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Ayer — Octubre 2nd 2025Tus fuentes RSS

Understanding structured medication reviews delivered by clinical pharmacists in primary care in England: a national cross-sectional survey

Por: Agwunobi · A. J. · Seeley · A. E. · Tucker · K. L. · Bateman · P. A. · Clark · C. E. · Clegg · A. · Ford · G. · Gadhia · S. · Hobbs · F. D. R. · Khunti · K. · Lip · G. Y. H. · de Lusignan · S. · Mant · J. · McCahon · D. · Payne · R. A. · Perera · R. · Seidu · S. · Sheppard · J. P. · Willia
Objectives

This study explored how Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) are being undertaken and the challenges to their successful implementation and sustainability.

Design

A cross-sectional mixed methods online survey.

Setting

Primary care in England.

Participants

120 clinical pharmacists with experience in conducting SMRs in primary care.

Results

Survey responses were received from clinical pharmacists working in 15 different regions. The majority were independent prescribers (62%, n=74), and most were employed by Primary Care Networks (65%, n=78), delivering SMRs for one or more general practices. 61% (n=73) had completed, or were currently enrolled in, the approved training pathway. Patient selection was largely driven by the primary care contract specification: care home residents, patients with polypharmacy, patients on medicines commonly associated with medication errors, patients with severe frailty and/or patients using potentially addictive pain management medication. Only 26% (n=36) of respondents reported providing patients with information in advance. The majority of SMRs were undertaken remotely by telephone and were 21–30 min in length. Much variation was reported in approaches to conducting SMRs, with SMRs in care homes being deemed the most challenging due to additional complexities involved. Challenges included not having sufficient time to prepare adequately, address complex polypharmacy and complete follow-up work generated by SMRs, issues relating to organisational support, competing national priorities and lack of ‘buy-in’ from some patients and General Practitioners.

Conclusions

These results offer insights into the role being played by the clinical pharmacy workforce in a new country-wide initiative to improve the quality and safety of care for patients taking multiple medicines. Better patient preparation and trust, alongside continuing professional development, more support and oversight for clinical pharmacists conducting SMRs, could lead to more efficient medication reviews. However, a formal evaluation of the potential of SMRs to optimise safe medicines use for patients in England is now warranted.

Cohort profile: trajectory of knee health in runners with and without heightened osteoarthritis risk (TRAIL) in Australia--prospective cohort study

Por: De Oliveira Silva · D. · Mentiplay · B. F. · Girdwood · M. · Haberfield · M. J. · Bruder · A. M. · Culvenor · A. G. · West · T. J. · Hill · J. P. · Carey · D. L. · Johnston · R. T. R. · Crossley · K. M.
Purpose

The TRAjectory of knee heaLth in runners (TRAIL) study is a prospective cohort study investigating the long-term knee health trajectories of runners with and without a heightened osteoarthritis risk. This study aims to describe the recruitment results and baseline characteristics of the TRAIL cohort.

Participants

Runners aged 18–50 years and running ≥3 times and ≥10 km per week on average in the past 6 months were eligible. Participants were recruited via running podcasts, running clubs and social media between July 2020 and August 2023. Data were collected at study enrolment and at a face-to-face baseline testing session, which occurred a median of 33 weeks (IQR 18 to 86 weeks) after enrolment. Follow-up data collection is ongoing.

Findings to date

Out of 462 runners who completed an online registration form, 268 runners enrolled, of which 135 had a history of knee surgery (46% females) and 133 were non-surgical controls (50% females). 60% of the surgery group had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 33% meniscus and/or cartilage surgery, and 7% other knee surgery. 54 participants previously enrolled were unable to continue in the study before attending baseline data collection. Of the 214 runners who remained in the study and attended baseline data collection, 108 had a history of knee surgery (49% females) and 106 did not have a history of knee surgery (51% females).

Future plans

Participants will be followed for 10 years through ongoing patient-reported outcomes and continuous monitoring of training loads using wearable devices. At baseline, 4- and 10-year follow-up, knee MRI and knee-health patient-reported outcomes will be collected to evaluate structural and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis progression. Data will inform guidelines for safe running practices and rehabilitation post-knee surgery.

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Utilisation of ambulatory ECG monitoring for prediction of heart failure and stroke events and healthcare expenditure in treated and untreated patients: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Schwennesen · H. · Li · Z. · Hammill · B. G. · Clark · A. G. · Pokorney · S. D. · Hytopoulos · E. · Turakhia · M. P. · Cambra · J. · Piccini · J. P.
Objective

We evaluated the performance of risk models that incorporate ambulatory ECG data and clinical information for prediction of healthcare expenditures related to heart failure (HF) and stroke events in treated and untreated patients.

