The dataset includes the results of a postal survey conducted among members of the general public and includes information on respondents' attitudes to health-related issues, including the rationing of health care according to different circumstances

Improving the effectiveness of the nursing workforce Short report of analysis of NISCM data set

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:m03/19090 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo