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Hoy — Mayo 14th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Sex and gender-based analysis and diversity metric reporting in acute care trials published in high-impact journals: a systematic review

Por: Granton · D. · Rodrigues · M. · Raparelli · V. · Honarmand · K. · Agarwal · A. · Friedrich · J. O. · Perna · B. · Spaggiari · R. · Fortunato · V. · Risdonne · G. · Kho · M. · VanderKaay · S. · Chaudhuri · D. · Gomez-Builes · C. · D'Aragon · F. · Wiseman · D. · Lau · V. I. · Lin · C. · Reid
Objective

To characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal changes in reporting before and after publication of the 2016 Sex and Gender Equity in Research guideline.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE for trials published in five leading medical journals in 2014, 2018 and 2020.

Study selection

Trials that enrolled acutely ill adults, compared two or more interventions and reported at least one clinical outcome.

Data abstraction and synthesis

4 reviewers screened citations and 22 reviewers abstracted data, in duplicate. We compared reporting differences between intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiology trials.

Results

We included 88 trials (75 (85.2%) ICU and 13 (14.8%) cardiology) (n=111 428; 38 140 (34.2%) females/women). Of 23 (26.1%) trials that reported an SGBA, most used a forest plot (22 (95.7%)), were prespecified (21 (91.3%)) and reported a sex-by-intervention interaction with a significance test (19 (82.6%)). Discordant sex and gender terminology were found between headings and subheadings within baseline characteristics tables (17/32 (53.1%)) and between baseline characteristics tables and SGBA (4/23 (17.4%)). Only 25 acute care trials (28.4%) reported race or ethnicity. Participants were predominantly white (78.8%) and male/men (65.8%). No trial reported gendered-social factors. SGBA reporting and female/women representation did not improve temporally. Compared with ICU trials, cardiology trials reported significantly more SGBA (15/75 (20%) vs 8/13 (61.5%) p=0.005).

Conclusions

Acute care trials in leading medical journals infrequently included SGBA, female/women and non-white trial participants, reported race or ethnicity and never reported gender-related factors. Substantial opportunity exists to improve SGBA and diversity metric reporting and recruitment of female/women participants in acute care trials.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022282565.

Impact of androgenic anabolic steroid use on cardiovascular and mental health in Danish recreational athletes: protocol for a nationwide cross-sectional cohort study as a part of the Fitness Doping in Denmark (FIDO-DK) study

Por: Buhl · L. F. · Lehmann Christensen · L. · Diederichsen · A. · Lindholt · J. S. · Kistorp · C. M. · Glintborg · D. · Andersen · M. · Frystyk · J.
Introduction

The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs) among recreational athletes is steadily increasing. However, knowledge regarding the potentially harmful effects of AAS primarily originates from case reports and small observational studies. This large-scale study aims to investigate the impact of AAS use on vascular plaque formation, preclinical coronary disease, cardiac function, circulating cardiovascular risk markers, quality of life (QoL) and mental health in a broad population of illicit AAS users.

Methods and analyses

A nationwide cross-sectional cohort study including a diverse population of men and women aged ≥18 years, with current or previous illicit AAS use for at least 3 months. Conducted at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, the study comprises two parts. In part A (the pilot study), 120 recreational athletes with an AAS history will be compared with a sex-matched and age-matched control population of 60 recreational athletes with no previous AAS use. Cardiovascular outcomes include examination of non-calcified coronary plaque volume and calcium score using coronary CT angiography, myocardial structure and function via echocardiography, and assessing carotid and femoral artery plaques using ultrasonography. Retinal microvascular status is evaluated through fundus photography. Cardiovascular risk markers are measured in blood. Mental health outcomes include health-related QoL, interpersonal difficulties, body image concerns, aggression dimensions, anxiety symptoms, depressive severity and cognitive function assessed through validated questionnaires. The findings of our comprehensive study will be used to compose a less intensive investigatory cohort study of cardiovascular and mental health (part B) involving a larger group of recreational athletes with a history of illicit AAS use.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark (S-20210078) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (21/28259). All participants will provide signed informed consent. Research outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05178537.

