Showing papers by "Alessandro Liberati published in 2002"
TL;DR: It is indicated that there is no reliable evidence to support, or rule out, the effectiveness of multisensory programmes in patients in coma or vegetative state.
Abstract: Background
Coma and vegetative state follow traumatic brain injury in about one out of eight patients, and in patients with non traumatic injury the prognosis is worse. The use of sensory stimulation for coma and vegetative state has gained popularity during the 1980's but beliefs and opinions about its effectiveness vary substantially among health professionals.
Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of sensory stimulation programmes in patients in coma or vegetative state.
Search methods
We searched the Injuries Group specialised register, the Cochrane Controlled trials register, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PSYCHLIT from 1966 to January 2002, without language restriction. Reference lists of articles were scanned and we contacted experts in the area to find other relevant studies.
Selection criteria
Randomised or controlled trials that compared sensory stimulation programmes with standard rehabilitation in patients in coma or vegetative state.
Data collection and analysis
Abstracts and papers found were screened by one reviewer. Three reviewers independently identified relevant studies, extracted data and assessed study quality resolving disagreement by consensus.
Main results
Three studies were identified with 68 patients in total. The overall methodological quality was poor and studies differed widely in terms of outcomes measures, study design and conduct. We therefore did not carry out any quantitative synthesis but reviewed results of available studies qualitatively.
Authors' conclusions
This systematic review indicates that there is no reliable evidence to support, or rule out, the effectiveness of multisensory programmes in patients in coma or vegetative state.
72 citations
TL;DR: Differences between the approaches of the Netherlands and Italy lead us to doubt that this is happening as scientific evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for drug dependence is increasingly available and should be used to inform policies.
Abstract: EDITOR—Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for drug dependence is increasingly available and should be used to inform policies. Differences between the approaches of the Netherlands and Italy lead us to doubt that this is happening.
Dutch investigators have recently recommended the prescription of heroin to addicts on the basis of two randomised controlled trials.1 The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (the European Union's drug agency) recently stated that “substitution treatment is a key component of a comprehensive approach to drug treatment and can be …
5 citations
TL;DR: The aim of Working Group 5 is to develop and coordinate education and support networks for individuals and organizations undertaking or using assessment of health interventions and to identify needs in the field and assist in the establishment of new provisions.
Abstract: The aim of Working Group 5 is to develop and coordinate education and support networks for individuals and organizations undertaking or using assessment of health interventions and to identify needs in the field and assist in the establishment of new provisions.
4 citations