OBJECTIVES Once weekly dosing of alendronate has been shown to provide equivalent efficacy to once daily dosing for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Whether patients will prefer weekly dosing to daily dosing for a chronic condition such as osteoporosis has not been studied. The aim of this international study was to assess preference for the weekly or daily dosing regimen of a...

• Two auditors: one to ask open questions, the other as witness and scribe. • Interview staff individually, establishing their knowledge of trial procedures and incident. Note conflicting information. • Establish key facts: 1. Were participants real and eligible? 2. Did they consent? 3. Are test/clinical measurements/data valid? 4. Was appropriate treatment/intervention given? 5. Was follow-up ...

Patient choice is becoming the centre of health policy in the UK and other countries. But there is ambiguity about what choice means. As the term is used in everyday life, choice is the foundation of the doctrine of patient consent. The doctor is responsible for choosing appropriate treatment, and the patient is responsible for choosing (for consenting to or refusing) what is offered and accept...

The periodontal-restorative team is uniquely positioned to provide the esthetic procedures that today's sophisticated patient population has come to expect. Not only is health and function of great desire but also esthetics is in demand. Armed with periodontal-plastic procedures and technically advanced restorative materials, the periodontal-restorative team can provide these patient needs. The...

Three patients developed symptoms suggestive of acute schizophrenia. In each case there were no abnormal neurological findings on admission to hospital. Within a few days clinical evidence of encephalitis became apparent, and appropriate treatment was given. Only one patient made a full recovery.

asri@interchange Summary Periprosthetic fractures are increasing in number and complexity. Appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent these fractures. A systematic approach is needed in the form of detailed assessment of the fracture, stability of the implant and the available bone stock for planning an appropriate treatment. The treatment options described in this article can be used a...

Traditional views on facial aging and associated therapies focused on soft tissue descent and skin texture changes. Recently, revolumization for age-related lipoatrophy has become increasingly popular. Researchers are now reporting objective studies examining processes of structural and volumetric changes with age in increasing frequency as well. To better understand and treat facial aging, the...

The challenge of recognising the ward-based patient at risk of rapid deterioration is discussed frequently within the literature. As their role enables them to be in constant contact with patients, nurses are in a prime position to identify problems at an early stage with the use of systematic patient assessment. This means appropriate treatment can be initiated quickly, potentially saving the ...