Problematic substance use in older adults ( PDF 720kB )
A rapid scan of the literature
The purpose of this project was to identify practical resources for service providers in New Zealand working with older adults in residential aged care with historical or current substance use problems. There are a number of different issues that could be discussed under this topic however this report focuses on the misuse of alcohol in older adults. The problematic use of prescription and illicit drugs has also been covered wherever possible. The main focus areas of the report are psychiatric problems associated with substance misuse, identification of problematic substance use, treatment issues and treatment approaches.
How to increase the delivery of effective smoking cessation treatments in primary care settings: guidance for doctors, nurses, other health professionals and healthcare organisations ( PDF 2MB )
Summary Report
This report summarises the evidence on the delivery of effective smoking cessation. It focuses on the ABC approach to smoking cessation which brings with it a more "assertive" manner in which clinicians can work.
This guidance for health professionals provides different elements and key points of leverage that can be used to better implement and support smoking cessation in primary care.
See also the Ministry of Health website for further information on this Summary Report
Photoselective vaporisation for benign prostatic hyperplasia ( PDF 821kB )
A rapid scan of the literature
This report provides a brief summary of the literature available on the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of photoselective vaporisation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The review presents evidence from health technology assessments, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, non-randomised prospective studies, case series reports, and economic analyses. Identified publications have been grouped by study type and tabulated, with key publications discussed in more detail.
What assessment tools are used both in New Zealand and in other countries for grading the evidence? ( PDF 473kB )
Briefing report
This is a briefing report, not a literature review or critical appraisal. The report provides an annotated package of information obtained from available resources. The aim of the report is to have an overview on what assessment tools are used in New Zealand and other countries for grading health care evidence. The report also provides a summary of information on the advantages, disadvantages, and applicability of these systems to different healthcare scenarios from the original resources and extracts from the websites.
Intestinal Transplants ( PDF 584kB )
A rapid scan of the literature
This report provides a brief summary of the literature available on the role of intestinal transplants in the treatment of intestinal failure. With no relevant RCTs in the area, the review presents evidence from case series reports, data from an intestinal transplant registry and non-randomised prospective studies. Identified publications have been grouped by study type, with key results discussed in detail.
Screening for the early detection of acoustic neuroma in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss: a rapid literature scan of MRI and other surveillance methods ( PDF 523kB )
A rapid scan of the literature
This report provides a brief summary of the literature available on the role of magnetic resonance imaging and comparative surveillance techniques in screening for the early detection of acoustic neuroma in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. Identified publications have been grouped by study type and tabulated, with key publications discussed in slightly more detail.
The effectiveness of interventions for reducing ambulatory sensitive hospitalisations ( PDF 401kB )
Summary report
This plain language summary report is a companion document to: Basu, A., & Brinson, D. (2008). The effectiveness of interventions for reducing ambulatory sensitive hospitalisations: A systematic review. HSAC Report, 1(6). This short summary highlights the main findings of the systematic review, outlines key learning, and provides brief examples of interventions and programmes of work that are associated with reduction in ambulatory sensitive hospital admissions. The summary report concludes with a rapid review and recommendations.
Collection devices for cervical screening ( PDF 504kB )
Brief report
This brief report summarises the recent available evidence on the effectiveness of collection devices used for obtaining cytology samples for cervical cancer screening. The report considers all forms of collective devices used for women undergoing cervical screening in primary care, or colposcopy following an abnormal smear or treatment.
Therapeutic models for mental injury as a result of sexual abuse ( PDF 767kB )
overview of the evidence from selected literature
This report examines the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic models and programmes for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse or assault. Particularly the report aimed to look at the evidence-base for therapeutic programs for the treatment of in-patients with mental injury arising from sexual abuse. The report is framed by a number of specific research questions posed by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). No formal quality appraisal of the literature has been undertaken.
The assessment and management of chronic pain in children and adolescents: an overview of selected literature ( PDF 401kB )
overview of selected literature
The aim of this report is to provide an international overview of published information on multidisciplinary management programmes and services for children and adolescents living with chronic pain. Selected, recent peer reviewed and non peer reviewed literature is examined and summaries of key publications provided.
Most publications focused on pain management/therapeutic intervention (n=124), pain in adolescents (n=76) and pain assessment/measurement (n=25). Fewer focused on the validation of assessment measures (n=12), specific services or programmes (n=10), pharmacological interventions (n=9), effectiveness (n=8), or gender issues (n=6); only 3 publications focused on early referral.
Collectively, the literature suggested that (a) an interdisciplinary approach was an imperative for the management of chronic pain, (b) the ideal multidisciplinary pain clinic should provide at a minimum, medical specialists, extensive diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services and (c) that it should also include the services of (most of) anaesthesiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, physiatrists and administrative staff. Well developed programmes also included research and education components in addition to clinical services.