Eyes on Evidence is the free monthly e-bulletin from NHS Evidence, covering new evidence and implications for practice.
Contents for February 2010 issue are:
* Bobath - popular but may not be best for stroke
* new role for thiazolidinediones in diabetes?
* debate continues over role of off-pump CABG
* statins for children with heFH?

You can sign up to receive a copy at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/newsletterSignup.aspx

Back issues to January 2010 are now available in pdf format on the NHS Evidence website.

Tinnitus (NHS Evidence - ENT and audiology)
www.library.nhs.uk/ent
Research on tinnitus continues to proliferate and this evidence update presents a concise summary of the latest expert-reviewed primary and secondary research, combined with a list of current therapeutic uncertainties to prioritise future research. Multiple databases have been searched to capture all emerging evidence for the period January-December 2009.

Urinary incontinence (NHS Evidence - kidney diseases)
www.library.nhs.uk/kidney
The 2010 Annual Evidence Update on Male Urinary Incontinence has been launched, in advance of the publication of the NICE guidelines on the Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men later this year. This AEU updates the high-quality evidence and commentaries presented in early 2009 on: post-prostatectomy and urinary incontinence; Botulinum Toxin A; conservative management; male and female quality of life studies; stress urinary incontinence and surgery; stress urinary incontinence and drug treatment; urgency urinary incontinence and surgery; and urgency urinary incontinence and drug treatment. The RCTs and lower level evidence published in 2009 on Botulinum Toxin A and male urinary incontinence are also presented.

Urinary incontinence (NHS Evidence - kidney diseases; NHS Evidence - women's health)
www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth
This 2010 Evidence Update builds on the accumulated knowledge-base and provides up-to-date summaries of the latest evidence in the management of stress and urge urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. Specific topics include: sacral neuromodulation for urinary storage and voiding dysfunction; pharmacotherapy for stress urinary incontinence; the use of botulinum toxin in the management of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), and conservative management of stress urinary incontinence.

Annual Evidence Update on Patient and Carer Involvement in Chronic Disease (NHS Evidence - supportive and palliative care)
www.library.nhs.uk/palliative
The
is second Annual Evidence Update collects together the best current knowledge on self care in chronic disease management. Key resources from a small sample of chronic conditions, together with the End of Life Care setting are placed within the general theme of user involvement in health services.

Annual Evidence Update on Spinal Disease (NHS Evidence - trauma and orthopaedics)
www.library.nhs.uk/trauma_orthopaedics
NHS Evidence - trauma and orthopaedics in conjunction with the Musculoskeletal Specialist Collection have produced an Annual Evidence Update on Spinal Diseases. Included in this Evidence Update are guidelines and systematic reviews published within the last year covering low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, disc herniation and spinal fractures. This topic should be of particular interest to all health professionals working in this field.

Annual Evidence Update on Headache
(NHS Evidence - neurological conditions)
www.library.nhs.uk/neurological
The Neurological Conditions Specialist Collection launched its second Annual Evidence Update on Headache on 24 August, in time for National Migraine Awareness Week (6-12 September 2009). The Neurological Conditions Specialist Collection Project Team has carried out a systematic literature search on headache to identify all high level evidence published since the date of the last headache Annual Evidence Update in 2008, including guidelines, systematic reviews, health technology assessments and economic evaluations.

Annual Evidence Update on Diabetic Retinopathy
(NHS Evidence - diabetes)
www.library.nhs.uk/diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of blindness in working age people in the UK. The annual evidence update on Diabetic Retinopathy provides an opportunity to present an up-to-date comprehensive collection of information that has been subject to rigorous selection criteria.

Annual Evidence Update on Osteoporosis
(NHS Evidence - musculoskeletal)
www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal

At the end of June, NHS Evidence - musculoskeletal released their latest Annual Evidence Update on Osteoporosis. As previously they have sifted the publications in this area in the 12 months up to the end of May 2009 and have concentrated on highlighting systematic reviews, these being the most reliable and least biased evidence available to guide practice and improve knowledge in this area. We hope that you will take a look and your feedback would be very welcome.

