Monitoring chronic disease has generally been a neglected areas of applied research. While poor monitoring may be an expensive waste, good monitoring can improve patient outcomes. For example, effective self-monitoring of warfarin is associated in trials with a reduction in mortality of one third with no increase in haemorrhage rates. We believe there is considerable scope for improved practice and the development of specific clinical tools. Professor Paul Glasziou leads this theme.
In addition to important questions about how long term conditions should be monitored, there are major unanswered questions about how they should be managed. A range of new technologies have been introduced in the NHS in recent years (e.g. new therapies for mental health problems, BNP testing for heart failure), and which could improve the quality of care which patients receive. These need better evaluation in primary care.
In this programme, we will focus on major sources of morbidity in the community and account for large numbers of patients presenting to primary care practitioners, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and mental health care.
Our key research questions
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How can we improve the management of patients with chronic disease?
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How can we improve monitoring of patients with chronic disease?