Guided Imagery for Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Many individuals suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases (AORD) supplement pharmacologic treatments with psychosocial interventions. One promising approach, guided imagery, has been reported to have positive results in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and is a highly scalable treatment for those with AORD. The main purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of RCTs that have examined the effects of guided imagery on pain, function, and other outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and quality of life in adults with AORD. Ten electronic bibliographic databases were searched for reports of RCTs published between 1960 and 2013. Selection criteria included adults with AORD who participated in RCTs that used guided imagery as a partial or sole intervention strategy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Instrument. Results were synthesized qualitatively. Seven studies representing 306 enrolled and 287 participants who completed the interventions met inclusion criteria. The average age of the participants was 62.9 years (standard deviation = 12.2). All interventions used guided imagery scripts that were delivered via audio technology. The interventions ranged from a one-time exposure to 16 weeks in duration. Risk of bias was low or unclear in all but one study. All studies reported statistically significant improvements in the observed outcomes. Guided imagery appears to be beneficial for adults with AORD. Future theory-based studies with cost-benefit analyses are warranted.

PharmGuide: your guide to free online drug information

PharmGuide < http://goo.gl/f14Me >is an annotated directory of high quality, freely available, online drug information resources intended for use by librarians, pharmacists, and the public. Given the plethora of drug information websites with varying levels of authoritativeness and accuracy, PharmGuide is intended to facilitate the search for resources by providing links to only those sources that have been critically appraised and that meet specific quality criteria. Methods used in developing the site, evidence of its utility based on usage statistics, and examples of its application in practice are presented within the context of the drug information landscape.

Biomedical resources on Usenet

Usenet offers efficient access to health sciences information resources. The software for reading and searching Usenet includes filters that can eliminate irrelevant messages, sorts related items by topic, and allows users to reply to either the group or an individual. Usenet has more than 2,000 news groups on topics from back rubs to radiological imaging, and it provides information in various ways, including discussion groups and software distribution.