Survey of patient information booklets

Amplicon sequencing analysis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities colonizing maize roots in different cover cropping and tillage systems

Our understanding regarding the influence of intensive agricultural practices, including cover cropping and tillage, on communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is lacking. This would prove to be an obstacle in the improvement of current maize (Zea mays L.) production. Therefore, using amplicon sequencing, we aimed to clarify how AMF communities and their diversity in maize roots vary under different cover cropping systems and two types of tillage (rotary and no tillage). Two kinds of cover crops (hairy vetch and brown mustard) and fallow treatments were established with rotary or no tillage in rotation with maize crops. Tillage and no tillage yielded a set of relatively common AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the maize crops, representing 78.3% of the total OTUs. The percentage of maize crop OTUs that were specific to only tillage and no tillage were 9.6% and 12.0%, respectively. We found that tillage system significantly altered the AMF communities in maize roots. However, the AMF communities of maize crops among cover cropping treatments did not vary considerably. Our findings indicate that compared with cover cropping, tillage may shape AMF communities in maize more strongly.

Development of a guidebook to promote patient participation in the management of ulcerative colitis

This paper describes the process of developing a guidebook for people with ulcerative colitis by involving patients and self-help groups from the outset. Medical information in the guidebook is based on evidence of effective treatment obtained from results of randomized controlled trials reported in the medical literature. Such information is presented in a way designed to empower patients and allow them to participate in making informed choices about their medical and surgical care. Initial evaluation in the form of feedback from patients has shown that the guidebook is well liked and easy to understand. The principles used in the development could be extended to devise similar guidebooks for other chronic conditions.

Powered wheelchairs: are we enabling or disabling?

Following the unsuccessful issue of three powered indoor National Health Service (NHS) wheelchairs, a survey was carried out of 40 users in a London wheelchair service to identify the problems with issue and possible areas for improvement to practice. The survey identified improvements that were necessary both from the service and the manufacturers' booklets. The improvements include the issue of written instructions and information to complement verbal instruction given at handover. Such information should be as interesting to read as possible, make use of appropriate language and diagrams (especially in area where English is often not the first language), colour, text and print size to maximise comprehension to these severely disabled users and often their elderly relatives or carers. The importance of the role of the rehabilitation engineer in training the user, giving instruction at handover and annual review are highlighted to ensure that the equipment remains working, suitable and up to date for the individual's needs. Training in interpersonal and communication skills and the importance of recall should also be emphasised. The implementation of the findings should lead to increasing contact with the service by the user, reduction in repair and replacement costs, regular review, correct supply and will therefore enable users to increase their independence with appropriate equipment.

Who provides patients with drug information?

One hundred and fifty four patients were interviewed to determine the type and source of information that they had received about drugs that had been prescribed for them. Most had been told how often to take the drugs (145 (94%)) and how much to take each time (143 (93%)), but few had been informed about side effects (49 (32%)) and fewer had received written information (22 (14%)). Pharmacists most commonly supplied information about how often to take the drugs (105 (68%)), how much to take each time (99 (64%)), and the best way to take it (109 (71%)). Doctors most often gave information about duration of treatment (116 (75)) and possible side effects (126 (82%)). Few patients requested specific information on their own initiative. More research is needed to determine how best to communicate drug information to patients.

Patient attitudes to body computed tomography: use of an information leaflet

Patients often receive little information about the investigations they undergo. Use of an information leaflet significantly reduces patients' worries about whole body scanning, although not about the results. Patients not receiving a leaflet had a significantly higher desire for further information.