The n-of-1 trial is a particularly flexible form of randomized controlled trial that involves a single patient receiving multiple episodes of alternative therapies. Although n-of-1 trials are only applicable in certain treatment areas, the collection of economic data within such trials may provide unique advantages. This paper illustrates the issues around the use of economic n-of-1 trials with...

After Christians, Muslims represent the largest religious grouping in the UK. According to census statistics, there are approximately 1.6 million Muslims in the UK, approximately 54% of who were born outside of the UK. There has been emerging interest in the use of traditional healers by South Asians in the UK. Early studies by Aslam3 and Healey & Aslam4 focused upon health seeking behaviour am...

INTRODUCTION For many years, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been accepted as the gold standard to surgically alleviate obstructive voiding dysfunction in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This historical standard has been challenged repeatedly over the last decade by consistent data demonstrating the superiority of Holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). This...

cancer is deemed the century’s major health problem, and its increasing growth during the last decades has made experts concerned more than ever. of all types of cancer, breast cancer is regarded as the second most common disease among women. the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of spiritual group therapy on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients suffering f...

neurofeedback is a kind of biofeedback, which teaches self-control of brain functions to subjects by measuring brain waves and providing a feedback signal. neurofeedback usually provides the audio and or video feedback. positive or negative feedback is produced for desirable or undesirable brain activities, respectively. in this review, we provided clinical and technical information about the f...

Responding to an article by R. Burkhardt and G. Kienle in the same issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics, Vere strongly disputes their criticisms of the controlled clinical trial. He maintains that the proper use of the statistical method in a randomized trial provides the 'best, most precise, and most conservative way' for a medical researcher to decide among alternative therapies, and that ...

There is a strong tradition of therapy development and evaluation in the field of psychological interventions for chronic pain. However, despite this research production, the effects of treatments remain uncertain, and treatment development has stalled. This review summarises the current evidence but focusses on promising areas for improvement. Advancing psychological therapies for chronic pain...