Design and setting

A retrospective cohort study of Medicare patients who underwent Zio XT ambulatory monitoring in the USA was conducted between 2014 and 2020.

Participants and outcomes

14-day ambulatory ECG data and claims data were evaluated in the study sample which included 89 923 patients in the HF hospitalisation group, 75 870 in the new-onset HF group and 90 159 in the stroke hospitalisation group. Predictive models for new-onset HF, HF hospitalisation and stroke hospitalisation were generated using LASSO Cox regression with ambulatory ECG variables and components of the CHA2DS2-VASc. For each outcome, we scored patients using standardised linear predictors from three composite risk models, and we evaluated the association between risk score and total Medicare cost.

Results

The following hazard ratios per one SD increase in the new risk score were observed for the model that included all CHA2DS2-VASc components and ECG variables: HF hospitalisation in treated 2.94, 95% CI 2.75 to 3.15; new-onset HF in treated 1.84, 95% CI 1.75 to 1.93; HF hospitalisation in untreated 3.51, 95% CI 3.23 to 3.82; and new-onset HF in untreated 1.92, 95% CI 1.85 to 2.00. Risk scores generated by the model were also predictive of Medicare cost in both treated and untreated patients, with patients in the high-risk category for all outcomes having the greatest Medicare costs during 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusions

Integrating arrhythmia data from ambulatory ECG monitoring into clinical risk models allows for better prediction of healthcare utilisation and cost in both treated and untreated patients at high risk for HF and stroke events.

Safety and immunogenicity of rVSV{Delta}G-ZEBOV-GP vaccination when dosed concurrent with mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in healthy African adults (EbolaCov): protocol for a phase IV, single-centre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial

Por: Gokani · K. · Taylor · A. · Packham · A. · Musabyimana · J. P. · Shema · H. · Mutabaruka · A. · Roche · S. · Takwoingi · Y. · Umuhoza · C. · Nyombayire · J. · Muvunyi · C. · Green · C.
Introduction

Ebola virus disease remains a significant public health concern. For protection from Ebola virus, the main target populations are epidemiologically identified and often include healthcare workers and refugees. These target populations are also routinely offered vaccines for other vaccine-preventable diseases. However, concomitant use of rVSVG-ZEBOV-GP with other vaccines is not recommended, given the absence of data regarding its reactogenicity and antigen-specific immunogenicity profile when co-administered. The EbolaCov trial aims to inform whether rVSVG-ZEBOV-GP can be administered concurrent to a Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose without an unacceptable increase in reactogenicity and/or loss of humoral immunogenicity to Ebola vaccine antigen.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, randomised, single-blinded, vaccine safety and immunogenicity study in healthy adults living in Rwanda. Seventy-two participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to two study groups, the first receiving rVSVG-ZEBOV-GP with a placebo, the second group receiving rVSVG-ZEBOV-GP concurrently with a Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose. The primary outcome measures are quantitative serum anti-glycoprotein (GP) antibody responses, as measured by ELISA, 28 days after vaccination, and frequency and severity of adverse events in the 7 days following vaccination. Secondary outcome measures include day 28 and day 180 serum anti-GP and serum SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein-specific geometric mean antibody titres.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Rwanda National Ethics Committee (reference 442/2024) and the University of Birmingham (reference ERN_2661-Jun2024). All participants were required to provide written informed consent in accordance with good clinical practice. Dissemination of results will be through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202407764378004) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06587503)

Global mapping of oral health plans, programmes and policies in countries with universal health coverage: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

This review aims to map oral health plans, programmes and policies worldwide in countries with universal health coverage.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a scoping review that will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review checklist, guided by the PCC framework: Population—countries with universal health coverage (78 globally recognised); Concept—oral health plans, programmes and policies; Context—integration into health systems. Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Health System Evidence and Epistemonikos, with no restrictions on date, language or study type. Grey literature will be accessed through Google Scholar, OpenThesis and the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Official documents from ministries of health and international bodies, including the WHO and the International Monetary Fund, will also be reviewed. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts; a third will resolve disagreements. Eligible records will undergo full-text review. Data will be extracted into predefined categories reflecting health system components: population, structure, services, governance and oral health indicators. Results will be presented using tables, charts and figures to illustrate strategies and innovations.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not involve primary data collection and does not require ethical approval. Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at academic conferences and scientific events.

Study registration

Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RCP8N).