Annual Evidence Update on Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities
(NHS Evidence - learning disabilities)
www.library.nhs.uk/learningdisabilities

People with learning disabilities have a higher level of health needs than the general population, many of which are unmet. The Learning Disability Health Needs Annual Evidence Update provides evidence summaries and bibliographies of published research for some key health issues:·

• Cancer


• Challenging behaviour


• Coronary heart disease


• Epilepsy


• Respiratory illness


• Visual Impairment and People with Learning Disabilities

Annual Evidence Update on Oesophago-gastric Cancers (NHS Evidence - cancer and NHS Evidence - gastroenterology and liver diseases)
www.library.nhs.uk/cancer and www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver

This is the first Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on Oesophago-gastric cancers and is a collaboration between NHS Evidence - cancer and NHS Evidence - gastroenterology and liver diseases. It presents the results of a search for new guidance and systematic reviews that have appeared in the last 2 years. As this is first AEU in this topic area an overview will be presented, highlighting significant new evidence, together with other important resources. Commentaries will be sought for the AEU in 2010.

Annual Evidence Update on Age Related Macular Degeneration (NHS Evidence - eyes and vision)
www.library.nhs.uk/eyes

The Age Related Macular Degeneration Annual Evidence Update (AEU) is available from 15 June 2009. A collection of the evidence that has emerged since the 2008 AEU will be presented under a number of topics reflecting aspects of the care pathway. The evidence will be categorised into secondary publications (systematic reviews and meta-analyses), interventional studies (randomised control trials and clinical control trials) and observational studies. The emphasis of the AEU will be on the sight threatening or visually impairing forms of age-related macular degeneration.

Annual Evidence Update on Drugs Misuse (NHS Evidence - National Library for Public Health)
www.library.nhs.uk/publichealth

The National Library for Public Health will run its first Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on drugs misuse from 8 June 2009. The theme for this first update is drugs misuse treatment in offender populations. We have teamed up with experts from the Addictions Centre based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London to evaluate the evidence and put it into context. The AEU runs in conjunction with the Home Office Drugs Week.

Annual Evidence Update on Atrial Fibrillation (NHS Evidence - cardiovascular)
www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and if left untreated is a significant risk factor for stroke and other morbidities. NICE published a guideline on management of AF in June 2006. The NHS Evidence - cardiovascular team has systematically identified high quality evidence that has appeared since then, and presents this with summaries written by leading experts in the field.

Annual Evidence Update on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (NHS Evidence - women's health)
www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth

This update aims to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date knowledge on the diagnosis and management of heavy menstrual bleeding.
We know that it is very difficult for busy clinicians to keep up-to-date with the huge volume of literature that is published each year and so the women's health specialist collection does this for you so that you don't have to!

Annual Evidence Update on Rheumatoid Arthritis (Musculoskeletal Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal
The team responsible for the Musculoskeletal Specialist Library has searched the literature for high quality Rheumatoid Arthritis evidence that has accumulated within the last year. We have focused on guidance and systematic reviews published before March 2009. As in recent years the majority of publications relate to various aspects of treatment with biologics. Although this constitutes an increasing proportion of the clinical activity in relation to this disease, we should not lose sight of other important developments and various aspects of rheumatoid disease management feature prominently in our update. It might seem obvious that patients should be able to expect the same high standard of care from the NHS wherever they are located in the UK but the fact that their experience varies greatly has been highlighted in a report from the Kings Fund. This would be justifiable if there was no evidence to guide practice but this is far from being the case. Perhaps the most important publication during the year has been the NICE Guideline on Rheumatoid Arthritis. The widespread implementation of this guidance has the potential to greatly improve the lives and outlook of very many patients with this devastating disease.

Annual Evidence Update on Failure to Cope in Old Age - Supporting People (Later Life Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/laterlife
This Annual Evidence Update from the Later Life Specialist Library will focus on the challenges with independent living faced by people in later life. The Annual Evidence Update will identify systematic reviews, guidelines and important policy documents. Carer support will also be considered.

Annual Evidence Update on Obesity (Public Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/publichealth
The Public Health Specialist Library has updated last year's Obesity Annual Evidence Update focussing on the same topic of Childhood Obesity: Surveillance and Prevention. There has been a lot of new evidence published in these areas, especially in regards to prevention in terms of diet, physical activity, and protection due to breast feeding and early childhood health and diet. The National Obesity Observatory have reviewed the evidence and written summaries about what this means for current programmes and schemes such as the National Childhood Measurement Programme.