Implementation of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (WHO SCC) was developed to accelerate adoption of essential practices that prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during childbirth. This study aims to summarise the current landscape of organisations and facilities that have implemented the WHO SCC and compare the published strategies used to implement the WHO SCC implementation in both successful and unsuccessful efforts.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review protocol follows the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data will be collected and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews report. The search strategy will include publications from the databases Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science, in addition to a search in grey literature in The National Library of Australia’s Trobe, DART-Europe E-Theses Portal, Electronic Theses Online Service, Theses Canada, Google Scholar and Theses and dissertations from Latin America. Data extraction will include data on general information, study characteristics, organisations involved, sociodemographic context, implementation strategies, indicators of implementation process, frameworks used to design or evaluate the strategy, implementation outcomes and final considerations. Critical analysis of implementation strategies and outcomes will be performed with researchers with experience implementing the WHO SCC.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require an ethical review due to its design as a scoping review of the literature. The results will be submitted for publication to a scientific journal and all relevant data from this study will be made available in Dataverse.

Trial registration number

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/RWY27.

Do patients with nephrotic syndrome have an increased risk of osteoporosis? A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Taiwan

Por: Liao · C.-Y. · Chung · C.-H. · Wei · K.-Y. · Tseng · M.-F. · Lin · F.-H. · Tsao · C.-H. · Chien · W.-C. · Chu · P. · Wu · C.-C.
Objectives

To evaluate whether nephrotic syndrome (NS) and further corticosteroid (CS) use increase the risk of osteoporosis in Asian population during the period January 2000–December 2010.

Design

Nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

All healthcare facilities in Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 28 772 individuals were enrolled.

Interventions

26 614 individuals with newly diagnosed NS between 2000 and 2010 were identified and included in out study. 26 614 individuals with no NS diagnosis prior to the index date were age matched as controls. Diagnosis of osteoporosis prior to the diagnosis of NS or the same index date was identified, age, sex and NS-associated comorbidities were adjusted.

Primary outcome measure

To identify risk differences in developing osteoporosis among patients with a medical history of NS.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, osteoporosis risk was found to be 3.279 times greater in the NS cohort than in the non-NS cohort, when measured over 11 years after NS diagnosis. Stratification revealed that age older than 18 years, congestive heart failure, hyperlipidaemia, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and NS-related disease including diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, lymphoma and hypothyroidism, increased the risk of osteoporosis in the NS cohort, compared with the non-NS cohort. Additionally, osteoporosis risk was significantly higher in NS patients with CS use (adjusted HR (aHR)=3.397). The risk of osteoporosis in NS patients was positively associated with risk of hip and vertebral fracture (aHR=2.130 and 2.268, respectively). A significant association exists between NS and subsequent risk for osteoporosis.

Conclusion

NS patients, particularly those treated with CS, should be evaluated for subsequent risk of osteoporosis.

How does eligibility for GusNIP produce prescriptions relate to fruit and vegetable purchases and what factors shape the relationship? A protocol for a secondary analysis of nationally representative data in the USA

Por: Houghtaling · B. · Zhang · N. · Yaroch · A. · Milburn Atkinson · C. · Byker Shanks · C.
Introduction

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Programme (GusNIP) produce prescription programme (PPR) ‘prescriptions’ provide eligible participants with low income, risk for diet-related chronic disease and food insecurity a healthcare issued incentive to purchase lower to no cost fruits and vegetables (FVs). However, GusNIP requirements specify that PPR prescriptions can only be redeemed for fresh (not frozen, canned or dried) FVs. This requirement may prevent participants from fully engaging in or benefiting from GusNIP PPR, given communities with lower healthy food access may have reduced fresh FV accessibility.

Methods and analysis

We will use the nationally representative 2012–2013 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) and complementary FoodAPS Geography Component data in a secondary data analysis to examine how household GusNIP PPR eligibility relates to the quantity and variety of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FV purchases and to what extent individual, household and food environment factors shape the relationship. FoodAPS data include household food purchasing and acquisition information across a 7 day period from 14 317 individuals among 4826 households and was collected between April 2012 and January 2013. The FoodAPS Geography Component provides information about the local community/environment relative to FoodAPS households. This study will examine the correlation or association of selected variables between different quantities and varieties of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FVs, as well as correlations among multilevel predictors.

