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Evolución del papel de enfermería en el implante coclear

El implante coclear tiene cada vez mayor aplicación práctica en medicina. Diversos estudios demuestran los beneficios de una implantación más prematura. Explicaremos la ampliación de criterios de colocación, las nuevas pautas en preservación de audición residual, las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas, las mejoras del material, farmacología y el papel de enfermería en dicho proceso. Objetivo principal: Recopilar los avances en conservación de audición residual y elaborar un protocolo de actuación para enfermería. Metodología: Búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos en PUBMED y CUIDEN. Tras una lectura crítica, se realizó una revisión de los mismos comparándolos con nuestra experiencia. Resultados principales: A mayor audición residual, los implantes cocleares obtienen mejores datos de audición. Conclusión principal: La conservación de la audición residual es capital en la mejora de la audición y enfermería juega un papel fundamental durante todo el proceso.

Neonatal outcomes and its association among gestational diabetes mellitus with and without depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in gestational diabetes mellitus ranges from 10.2% to 39.9% based on previous studies in Malaysia. Presence of depression, anxiety or stress in pregnancy may increase the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neonatal outcomes and its association among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus with and without the presence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in Malaysia.

Changes in fatigue among cancer patients before, during, and after radiation therapy: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. However, previous studies report inconsistent patterns of fatigue change.

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate changes in fatigue among patients with cancer before, during, and after radiotherapy.

Methods

Five databases (PubMed, SDOL, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Medline [ProQuest], and ProQuest Dissertations) were searched for studies published from January 2006 to May 2021. Three effect sizes of fatigue change (immediate, short-term, and long-term) were calculated for each primary study using standardized mean difference. A random-effect model was used to combine effect sizes across studies. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to identify potential categorical and continuous moderators, respectively.

Results

Sixty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis. The weighted mean effect size for immediate, short-term, and long-term effects was 0.409 (p < .001; 95% CI [0.280, 0.537]), 0.303 (p < .001; 95% CI [0.189, 0.417]), and 0.201 (p = .05; 95% CI [−0.001, 0.404]), respectively. Studies with prostate cancer patients had a significantly higher short-term (0.588) and long-term weight mean effect size (0.531) than studies with breast (0.128, −0.072) or other cancers (0.287, 0.215). Higher radiotherapy dosage was significantly associated with a higher effect size for both immediate (β = .0002, p < .05) and short-term (β = .0002, p < .05) effect.

Linking Evidence to Action

Findings from this meta-analysis indicated that radiotherapy-induced fatigue (RIF) exist for more than 3 months after the completion of treatment. Assessment of radiation-induced fatigue in cancer patients should extend long after treatment completion, especially for patients with prostate cancer and patients receiving a higher radiation dose. Interventions to reduce fatigue tailored for different treatment phases may be developed.

Caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in a palliative context: A mixed‐method study

Abstract

Aim

To examine the multidimensional properties of caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in a palliative context.

Design

A sequential, explanatory, mixed-method study was performed.

Methods

Family caregivers of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer were recruited from a palliative care department of a third-level hospital in Sichuan Province, China. The Caregiver Burden Inventory, Social Support Rating Scale and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale were used to collect quantitative data, and a total of 150 caregivers were recruited from January 2022 to September 2022. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and a total of 22 caregivers were interviewed from October 2022 to November 2022. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the factors of caregiver burden were identified using the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test and Spearman correlations. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed to analyse the interview data to initially explore the multidimensions of caregiver burden. The following-a-thread method and convergence coding matrix were used for triangulation to examine the multidimensional properties of caregiver burden.

Results

The participants experienced a moderate level of caregiver burden (32.97 ± 13.09). Through triangulation, six meta-themes and nine meta-subthemes were identified as multidimensional properties of caregiver burden, including physical (too many caring tasks and poor health condition), emotional (strong negative emotions resulting from patients' suffering and insufficient and ineffective family communication), social (less social interaction and social role conflict) and economic burdens, factors that aggravate burden (prevention and control of COVID-19 and spousal relationship with patients) and factors that mitigate burden (social support).