Annual Evidence Update on Acupuncture (Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cam
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Specialist Library presents an Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on Acupuncture from 20 April. The Library has carried out a comprehensive search of a number of databases and used strict selection criteria for the identified studies, in order to base the annual update on the best current evidence available. This update provides a summary of systematic reviews, large RCTs and other relevant studies published in the twelve months since the 2008 AEU on Acupuncture.

Annual Evidence Update on Schizophrenia (Mental Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
The Mental Health Specialist Library has produced an Annual Evidence Update on Schizophrenia. The section on the Mental Health Specialist Library site brings together the latest evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews, important primary research, service development literature and patient information.

The symptoms and experience of schizophrenia are often distressing and the effects of the illness are pervasive, with a significant number of people continuing to experience long-term disability. Schizophrenia can have a major detrimental effect on people's personal, social and occupational lives, placing a heavy burden on individuals and their carers, as well as potentially large demands on the healthcare system.

Annual Evidence Update on Cardiac Rehabilitation (Cardiovascular Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular
This is the second Annual Evidence Update on cardiac rehabilitation produced by the Cardiovascular Specialist Library with the results of new systematic reviews and other relevant information published since the first Annual Evidence Update in June 2008. There is also a "what's new" analysis discussing new evidence and its implications for clinical practice.

Annual Evidence Update on Colorectal Cancer (Cancer Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cancer
The latest Annual Evidence Update on Colorectal Cancer runs from 6 to 10 April and coincides with Bowel Cancer Awareness month. The Annual Evidence Update consists of all relevant systematic reviews and national guidelines that have emerged in the twelve months since last year's Annual Evidence Update. These are the topic areas covered this year:

* Causes, risks and prevention

* Assessment and diagnosis

* Treatment and disease management

* Service delivery and standards

Annual Evidence Update on Pain (Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/palliative
This Annual Evidence Update collects together the latest high quality evidence on three important aspects of pain in supportive and palliative care: Cannabinoids for pain management, Pain management in dementia, Pain and cancer survivorship.

Annual Evidence Update on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver
The NLH Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library project team has carried out a systematic search on Inflammatory Bowel Disease to identify all high level evidence published in the past year, namely guidelines, systematic reviews, health technology assessments and economic evaluations. Leading experts from around the UK have read and appraised these for their validity and relevance to the busy clinician. A list of the most useful papers, along with commentary from the experts, is available on the site.

Annual Evidence Update on Tuberculosis (Infections Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/infections
The Infections Specialist Library in collaboration with the National Knowledge Service - TB launched its Annual Evidence Update on Tuberculosis on 23 March 2009. This was timed to coincide with World TB Day on 24 March 2009.
This Annual Evidence Update's message is derived from the Stop TB Partnership's focus for this year, which is "Simply, Stopping TB". Subtopics include:

1. Vaccines to prevent TB

2. Treatment Completion

3. Line probe assays

4. HIV testing in TB clinics

Experts in the field provide commentaries on these subtopics, and links to other useful websites are also provided.
We welcome feedback about the resources included in this update - please contact us if you would like to comment.

Annual Evidence Update on Prostate Cancer (Cancer Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cancer
The 2009 Annual Evidence Update on prostate cancer is the second the Cancer Specialist Library has prepared. The Annual Evidence Update consists of all relevant systematic reviews and national guidelines that have emerged in the twelve months since the Prostate Cancer Annual Evidence Update in March 2008. These are the topic areas covered this year:

* Causes, risks and prevention

* Screening

* Assessment and diagnosis

* Treatment and disease management

* Service delivery and standards

This year's Annual Evidence Update is live from Monday 9 March and coincides with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PDF file).

Annual Evidence Update on Dysmenorrhoea and Endometriosis (Women's Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth

The next Annual Evidence Update from the Women's Health Specialist Library will focus on both endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea. The update aims to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date knowledge on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea. We know that it is very difficult for busy clinicians to keep up-to-date with the huge volume of literature that is published each year and so the Women's Health Specialist Library does this for you so that you don't have to!

