Two US studies published in The BMJ reveal a significant increase in drugs approved via expedited pathways, raising concerns about efficacy and safety. The findings suggest that most new drugs may not be significantly more effective than existing products.
Research at Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found a 90% medical bed occupancy target reduced hospital death rates by 4.5-4.8% and improved the national 4-hour A&E waiting target performance from 33% to 51.4%.
A pooled analysis of studies found that Tai Chi improved physical capacity and quality of life in people with breast cancer, heart failure, osteoarthritis, and COPD without worsening pain or breathlessness. The exercise also showed benefits for muscle strength and sit-to-stand times in patients with osteoarthritis.
A reanalysis of a 2001 study on antidepressants found that popular drug paroxetine is neither safe nor effective for adolescents with depression. The new results contradict the original research and have important implications for research and practice.
Leading health experts raise concerns over the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, citing low-quality evidence and methodological issues. The BMJ article highlights the need for evidence-based advice on e-cigarettes to avoid influence from vested interests.
A total ban on trans fatty acids in processed foods in England could potentially prevent or postpone about 7,200 deaths from coronary heart disease over the next five years. Policies to improve labelling or simply remove trans fatty acids from restaurants and takeaways could save between 1,800 and 3,500 deaths
A study found that cases flagged by 3M as preventable received no worse care than unflagged cases, suggesting that the measure may not accurately capture quality of care. The researchers concluded that either PPR flagged cases are not more preventable or that assessment requires other data collection methods.
Global health experts highlight critical actions and investments to impact the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents. The new Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health aims to prevent deaths and improve the health of millions.
Emergency services clinicians face a 60% heightened risk of injury and illness when working shifts of 16-24 hours. Prolonged work hours compromise physical strength, mental focus, and alertness, increasing the risk of accidents.
A pooled analysis of available evidence finds that eating a lot of fish may help curb the risk of depression in Europe. The association is equally significant among men and women, with a 17% reduction in depression risk found for those eating the most fish compared to those eating the least.
A study published in BMJ Open found that working 12+ hour shifts is associated with greater levels of burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave among hospital nurses. The findings ran counter to the perceived value of longer shifts, which are increasingly common practice in many countries.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients admitted to NHS hospitals on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays have a higher risk of death compared to those admitted during the week. This "weekend effect" is attributed to reduced support services and increased severity of illness.
A recent report by SATHI reveals that many Indian doctors are under pressure to perform expensive but unnecessary tests and surgeries to meet financial targets, putting patient safety at risk. The BMJ argues that a radical change is needed in the structure and functioning of the Medical Council of India.
A study published by The BMJ reveals that over 70% of antipsychotic prescriptions are given to those without recorded mental illness, instead used for managing challenging behavior. Researchers call for changes in prescribing practices and more evidence on drug safety in intellectual disability populations.
Experts in an editorial published in Open Heart argue that promoting nutritional value over calorie counting can rapidly improve health outcomes. Boosting omega 3 fatty acid intake, olive oil, and nut consumption have been associated with reductions in deaths from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
A large study of over 13,000 pairs of sisters found that firstborn women are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese than their second-born sisters. The researchers also noted a link between shrinking family size and an increase in adult body mass index (BMI) globally.
A project in Togo saw a 10% drop in TB death rates by increasing the treatment success rate to 95%, while mortality dropped from 13% to 3%. The redesigned system improved coverage, quality, and patient participation, highlighting the importance of data analysis and skilled workforce.
A population study reveals that a well-balanced maternal diet before pregnancy reduces the risk of certain heart abnormalities in newborns. The research found that women with higher diet quality had a lower risk of congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot and atrial septal defects.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that men with a 'male discrepancy stress' - feeling they fall short of traditional male norms and worrying others think so too - are more likely to commit violent assaults. The study suggests substance use may be less relevant to demonstrating masculinity than sex and violence.
A substantial proportion of NHS hospital staff, including those in maternity services, encounter patients who have been trafficked, according to research published in BMJ Open. The study found that staff across various specialties lack knowledge on how best to respond to victims and feel inadequately prepared to provide appropriate care.
The Assisted Dying Bill aims to provide protection for terminally ill and mentally competent adults through judicial consent, but experts disagree on its safeguards. Jacky Davis argues that the bill will result in fewer suffering deaths, while Baroness Ilora Finlay warns of potential vulnerabilities among certain groups.
A large US study found that light to moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of certain alcohol-related cancers in women, mainly breast cancer, and men who have ever smoked. Overall, the study suggests that women should not exceed one standard drink a day and men should not exceed two standard drinks a day.
Rings made of titanium are difficult to remove from swollen fingers due to their resistance to cutting methods. A new solution has been developed by plastic surgeons using bolt cutters, which work in under 30 seconds and can be performed solo without damaging the finger.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found the UK's child mortality rate is nearly double that of Sweden, with premature birth, congenital abnormalities, and infections being major causes. The study calls for a stronger focus on prevention to improve the UK's position on the European child mortality league table.
Experts argue that free internet access should be rolled out across NHS premises to enhance decision making and patient outcomes. However, others believe that diverting funds from front-line clinical services would be unethical and compromise patient care.