N-acetyl cysteine for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: study protocol for a multi-site, double-blind randomised controlled trial (NAC-AUD study)

Por: Morley · K. · Arunogiri · S. · Connor · J. P. · Clark · P. J. · Chatterton · M. L. · Baillie · A. · Slade · T. · Berk · M. · Lubman · D. · Haber · P. S.
Introduction

Current treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUD) have limited efficacy. A previous 28-day pilot trial of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) vs placebo found NAC to be feasible and safe, with evidence of improvement on some measures of alcohol consumption. Thus, the primary aim of the NAC-AUD study is to examine the therapeutic and cost-effectiveness of NAC vs placebo in improving treatment outcomes for AUD. We will also examine the (i) effect of NAC vs placebo on mood, markers of liver injury, cognition and hangover symptoms; and (ii) predictors of any response.

Methods and analysis

This double-blind trial will randomise participants with AUD to a 12-week regimen of either NAC (2400 mg/day) or placebo. All participants will receive medical management. The primary drinking outcome will be the number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) per week, validated by phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Secondary alcohol-related outcomes will include standard drinks per drinking day (SDDD) per week and absence of any HDDs. Other secondary outcomes will include markers of liver injury, depression, anxiety, craving, hangover symptoms, cognition and blood oxidative stress markers. We will also examine the cost-efficacy of NAC vs placebo.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for the study has been granted by The Sydney Local Health District Ethics Review Committee (X21-0342& HREC2021/ETH11614). There are no restrictions on publication from the sponsor or other parties.

Trial registration number

NCT05408247.

LDL-C achievement in patients with coronary artery disease: a study protocol for the EDHIPO-MARCA retrospective registry

Por: Cordoba-Melo · B. D. · Arango-Ibanez · J. P. · Posso-Marin · S. · Ruiz · A. J. · Molina · D. I. · Gomez-Mesa · J. E.
Introduction

Elevated lipid profiles increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), adherence to therapy and achievement of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) target levels remain suboptimal. Coronary artery disease (CAD) presents substantial public health challenges, with LDL-C goal attainment rates reported to be between 30.0% and 54.0%. The EDHIPO MARCA (Evaluación De adherencia a la terapia HIPOlipemiante en pacientes de Muy Alto Riesgo CArdiovascular) study aims to evaluate LDL-C target achievement among Colombian patients with CAD.

Methods and analysis

This is a retrospective and multicentre study aiming to evaluate LDL-C target achievement within 12 months of coronary angiography across multiple Colombian institutions. Data will be retrospectively extracted from medical records corresponding to the years 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022, which were selected to correspond with the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guideline updates. Inclusion criteria included patients ≥18 years old with confirmed CAD and LDL-C reports recorded during outpatient follow-up. The study will evaluate a minimum sample size of 5000 patients, with data collected through medical records and managed using the REDCap platform. Statistical analyses will be conducted to assess LDL-C target achievement, associated factors and temporal trends using mixed-effects models. Uncertainty will also be explored through sensitivity analysis. The EDHIPO MARCA study will provide key insights into LDL-C target achievement in Colombia, contributing to both regional and global CAD management. Its findings will be used to help shape public health policies and serve as a foundation for future prospective research and interventions aimed at mitigating the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Comité de Ética en Investigación Biomédica of Fundación Valle del Lili, the coordinating institution and creator of the study protocol. Each participating centre will obtain approval from its local ethics committee prior to data collection. Data will be collected in a de-identified manner, ensuring confidentiality. In accordance with Colombian Resolution 8430, this study is classified as 'no-risk', and informed consent was not required. The findings will be disseminated through scientific events and published in international peer-reviewed journals to contribute to cardiovascular disease management and public health policies.

Practice of oxygenation and respiratory support during fibreoptic bronchoscopy: the OxyFOB study protocol

Por: Longhini · F. · Crimi · C. · Noto · A. · Pelaia · C. · Karakurt · Z. · Skoczynski · S. · Boleo-Tome · J. P. · Winck · J. C. · Esquinas · A. M. · Melhorn · J. · Corneci · D. · Pobeha · P. · Bosco · V. · Garofalo · E. · Bruni · A. · Cammarota · G. · Todorova · V. · Puci · M. V. · Sotgiu · G.
Introduction

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pulmonary medicine. However, FB can cause respiratory and haemodynamic complications, especially in patients with pre-existing lung and/or cardiovascular comorbidities. Despite the range of oxygenation and ventilatory approaches available to prevent these risks, evidence regarding their real-world application and clinical impact is limited. The OxyFOB study aims to assess the prevalence and outcomes of various oxygenation and ventilatory support strategies used during FB across Europe.