Annual Evidence Update on Acne (Skin Disorders Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/skin

The NLH Skin Disorders Specialist Library published its third Annual Evidence Update on Acne Vulgaris (common acne) on 2 March 2009. As last year, the search for new evidence has been extended to randomised controlled trials as well as systematic reviews, because so few new systematic reviews have been published. Also included is our usual "what's new" commentary and an updated version of our mapping by topic of systematic reviews on acne published since 1999.

Annual Evidence Update on Chest Pain (Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular/

The Chest Pain annual evidence update (AEU) 2009 updates the previous AEU published in February 2007.

Chest pain is a common reason for patients seeking healthcare, often as an emergency. But not all chest pain is cardiac in origin, and (for example) the proportion of patients calling for an ambulance with chest pain who have proven heart attack is low - less than 10% in some studies. We have identified key systematic reviews and related documents to support clinicians and commissioners in identifying the best available, current evidence on this topic. NICE are due to publish guidance on chest pain in December 2009.

The Update includes commentaries from an Expert Group, chaired by our Clinical Lead, Professor Tom Quinn, from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey.

Annual Evidence Update on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Supportive and Palliative Care
(Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/palliative/
The first Annual Evidence Update on 'Gastrointestinal symptoms in supportive and palliative care' is available on 9 February 2009. The best current evidence on three key topics is collected together: (a) Nausea and vomiting, (b) Constipation and (c) Bowel obstruction.

Annual Evidence Update on Tinnitus(ENT and Audiology Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/ent/

Tinnitus research continues to proliferate and in conjunction with National Tinnitus Week, this evidence update presents a concise summary of the latest emerging evidence on various sub-topics, combined with a list of current therapeutic uncertainties to highlight research gaps. Sub-topics include:
• Aetiology
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Clinical Tools
• Patient Experiences
• Outcome Assessment
• Service Delivery

Annual Evidence Update on Patient Safety
(Patient and Public Involvement Specialist Library)

http://www.library.nhs.uk/ppi/

This Annual Evidence Update considers the issue of patient involvement in patient safety, which can be defined as: the actions that patients take to reduce the likelihood of medical errors and/or the actions that patients take to mitigate the effects of medical errors when they do occur. The Annual Evidence Update looks at the ways in which patients can help to improve patient safety, and also at the willingness of patients to perform safety-related behaviours.

Annual Evidence Update on Patient and Carer Involvement in Chronic Disease
(Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist Library)

http://www.library.nhs.uk/palliative

This Annual Evidence Update collects together the best current knowledge on self care in chronic disease management. Key resources from a small sample of chronic conditions are placed within the general theme of user involvement in health services.

Annual Evidence Update on Urinary Incontinence (Kidney Diseases and Women's Health Specialist Libraries)

http://www.library.nhs.uk/kidney or http://www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth
The Kidney Diseases and Women's Health Specialist Libraries are launching the first Urinary Incontinence Annual Evidence Update (AEU) on Monday 19th January. Focusing on both male and female urinary incontinence this AEU brings together the latest evidence on the surgical, drug and conservative management of urge and stress incontinence and Overactive Bladder (OAB). Expert commentaries summarising the latest knowledge on various incontinence topics such as botox, post-prostatectomy and quality of life issues will be available.

The December 2008 newsletter is now available - download it here
or read it on the NLH Public Health Specialist Library website at:
http://www.library.nhs.uk/publichealth/

Stroke Specialist Library
http://www.library.nhs.uk/stroke

This is the first Annual Evidence Update that has been undertaken on a stroke-related topic and it will be published to coincide with the UK Stroke Forum conference in Harrogate.

The Annual Evidence Update will focus on rehabilitation following a stroke, including Early Supported Discharge (ESD). Despite evidence of its effectiveness in reducing mortality and long term disability rehabilitation is often seen as a 'Cinderella service': under funded, understaffed, and with a low profile compared to care at the 'hi-tech' end of the spectrum of stroke care.

With the advice of our Expert Panel comprising a nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and stroke physician, we have focused this AEU on a number of the key components of stroke rehabilitation set out in the National Stroke Strategy, together with relevant outcome measures and a focus on ESD.