Ethics and dissemination

We are following data integrity standards as outlined by agreements with the USDA Economic Research Service. All results of analyses will undergo a thorough disclosure review to ensure no identifiable data are shared. Results will be disseminated to research, practice and policy communities using an Open Access peer-reviewed manuscript(s), scientific and practice presentations, and a public facing report and infographic.

Cost-effectiveness of pessary therapy versus surgery for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: an economic evaluation alongside a randomised non-inferiority controlled trial

Por: Ben · A. J. · van der Vaart · L. R. · E. Bosmans · J. · Roovers · J.-P. W. R. · Lagro-Janssen · A. L. M. · van der Vaart · C. H. · Vollebregt · A. · PEOPLE group · Milani · Bon · Bongers · Bos · Broekman · Dietz · van Eijndhoven · Hakvoort · Janszen · Kluivers · Link · Massop-Hel
Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pessary therapy as an initial treatment option compared with surgery for moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms in secondary care from a healthcare and a societal perspective.

Design

Economic evaluation alongside a multicentre randomised controlled non-inferiority trial with a 24-month follow-up.

Setting

21 hospitals in the Netherlands, recruitment conducted between 2015 and 2022.

Participants

1605 women referred to secondary care with symptomatic prolapse stage ≥2 were requested to participate. Of them, 440 women gave informed consent and were randomised to pessary therapy (n=218) or to surgery (n=222) in a 1:1 ratio stratified by hospital.

Interventions

Pessary therapy and surgery.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), a 7-point scale dichotomised into successful versus unsuccessful, with a non-inferiority margin of –10%; quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) measured by the EQ-5D-3L; healthcare and societal costs were based on medical records and the institute for Medical Technology Assessment questionnaires.

Results

For the PGI-I, the mean difference between pessary therapy and surgery was –0.05 (95% CI –0.14; 0.03) and –0.03 (95% CI –0.07; 0.002) for QALYs. In total, 54.1% women randomised to pessary therapy crossed over to surgery, and 3.6% underwent recurrent surgery. Healthcare and societal costs were significantly lower in the pessary therapy (mean difference=–1807, 95% CI –2172; –1446 and mean difference=–1850, 95% CI –2349; –1341, respectively). The probability that pessary therapy is cost-effective compared with surgery was 1 at willingness-to-pay thresholds between 0 and 20 000/QALY gained from both perspectives.

Conclusions

Non-inferiority of pessary therapy regarding the PGI-I could not be shown and no statistically significant differences in QALYs between interventions were found. Due to significantly lower costs, pessary therapy is likely to be cost-effective compared with surgery as an initial treatment option for women with symptomatic POP treated in secondary care.

Trial registration number

NTR4883.

Comorbidity and multimorbidity in patients with cirrhosis, hospitalised in an internal medicine ward: a monocentric, cross-sectional study

Por: Lenti · M. V. · Ballesio · A. · Croce · G. · Brera · A. S. · Padovini · L. · Bertolino · G. · Di Sabatino · A. · Klersy · C. · Corazza · G. R.
Objectives

There are no data regarding the prevalence of comorbidity (ie, additional conditions in reference to an index disease) and multimorbidity (ie, co-occurrence of multiple diseases in which no one holds priority) in patients with liver cirrhosis. We sought to determine the rate and differences between comorbidity and multimorbidity depending on the aetiology of cirrhosis.

Design

This is a subanalysis of the San MAtteo Complexity (SMAC) study. We have analysed demographic, clinical characteristics and rate of comorbidity/multimorbidity of patients with liver cirrhosis depending on the aetiology—alcoholic, infectious and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A multivariable analysis for factors associated with multimorbidity was fitted.

Setting

Single-centre, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary referral, academic, internal medicine ward in northern Italy (November 2017–November 2019).

