<p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt / font-family:&quot / Times New Roman&quot / ,&quot / serif&quot / mso-fareast-font-family:&quot / Times New Roman&quot / mso-ansi-language:EN-GB / mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA">Literature shows that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally and nationally. Retinal detachment has also been a substantial problem both globally and nationally. Both of these conditions are prevalent in patients of 50 years and older. The treatment for both conditions is for surgery to be performed. In the Western Cape the three leading hospitals do not have ophthalmic pre-operative and post-operative protocols<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">.</span>Review question:What are the best practices to manage pre-operative and post-operative nursing care in patients waiting for cataract and retinal detachment surgery? bjectives:1. To determine the best practice in pre-operative and post-operative care in patients who have undergone cataract and/or retinal detachment surgery regarding: health education offered by nurses, counselling to prevent psychological effects, and positioning to prevent physical complications. 2. To develop a framework based on systematic reviews for pre-operative and post-operative ophthalmic nursing care in South Africa. Methodology: </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt / font-family:&quot / Times New Roman&quot / ,&quot / serif&quot / mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">A systematic review using the guide by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination was done, and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">studies were </span>identified by searching various electronic databases and visually scanning reference lists from the relevant studies. Studies that were included were evidence-based. All study types were considered and the studies were selected based on the title and, where available, the abstract. These were then assessed against the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was used. Finally the evidence was summarised and a framework was drawn up, focusing on pre-operative and post-operative nursing care for cataract and retinal detachment surgery</span></p> <p>&nbsp / </p>

Objective to systematically review randomized trials that compared methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy to MTX in combination with other non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) and to compare the performances of PubMed versus MEDLINE (Ovid®) and EMBASE. Methods We performed a systematic review of randomized trials comparing MTX alone and MTX in combination with other non-biologic DMARDs. Heterogeneity was investigated and explored. The performances of Pubmed and MEDLINE were evaluated. The EMBASE unique trials were identified and investigated. Results A total of 19 trials were included and grouped by the type of patients randomized. Trials in DMARD naive patients showed no significant advantage of the MTX combination versus monotherapy. The recall was 85% vs. 90% for Ovid and PubMed, respectively, while the precision and number-needed-to read of Ovid and Pubmed were comparable. Only 23% of trials were EMBASE unique trials Conclusions In DMARD naive patients, the balance of efficacy/toxicity favours MTX monotherapy.

A single-item measure of self-rated mental health (SRMH) asks respondents to rate their mental health on a 5-point scale from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’. SRMH is being used increasingly in research and on population health surveys. However, little is known about this item, as there are no literature reviews and few formal validation studies. The aim of this study is to understand what SRMH measures by conducting the first known systematic review of SRMH literature, followed by analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.2). Results of the systematic review reveal SRMH has relationships with mental health scales, mental disorders, self-rated health, health problems, service utilization, and service satisfaction. Analysis of CCHS 1.2 data finds SRMH is associated with psychiatric diagnoses, distress, physical health, and sociodemographic characteristics. Both studies conclude SRMH is measuring mental health and more; however, there needs to be more research to understand the specifics of these relationships.

A single-item measure of self-rated mental health (SRMH) asks respondents to rate their mental health on a 5-point scale from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’. SRMH is being used increasingly in research and on population health surveys. However, little is known about this item, as there are no literature reviews and few formal validation studies. The aim of this study is to understand what SRMH measures by conducting the first known systematic review of SRMH literature, followed by analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.2). Results of the systematic review reveal SRMH has relationships with mental health scales, mental disorders, self-rated health, health problems, service utilization, and service satisfaction. Analysis of CCHS 1.2 data finds SRMH is associated with psychiatric diagnoses, distress, physical health, and sociodemographic characteristics. Both studies conclude SRMH is measuring mental health and more; however, there needs to be more research to understand the specifics of these relationships.

Objective to systematically review randomized trials that compared methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy to MTX in combination with other non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) and to compare the performances of PubMed versus MEDLINE (Ovid®) and EMBASE. Methods We performed a systematic review of randomized trials comparing MTX alone and MTX in combination with other non-biologic DMARDs. Heterogeneity was investigated and explored. The performances of Pubmed and MEDLINE were evaluated. The EMBASE unique trials were identified and investigated. Results A total of 19 trials were included and grouped by the type of patients randomized. Trials in DMARD naive patients showed no significant advantage of the MTX combination versus monotherapy. The recall was 85% vs. 90% for Ovid and PubMed, respectively, while the precision and number-needed-to read of Ovid and Pubmed were comparable. Only 23% of trials were EMBASE unique trials Conclusions In DMARD naive patients, the balance of efficacy/toxicity favours MTX monotherapy.

Incorporating the best findings from current, high-quality research into routine clinical practice is the basis of evidence-based care. Chapter 1: "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Evidence-Based Care" is a review of the systematic review process, including meta-analysis, aimed at clinical professionals with limited statistical training. It advocates the use of the systematic review process, outlines some general techniques, and provides selected resources where individuals can acquire additional assistance. The typical steps involved include: formulating a clear research question, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracting the data and assessing the study quality, summarizing and synthesizing the evidence, and then interpreting the findings. When effort is made to minimize bias and locate as many articles on a particular topic as possible, systematic reviews and meta-analyses can produce invaluable findings for evidence-based care. Chapter 2: "The Effect of Macronutrient Distribution on the Lipid Profile in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" describes a systematic review and meta-analysis that examined the impact total macronutrients had on blood lipid levels. This chapter builds upon the concepts introduced in chapter one, and assesses the effect of manipulating macronutrient distribution on the lipid profile of adults, and compares these effects to recommendations regarding macronutrients, such as the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs). Suggestions related to improving the quality of meta-analyses are also outlined, and supplemental analyses are provided at the end of the dissertation.

Recorded on July 27, 2007 by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / N/A

Recorded on July 27, 2007 by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / N/A

Recorded by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / This is a Systematic Review Presentation titled - "Neuromuscular Training & ACL Injury Prevention: A Systematic Review", created by Master of Physical Therapy Graduating Students, University of British Columbia - 2006, Presented on September 14-15, 2006 , Vancouver, BC, Canada

Recorded by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / This is a Systematic Review Presentation titled - "Effect of Manual Therapy on ROM Following Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Systematic Review", created by Master of Physical Therapy Graduating Students, University of British Columbia - 2006, Presented on September 14-15, 2006 , Vancouver, BC, Canada