HIV/AIDs: behaviour change in high risk populations
National Library for Public Health 1 to 7 December

The National Library for Public Health presents its first Sexual Health National Knowledge Week (NKW) on HIV/AIDs: behaviour change in high risk populations. This has been timed to coincide with World HIV/AIDS Day on 1 December. The NKW has been prepared in collaboration with the British HIV Association. The NKW contains an annual evidence update on resources on the topic area and expert articles. It provides a one stop shop for those seeking the most up to date evidence and useful information on reducing the transmission of HIV and interventions for behaviour change in high risk populations.

Glaucoma (Eyes and Vision Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/eyes
The Glaucoma Annual Evidence Update presents a collection of evidence that has emerged in the 12 months since last year's update.

The term "glaucoma" for the purposes of the update is used to cover primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Ocular hypertension is also included, as it is a strong risk factor for developing glaucoma. Angle closure glaucoma, paediatric glaucoma and the secondary glaucomas are not included in this update.

The evidence is categorised into secondary publications (systematic reviews and meta analyses), interventional studies (randomised control trials and clinical control trials) and observational studies.

Oral cancer (Oral Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/oralhealth

The Oral Health Specialist Library presents an Annual Evidence Update on oral cancer to coincide with Mouth Cancer Awareness Week. The Update provides a summary of the best available information (systematic reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines) published since last year's update.

COPD (Respiratory Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/respiratory

The Annual Evidence Update for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) presents the evidence published in this area in 2008. Building on the comprehensive review carried out to inform the NSF and presented earlier this year in February, this AEU details the very latest published evidence in COPD. There will be no invited commentaries or updates to the text published in the COPD National Knowledge Week earlier this year due to the close proximity of the publication of the NSF for COPD.

Lung cancer (Cancer Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cancer

The Cancer Specialist Library launched its Lung Cancer Annual Evidence Update on 17h November 2008. The update has been divided into sections which consider:

* Causes, risks and prevention
* Screening
* Assessment and diagnosis
* Service delivery and standards
* Treatment and disease management - Biological therapy
* Treatment and disease management - Chemotherapy
* Treatment and disease management - Radiotherapy
* Treatment and disease management - Surgery
* Treatment and disease management - Symptomatic therapy
* Other therapies
* Palliative care
* Psychosocial, quality of life and follow-up

The resources included in the update are mostly systematic reviews and some guidance published in the preceding year (2007-2008). Where possible we provide links to the full text and where these are not available to the abstract. The Cancer Specialist Library conducts on-going literature searches and the resources presented in the Annual Evidence Update are the most recently published material that has been indexed in the international databases we search. We welcome feedback about the resources included in this update - do contact us if you would like to comment.

Psoriatic arthritis (Musculoskeletal Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis. As with other forms of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can cause stiffness, pain and lack of movement in affected areas. This Annual Evidence Update, produced by the Musculoskeletal Specialist Library is timed to coincide with the Skin Disorders Specialist Library's Annual Evidence Update on psoriasis. Included in this Annual Evidence Update are guidelines and systematic reviews produced within the last 12 months which will be of particular interest to all health professionals.

Psoriasis (Skin Disorders Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/skin

The NLH Skin Disorders Specialist Library is producing its second Annual Evidence Update on Psoriasis on 3rd November 2008, with the results of a search for new national guidance and systematic reviews published since the 2007 Annual Evidence Update. The Library's usual "what's new" analysis, discussing the new evidence and its implications for clinical practice, will be written by Professor Chris Griffiths of Manchester University.

Annual Evidence Update on Diabetic Retinopathy 2008 (Diabetes Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/diabetes/Page.aspx?pagename=DR

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in working age people in the UK. By December 2007, 85.7% of people diagnosed with diabetes were offered screening for diabetic retinopathy. The UK leads the world in diabetic retinopathy screening. The Department of Health NSF target to screen 100% of people diagnosed with diabetes for diabetic retinopathy had not been met by the end of 2007, but the DH have now prioritised quality and safety over chasing the target and will continue to work with partners in Government, the NHS and the voluntary sector to improve the standard and quality of screening programmes across the country.

The Diabetic Retinopathy Annual Evidence Update provides an opportunity to present an up-to-date comprehensive collection of information that has been subject to rigorous selection criteria. Coverage has been developed on the basis of topics suggested by UK diabetic retinopathy experts. Information is organised by topic areas and links are provided within each topic to the relevant references (systematic reviews, primary research), guidelines and patient information.

