The Power of Observational Studies (critical commentaries)

The Power of Observational Studies (GoozNews)

(article and responses)

Greg Pawelski

We tend to forget that medicine and most of its discoveries have been observational. .......
I think both Gooznews and Healthnewsreview have been invaluable resources in pointing out the various calamities of health journalism.

HealthNewsReview.org analyzes HealthDay story on mammography study

Independent Expert Reviews of News Stories: Magic mushrooms may ease anxiety of cancer: study

Why This Matters:
A study of 12 people for a disorder that already has effective treatments may not matter at all.  While there is always room for better treatments, we are a long way from showing any advantages for this compound.


further reading (per review):

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/labr-lbr083010.php

critical review: Breast And Ovarian Cancer Article: Getting The Facts Straight - Better Health

Review: Cochrane Collaboration - Palliative surgery versus medical management for bowel obstruction in ovarian cancer

Surgery compared to non-surgical treatment to relieve symptoms of bowel obstruction in ovarian cancer

Authors' conclusions

We found only low quality evidence comparing palliative surgery and medical management for bowel obstruction in ovarian cancer. Therefore we are unable to reach definite conclusions about the relative benefits and harms of the two forms of treatment, or to identify sub-groups of women who are likely to benefit from one treatment or the other. However, there is weak evidence in support of surgical management to prolong survival.

2nd source: EvidenceUpdates: Cochrane Collaboration review; Drug therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue including professional comment

The understanding of spirituality and the potential role of spiritual care in end-of-life and palliative care: a meta-study of qualitative research — Palliat Med

Abstract

Spirituality and spiritual care are gaining increasing attention but their potential contribution to palliative care remains unclear. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative literature on spirituality and spiritual care at the end of life using a systematic (‘meta-study’) review.

Eleven patient articles and eight with healthcare providers were included, incorporating data from 178 patients and 116 healthcare providers, mainly from elderly White and Judaeo-Christian origin patients with cancer. Spirituality principally focused on relationships, rather than just meaning making, and was given as a relationship. Spirituality was a broader term that may or may not encompass religion. A ‘spirit to spirit’ framework for spiritual care-giving respects individual personhood. This was achieved in the way physical care was given, by focusing on presence, journeying together, listening, connecting, creating openings, and engaging in reciprocal sharing. Affirmative relationships supported patients, enabling them to respond to their spiritual needs. The engagement of family caregivers in spiritual care appears underutilized. Relationships formed an integral part of spirituality as they were a spiritual need, caused spiritual distress when broken and were the way spiritual care was given. Barriers to spiritual care include lack of time, personal, cultural or institutional factors, and professional educational needs. By addressing these, we may make an important contribution to the improvement of patient care towards the end of life.

HealthNewsReview.org - Hate needles? Flu patch may take sting out of your fears

HealthNewsReview.org - Can Ecstasy help ease post-traumatic stress?