There are many interfaces in mental health services, such as the one between physical and mental health. Where there are interfaces, there are inevitably gaps for patients to fall through. Consequently opportunities are missed to treat mental health problems in those with physical health problems. There is mounting evidence for the effectiveness of Collaborative Care (CC) [read the full story…]
While this commentary is based on Canadian experiences, the authors do look at examples of health technology assessments elsewhere, applying the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the gold standard for others to follow. Health technology assessments are “an evidence-based policy tool that helps inform decision-making on how to balance demand and [read the full story…]
For those of you who like to listen to your information instead of reading it the American Dental Association have released a podcast to go with their update of the clinical recommendations for topical fluoride agents to prevent dental caries, which I covered in a blog on the 4th November. In the podcast Dr. Robert [read the full story…]
Compliance with oral hygiene measures during orthodontic treatment is important in order to prevent white spot lesions (WSL) developing. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between reminding patients of the importance of oral hygiene via weekly text message reminders sent to their parents/guardians and demonstrated oral hygiene compliance. [read the full story…]
Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have shortened life expectancies compared to the general population. This is partly down to higher rates of chronic physical illness. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients using mental health services. It is assumed that interventions used to reduce CVD are similarly effective in patients with [read the full story…]
We have posted before about the use of assistive technology and in particular telecare. This week sees the publication of a new report from the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) and the National Care Forum (NCF) which describes a number of projects which offer technological solutions to enhance personalisation. The Department of Health has defined [read the full story…]
“Healthcare success in the future will be judged on the quality of outcomes.” From April 2013, improvement in the NHS will be driven by clinical commissioners. The NHS Commissioning Board has published this planning framework with supporting material to help health organisations meet three key objectives: Seamless management of organisational change Capacity-provision for clinical commissioning [read the full story…]
In 2010, the Scottish Government’s National Telecare Development Programme published a report on telecare and people with learning disabilities. The authors defined telecare as “the use of equipment within and outwith the home to monitor changing needs and risks, and to provide alerts and information that enable improved and informed responses to those needs and [read the full story…]
The Whole System Demonstrator programme is the largest randomised control trial of telehealth and telecare in the world. One of the most complex trials ever undertaken by the Department of Health, it was set up in May 2008 to provide a clear evidence base to support investment decisions. The research proposition was : Does the [read the full story…]
The need for appropriately supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities continues to rise as people naturally move from family homes to their own. Controlling costs of support has always been a major concern for the paying authorities, but this is particularly true in the current climate of financial constraint. They key challenge is how [read the full story…]