System reform (Health Management Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/healthManagement

The Health Management Specialist Library's Annual Evidence Update on NHS System Reform provides an opportunity to bring together up-to-date knowledge and evidence about several key strands of NHS reform published since our first National Knowledge Week on system reform in June 2007. The key strands are:

* patient choice
* payment by results
* commissioning
* foundation trusts
* alternative providers (including independent and third sector)
* regulation

Ethnicity / Inequality (Ethnicity Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/ethnicity

The Ethnicity and Health Specialist Library will focus on five themes from the NHS "Big Sixty" (the 60 biggest health conditions and problems that cause 80% of the burden of disease) for its Annual Evidence Update. Following an overall introduction from Dr Surinder Sharma, the equalities director for the NHS, each theme will be introduced by a leading national authority.

On Monday, the theme will be "Commissioning & Ethnic Monitoring", followed by ethnic aspects of "Oral Health/ Oral Cancer". On Wednesday we shall focus on "Cardiovascular Disease in Ethnic Minority Populations" and on Thursday: "Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity" and "Renal Complications of Diabetes in Ethnic Minority Populations". To close the week, we shall highlight issues around Mental Health, in particular, "Suicide & Self-Harm" and "Learning Disabilities". This approach of a diversity of key topics follows the successful first National Knowledge week on Ethnicity & Health held in October 2007.

Osteoarthritis (Musculoskeletal Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition limiting function and mobility. It usually develops in people who are over 50 years but younger people can also be affected. OA mostly occurs in the knees, hips and hands but any joint can be affected.

Following last year's extensive Annual Evidence Update, the Musculoskeletal Specialist Library in conjunction with the Trauma & Orthopaedics Specialist Library have searched and sifted through the guidance and evidence published during the last year and have produced an Annual Evidence Update which will be of particular interest to all health professionals. Included in this year's update are guidelines issued by NICE, RCP and Clinical Knowledge Summaries and systematic reviews covering various treatment options including pharmacological therapies, physical therapies, complementary and alternative therapies and surgery.

The Annual Evidence Update has been released to coincide with World Arthritis Day on 12 October 2008.

Breast cancer (Cancer Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cancer

The Cancer Specialist Library launched its 2008 Breast Cancer Annual Evidence Update on 13 October. The size of the literature in breast cancer is large so the scope of the Annual Evidence Update has been divided into sections, which will consider:

* Causes, risks and prevention
* Screening
* Assessment and diagnosis
* Service delivery and standards
* Treatment and disease management - Biological therapy
* Treatment and disease management - Chemotherapy
* Treatment and disease management - Hormone therapy
* Treatment and disease management - Radiotherapy
* Treatment and disease management - Surgery
* Other therapies
* Psychosocial, quality of life and decision making
* Follow-up and miscellaneous topics

The resources included in the update are mostly systematic reviews and some guidance published in the preceding year (2007-2008). Where possible we will provide links to the full text and where these are not available to the abstract. The Cancer Specialist Library conducts on-going literature searches and the resources presented in the Annual Evidence Update are the most recently published material that has been indexed in the international databases we search. We welcome feedback about the resources included in this update - do contact us if you would like to comment.

Depression (Mental Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/mentalhealth

The Mental Health Specialist Library has searched the four major databases (Cinahl, Embase, Medline and PsycInfo) for the latest evidence on depression published between January 2007 and the end of August 2008. This search retrieved over 2,000 hits (information overload for all but the most hardcore evidence lovers!).

We have sifted the evidence and just retained the high quality research (guidelines, systematic reviews), which we've organised into categories and presented so that you can quickly and easily see what's new, reliable and relevant to you.

The Update also features an audio podcast of interviews with leading experts in the field and will cover the following topics:
1. Incidence and Prevalence
2. Diagnosis
3. Treatment
4. Populations

Heart failure (Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cardiovascular

The Cardiovascular Diseases Specialist Library will publish the 2008 Annual Evidence Update on Heart Failure on 6th October. The CVDSL team have brought together a panel of experts (Professor David Thompson, Professor Jonathan Mant, Professor John Cleland and Dr Michael Davies) chaired by Professor Tom Quinn and co-ordinated by April Coombe, to review high quality evidence published since last year's successful update.