Methods and analysis

The OxyFOB study is a large, prospective, international, observational cohort study which aims to involve over 10 000 FB procedures across European centres. Eligible participants include all adults undergoing FB for diagnostic, therapeutic or procedural indications. Data are collected via a standardised electronic case report form and encompass demographic information, procedural details and clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint is the prevalence of oxygenation and ventilatory support strategies: conventional oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes include periprocedural respiratory and haemodynamic events, patient comfort, dyspnoea and postprocedural complications. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, subgroup comparisons and multivariate logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the coordinating centre (protocol n. 22/2022 on the 20 January 2022, by the ‘Comitato Etico Sezione Area Centro - Regione Calabria’) and all participating sites. Informed consent is given from all patients or their legal representatives. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international meetings. Data will be managed and made available on reasonable request to support further research.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05681962. Registered January 2023.

Multiparametric MRI for local staging in patients with suspected muscle-invasive bladder cancer: study protocol for a multicentre, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial (the BladParadigm study)

Introduction

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an aggressive type of cancer. About 50% of patients will die from the disease within 5 years despite radical treatment. This implies that in many patients, the disease has already spread at the time of radical treatment, even though imaging shows no signs of metastasis. We hypothesise that the standard local staging method, transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), is partly responsible for tumour cell spread. Furthermore, TURBT (and re-TURBT in many patients) contributes to a significant delay to definitive therapy. The aim of this randomised study is to determine whether multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the bladder, in combination with a single outpatient bladder tumour biopsy for histological confirmation, is a safer, faster, less costly and, therefore, more cost-effective diagnostic pathway than TURBT to detect or rule out MIBC.

Methods and analysis

BladParadigm is a two-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in the Netherlands. Over a 3-year period, patients with clinically suspected MIBC without evidence of metastases will be recruited and randomised 1:1 to either TURBT or 3-Tesla mpMRI with same-day outpatient bladder biopsy. The Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) will be used to standardise mpMRI reporting. Patients will undergo definitive treatment based on the results of the TURBT or mpMRI. The study is powered to demonstrate that the mpMRI-based strategy is at least non-inferior to standard TURBT in patients treated with radical cystectomy alone, assuming a relative hazard of 0.55. The required sample size is 360 patients (180 TURBT, 180 mpMRI). The primary outcome is 2-year progression-free survival. Progression will be assessed by imaging, according to the current standard of care. Secondary outcome measures are time to definitive treatment, quality of life (EuroQol 5D-5L), healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from the Medical Ethical Committee Oost-Nederland (NL83685.091.23). All participants will provide written informed consent prior to inclusion. Findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed, open-access publications, presentations at scientific conferences and stakeholder briefings.

Trial registration number

NCT05779631.

Arrhythmia burden, symptoms and quality of life in female and male endurance athletes with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a multicentre cohort study in Norway, Australia and Belgium

Por: Apelland · T. · Letnes · J. M. · Janssens · K. · Claessen · G. · Tveit · A. · Sellevold · A. B. · Mitchell · A. · Willems · R. · Onarheim · S. · Enger · S. · Kizilkilic · S. E. · Miljoen · H. · Elliott · A. · Loennechen · J. P. · La Gerche · A. · Myrstad · M. · The NEXAF Investigators
Objectives

To assess atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in endurance athletes with paroxysmal AF.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

Otherwise healthy endurance athletes with paroxysmal AF in Norway, Australia and Belgium. The current study presents baseline measurements collected before the intervention of a randomised controlled trial on effects of individually tailored training adaptation.

Methods

AF burden (percentage time in AF) was measured by insertable cardiac monitors (Confirm Rx, Abbott). AF-related symptoms and QoL were assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life Questionnaire (AFEQT) with any score

Results

43 athletes (age 57±10 (mean±SD), range 33–75 years, 3 women) were included. The athletes were monitored for 50±18 days. Median AF burden was 0.18% (IQR 0%–2.6%). Out of 29 athletes with at least one AF episode, 21 (72%) had AF episodes >60 min. 13 athletes (30%) had AFEQT overall score 60 min were associated with reduced QoL (mean AFEQT score 78 vs 90, p=0.001 and 78 vs 90, p=0.001, respectively). There were large individual variations between the athletes concerning AF burden, symptoms and QoL.

