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

Recorded by Eugene Barsky, Physiotherapy Outreach Librarian, UBC / This is a Systematic Review Presentation titled - "Effectiveness of Combined Vestibular Rehabilitation & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Dizziness", created by Master of Physical Therapy Graduating Students, University of British Columbia - 2006, Presented on September 14-15, 2006 , Vancouver, BC, Canada

Little is known about the receipt of cancer screening for new primary cancers among Canadian cancer survivors. The objectives of this thesis are to i) synthesize evidence comparing receipt cancer screening between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls; and ii) analyze breast and cervical cancer screening receipt among Nova Scotian colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This thesis consists of a systematic review and meta-analysis, and a population-based cohort study of Nova Scotian CRC survivors. We found that while cancer survivors were more likely to receive cancer screening than the general population, a significant proportion of cancer survivors were not screened. We observed significant heterogeneity between studies, most of which remained unexplained after subgroup and sensitivity analyses. 30.1% and 47.9% of Nova Scotian CRC survivors never received a breast and cervical cancer screen after their CRC diagnosis. Receipt of pre-CRC diagnosis screening was strongly predictive of receiving screening post-diagnosis.

No description available.

Background: Patients’ recovery from surgery differs when they are in a hospital setting or at home. However, an often forgotten aspect of post-operative ambulatory care is the patients' recovery at home following ambulatory surgery.Aim: To explore and describe the patients’ experiences of recovery at home following the ambulatory surgery procedure.Method: A systematic review of 7 qualitative studies in English with pre-specified criteria was conducted. An overview of qualitative evidence derived from the 17 identified main themes across the 7 primary studies was analyzed.Result: Seven thematic analysis themes were identified as being core to the patients’ experience during recovery process at home: physical symptoms, a period of regaining pre-operative functions, psychological effects, the surgical wound, delayed recovery process, social support, and the sick-role condition.. These seven themes were described patient's experiences at home following ambulatory surgery from early stage of recovery to the time of getting back to normal life.Conclusion: Recovery at home following ambulatory surgery seemed to be challenging, a quality self-care at home was lacking in the form having full control and knowledge about symptoms; adequate information, education and medication during self-care management; sufficient support by carer and nurses; and enough time-off for recovery.