Hyperthyroidism (ENT and Audiology Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/ent

Research on thyroid disorders continues to proliferate and this evidence update will present a concise summary of the latest systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials on hyperthyroidism, combined with expert opinion on recent developments and a list of current therapeutic uncertainties.

CAM for low back pain
(Complementary & Alternative Medicine Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cam

The Annual Evidence Update on CAM for low back pain aims to present a comprehensive collection of up-to-date information that has been subject to rigorous selection criteria. We have carried out searches in a number of databases, covering the period from June 2007 to July 2008. A list of the relevant guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials, along with commentary from experts, is available on the Library's website from 29 September.

Antenatal and pregnancy care (Women's Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/womenshealth

Focusing on antenatal and pregnancy care, this Annual Evidence Update from the Women's Health Specialist Library aims to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date knowledge on the antenatal and pregnancy care offered to pregnant women. The update brings together the results of a comprehensive literature search for new research published since July 2007 - building on last year's update and adding any new evidence identified from the up-to-date literature search. We know that it is very difficult for busy clinicians to keep up-to-date with the huge volume of literature that is published each year and so the Women's Health Specialist Library does this for you so that you don't have to!

Surgical management of faecal incontinence
(Surgery, Theatres & Anaesthesia Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/theatres

The Theatres Specialist Library is publishing an Annual Evidence update on the surgical management of faecal incontinence to coincide with National Continence Awareness week beginning 15th September 2008. NICE guidance on faecal incontinence was published in June 2007 based on literature published prior to October 2006. Therefore this update will highlight relevant, good quality evidence published from October 2006 onwards focusing specifically on surgical management (including sacral nerve modulation and implants).

Eczema (Skin Disorders Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/skin

This is the second Annual Evidence Update on Atopic Eczema organised by the NLH Skin Disorders Specialist Library. It includes the results of a search for new systematic reviews published since the first Annual Evidence Update in September 2007. Also included will be a range of invited expert commentaries on current themes in atopic eczema, an analysis of what is new in systematic reviews and its implications for clinical practice, and a mapping by topic of all systematic reviews on atopic eczema published since 2000.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia (Later Life Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/laterlife

The Later Life Specialist Library's Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Annual Evidence Update aims to provide healthcare professionals with a clear path to the most important recent evidence surrounding the five major types of dementias: Alzheimer's; Vascular dementia; Dementia with lewy bodies; Frontotemportal dementia; and mixed dementias.

The Dementia AEU provides bibliographies and clinical commentary on secondary research (systematic reviews, meta analyses and guidelines) from the last 14 months for the following topics:

* Risk factors and aetiology
* Diagnosis and screening
* Pharmacological treatments
* Non-pharmacological treatments
* Rehabilitation, practice and care standards.

Special care dentistry (Oral Health Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/oralhealth

In recognition of the new consultant speciality of Special Care Dentistry, the Oral Health Specialist Library is presenting a new Annual Evidence Update that identifies relevant, high quality information published in this area. The speciality has been defined as: 'the improvement of oral health of individuals and groups in society who have a physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical emotional or social impairment or disability or, more often, a combination of these factors'. The update also features reviews of two specific areas of interest identified by oral health professionals: bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and antibiotic prophylaxis in bacterial endocarditis.

Hepatitis B/C (Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver

The NLH Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library project team has carried out a systematic search on Hepatitis B and C to identify all high level evidence published in the past year, namely guidelines, systematic reviews, health technology assessments and economic evaluations. Leading experts from around the UK have read and appraised these for their validity and relevance to the busy clinician. A list of the most useful papers, along with commentary from the experts, will be available on the site from 8th September.

Headache (Neurological Conditions Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/neurological/

The NLH Neurological Conditions Specialist Library project team has carried out a systematic search on Headache and migraine to identify all high level evidence published from 2006 - 2008, namely guidelines, systematic reviews, health technology assessments and economic evaluations. Leading experts from around the UK have read and appraised these for their validity and relevance to the busy clinician. A list of the most useful papers, along with commentary from the experts, is available on the site from 1st September.

The National Library for Public Health (NLPH) is an online specialist library of the National Library for Health. It replaces the Public Health electronic Library (PHeL).
The NLPH was made available in mid-November 2007 with an initial focus on three key areas: Obesity, Alcohol, and Tobacco. The library was relaunched in April 2008.

