People who decided to take part in screening for atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition, believed strongly in the benefits of screening, according to new research. The in-depth study of 23 participants in the SAFER trial of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) looks at why these participants opted in and provides insight into their understanding of the […]
Relationships with clinicians and adverse medical experiences affect medication adherence amongst lupus patients
New research highlights the impact of current and past medical interactions – especially adverse experiences – on medication adherence amongst lupus patients and indicates the clinician behaviours that help. People with incurable systemic auto-immune conditions, including lupus, often need lifelong medications to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Despite the fact that the […]
What should we do about patient experience in primary care?
By Dr Jenni Burt, Senior Research Associate, Cambridge Centre for Health Services Research I’ve never been a very good long-distance runner, but in finally seeing through our NIHR programme grant on patient experience I feel like I’ve crossed the line at an ultramarathon. In a good way, I hasten to add, with five years’ investigation […]
Public attitudes towards end-of-life care in progressive neurological illness are conflicted, study reveals
Public attitudes in UK and USA reveal support both for life-sustaining interventions and for measures to enable peaceful death in progressive neurological illness such as dementia, according to a survey carried out by researchers at the University of Cambridge. Debate surrounding assisted dying goes to the heart of clinical ethical principles Gemma Clarke The study […]
Patients’ concerns over ‘wasting doctor’s time’ may affect their decisions to see GP
Worries over wasting their doctor’s time, particularly at a time when NHS resources are stretched, may influence when and whether patients choose to see their GP, according to a study led by Dr Nadia Llanwarne, NIHR In-Practice Fellow in General Practice at the Primary Care Unit. Recognising this worry about timewasting among patients is important […]
Could interactive voice messages help people take their medicine? Listening to public views
Automated tailored telephone support, or interactive voice response (IVR), could help people to take important medicines that have been prescribed for them to reduce the impact of risky health conditions and improve their health. In England, about 8 million people have recorded hypertension, or high blood pressure, which often accompanies other risky conditions, including type […]