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Ayer — Abril 19th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Building CapaCITY/E for sustainable transportation: protocol for an implementation science research program in healthy cities

Por: Winters · M. · Fuller · D. · Cloutier · M.-S. · Harris · M. A. · Howard · A. · Kestens · Y. · Kirk · S. · Macpherson · A. · Moore · S. · Rothman · L. · Shareck · M. · Tomasone · J. R. · Laberee · K. · Stephens · Z. P. · Sones · M. · Ayton · D. · Batomen · B. · Bell · S. · Collins · P. · Diab
Introduction

Improving sustainable transportation options will help cities tackle growing challenges related to population health, congestion, climate change and inequity. Interventions supporting active transportation face many practical and political hurdles. Implementation science aims to understand how interventions or policies arise, how they can be translated to new contexts or scales and who benefits. Sustainable transportation interventions are complex, and existing implementation science frameworks may not be suitable. To apply and adapt implementation science for healthy cities, we have launched our mixed-methods research programme, CapaCITY/É. We aim to understand how, why and for whom sustainable transportation interventions are successful and when they are not.

Methods and analysis

Across nine Canadian municipalities and the State of Victoria (Australia), our research will focus on two types of sustainable transportation interventions: all ages and abilities bicycle networks and motor vehicle speed management interventions. We will (1) document the implementation process and outcomes of both types of sustainable transportation interventions; (2) examine equity, health and mobility impacts of these interventions; (3) advance implementation science by developing a novel sustainable transportation implementation science framework and (4) develop tools for scaling up and scaling out sustainable transportation interventions. Training activities will develop interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners able to work at the nexus of academia and sustainable cities.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Simon Fraser University Office of Ethics Research (H22-03469). A Knowledge Mobilization Hub will coordinate dissemination of findings via a website; presentations to academic, community organisations and practitioner audiences; and through peer-reviewed articles.

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Prospective cohort study of genomic newborn screening: BabyScreen+ pilot study protocol

Por: Lunke · S. · Bouffler · S. E. · Downie · L. · Caruana · J. · Amor · D. J. · Archibald · A. · Bombard · Y. · Christodoulou · J. · Clausen · M. · De Fazio · P. · Greaves · R. F. · Hollizeck · S. · Kanga-Parabia · A. · Lang · N. · Lynch · F. · Peters · R. · Sadedin · S. · Tutty · E. · Eggers
Introduction

Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a highly successful public health programme that uses biochemical and other assays to screen for severe but treatable childhood-onset conditions. Introducing genomic sequencing into NBS programmes increases the range of detectable conditions but raises practical and ethical issues. Evidence from prospectively ascertained cohorts is required to guide policy and future implementation. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate a genomic NBS (gNBS) pilot programme.

Methods and analysis

The BabyScreen+ study will pilot gNBS in three phases. In the preimplementation phase, study materials, including education resources, decision support and data collection tools, will be designed. Focus groups and key informant interviews will also be undertaken to inform delivery of the study and future gNBS programmes. During the implementation phase, we will prospectively recruit birth parents in Victoria, Australia, to screen 1000 newborns for over 600 severe, treatable, childhood-onset conditions. Clinically accredited whole genome sequencing will be performed following standard NBS using the same sample. High chance results will be returned by genetic healthcare professionals, with follow-on genetic and other confirmatory testing and referral to specialist services as required. The postimplementation phase will evaluate the feasibility of gNBS as the primary aim, and assess ethical, implementation, psychosocial and health economic factors to inform future service delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

This project received ethics approval from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Research Ethics Committee: HREC/91500/RCHM-2023, HREC/90929/RCHM-2022 and HREC/91392/RCHM-2022. Findings will be disseminated to policy-makers, and through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Association between benzodiazepine coprescription and mortality in people on opioid replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study

Por: Best · C. S. · Matheson · C. · Robertson · J. · Ritchie · T. · Cowden · F. · Dumbrell · J. · Duncan · C. · Kessavalou · K. · Woolston · C. · Schofield · J.
Objective

To investigate the association between opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and benzodiazepine (BZD) coprescription and all-cause mortality compared with the prescription of ORT alone.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Participants

Participants were people prescribed ORT between January 2010 and end of December 2020 aged 18 years or above.

Main outcome measures

All-cause mortality, drug-related deaths and non-drug related deaths.

Secondary outcome

ORT continuous treatment duration.

Analysis

Cox regression with time-varying covariates.

Results

During follow-up, 5776 of 46 899 participants died: 1398 while on coprescription and 4378 while on ORT only. The mortality per 100 person years was 3.11 during coprescription and 2.34 on ORT only. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality was 1.17 (1.10 to 1.24). The adjusted HR for drug-related death was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.24) and the hazard for death not classified as drug-related was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.30).