Participants

Data from 1433 patients previously enrolled in the SMAC study were assessed; only those with liver cirrhosis were eventually included.

Results

Of the 1433 patients, 172 (median age 79 years, IQR 67–84; 83 females) had liver cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis displayed higher median Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) comorbidity (4, IQR 3–5; p=0.01) and severity (1.85, IQR 16.–2.0; p3 (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.93, p=0.024) and admission related to cirrhosis (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.54, p=0.002) were the only significant associations.

Conclusions

Comorbidity is more common in alcohol cirrhosis compared with other aetiologies in a hospital, internal medicine setting.

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Experience of diet in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract

Aim

To synthesise the dietary expesriences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease by reviewing relevant qualitative studies.

Background

Diet plays a crucial role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet that can be recommended for all patients. We conducted a synthesis of qualitative studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dietary management experience of patients with IBD, aiming to provide better dietary guidance in the future.

Design

A qualitative synthesis was conducted following the Thomas and Harden method and reported following the ENTREQ statement.

Methods

Qualitative studies were systematically searched in five electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. There was no time limit for publication, and all database searches were up to 10 May, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was utilised to appraise the quality of the included studies. Data for inclusion in articles were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method.

Results

Six studies involving 119 patients were eventually included. The studies were conducted in six different countries. Four major themes were identified: the diet of patients with IBD is completely different from the normal one; manage symptoms and live with the disease by modifying diet; psychological adjustment to eating (be frustrated; worried and afraid; feel ashamed; growth and resilience); barriers and challenges (barriers from perceived social support; conflicts between diet and nutrition; challenges from food hedonism and cravings).

Conclusions

Patients with IBD highlighted the distinction between their diet and the normal diet. Dietary modifications were used as a way to manage symptoms and live with the disease. In addition to physical symptoms, patients experienced diet-related psychological changes. Dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters difficulties and challenges, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.

(1) The implementation of dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters numerous obstacles and complexities, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Registration

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023391545).

Entangled in complexity: An ethnographic study of organizational adaptability and safe care transitions for patients with complex care needs

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to visualize vulnerabilities and explore the dynamics of inter-professional collaboration and organizational adaptability in the context of care transitions for patients with complex care needs.

Design

An ethnographic design using multiple convergent data collection techniques.

Methods

Data collection involved document review, participant observations and interviews with healthcare and social care professionals (HSCPs). Narrative analysis was employed to construct two illustrative patient scenarios, which were then examined using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM). Thematic analysis was subsequently applied to synthesize the findings.

Results

Inconsistencies in timing and precision during care transitions pose risks for patients with complex care needs as they force healthcare systems to prioritize structural constraints over individualized care, especially during unforeseen events outside regular hours. Such systemic inflexibility can compromise patient safety, increase the workload for HSCPs and strain resources. Organizational adaptability is crucial to managing the inherent variability of patient needs. Our proposed ‘safe care transition pathway’ addresses these issues, providing proactive strategies such as sharing knowledge and increasing patient participation, and strengthening the capacity of professionals to meet dynamic care needs, promoting safer care transitions.

Conclusion

To promote patient safety in care transitions, strategies must go beyond inter-professional collaboration, incorporating adaptability and flexible resource planning. The implementation of standardized safe care transition pathways, coupled with the active participation of patients and families, is crucial. These measures aim to create a resilient, person-centred approach that may effectively manage the complexities in care transitions.

Implications

The recommendations of this study span the spectrum from policy-level changes aimed at strategic resource allocation and fostering inter-professional collaboration to practical measures like effective communication, information technology integration, patient participation and family involvement. Together, the recommendations offer a holistic approach to enhance care transitions and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

Reporting Method

Findings are reported per the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Protective and risk factors of workplace violence against nurses: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To describe how workplace violence (WPV) is experienced by nurses in hospitals and community services and identify protective and risk factors.

