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Biomedical subjects

B Potter

Publications and source records attributed to B Potter.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Research ethical committees in Scotland.

A questionnaire was sent to 41 ethical committees in Scotland requesting information about their constitution and supervision of clinical research. Thirty-four (83%) replies were received. Committees varied in size from one to 73 members, most of whom were medical. Ten had no nurse members and only three had lay members without direct NHS connections. Sixteen saw their role as advisory rather than supervisory. Thirteen had not met in the past year whereas two had held 10 or more meetings. Limited use (12) was made of standard protocols, and only six had formal procedures for monitoring research in progress. Only seven of 370 proposals were rejected outright. Risk/benefit dilemmas and difficulties relating to informed consent were the commonest problems encountered. The committees provide only limited safeguards for patients and research workers, and more effective, standardised procedures are indicated.

Ethics Committees, Research↗

Return to work after coronary artery surgery for angina.

The working habits of 115 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery vein bypass grafting for angina were assessed. Only 25 patients worked up to the operation. Seven patients were housewives and seven retired. Sixty-eight patients had had to give up work because of their angina pectoris, and most of these had been off work for between six months and two years. After the operation 75 patients returned to full-time work, 59 within two to six months. These 75 patients included 23 of the 25 at work preoperatively and 47 of the 68 unable to work preoperatively. Most patients returned to their original occupation. We conclude that coronary artery surgery, as well as bringing symptomatic relief, increases the patient's ability to return to and maintain gainful employment.

Adult↗