The project is being directed by the North East Public Health Observatory on behalf of the Association of Public Health Observatories, as part of the Information and Intelligence Strategy published by the Department of Health.
The library can be accessed at: www.library.nhs.uk/publichealth

National Knowledge Week on Tuberculosis (Infection Specialist Library)
http://www.neli.org.uk/IntegratedCRD.nsf/NeLI_Home1?OpenForm

The National electronic Library of Infection is hosting its next National Knowledge Week from 24th March. It highlights important developments in tuberculosis in the last year, and includes a collection of recent, peer-reviewed publications, expert commentaries and links to useful resources. This is hosted by the National electronic Library of Infection (NeLI-www.neli.org.uk) and the National Knowledge Service for TB, and has been timed to link in with World TB day on 24th March 2008.

ACNE VULGARIS and ENDOMETRIOSIS

National Knowledge Week on Acne Vulgaris (Skin Disorders Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/skin/
The NLH Skin Disorders Specialist Library is holding its second National Knowledge Week and Annual Evidence Update on Acne Vulgaris (common acne) from 3-7 March 2008.

The National Library for Health (NLH) Specialist Libraries have been developed to identify and meet the information needs of particular communities of practice. They are web-based collections containing clinical and non-clinical information on the major health priority areas. Each NLH Specialist Library identifies and provides access to quality assessed information of relevance to the community that it serves.

Atopic Eczema National Knowledge Week (Skin Disorders Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/skin/

The Skin Disorders Specialist Library is holding its first National Knowledge Week on Atopic Eczema from 17th to 21st September 2007.
This event has been arranged to correspond with National Eczema Week.

The National Knowledge Week is particularly aimed at NHS health professionals, and will highlight sources of information and guidance on atopic eczema and its treatment.
Included will be the Library's first Annual Evidence Update on Atopic Eczema, with the results of a comprehensive search for systematic reviews on atopic eczema and eczema therapies.
There will also be commentaries from a range of invited experts.

Hepatitis B and C Annual Evidence Update (Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases Specialist Library)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver/

The Hepatitis B and C Annual Evidence Update will include all high quality systematic reviews carried out from 2006 to present on Hepatitis B and C.
A panel of 6 leading clinicians will assess the systematic reviews for quality and relevance. To tie in with this, the Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases Specialist Library will attend the inaugural meeting of the British Viral Hepatitis group during the British Association of the Study of the Liver annual meeting to promote their library and their Annual Evidence Update.

Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures National Knowledge Week (Musculoskeletal and Trauma & Orthopaedics Specialist Libraries)
http://www.library.nhs.uk/musculoskeletal/ and
http://www.library.nhs.uk/trauma_orthopaedics/

The Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures National Knowledge Week provides an opportunity for the Musculoskeletal and Trauma & Orthopaedics Specialist Libraries to present a comprehensive up-to-date collection of information on osteoporosis and fragility fracture.
Leading experts in this field who provided summaries for last year's National Knowledge Week have reviewed and updated their synopses. Links will be provided to relevant guidance, systematic reviews, clinical trials and patient information.

Each NLH Specialist Library identifies and provides access to quality assessed information of relevance to the community that it serves.
An aspect of this involves the production of Annual Evidence Updates and National Knowledge Weeks. National Knowledge Weeks aim to highlight the best current evidence for selected healthcare topics - they consist of the good quality evidence from an Annual Evidence Update (a search of research evidence on a particular topic over a 12 month period), plus user-friendly summaries written by relevant experts, and links to guidelines, secondary research and primary research, if applicable.
All information included in National Knowledge Weeks has been subject to rigorous selection criteria.

The National Library for Health (NLH) Specialist Libraries have been developed to identify and meet the information needs of particular communities of practice. They are web-based collections containing clinical and non-clinical information on the major health priority areas.
Each NLH Specialist Library identifies and provides access to quality assessed information of relevance to the community that it serves.

All specialist libraries can be accessed via the NLH web site, under the Resources section, at:
http://www.library.nhs.uk/Default.aspx

The new Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Specialist Library - managed by the King's Fund for the National Library for Health was officially launched today.

The library aims to support the implementation of patient, user, carer and public involvement in health care by providing access, in one location, to the best information which is available on the Web. Go to the PPI home page