Methods

An online cross-sectional national study was conducted from January to April 2021 in Italy. Hospitals and community services were involved in the study. The survey combined the adapted and validated Italian version of the Violence in Emergency Nursing and Triage (VENT) questionnaire, which explores the episodes of WPV experienced during the previous 12 months, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and some additional questions about staffing levels extracted from a previous RN4CAST study. Nurses working in all clinical settings and community services were invited to participate in the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. We adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Results

A total of 6079 nurses completed the survey, 32.4% (n = 1969) had experienced WPV in the previous 12 months, and 46% (n = 920) reported WPV only in the previous week. The most significant protective factors were nurses' age, patients' use of illegal substances, attitude of individual nurses and considering effective the organization's procedures for preventing and managing episodes of violence. The most significant risk factors included workload, recognizing violence as an inevitable part of the job, patients' cultural aspects and patients' agitated behaviour. The frequency of WPV was significantly higher in certain areas, such as the emergency department and in mental health wards.

Conclusion

Workplace violence (WPV) against nurses is a very frequent and concerning issue, especially in hospitals and community services. Based on our findings, integrated and multimodal programmes for prevention and management of WPV are recommended. More attention and resources need to be allocated to reduce WPV by improving the quality of nurses' workplace environment and implementing violence-free policies for hospitals.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Impact

Workplace verbal and physical violence is a widespread phenomenon, both in hospital and community settings, and even during COVID-19 pandemic. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of effective reporting systems, fear of retaliation and the tendency to consider violence as an inevitable part of the job. The characteristics of professionals, patients, work environment and organizational factors are involved in the spread of workplace violence, determining its multifactorial nature. Integrated and multimodal programmes to prevent and manage of workplace violence are probably the only way to effectively counteract workplace violence against nurses. Healthcare policymakers, managers of hospital and community services need to proactively prevent and effectively manage and monitor episodes of violence. Nurses need to feel protected and safeguarded against any form of verbal or physical violence, to provide high-quality care in a totally safe environment.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Multiparameter immunoprofiling for the diagnosis and differentiation of progressive versus nonprogressive nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease–A pilot study

by Paige K. Marty, Balaji Pathakumari, Thomas M. Cox, Virginia P. Van Keulen, Courtney L. Erskine, Maleeha Shah, Mounika Vadiyala, Pedro Arias-Sanchez, Snigdha Karnakoti, Kelly M. Pennington, Elitza S. Theel, Cecilia S. Lindestam Arlehamn, Tobias Peikert, Patricio Escalante

Clinical prediction of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung disease (NTM-LD) progression remains challenging. We aimed to evaluate antigen-specific immunoprofiling utilizing flow cytometry (FC) of activation-induced markers (AIM) and IFN-γ enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot assay (ELISpot) accurately identifies patients with NTM-LD, and differentiate those with progressive from nonprogressive NTM-LD. A Prospective, single-center, and laboratory technician-blinded pilot study was conducted to evaluate the FC and ELISpot based immunoprofiling in patients with NTM-LD (n = 18) and controls (n = 22). Among 18 NTM-LD patients, 10 NTM-LD patients were classified into nonprogressive, and 8 as progressive NTM-LD based on clinical and radiological features. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from patients with NTM-LD and control subjects with negative QuantiFERON results. After stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD), mycobacteria-specific peptide pools (MTB300, RD1-peptides), and control antigens, we performed IFN-γ ELISpot and FC AIM assays to access their diagnostic accuracies by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis across study groups. Patients with NTM-LD had significantly higher percentage of CD4+/CD8+ T-cells co-expressing CD25+CD134+ in response to PPD stimulation, differentiating between NTM-LD and controls. Among patients with NTM-LD, there was a significant difference in CD25+CD134+ co-expression in MTB300-stimulated CD8+ T-cells (p

Relying on the French territorial offer of thermal spa therapies to build a care pathway for long COVID-19 patients

by Milhan Chaze, Laurent Mériade, Corinne Rochette, Mélina Bailly, Rea Bingula, Christelle Blavignac, Martine Duclos, Bertrand Evrard, Anne Cécile Fournier, Lena Pelissier, David Thivel, on behalf of CAUVIM-19 Group

Background

Work on long COVID-19 has mainly focused on clinical care in hospitals. Thermal spa therapies represent a therapeutic offer outside of health care institutions that are nationally or even internationally attractive. Unlike local care (hospital care, general medicine, para-medical care), their integration in the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients seems little studied. The aim of this article is to determine what place french thermal spa therapies can take in the care pathway of long COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Based on the case of France, we carry out a geographic mapping analysis of the potential care pathways for long COVID-19 patients by cross-referencing, over the period 2020–2022, the available official data on COVID-19 contamination, hospitalisations in intensive care units and the national offer of spa treatments. This first analysis allows us, by using the method for evaluating the attractiveness of an area defined by David Huff, to evaluate the accessibility of each French department to thermal spas.

Results

Using dynamic geographical mapping, this study describes two essential criteria for the integration of the thermal spa therapies offer in the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients (attractiveness of spa areas and accessibility to thermal spas) and three fundamental elements for the success of these pathways (continuity of the care pathways; clinical collaborations; adaptation of the financing modalities to each patient). Using a spatial attractiveness method, we make this type of geographical analysis more dynamic by showing the extent to which a thermal spa is accessible to long COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Based on the example of the French spa offer, this study makes it possible to place the care pathways of long COVID-19 patients in a wider area (at least national), rather than limiting them to clinical and local management in a hospital setting. The identification and operationalization of two geographical criteria for integrating a type of treatment such as a spa cure into a care pathway contributes to a finer conceptualization of the construction of healthcare pathways.

The effects of dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

by Jingting Lu, Nur Athirah Abd Rahman, Matthew Wyon, Shazlin Shaharudin

Background

Fundamental physical functions such as postural control and balance are vital in preserving everyday life, affecting an individual’s quality of life. Dance is a physical activity that offers health advantages across various life stages. Nevertheless, the effects of dance interventions on physical function, postural control, and quality of life among older adults have remained underexplored. The review aimed to examine the strength of evidence for dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline), focusing on studies involving more than four weeks of dance interventions. MeSH terms [dance or dance intervention or dance rehabilitation or dance movement] and [motor function or functional capacity or postural control or functional mobility or mobility or postural balance or balance or flexibility or gait] and [well-being or quality of life or life satisfaction] were utilized in the search. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023422857). Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias.

Results

The search revealed 885 studies, and 16 met the inclusion criteria. The effects of various dance genres on physical functions and quality of life were compared. Most studies showed that dance intervention improved physical function, balance, postural control and quality of life. Dance intervention showed a high level of adherence compared to physiotherapy, self-care, conventional therapy, and aerobic and resistance exercise.

Conclusion

In terms of improving physical function and quality of life, structured dance is a safe and relatively effective alternative to exercise. Note the effect of movement selection and intensity in the dance interventions. Dance with music may increase participants’ interest, encouraging more physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.

Test-retest reliability of Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) protocol in older women

by Álvaro Huerta Ojeda, Emilio Jofré-Saldía, Jimena Arriagada Molina, Patricia Rojas Quinchavil, María Paz Parada Toledo, Sergio Galdames Maliqueo, María-Mercedes Yeomans-Cabrera, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Frano Giakoni-Ramirez, Maximiliano Bravo

Functional autonomy (FA) is a critical factor in determining the quality of life of older adults (OA), especially in the case of older women (OW), as they face a decline in FA in their later years of life. FA should be assessed early, using valid, reliable, and low-cost tests. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of GDLAM and GDLAM autonomy index (GI) in OW. Thirty-nine OW (71.2 ± 6.50 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the interday test-retest reliability of the five GDLAM tests (seconds) and the GI (points). The five tests represent activities of daily living, such as dressing or wandering around the house, while the GI provides a weighting of the results of the five tests. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ≤ 10% and an ICC ≥ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, whereas a CV ≤ 5% and an ICC ≥ 0.90 were considered high reliability. The outcome of the five tests, represented by the GI, showed high interday test-retest reliability (CV = 6.00% and ICC = 0.91). The results of this study demonstrate that the five tests of the GDLAM protocol and the GI have high interday test-retest reliability and good interday reproducibility. From a practical point of view, the GDLAM protocol allows the assessment of FA of community-dwelling OW, providing background for early diagnosis and, with it, the possibility of developing an individualized physical exercise prescription.