Conclusions

Although most athletes were still competing, more than half had troublesome symptoms. One-third had reduced QoL, which was associated with higher AF burden and longer duration of AF episodes. Variations between the athletes highlight the need for individually tailored AF management in athletes with paroxysmal AF.

Trial registration number

NCT04991337.

Misinformation on cardiovascular disease spreads through social networks: a scoping review protocol

Por: Bhandari · B. · Zafra-Tanaka · J. H. · Mahapatra · P. · Njelekela · M. · Infante-Garcia · M. M. · Ramalingam · S. · Gonzalez-Rivas · J. P.
Introduction

Misinformation about cardiovascular health has the potential to negatively impact public health outcomes. Understanding the nature and spread of such misinformation is crucial for developing effective interventions to mitigate this potential risk. However, despite the critical importance of this issue, there is a gap in comprehensive reviews mapping the existing literature on cardiovascular health misinformation. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on cardiovascular health misinformation, identifying its spread, prevalence, impact and strategies for correction across diverse populations and settings.

Methods

This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for conducting a scoping review. A comprehensive search will be conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science, along with grey literature sources. The last date of search was January 2025. The review will include studies without date that involve individuals affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD) misinformation, examine the spread, prevalence, impact or correction of misinformation related to cardiovascular health, and capture various cultural, geographic or setting-specific factors. The exclusion criteria include studies that do not directly address misinformation related to CVD. All identified records will be imported into Covidence systematic review software. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, followed by full-text reviews of potentially relevant studies. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. Data extraction will be conducted by two reviewers using a pre-piloted tool, and a descriptive presentation of the findings will be done. Both inductive and deductive content analysis methods will be employed for objectives related to the impact and strategies to combat misinformation.

Ethics and dissemination

Given that the study involves synthesising data from existing published literature, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through international conference presentations, published in a peer-reviewed journal and shared with public health organisations and policymakers.

Chatbot-delivered structured psychological intervention (SPI-Bot) for teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Hong Kong: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

Por: Li · J. · Zhang · T. · Cheung · J. P. Y. · Meng · N. · Wu · Z. · Ma · D. C. F. · Chan · E. A. · Yu · L. · Cao · Y. · Li · Y.
Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often imposes a significant psychological burden on teenagers. Cognitive and behavioural strategies have demonstrated the potential to alleviate these challenges. Chatbots, with their real-time interaction capabilities, provide a promising and accessible approach to delivering psychological interventions for young people.

Method and analysis

This pilot trial will evaluate a chatbot-delivered, structured psychological intervention (SPI-Bot) incorporating cognitive and behavioural strategies for teenagers with AIS. Conducted as a single-centre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial, the study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of SPI-Bot. Fifty-two teenagers with AIS and mild to moderate psychological symptoms will be block-randomised into two groups. The intervention group will complete an 8-week, evidence-based SPI-Bot programme, while the control group will engage in casual conversations with another chatbot that does not include specific psychological health content. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks) and follow-up (12 weeks). Primary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability, measured through recruitment rates, adherence rates, attrition rates, engagement, working alliance, usability, user experience and adverse events. Secondary outcomes focus on effectiveness, including psychological distress, psychological well-being, perceived social support and quality of life. Participants in the intervention group will be purposively sampled for semistructured interviews to explore their perceptions of the intervention process.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Reference: HSEARS20240919007). The results of this pilot study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT06698952

Comparative analysis of HIV data completeness in Haitis iSante Plus Electronic Medical Record system across children, adolescents and adults: a cross-sectional evaluation of 2016-2022 data

Por: Odeny · B. · Honore · J. G. · Balan · J. G. · Hughes · J. P. · Wagenaar · B. · Gloyd · S. · Celestin · K. · Elisma · M. · Francois · K. · Puttkammer · N.
Objective

To evaluate and compare documentation completeness of HIV-related data by age group (children, adolescents and adults) in Haiti’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.

Design

Cross-sectional evaluation.

Setting

EMR data for 36 965 enrolment visits, and 123 608 return visits from 58 facilities in Haiti (from 2016 to 2022).

Participants

Children, adolescents and adults accessing HIV care and treatment services in Haiti.

Main exposure measure

Health facility attendance for HIV-related healthcare.

Main outcome measure

Level of data completeness, as a measure of data quality. We developed Composite Completeness Scores (CCS scores) to measure data completeness. Lower scores meant lower completeness. Generalised linear models were used to investigate factors associated with completeness.