Conclusion

Coprescription of BZDs in ORT was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, although with a small effect size than the international literature. Coprescribing was also associated with longer retention in treatment. Risk from BZD coprescription needs to be balanced against the risk from illicit BZDs and unplanned treatment discontinuation. A randomised controlled trial is urgently needed to provide a clear clinical direction.

Trial registration number

NCT04622995.

Facilitators and barriers to codesigning social robots with older adults with dementia: a scoping review protocol

Por: Hung · L. · Chen · I. · Wong · K. L. Y. · Jackson · L. · Lou · V. W. Q.
Introduction

Social robots including telepresence robots have emerged as potential support in dementia care. However, the effectiveness of these robots hinges significantly on their design and utility. These elements are often best understood by their end-users. Codesign involves collaborating directly with the end-users of a product during its development process. Engaging people with dementia in the design of social robots ensures that the products cater to their unique requirements, preferences, challenges, and needs. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the facilitators, barriers, and strategies in codesigning social robots with older adults with dementia.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology and will be conducted from November 2023 to April 2024. The steps of search strategy will involve identifying keywords and index terms from CINAHL and PubMed, completing search using identified keywords and index terms across selected databases (Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, AgeLine, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, IEEE, and Google Scholar), and hand-searching the reference lists from chosen literature for additional literature. The grey literature will be searched using Google. Three research assistants will screen the titles and abstracts independently by referring to the inclusion criteria. Three researchers will independently assess the full text of literature following to the inclusion criteria. The data will be presented in a table with narratives that answers the questions of the scoping review.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethics approval because it collects data from publicly available resources. The findings will offer insights to inform future research and development of robots through collaboration with older people with dementia. In addition, the scoping review results will be disseminated through conference presentations and an open-access publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review and quality assessment of clinical and economic evidence for superabsorbent wound dressings in a population with chronic ulcers

Abstract

Effective exudate management is key for optimal ulcer healing. Superabsorbent dressings are designed to have high fluid handling capacity, reduced risk of exudate leakage, fluid retention under compression, and to sequester harmful exudate components. This study aimed to systematically identify existing evidence for the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of superabsorbent dressings for the treatment of moderate-to-highly exudating chronic ulcers of various etiologies. The aim is focused on examining the ‘class’ effect of all superabsorbers, not any particular dressing. Clinical and cost effectiveness systematic reviews were conducted, searching Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The Cost Effectiveness Analysis Registry and Econ papers were also searched for the economic review. Outcomes of interest included ulcer closure, dressing properties, hospital- and infection-related outcomes, safety, and economic outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomised controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogeneous in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favourable outcomes, including reductions in frequency of dressing change and pain scores. As most studies were case series, drawing firm conclusions was difficult due to absence of a comparator arm. The economic systematic review identified seven studies, five of which were cost-utility analyses. These suggested superabsorbent dressings are a more cost-effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard dressings. However, the small number and low quality of studies identified in both reviews highlights the need for future research.

Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional perspectives on planning the implementation of a trauma‐informed care programme: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims

To explore youth, caregiver and staff perspectives on their vision of trauma-informed care, and to identify and understand potential considerations for the implementation of a trauma-informed care programme in an inpatient mental health unit within a paediatric hospital.

Design and Methods

We applied the Interpretive Description approach, guided by complexity theory and the Implementation Roadmap, and used Applied Thematic Analysis methods.

Findings

Twenty-five individuals participated in individual or group interviews between March and June 2022, including 21 healthcare professionals, 3 youth and 1 caregiver. We identified two overarching themes. The first theme, ‘Understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for distress’, related to participants’ understanding and vision of TIC in the current setting comprising: (a) ‘Participants’ understanding of TIC’; (b) ‘Trauma screening and trauma processing within TIC’; (c) ‘Taking “a more individualized approach”’; (d) ‘Unit programming’; and (e) “Connecting to the community”. The second theme, ‘Factors that support or limit successful TIC implementation’ comprises: (a) ‘The need for a broad “cultural shift”’; (b) ‘The physical environment on the unit’; and (c) ‘Factors that may limit successful implementation’.

Conclusion

We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of engagement with youth, caregivers and staff in trauma-informed care delivery and implementation, (b) trauma-informed care core programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit success in implementing trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration (partnering with external organizations and sectors).

Impact

When implementing TIC, there is an ongoing need to increase clarity regarding TIC interventions and implementation initiatives. Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional participants shared considerations important for planning the delivery and implementation of trauma-informed care in their setting. We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of relational engagement, (b) trauma-informed care programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit successful implementation of trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration. Organizations wishing to implement trauma-informed care should consider ongoing engagement with all relevant knowledge user groups throughout the process.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

The local hospital research institute's Patient and Family Advisory Committee reviewed the draft study methods and provided feedback.