Conclusion

Multiple dimensions of caregiver burden were experienced by family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in the palliative context. Family-centred palliative care must be further developed.

Implications for the profession

It is important to develop family-centred palliative care. Therefore, the focus must be on developing a rational understanding of palliative care in public and a culture-oriented death education in palliative units.

Impact

This study adopted a mixed-method approach to comprehensively understand the phenomenon of and factors in caregiver burden in the Chinese palliative oncology context. Our findings suggest that family caregivers in palliative oncology experience a moderate level of caregiver burden, with dimensions including physical, emotional, social and economic burdens, among which emotional burden is the most prominent. The findings of this study provide policy makers and nurse practitioners with targets to be addressed in family-centred care in Chinese palliative units.

Reporting Method

The results of this study are reported based on the guidelines of the Mixed-Methods Article Reporting Standards.

Patient or Public Contribution

Eligible caregivers were invited to participate in the study and semi-structured interviews. Nurse managers of the palliative unit helped us access the patient-management system.

Effect of closed incision negative pressure wound treatment in vascular surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the effect of closed-incision negative pressure wound (NPW) treatment in vascular surgery. Using dichotomous or contentious random or fixed effect models, the outcomes of this meta-analysis were examined, and the odds Ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Ten examinations from 2017 to 2022 were enrolled for the present meta-analysis, including 2082 personals with vascular surgery. Closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.30–0.51, p < 0.001), grade I infection rates (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.20–0.52, p < 0.001), grade II infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21–0.71, p = 0.002), and grade III infection rates (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.73, p = 0.007), and surgical re-intervention (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25–0.97, p = 0.04) compared to control in personal with vascular surgery. However, no significant differences were found between closed-incision NPW treatment and control in the 30-day mortality (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29–1.00, p = 0.05), antibiotic treatment (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.24–1.19, p = 0.12), and length of hospital stay (MD, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.24-0.19, p = 0.83) in personnel with vascular surgery. The examined data revealed that closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates, grade I infection rates, grade II infection rates, and grade III infection rates, surgical re-intervention, however, there were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, antibiotic treatment, or length of hospital stay compared to control group with vascular surgery. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since some comparisons had a low number of selected studies.

Revisiting metformin therapy for the mitigation of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with diabetic kidney disease from real‐world evidence

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer and diabetic kidney disease are diabetes-related chronic vascular complications that strongly correlate with high morbidity and mortality. Although metformin potentially confers a wound-healing advantage, no well-established clinical evidence supports the benefit of metformin for diabetic foot ulcer. Thus, this study investigated the effect of metformin on diabetic foot ulcer from a large diabetic kidney disease cohort for the first time. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 10 832 patients who visited the nephrology department more than twice at two South Korean tertiary-referral centers between 2001 and 2016. The primary outcome was diabetic foot ulcer events; secondary outcomes included hospitalization, amputation, a composite of amputation or vascular intervention, and Wagner Grade ≥ 3. Multivariate Cox analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to balance baseline intergroup differences between metformin users and non-users. In total, 4748 patients were metformin users, and 6084 patients were metformin non-users. Over a follow-up period of 117.5 ± 66.9 months, the diabetic foot ulcer incidence was 5.2%. After PSM, metformin users showed a lower incidence of diabetic foot ulcer events than metformin non-users (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41; p < 0.001). In a sensitivity analysis of 563 patients with diabetic foot ulcer, metformin usage was associated with lower severity in all four secondary outcomes: hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.33; p < 0.001); amputation (adjusted hazard ratio 0.44; p = 0.001); composite of amputation or vascular intervention (adjusted hazard ratio 0.47; p < 0.001); and Wagner Grade ≥ 3 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.39; p < 0.001). In conclusion, metformin therapy in patients with diabetic kidney disease can lower diabetic foot ulcer incidence and progression.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with local infiltration analgesia on postoperative wound complications in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to be effective in the management of pain in total knee replacement (TKA). Nevertheless, a combination of a local anaesthetic and a dose of dexmedetomidine might be a better choice for post-operative pain management of TKA. The aim of this research is to determine if the combination of a local anaesthetic with dexmedetomidine during a knee replacement operation can decrease the post-operation pain. Furthermore, the effectiveness and security of dexmedetomidine combined with topical anaesthetic were evaluated for the management of post-operative TKA. Based on the research results, the author made a research on the basis of four big databases. The Cochrane Handbook on Intervention Systems Evaluation has also evaluated the quality of the literature. Seven randomized controlled trials have been established from this. It was found that the combination of local anaesthesia and dexmedetomidine had a greater effect on postoperative pain in 4 h (mean difference [MD], −0.9; 95% CI, −1.71, −0.09; p = 0.03), 8 h (MD, −0.52; 95% CI, −0.66, −0.38; p < 0.0001), 12 h (MD, −0.72; 95% CI, −1.04, −0.40; p < 0.0001), 24 h (MD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.83, −0.14; p = 0.006), 48 h (MD, −0.51; 95% CI, −0.92, −0.11; p = 0.01). Nevertheless, because of the limited number of randomized controlled trials covered by this meta-analysis, caution should be exercised with regard to data treatment. More high quality research will be required to confirm the results.