Exploratory study of using Magnetic resonance Prognostic Imaging markers for Radiotherapy In Cervix cancer (EMPIRIC): a prospective cohort study protocol

Por: Abdul-Latif · M. · Chowdhury · A. · Tharmalingam · H. · Taylor · N. J. · Lakhani · A. · Padhani · A. · Hoskin · P. · Tsang · Y.
Introduction

Radical chemoradiotherapy represents the gold standard for locally advanced cervical cancer. However, despite significant progress in improving local tumour control, distant relapse continues to impact overall survival. The development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers is consequently important to risk-stratify patients and identify populations at higher risk of poorer treatment response and survival outcomes. Exploratory study of using Magnetic resonance Prognostic Imaging markers for Radiotherapy In Cervix cancer (EMPIRIC) is a prospective exploratory cohort study, which aims to investigate the role of multiparametric functional MRI (fMRI) using diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and blood oxygen level-dependent imaging (BOLD) MRI to assess treatment response and predict outcomes in patients undergoing radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Methods and analysis

The study aims to recruit 40 patients across a single-centre over 2 years. Patients undergo multiparametric fMRI (DWI, DCE and BOLD-MRI) at three time points: before, during and at the completion of external beam radiotherapy. Tissue and liquid biopsies are collected at diagnosis and post-treatment to identify potential biomarker correlates against fMRI. The primary outcome is to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of quantitative parameters derived from fMRI as predictors of progression-free survival at 2 years following radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. The secondary outcome is to investigate the roles of fMRI as predictors of overall survival at 2 years and tumour volume reduction across treatment. Statistical analyses using regression models and survival analyses are employed to evaluate the relationships between the derived parameters, treatment response and clinical outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The EMPIRIC study received ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) on 14 February 2022 (protocol number RD2021-29). Confidentiality and data protection measures are strictly adhered to throughout the study. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences, aiming to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of multiparametric MRI in cervical cancer management.

Trial registration number

NCT05532930.

Scoping review of interventions to de-implement potentially harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in healthcare settings

Por: Rockwell · M. S. · Oyese · E. G. · Singh · E. · Vinson · M. · Yim · I. · Turner · J. K. · Epling · J. W.
Objectives

Potentially harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) utilisation persists at undesirable rates worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on interventions to de-implement potentially harmful NSAIDs in healthcare settings and to suggest directions for future research.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central and Google Scholar (1 January 2000 to 31 May 2022).

Study selection

Studies reporting on the effectiveness of interventions to systematically reduce potentially harmful NSAID utilisation in healthcare settings.

Data extraction

Using Covidence systematic review software, we extracted study and intervention characteristics, including the effectiveness of interventions in reducing NSAID utilisation.

Results

From 7818 articles initially identified, 68 were included in the review. Most studies took place in European countries (45.6%) or the USA (35.3%), with randomised controlled trial as the most common design (55.9%). Interventions were largely clinician-facing (76.2%) and delivered in primary care (60.2%) but were rarely (14.9%) guided by an implementation model, framework or theory. Academic detailing, clinical decision support or electronic medical record interventions, performance reports and pharmacist review were frequent approaches employed. NSAID use was most commonly classified as potentially harmful based on patients’ age (55.8%), history of gastrointestinal disorders (47.1%), or history of kidney disease (38.2%). Only 7.4% of interventions focused on over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs in addition to prescription. The majority of studies (76.2%) reported a reduction in the utilisation of potentially harmful NSAIDs. Few studies (5.9%) evaluated pain or quality of life following NSAIDs discontinuation.

Conclusion

Many varied interventions to de-implement potentially harmful NSAIDs have been applied in healthcare settings worldwide. Based on these findings and identified knowledge gaps, further efforts to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the combination of intervention characteristics associated with effective de-implementation are needed. In addition, future work should be guided by de-implementation theory, focus on OTC NSAIDs and incorporate patient-focused strategies and outcomes, including the evaluation of unintended consequences of the intervention.

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