The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)
CRD is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is a department of the University of York. CRD, which was established in 1994, is one of the largest groups in the world engaged exclusively in evidence synthesis in the health field. CRD undertakes systematic reviews evaluating the research evidence on health and public health questions of national and international importance. They produce the DARE, NHS EED and HTA databases which are used extensively by health professionals, policy makers and researchers around the world. They also undertake methods research and produce internationally accepted guidelines for undertaking systematic reviews.
CRD databases updated
In the week of 20/09/12 to 26/09/12, 7 new records were added to the DARE database.
Abstracts of the week - a selection
- Improving patient handovers from hospital to primary care: a systematic review. The authors concluded that many interventions had positive effects on discharge quality and the safety of handovers between hospitals and primary care providers, but these interventions and the outcome measures were complex, and the best option was unclear. The authors' conclusions are likely to be reliable, but of limited value to decision-makers.
- Use of thiazolidinediones and the risk of bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. This well-conducted review concluded that thiazolidinediones, particularly pioglitazone, were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer among adults with type 2 diabetes. The authors acknowledged the limitations of the evidence base and that the incidence of bladder cancer may have been underestimated. The authors' conclusions reflect the evidence presented and are likely to be reliable.
- Early versus late epidural analgesia and risk of instrumental delivery in nulliparous women: a systematic review. There was no increased risk of caesarean delivery or instrumental vaginal delivery for women who received early epidural analgesia at cervical dilation of 3cm or less in comparison with late epidural analgesia. The results of this review reflect the evidence presented and can be taken as reliable.
Website: University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination