Update on Rheumatoid Arthritis

The former Musculoskeletal Specialist Library (now called NHS Evidence - Musculoskeletal) has just produced its third Annual Evidence Update on Rheumatoid Arthritis. This focuses on guidance and systematic reviews published since March 2008. The majority of publications relate to various aspects of treatment with biologics, but other aspects of rheumatoid disease management are featured in the update as well. Also included are the results of a search for new national guidance, and a commentary discussing the latest evidence. This update is the first to include a section on treatment uncertainties and also horizon scanning - evidence which will be published on rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

To see the update, click on the link http://www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal/ and scroll down the page.

Supporting people in later life

The 2009 Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on Supporting People in Later Life has been brought to you by the Later Life Specialist Library. It focuses on the specific challenges of independent living that are often faced by people in later life. This AEU brings together secondary research in the form of systematic reviews, guidelines and important policy documents. Topics covered in the update include diet and exercise, independent living, acute care, primary care, residential care and carer support. The resources are aimed at helping health professionals to support those who are experiencing challenges with independent living because of serious health issues.

The Supporting People Update is available here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/LATERLIFE/ViewResource.aspx?resID=312445&tabID=289

Childhood obesity: surveillance and prevention

The Public Health Specialist Library has just produced its second Annual Evidence Update on Obesity, focusing on the surveillance and prevention of childhood obesity.

There has been a considerable amount of new evidence published on the prevention of childhood obesity, particularly in terms of diet, physical activity and protection due to breast feeding. The National Obesity Observatory has reviewed the evidence and produced summaries which highlight the implications for current schemes such as the National Childhood Measurement Programme.

Included in this update are toolkits, guidance and an expert editorial. You can view it here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/publichealth/viewResource.aspx?resid=311366

Acupuncture : Annual Evidence Update

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Specialist Library has recently published its 2009 Annual Evidence Update on Acupuncture. The Update brings together relevant systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials published between February 2008 and February 2009.

Strict selection criteria was applied in order to identify the best current evidence available. The studies included in the update have not been fully appraised, but a link is provided to an appraisal where one exists. There is also a link to a list of appraisal tools, if you wish to appraise the studies yourself.

The contents list of the update on acupuncture is available here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/cam/ViewResource.aspx?resID=311356&tabID=289

Schizophrenia Annual Evidence Update 2009

This week, the 2009 Update on Schizophrenia has been published by the team in the Mental Health Specialist Library. The Update contains the best evidence to have been published on schizophrenia since January 2008. From epidemiology and risk factors to diagnosis and treatment, it draws together evidence summaries, care pathways, important primary research and service development literature.

The contents of the Update can be viewed here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/MENTALHEALTH/ViewResource.aspx?resID=310224&tabID=289

Annual Evidence Update on Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on Cardiac Rehabilitation is out now!

Published by the Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library, its aim is to inform healthcare professionals and patients of the significant advances made in the knowledge regarding cardiac rehabilitation since the first AEU in June 2008.

Along with systematic reviews, meta-analyses and other resources, the AEU has an expert commentary and a 'What's New' analysis, discussing new evidence and its implications for practice.

View it here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular/viewResource.aspx?resid=305805

2009 Annual Evidence Update on Colorectal Cancer

The Cancer Specialist Library has recently published its second Annual Evidence Update on Colorectal Cancer, to coincide with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. The topic areas covered this year are:

• causes, risks and prevention
  
• screening


• assessment and diagnosis


• treatment and disease management


• service delivery and standards
  

Resources include news items, guidelines, systematic reviews, clinical trials, statistics and patient information. There is also an expert commentary. To see all the resources available, click here:
http://www.library.nhs.uk/Cancer/ViewResource.aspx?resID=310981&tabID=289

APRIL 2009

We thought James's photo of shredded paper was highly appropriate for the end of the financial year. Happy New Year, everyone! :-)