Eyes on Evidence newsletter: Issue 45, January 2013

NHS Evidence produces Eyes on Evidence – you can sign up to receive regular emails.

Preventable deaths due to problems in care in English acute hospitals

A retrospective case record review shows the number of preventable deaths in English NHS hospitals is unacceptably high, but not as high as previously estimated.

Evaluating mandatory restrictions on trans fatty acids

An analysis of the impact of New York City policy to restrict the use of trans fat for human consumption shows a significant fall in the trans fat content of fast food purchases, without a commensurate rise in the level of saturated fat.

Disease recurrence and survival in node-negative colorectal cancer

A systematic review and meta-analysis show that the molecular detection of tumour cells in regional lymph nodes is associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and poor survival in patients with node-negative colorectal cancer.

Increasing support offered via a national quitline does not improve quit rates

Results of a randomised controlled trial show that offering either additional free nicotine replacement therapy or higher intensity proactive telephone counselling to people who rang a national helpline for support to stop smoking, did not increase quit rates over and above those obtained using standard helpline support.

Benefits of drug therapy are unclear for mild hypertension

A Cochrane review concludes that antihypertensive drugs have not been shown to reduce mortality or morbidity in adults with mild hypertension and no previous cardiovascular events. Significantly more people taking antihypertensive treatment discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, compared with placebo. However, the review has some significant limitations.

Case studies from the Quality Improvement Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) Collection

The QIPP Collection highlights examples of local best practice, demonstrating how NHS organisations have implemented new practices which have both cut costs and improved quality.