Results

At the enrolment visit, most patients were adults (81.6%) and female (56.7%). Most facilities were health centres (75.9%). The overall average enrolment visit CCS score was 54.0%. At enrolment, being a child (CCS score difference=–7.08, 95% CI: –11.31 to –2.86) and a more recent year of enrolment (–6.01, 95% CI: –11.69 to –0.33) were significantly associated with lower completeness scores than being an adult and having an earlier year of enrolment, respectively. The overall average return visit CCS score was 49.6%. At the return visit, children (–6.76, 95% CI: –10.07 to –3.45) had significantly lower average completeness scores than adults. For first viral load documentation, children had lower odds of completeness compared with adults (adjusted OR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.28). Sex, year of enrolment, facility ownership (public, private, mixed), total patient volume and duration of EMR use were not significantly associated with completeness of documentation at the enrolment and return visits.

Conclusions

We observed disparities in electronic data completeness by age group, which may be indicative of digital health disparities. Documentation was particularly poor among children and declined over time for enrolment visits. Further research is needed to understand and address these documentation gaps.

Mis- and disinformation and perceptions of healthcare policy among Latinos in the USA: protocol for a multi-method social media sentiment analysis study

Por: Wilson · F. A. · Stimpson · J. P. · Young · M.-E. D. T. · Bustamante · A. V. · Ponce · N. A. · Ortega · A. N.
Introduction

It is unclear how mis- and disinformation regarding healthcare policy changes propagate throughout Latino communities via social media. This may lead to chilling effects that dissuade eligible individuals from enrolling in critical safety net programmes such as Medicaid. This study will examine pathways and mechanisms by which sentiment in response to mis- and disinformation regarding healthcare policies on social media differentially impact health disparity populations, thus supporting the design of tailored social media interventions to mitigate this.

Methods and analysis

We will search social media from X/Twitter, Facebook/Instagram and Reddit for keywords relating to health benefit programmes. Demographic, geographical location and other characteristics of users will be used to stratify social media data. Posts will be classified as fake-news-related or fact-related based on curated lists of fake-news-related websites. The number, temporal dissemination and positive or negative sentiment in reacting to posts and threads will be examined using the Python-based Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER). Using a crowd-sourcing methodology, a novel Spanish-language VADER (S-VADER) will be created to rate sentiment to social media among Spanish-speaking Latinos. With the proposed approach, we will explore reactions to the dissemination of fake-news- or fact-related social media tweets and posts and their sources. Analyses of social media posts in response to healthcare-related policies will provide insights into fears faced by Latinos and Spanish speakers, as well as positive or negative perceptions relating to the policy over time among social media users.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study protocol was approved by the University of California, Los Angeles IRB (IRB#23–0 01 123). Results from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations, and S-VADER will be disseminated to public repositories such as GitHub.

Consumer perspectives on implementing falls prevention and management in rehabilitation hospitals: protocol for a qualitative study

Por: McKercher · J. P. · Peiris · C. L. · Peterson · S. · Thwaites · C. · Hill · A.-M. · Clifford · A. M. · Morris · M. E.
Introduction

High-quality clinical practice guidelines and hospital standards on falls prevention and management now exist, yet their implementation into clinical practice is variable. Insights from consumers could help to guide the development of a process to improve the implementation of falls prevention and management, particularly in rehabilitation hospitals where fall rates are high.

Methods and analysis

A qualitative descriptive study will incorporate semistructured interviews and focus groups to explore the perspectives of hospital consumers on how hospital falls prevention evidence can best be implemented into rehabilitation practice. Thematic analysis of the data will be conducted in NVivo using a six-phase thematic coding process guided by Braun and Clarke. Evaluation and synthesis of the data will also follow the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Consideration of the results from the interviews and focus groups will provide insights into the views of people with lived experience of hospitalisation and falls. Thematic analysis will be supported by direct quotes for each key theme and will highlight how the themes relate to the study aims and the rehabilitation context.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee (HEC24526). The study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and findings will be presented at conferences, workshops and online events.

