Are diagnostic tests cost-effective? Modified assessment checklist produced
8 January 2019
A diagnostic test-specific checklist to assess decision modelling has been developed and piloted.
New Oxford Sparks podcast launched "Should I be a vegan?"
7 January 2019
Health behaviours Public engagement & involvement
In this episode of the Big Questions podcast, Dr Christina Potter in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences is asked "Should I be a vegan?"
New Year's Honours 2019
3 January 2019
Professor Richard Hobbs is appointed CBE for services to medical research, and receives the RCGP Discovery Prize.
Concerns raised as opioid prescriptions rise across UK
21 December 2018
Big data Research methods & EBM
Researchers recommend greater action to promote best practice as a new study reveals a rise in prescriptions of opioids for treating chronic pain rise between 1998 and 2018.
Oxford-led DROPLET study informs NHS action to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes
30 November 2018
Clinical trials Health behaviours
Hundreds of thousands of people will receive help to battle obesity and Type 2 diabetes under radical new NHS plans to trial very low calorie diets for the first time.
Number of diagnostic tests ordered by GPs rises more than threefold in 15 years
29 November 2018
Big data Research methods & EBM Students
Tests ordered by GPs now cost the NHS at least £2.8bn per year, finds Oxford University-led study.
DPhil afternoon success
22 November 2018
The Department’s Primary Care first and second year DPhil students have presented their research to an audience of staff and students.
Benefits of low-salt diet for heart failure uncertain
9 November 2018
Cardiovascular & metabolic Research methods & EBM
A new systematic review from researchers at the University of Oxford has found limited evidence of any benefit for heart failure patients who follow a low-salt diet, despite many international guidelines recommending this.
Dialogue sets the research agenda for tobacco control
7 November 2018
Health behaviours Public engagement & involvement
A Cochrane stakeholder engagement project led from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences informs national funding call for tobacco research.
Point-of-care flu tests don't lower antibiotic prescribing, study finds
6 November 2018
Tests also have no effect on admission or return visits, finds research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Treatment for moderately high blood pressure may be best saved for those at high risk
29 October 2018
Big data Cardiovascular & metabolic
The largest study of people with mild hypertension shows that medical treatment may not be worthwhile in those who are at low risk of heart attack and stroke.
EBM DataLab team win award for Trials Tracker Initiative
19 September 2018
Awards & appointments Research methods & EBM
Cochrane-REWARD prize recognises efforts to reduce research waste