Effect of a portable light emitting diode device on wound healing in a rat model

Abstract

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights produce a variety of wavelengths that have demonstrable efficacy in therapeutic and aesthetic fields. However, a repetitive treatment regimen is required to produce treatment outcomes, which has created a need for portable LED devices. In this study, we aimed to develop a portable therapeutic LED device and investigate its healing effect on excisional wounds in a rat model. The 35 × 35 mm-sized LED device was used on a total of 30 rats with full-thickness wounds that were divided into two groups depending on radiation intensity (11.1 and 22.2 mW/cm2 group). LED irradiation was performed every 24 h for 30 min, over 14 days, in direct contact with the wound. Percentage wound closure was measured by photographic quantification and was assessed histologically using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's Trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31. Percentage wound closure was significantly higher in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds on days 7 and 10. The area of collagen deposition was remarkably larger in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control, with more horizontally organized fibres. CD31 immunostaining confirmed a significant increase in the number of microvessels in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds, although there was no difference in VEGF immunostaining. Our novel portable LED device accelerates wound healing in a rat model, raising the possibility that portable LED devices can combine convenience with accessibility to play an innovative role in wound dressing.

Effect of intramedullary nail fixation and internal plate fixation in distal tibia fracture surgery on post‐operative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Distal tibial fracture is the most commonly seen type of fracture of the lower extremities. Both intramedullary nail fixation (INF) and plate fixation (PF) have been used to treat distal tibial fractures, but the best way to treat them is still in dispute. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare INF versus PF fixation with respect to the incidence of injury. For studies that have been published between inception and June 2023, a systematic review has been carried out on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Scientific databases. All of the trials that looked at INF and PF-related complications were enrolled. Data from the 13 primary results were analysed with RevMan 5.3. The meta-analyses comprised 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). INF indicates that there is a tendency for patients with distal tibia fractures to reduce the risk of operative site infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40, 3.13; p = 0.0003) after surgery compared with PF. INF resulted in a reduction in total wound complications (OR, 14.20; 95% CI, 1.81, 111.57; p = 0.01) but shortened operation time (mean difference, 13.03; 95% CI, 2.08, 23.99; p = 0.02). In view of these findings, INF seems to be a preferred method of surgery for the treatment of distal tibial fractures with respect to the reduction of post-operative wound complications.

Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection following cervical laminoplasty: A retrospective clinical study

Abstract

There are many debates regarding the risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI) following posterior cervical surgery in previous studies. And, till now there is no such a study to examine cervical laminoplasty surgery. From January 2011 through October 2021, a total of 405 patients who were treated with unilateral open-door laminoplasty surgeries were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into the SSI group and the non-SSI group and compared their patient-specific and procedure-specific factors. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the risk factors. Of the 405 patients, 20 patients had SSI. The rate of SSI found to be 4.93%. There were significant differences between groups in the thicker subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) (p < 0.001), the higher ratio of subcutaneous FT to muscle thickness (MT) (p < 0.001), the higher preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scores (p < 0.003), the decreased preoperative serum albumin (p < 0.001), the more postoperative drainage (p < 0.05) and the longer time of draining (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis of these differences showed that the higher ratio of subcutaneous FT/MT, the higher preoperative JOA scores, the decreased preoperative serum albumin and the longer time of draining were significantly related to SSI (p < 0.05). The higher ratio of subcutaneous FT/MT, the higher preoperative JOA scores, the decreased preoperative serum albumin and the longer time of draining are identified as the independent risk factors of SSI in cervical laminoplasty. Identification of these risk factors could be useful in reducing the SSI incidence and patients counselling.

Metabolic profiling of <i>Mytilus coruscus</i> mantle in response of shell repairing under acute acidification

by Xiaojun Fan, Ying Wang, Changsheng Tang, Xiaolin Zhang, Jianyu He, Isabella Buttino, Xiaojun Yan, Zhi Liao

Mytilus coruscus is an economically important marine bivalve mollusk found in the Yangtze River estuary, which experiences dramatic pH fluctuations due to seasonal freshwater input and suffer from shell fracture or injury in the natural environment. In this study, we used intact-shell and damaged-shell M. coruscus and performed metabolomic analysis, free amino acids analysis, calcium-positive staining, and intracellular calcium level tests in the mantle to investigate whether the mantle-specific metabolites can be induced by acute sea-water acidification and understand how the mantle responds to acute acidification during the shell repair process. We observed that both shell damage and acute acidification induced alterations in phospholipids, amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, benzenoids, and their analogs and derivatives. Glycylproline, spicamycin, and 2-aminoheptanoic acid (2-AHA) are explicitly induced by shell damage. Betaine, aspartate, and oxidized glutathione are specifically induced by acute acidification. Our results show different metabolic patterns in the mussel mantle in response to different stressors, which can help elucidate the shell repair process under ocean acidification. furthermore, metabolic processes related to energy supply, cell function, signal transduction, and amino acid synthesis are disturbed by shell damage and/or acute acidification, indicating that both shell damage and acute acidification increased energy consumption, and disturb phospholipid synthesis, osmotic regulation, and redox balance. Free amino acid analysis and enzymatic activity assays partially confirmed our findings, highlighting the adaptation of M. coruscus to dramatic pH fluctuations in the Yangtze River estuary.

Realist Approach to Qualitative Data Analysis

imageBackground A realist approach has gained popularity in evaluation research, particularly in understanding causal explanations of how a program works (or not), the circumstances, and the observed outcomes. In qualitative inquiry, the approach has contributed to better theoretically based explanations regarding causal interactions. Objective The aim of this study was to discuss how we conducted a realist-informed data analysis to explore the causal interactions within qualitative data. Methods We demonstrated a four-step realist approach of retroductive theorizing in qualitative data analysis using a concrete example from our empirical research rooted in the critical realism philosophical stance. These steps include (a) category identification, (b) elaboration of context-mechanism-outcome configuration, (c) demi-regularities identification, and (d) generative mechanism refinement. Results The four-step qualitative realist data analysis underpins the causal interactions of important factors and reveals the underlying mechanisms. The steps produce comprehensive causal explanations that can be used by related parties—especially when making complex decisions that may affect wide communities. Discussion The core process of realist data analysis is retroductive theorizing. The four-step qualitative realist data analysis facilitates this theorizing by allowing the researcher to identify (a) patterns, (b) fluctuation of patterns, (c) mechanisms from collected data, and (d) to confirm proposed mechanisms.

