The contribution of primary care systems to health outcomes within Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 1970-1998.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently proposed new methods for assessing the performance of national health systems (World Health Organization 2000). In spite of criticism of the methodologies employed (see Almeida et al. 2001; Blendon, Minah, and Benson 2001), the WHO report has nevertheless reinvigorated research into the...

National Nurse Anesthetists Week Celebrates Anesthesia Patient Safety.
EDINA, Minn., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- As healthcare heads into a new era, surgical and obstetrical patients can rest assured that anesthesia has never been safer, said Dennis Bless, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and president of the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA). ...

Impact of a computer-based case study on outbreak investigation skills.
Abstract Distance learning has been promoted as an effective training tool for the public health workforce. We developed a self-instructional computer-based case study, "Botulism in Argentina," that builds on the strengths of distance learning while avoiding some of its shortcomings. The case study was designed to teach...

Prescription cough product may be fatal at high doses.
Deaths and life-threatening side effects associated with the misuse of a long-acting, prescription cough medicine that contains hydrocodone have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a public health advisory about the dangers of the product when not used properly. The product is marketed as Tussionex...

FDA advises against cold remedies.
The Food and Drug Administration has released a public health advisory strongly recommending against the use of over-the-counter cough and cold products in children and infants aged under 2 years, but will not issue recommendations until the spring about the use of these products in children aged 2-11 years....

Prescription cough product may be fatal at high doses.
Deaths and life-threatening side effects associated with the misuse of a long-acting, prescription cough medicine that contains hydrocodone have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a public health advisory about the dangers of the product when not used properly. The product is marketed as Tussionex...

Contrast agents may pose danger in renal disease.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents, when given to patients with renal disease, have been associated with a rare, potentially fatal, sclerodermalike skin disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory stating that the agency has received reports of...

MR contrast agent poses danger in renal disease.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents, when given to patients with renal disease, have been associated with a rare, potentially fatal, scleroderma-like skin disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. On Dec. 22, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory stating that the agency has...

Congressmen host "Spinach Is Back" salad bar on capitol hill.
In November Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) hosted a "Spinach Is Back" Congressional luncheon with a number of Administration and public health officials to raise awareness that fresh, safe spinach has returned to store shelves, and is an important part of a healthy diet. Joining...

Atomoxetine given black box warning by FDA.
The Food and Drug Administration's public health advisory on a potential increased risk of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents taking atomoxetine is a cautious move, given the paucity of data. But the data should not be ignored, several experts told FAMILY PRACTICE NEWS. The FDA has...