Effectiveness of education and training programmes to help clinicians assess and classify perineal tears: a systematic review

Por: Simpson · G. · Philip · M. · Richards · A. · Eggleston · A. J. · Vogel · J. P. · Wilson · A. N. · Homer · C.
Objective

For every 100 women having a vaginal birth, approximately four will experience a severe (third-degree or fourth-degree) perineal tear. Severe perineal tears are associated with significant short-term and long-term consequences if not recognised and repaired. There are global efforts to reduce incidence of severe perineal tears including initiatives to strengthen education and training of clinicians in perineal anatomy and perineal tear assessment and classification. This systematic review aimed to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Design

Systematic review, reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Data sources

Medline (Ovid), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), MIDIRS and EMBASE (Ovid) were searched through 15 February 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Studies reporting simple or complex interventions aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of clinicians in perineal anatomy and/or the clinical assessment and classification of perineal tears were eligible.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and appraised the quality of individual studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 tool or Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results

In total, 7645 citations were screened and 39 studies included. We identified nine unique interventions including training programmes, short workshops and senior obstetrician supervision. Many studies were from high-income countries, in primary care settings and at high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Effective education included practical components, such as hands-on skills and training in perineal anatomy, assessment and classification, rather than senior supervision alone. Ongoing review of practice appears to be crucial for maintaining knowledge and skills. Future research should focus on interventions tailored to limited-resource settings, and the optimal length and intensity of training programmes to assess and classify perineal tears.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020185431.

Arm Based on LEg blood pressures (ABLE-BP): can systolic ankle blood pressure measurements predict systolic arm blood pressure? An individual participant data meta-analysis from the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration

Por: McDonagh · S. T. J. · Warren · F. C. · Sheppard · J. P. · Boddy · K. · Farmer · L. · Shore · H. · Williams · P. · Lewis · P. S. · Fordham · A. J. · Martin · U. · Aboyans · V. · Clark · C. E. · on behalf of the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaborators · White · Price · Ferrucci · Erbel · Westeri
Objectives

To determine associations between arm and ankle systolic blood pressures (SBPs), develop and validate a multivariable model predicting arm SBP from ankle SBP, and investigate associations between ankle SBP, cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Design

Ankle-arm SBP differences were examined in two-stage individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses using multivariable hierarchical linear regression models. Models were used to derive and validate a prediction model for arm SBP based on ankle SBP. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analyses. Prognostic associations of ankle SBP with outcomes were examined using Cox proportional hazards models.

Data sources

Searches identified cohorts for the Inter-arm Blood Pressure Difference IPD (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration from Medline, Old Medline, Medline in process, Embase and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2017; unpublished data were also sought. Required primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and/or fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events.

Eligibility criteria

Prospective studies from community, primary care or general clinic settings, without language restriction, that recorded SBP in both arms were eligible. Adults aged ≥18 years with SBP measured in all four limbs, in a supine position, were included in the current analyses. People with peripheral artery disease were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Anonymised datasets were individually cleaned and then combined into a single dataset for the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration.

Results

The current dataset included 33 710 participants from 14 studies; mean age 58 years, 45% female, mean baseline arm blood pressure 138/80 (SD: 20/12) mm Hg. Mean ankle SBP was 12.0 mm Hg (95% CI 8.8 to 15.2) higher than arm SBP. The multivariable model predicting arm SBP from ankle SBP demonstrated excellent performance (AUROC curves, sensitivities and specificities were >0.82, 0.80 and 0.82, respectively, at all BP thresholds from 130 to 160 mm Hg). Model performance was superior to existing arithmetic formulae.

Ankle SBP was neither associated with all-cause nor cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.000 (0.997 to 1.002; p=0.682) and 1.001 (0.996 to 1.005; p=0.840), respectively). However, lower-reading ankle SBP was associated with fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events (HR 1.005 (1.002 to 1.007; p

Conclusions

On average, ankle SBP is 12 mm Hg higher than arm SBP. Estimating individual arm SBP from ankle SBP measurements with a multivariable model is more accurate than existing fixed arithmetic formulae. This model, operationalised in an online calculator (https://ablebp.research.exeter.ac.uk/), could facilitate hypertension management and cardiovascular care for people unable to have arm SBP measured.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015031227.

Codevelopment of a complex intervention to reduce inequalities in paediatric diabetes secondary care outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes from underserved groups

Objectives

To codevelop (with children and young people with diabetes (CYPD)) an intervention to improve diabetes control and future health outcomes of CYPD from ‘underserved’ groups, to reduce treatment outcome inequalities between different socioeconomic and ethnic groups. To follow Medical Research Council guidance for complex interventions and the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) model for behaviour change intervention development.

Design

In phase 1 (previously reported), we established the evidence base, conducted literature reviews and analysed data from semistructured interviews with CYPD and their carers. In phase 2 (this report), we applied the COM-B framework to identify intervention components; in phase 3 (this report), we evaluated these components, including focus groups with CYPD, their carers’ and healthcare practitioner (HCP) surveys, using the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Spill-Over Effects, Equity criteria.

Setting

Secondary care; children, young people and their carers’ were approached from two large paediatric diabetes services in England, both with socioeconomically and ethnically diverse underserved populations; paediatric diabetes HCPs were surveyed across four English regions.