Despite claims by Susan Greenfield that intense internet use harms adolescent brains, experts warn that there is currently no evidence to support these claims. Research suggests that social networking sites can enhance friendships and relationships, while computer games do not lead to impulsiveness or aggression.
A study published in The BMJ found that trans fats are associated with a greater risk of death and coronary heart disease, but saturated fats are not. The study suggests that industrial trans fats may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and calls for a review of dietary guidelines.
NHS trusts under severe financial pressure are least likely to terminate expensive PFI contracts, warns expert. Alternative solutions, such as adjusting commissioner payments to compensate for capital costs, are considered more effective.
A new initiative to add price tags to medicines worth over £20 in England may have unintended consequences, warns an editorial in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). The move could lead vulnerable patients to worry about being a burden on society, while others may view cheaper drugs as less important. Furthermore, the added cost ...
The BMJ will publish the Journal of Investigative Medicine (JIM), owned by the American Federation for Medical Research, starting in January 2016. JIM adds to the BMJ's portfolio of world-leading medical journals, covering the latest scientific developments in all medical research specialties.
A review of the available data concludes that there is very little evidence to recommend a low FODMAP diet as an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. While some studies suggest potential benefits, such as changes in gut bacteria profiles, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and long-term effects.
A large observational study found that regular consumption of spicy foods is associated with a lower risk of death, particularly from cancer and heart disease. Participants who ate spicy foods almost every day had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who consumed them less than once a week.
Research finds that men who become dads before age 25 have poorer health and die earlier than those who delay fatherhood. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, used a nationally representative sample of over 30,500 men to track their mortality rates from age 45 until death or age 54.
Analysis of 835 studies shows that even low weekly physical activity is associated with a 22% lowered risk of death. The most significant health benefits were found among those who increased their physical activity, particularly women.
A recent report by the King's Fund shows that increasing day surgery has led to improved patient outcomes and reduced NHS expenditure. By 2013, day case activity had increased from 7% in 1974 to nearly 35%, saving an estimated £2bn for the NHS.
Experts weigh in on whether a sugar tax can help combat obesity, with some arguing it's a necessary step to reduce consumption and others claiming it would be economically ineffective. A sugar tax on all products may stimulate reformulated products, while taxes on specific food categories could change diets and improve health.
BMJ has partnered with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) to publish a new open access cancer journal called ESMO Open. The journal will cover various aspects of cancer treatment and include study protocols and phase I clinical trials. It aims to provide rapid access to high-quality research on cancer care worldwide.
Research found that depression and personality disorders were the most common diagnoses among Belgian psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia. The study, published in BMJ Open, highlights the need for guidelines on 'unbearable suffering' and procedures for mentally ill patients seeking help to die.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that premature birth is associated with a distinct personality profile characterized by introversion, neuroticism, and risk aversion. Adults born prematurely scored higher on these traits compared to those born at term, even after adjusting for lower intelligence.
Research published in BMJ Open found that successful aging is associated with harmful drinking among older adults. Analysis of over 9000 responses from the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing showed that higher income, better health, and social activity levels are linked to increased risk of hazardous drinking.
A joint association between low birth weight and unhealthy lifestyle in adulthood increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent most cases of this condition.
A doctor argues that long sleeved white coats spread infection and lead to avoidable harm and cost to patients. He advocates for banning doctors and medical students from wearing white coats to reduce hospital acquired infections in India.
Doctors warn that commercial interests are driving the continued recommendation of calcium and vitamin D supplements for osteoporosis treatment, despite a lack of evidence showing their benefit. The authors argue that industry influence is fuelling enthusiasm for these supplements, which are highly profitable.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that regular consumption of sugary drinks is positively associated with type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity status. The study estimated that two million new-onset type 2 diabetes events in the US and 80,000 in the UK could be related to sugar sweetened beverage consumption over 10 years.
Peter Fisher argues that homeopathy is misunderstood and that some reviews have omitted key evidence, while Edzard Ernst claims that most independent systematic reviews have failed to show homeopathy's effectiveness due to methodological flaws.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that taking a combination of antidepressants and common painkillers increases the risk of bleeding. The researchers analyzed data from over four million patients and found a substantially increased bleeding risk with combined use of antidepressants and NSAIDs, especially in men.
Cystitis affects half of women at least once in their lifetime, causing 1% of UK GP consultations. Women should be allowed to access safe treatment, like nitrofurantoin, without a prescription to improve autonomy and reduce healthcare burden.
Research published in Veterinary Record found that one in four UK show dogs competing at Crufts was overweight, despite breed standards emphasizing ideal condition. The study suggests that widespread online exposure of show dog images may be normalizing canine obesity.
The UK government's 'beyond aid' approach to healthcare investments in developing countries has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate health inequities and poverty. A preliminary analysis found that large corporate hospital chains in emerging economies have received majority of the investment commitments.
A study published in The BMJ found an association between SSRI antidepressants and increased risk of birth defects in infants. Sertraline was the only SSRI not linked to higher risks, while fluoxetine and paroxetine were associated with heart wall defects and irregular skull shape, respectively