NEWS COMPRESSION
STOCKING RESEARCH IMPROVES CARE OF STROKE PATIENTS
The care of stroke patients has been improved after research carried out by Edinburgh University showed that the routine use of graduated compression stockings was ineffective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Historically, graduated compression stockings have been used as a means of preventing DVT in post-stroke patients. However, in a survey conducted in 1999, 54 per cent of physicians either thought the stockings were of no use, or were uncertain of their value. As a result, Professor Martin Dennis, Chair of Stroke Medicine at the university’s Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and his Edinburgh colleagues established a series of trials to assess the effect of graduated compression stockings when used by stroke patients.
Between 2001 and 2009, two randomised trials, called CLOTS 1 and CLOTS 2, assessed the progress of more than 5,000 volunteer stroke patients who were allocated to wear stockings (both thigh length and below the knee) compared with those who did not wear them.
The team’s findings not only showed that the routine application of full-length stockings did not reduce the risk of DVT or pulmonary embolism, but a second trial actually found that those allocated knee-length stockings had a significantly higher risk of deep vein thrombosis than those allocated full-length stockings.
This Edinburgh-based study has changed health guidelines worldwide, with those of the UK, Scotland, Singapore, Canada, the US, Italy and South Africa no longer recommending the use of stockings for stroke patients.
6 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SIGN GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT GROUP
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland (RPS) is seeking pharmacy nominations for a new SIGN guideline development group for the management of migraine. This guideline will update SIGN 107 - Diagnosis and management of headache in adults - but will have a smaller, more focused remit addressing acute pharmacological management of migraine, pharmacological and devices therapies for prevention, and management of medication overuse headache. This opportunity will be of interest to specialists and generalist pharmacists working in community, primary or secondary care.
Nomination does not guarantee membership, but allows for members to be identified on behalf of the key
stakeholders of SIGN. Involvement in SIGN guidelines is professionally and clinically rewarding, the key attributes associated with successful contribution to SIGN groups are an ability to understand and comply with detailed methodology, motivation and initiative, and adherence to project deadlines over a sustained term. If you
would like more information about SIGN and the benefits of getting involved and what this entails please contact RPS SIGN representative Alan Timmins at
alan.timmins@nhs.net. The date of the first meeting is Tuesday 23 August and there is a timescale of approximately 18 months to complete this work.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOOD CONNECTIONS INVESTIGATED A groundbreaking new study – the first of its kind in Scotland – is aiming to measure the benefits of good social
connections in communities across Dumfries and Galloway. As part of this project, a survey has been sent to 2000 people chosen at random from across the region.
Public Health Professional Paul Southworth is appealing for everyone who receives it to fill it in and send it back as soon as they possibly can.
‘I know surveys don’t sound very interesting or important,’ said Paul, ‘but the results of this one will help us plan the future of public health in this area. Measuring the social side
SPECIALIST HELP FOR SEVERELY TROUBLED
YOUNGSTERS A ground-breaking national project working with some of Scotland’s most difficult and troubled young people is being supported by NHS Forth Valley. The Interventions for Vulnerable Youth (IVY) project, which was founded by NHS Forth Valley Head of Family Child Psychology, Dr Lorraine Johnstone, is based within the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice at the University of Strathclyde and is open to 12-18 year olds. It is a national resource for children who perpetrate serious offences and who are often marginalised and can find it difficult to access resources.
of health, known as social capital, will show us how friends and family groups, community organisations and wider social activity help promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.
‘There is strong evidence that friendships, good social connections and supportive networks have a
powerful positive impact on health and that loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for poor health. The Men’s Sheds, Beat the Street and the Inkspirations writing group are just three examples of the way communities pull together to support people and help them develop their talents.’
Youngsters referred to the IVY project will be offered comprehensive consultations to help build up a psychological profile, helping frontline workers weigh up the best approach to treatment and risk management. Work to date has revealed trauma
to be a key factor in many of these children’s lives and the work often helps provide a framework for understanding and helping the children.
For more information visit
www.cycj.org.uk
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