Participants

N=69 underserved CYPD (aged 5–19 years) and/or family members took part in interviews; N=48 paediatric diabetes HCP survey respondents (survey 1); N=34 paediatric diabetes HCP survey respondents (survey 2); N=3 young people’s advisory group participants; N=17 underserved CYPD/carers focus group participants; N=9 wider stakeholder participants.

Results

The codevelopment process and integration of COM-B established four elements for an intervention package: (1) an enhanced peer support/mentoring programme; (2) provision of a health and well-being coach to CYPD/families; (3) family/community support to address social and community issues and (4) training for HCPs, including cultural competence, poverty proofing and to emphasise the need for increased sensitivity and better supported communication in work with CYPD from underserved groups.

Conclusions

The Diversity in Diabetes codevelopment work informed an intervention to improve diabetes care in underserved groups, reflecting sociocultural contexts and plausible support options at the individual, community and clinical levels. The ‘Diversity in Diabetes’ programme will next test feasibility and further refine the intervention package in two more paediatric diabetes centres in England.

What is the impact of longer patient travel distances and times on perioperative outcomes following revision knee replacement: a retrospective observational study using data for England from Hospital Episode Statistics

Por: Matthews · A. H. · Evans · J. P. · Evans · J. T. · Lamb · S. · Price · A. J. · Gray · W. · Briggs · T. · Toms · A. D.
Objectives

Patients undergoing revision total knee replacement (RevKR) surgery often have difficulties mobilising and increasingly rely on family support. Evolving practice in England aims to manage these patients in specialised centres with the intention of improving outcomes. This practice will result in longer travel distances and times in this frailer group of patients. We want to examine the types of distances and travel times patients can be expected to travel for this complex orthopaedic surgery and to explore concerns of how these impact patient outcomes.

Design

Retrospective observational study from the Hospital Episode Statistics. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between patient travel distances and times with perioperative outcomes.

Setting

Patients presenting to tertiary referral centres between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. A tertiary referral centre was defined as a trust performing >49 revisions in the year prior.

Participants

Adult patients undergoing RevKR procedures for any reason between 1 January 2016 ando 31 December 2019.

Exposure

The shortest patient level travel distance and time was calculated using the Department of Health Journey Time Statistics using Transport Accessibility and Connectivity Calculator software and Dijkstra’s algorithm.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome is emergency readmission within 30 days. Secondary outcomes are mortality within 90 days and length of inpatient stay.

Results

6880 patients underwent RevKR at 36 tertiary referral centres. There was a weak correlation between social deprivation and travel distance, with patients from the most deprived areas travelling longer distances. Overall, 30-day readmission was not statistically associated with longer driving distance (OR 1.00 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02) or peak driving times (OR 1.00 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01).

Conclusions

There was no association between increasing travel distance and time on perioperative outcomes for RevKR patients.

Disabilities and depression in young adolescents living in underdeveloped areas of Indonesia: results from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey

Por: Tjandrarini · D. H. · Ashar · H. · Nari · J. P. · Malakauseya · M. L. V. · Senewe · F. P. · Musoddaq · M. A. · Nazarina · N. · Mulyantoro · D. K. · Wardhani · Y. F. · Izza · N. · Titaley · C. R.
Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between the type and severity of disabilities and depression among adolescents aged 15–17 years living in underdeveloped areas of Indonesia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data were derived from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Research, a nationally representative data of Indonesia.

Participant

We used information collected from 4811 adolescents aged 15–17 living in underdeveloped areas of Indonesia.

Primary outcome

The primary outcome was depression, based on the conditions experienced by respondents during the last 2 weeks.

Results

The analysis showed that 5.65% of adolescents aged 15–17 years living in underdeveloped areas of Indonesia had depressive symptoms. Adolescents with severe physical and psychological disabilities were most at risk, exhibiting significantly higher odds of developing depression (aOR=12.09, 95% CI: 5.41 to 27.03, p0.001). Other significant predictors included female adolescents (aOR=2.18, 95% CI: 1.51 to 3.14, p0.001) and those who had a non-communicable disease (aOR=3.50, 95% CI: 1.00 to 12.18, p=0.049).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the critical need for targeted depression interventions and collaborative efforts to support vulnerable adolescents in underdeveloped areas of Indonesia, particularly those with disabilities, girls and those with non-communicable diseases. Efforts to engage healthcare providers, educators and policymakers to improve access to mental health resources will enhance the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.

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