Meta-Analysis of Effects of Early Palliative Care on Health-Related Outcomes Among Advanced Cancer Patients

imageBackground Early palliative care (PC) has received more attention for improving health-related outcomes for advanced cancer patients in recent years, but the results of previous studies are inconsistent. Objectives This study aimed to use meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis to evaluate the effect of early PC on health-related outcomes of advanced cancer patients. Methods All English publications were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to March 2023, with a restriction that the study type was a randomized controlled trial. Results The results showed that early PC positively affected quality of life, satisfaction with care, and symptom burden reduction. However, early PC had no significant effect on anxiety or survival. Trial sequence analysis results showed that the effect of early PC on the quality of life was stable. Discussion This systematic review suggested that early PC could positively affect health-related outcomes for advanced cancer patients. Early PC can be used widely in clinical settings to improve health-related outcomes of advanced cancer. However, because of the trial sequence analysis results, further well-designed, clinical, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Grieving multiple losses: Experiences of intimacy and sexuality of people living with inflammatory bowel disease. A phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim

To explore patient experiences of intimacy and sexuality in those living with inflammatory bowel disease.

Design

An interpretative phenomenological study guided by van Manen's framework. Thematic analysis was conducted through interpretation and reflection on four existential domains: body, relationships, time and space.

Methods

Data were collected during 2019–2021 from 43 participants via face-to-face or telephone interviews, as well as anonymous collection of narratives submitted via Google Forms.

Results

Four themes were identified: Sexuality as lived incompleteness was the overarching theme representing the essence of the experiences of intimacy and sexuality. This theme covered the four main themes: Otherness of the body, Interrupted connectedness, Missing out on life fullness and Fragmented openness and each corresponded to an existential domain. Intimacy and sexuality are negatively affected by inflammatory bowel disease, with impact on quality of life. Patients experienced grieving multiple losses, from body image and control, to choice of partners and future opportunities. The four domains were difficult to separate and a close inter-relationship between each domain was acknowledged.

Conclusions

A model was developed to draw new theoretical insights to understanding the relationship between sexual well-being and psycho-emotional distress similar to grief.

Impact

First qualitative study to explore intimacy and sexuality experiences of those living with inflammatory bowel disease. Illness impact on sexuality has negative psycho-emotional implications as a result of losing the old self and capacity to have the desired relationships/sex life. A theoretical model was developed in an attempt to illustrate the close relationship of intimacy, sexuality and psycho-emotional well-being.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the study design.

Navigating changes: A qualitative study exploring the health‐related quality of life of breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Abstract

Aims

To explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer survivors.

Design

We utilized a qualitative descriptive approach to facilitate interviews among 25 participants, all of whom are survivors of breast cancer and have received treatment in Hong Kong within the preceding 3 years.

Methods

Content analysis was performed to understand how patients' HRQoL views and experiences changed during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Results

The results included six themes delineating the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: (i) survivor sensitivities in pandemic times, (ii) coping and conditioning in pandemic times, (iii) transforming work and home dynamics in pandemic times, (iv) cognitive resilience and adaptation to the COVID-19 protective measures, (v) social resilience in pandemic times and (vi) healthcare adaptation and coping in pandemic times.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the experiences and challenges of breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Some survivors had new physical and psychological symptoms, including fear and anxiety, isolation, pain, lymphoedema and burnout, which potentially have long-term impact upon HRQoL.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

This study highlights the unique challenges faced by breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, including accessing healthcare services and the impact of social isolation. Healthcare providers should consider the holistic needs of breast cancer survivors in the provision of health care and develop supportive interventions, including telehealth services and online support groups, to address these challenges and improve their HRQoL.

Impact

Surgery aimed at treating breast cancer or reducing its risk generally influences the appearance of breast areas and donor sites. The continuing effects of these changes on body image and HRQoL are well-reported, although studies have ineffectively examined the initial experiences of women regarding their postoperative appearance, particularly during the pandemic.

Reporting method

The checklist of consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) was utilized.

Patient or public contribution

A small selection on breast cancer survivors contributed to the design of this study, in particular the content of the semi-structured interviews.

Randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of self-expanding bare metal nitinol stent and balloon angioplasty alone for below-the-knee lesions following successful balloon angioplasty: 1-year clinical outcomes

by Jihun Ahn, HyeYon Yu, Seung-Woon Rha, Byoung Geol Choi, Dong Oh Kang, Cheol Ung Choi, Sangho Park, Jon Seo, Kichang Kim, Minung Kim, Yong Hoon Kim, Yong Seong Seo

This prospective, multicenter, randomized study aimed to compare the 1-year clinical outcomes after primary stenting with self-expanding bare metal nitinol stent (SENS) and plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and below-the-knee (BTK) lesions. Overall, 119 patients with CLI and BTK lesions were randomized to POBA alone (POBA group, 61 patients) or primary stenting with SENS (stenting group, 58 patients) after achieving acceptable POBA results in target BTK lesions. Clinical outcomes including amputation and revascularization rates were prospectively compared for 1 year. After 1 year, similar incidence rates of individual clinical endpoints, including cardiac death (6.5% vs. 5.1%, p > 0.999), myocardial infarction (1.6% vs. 0.0%, p > 0.999), repeat revascularization (19.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.922), target lesion revascularization (13.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.530), and amputation (4.9% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.244), were observed. POBA appeared to have acceptable treatment outcomes compared with primary stenting with SENS after 1 year in CLI patients with BTK lesions undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Impact of a short online course on the accuracy of non-ophthalmic diabetic retinopathy graders in recognising glaucomatous optic nerves in Vietnam

Por: Olawoye · O. O. · Ha · T. H. · Pham · N. · Nguyen · L. · Cherwek · D. H. · Fowobaje · K. R. · Ross · C. · Coote · M. · Chan · V. F. · Kahook · M. · Peto · T. · Azuara-Blanco · A. · Congdon · N.
Purpose

To test an online training course for non-ophthalmic diabetic retinopathy (DR) graders for recognition of glaucomatous optic nerves in Vietnam.

Methods

This was an uncontrolled, experimental, before-and-after study in which 43 non-ophthalmic DR graders underwent baseline testing on a standard image set, completed a self-paced, online training course and were retested using the same photographs presented randomly. Twenty-nine local ophthalmologists completed the same test without the training course. DR graders then underwent additional one–to-one training by a glaucoma specialist and were retested. Test performance (% correct, compared with consensus grades from four fellowship-trained glaucoma experts), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating (AUC) curve, were computed.

Results

Mean age of DR graders (32.6±5.5 years) did not differ from ophthalmologists (32.3±7.3 years, p=0.13). Online training required a mean of 297.9 (SD 144.6) minutes. Graders’ mean baseline score (33.3%±14.3%) improved significantly after training (55.8%±12.6%, p

Conclusion

Non-ophthalmic DR graders can be trained to recognise glaucoma using a short online course in this setting, with no additional benefit from more expensive one–to-one training. After 5-hour online training in recognising glaucomatous optic nerve head, scores of non-ophthalmic DR graders doubled, and did not differ from local ophthalmologists. Intensive one-to-one training did not further improve performance

Improving post‐acute stroke follow‐up care by adopting telecare consultations in a nurse‐led clinic: Study protocol of a hybrid implementation‐effectiveness trial

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and implementation strategies of telecare consultations in post-stroke nurse-led clinics.

Background

Telecare consultations could be an alternative to conventional in-person consultations and improve continuity of care for stroke survivors following their discharge from hospital. Previous studies utilizing telecare consultations only focused on testing their clinical effectiveness on stroke survivors; the appropriateness and feasibility of adopting this new delivery modality in a real-world setting were not examined.

Design

A Type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will be adopted.

Methods

Eligible stroke survivor participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (telecare consultation) or control group (usual in-person clinic consultation). Both groups will receive the same nursing intervention but delivered through different channels. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework will be used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and implementation outcomes. The primary outcome is the non-inferiority of the degree of disability between the two groups at 3 months into the intervention and at 3 months post-intervention. The paper complies with the SPIRIT guidelines for study protocols adapted for designing and reporting parallel group randomized trials.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will provide key insights into the processes for implementing and adopting telecare consultations into long-term services for post-stroke patients.

Impact

This study contributes to the translation of telecare consultations for stroke survivors into real-life settings. If effective, this program may provide guidance for expanding telecare consultations to other post-stroke nurse-led clinics or to patients with other chronic diseases.

Trial Registration

This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05183672). Registered on 10 January 2022.

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