Risk assessment and pathogen profile of surgical site infections in traumatic brain injury patients undergoing emergency craniotomy: A retrospective study

Abstract

Emergency craniotomy in patients with traumatic brain injury poses a significant risk for surgical site infections (SSIs). Understanding the risk factors and pathogenic characteristics of SSIs in this context is crucial for improving outcomes. This comprehensive retrospective analysis spanned from February 2020 to February 2023 at our institution. We included 25 patients with SSIs post-emergency craniotomy and a control group of 50 patients without SSIs. Data on various potential risk factors were collected, including demographic information, preoperative conditions, and intraoperative details. The BACT/ALERT3D Automated Bacterial Culture and Detection System was utilized for rapid bacterial pathogen identification. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify significant risk factors for SSIs. The study identified Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus as the most prevalent pathogens in SSIs. Significant risk factors for SSIs included the lack of preoperative antibiotic use, postoperative drainage tube placement, diabetes mellitus, and the incorporation of invasive procedures, all of which showed a significant association with SSIs in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis further highlighted the protective effect of preoperative antibiotics and the increased risks associated with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, postoperative drainage tube placement, and the incorporation of invasive procedures. Our research underscores the critical role of factors like insufficient preoperative antibiotics, postoperative drainage, invasive techniques, anaemia, and diabetes mellitus in elevating the risk of surgical site infections in traumatic brain injury patients undergoing emergency craniotomy. Enhanced focus on these areas is essential for improving surgical outcomes.

Predictive value of serum albumin and calcium levels in burn patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: A comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes

Abstract

In the ongoing challenge to reduce burn-associated mortality rates, this study explores the predictive capacity of clinical factors in burn patients, focusing on vitamin D, calcium, and serum albumin levels during hospitalisation in cases with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our research involves a comprehensive analysis of 100 burn patients, encompassing crucial clinical parameters such as the burn severity index, serum albumin, vitamin D, and calcium levels at admission. Data were meticulously entered into IBM Statistics SPSS software version 28 and subjected to statistical analysis. The study reveals an average patient age of 39.75 years and a notable 34% mortality rate. Additionally, the average lengths of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays are determined to be 11.33 and 7.79 days, respectively. Significantly, a correlation between calcium and albumin variables and treatment outcomes is established, showcasing their potential to predict variable changes in patient mortality rates. Furthermore, a noteworthy association is observed between serum calcium levels and the duration of ICU hospitalisation. In conclusion, albumin and calcium variables emerge as sensitive and specific indicators for predicting outcomes in burn patients. Importantly, the independence of these factors from the physician's experience and diagnosis reduces human error and thus increases the accuracy of mortality prediction in this patient population.

How clinicians make decisions for patient management plans in telehealth

Abstract

Aim

This systematic integrative literature review explores how clinicians make decisions for patient management plans in telehealth.

Background

Telehealth is a modality of care that has gained popularity due to the development of digital technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recognized that telehealth, compared to traditional clinical settings, carries a higher risk to patients due to its virtual characteristics. Even though the landscape of healthcare service is increasingly moving towards virtual systems, the decision-making process in telehealth remains not fully understood.

Design

A systematic integrative review.

Data Sources

Databases include CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

This systematic integrative review method was informed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The databases were initially searched with keywords in November 2022 and then repeated in October 2023. Thematic synthesis was conducted to analyse and synthesize the data.

Results

The search identified 382 articles. After screening, only 10 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included. Five studies were qualitative, one quantitative and four were mixed methods. Five main themes relevant to decision-making processes in telehealth were identified: characteristics of decision-making in telehealth, patient factor, clinician factor, CDSS factor and external influencing factor.

Conclusions

The decision-making process in telehealth is a complicated cognitive process influenced by multi-faceted components, including patient factors, clinician factors, external influencing factors and technological factors.

Impact

Telehealth carries higher risk and uncertainty than face-to-face encounters. CDSS, rather than bringing unification and clarity, seems to bring more divergence and ambiguity. Some of the clinical reasoning processes in telehealth remain unknown and need to be verbalized and made transparent, to prepare junior clinicians with skills to minimize risks associated with telehealth.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Management of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocations in paediatric patients: study protocol for a prospective global multicentre observational cohort registry

Introduction

Management controversy and clinical equipoise exist in treatments of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocation in paediatric patients due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence. This protocol describes the effort of a large prospective global multicentre cohort study (registry) aiming at providing quality data to assist evidence-based treatment decision-making.

Methods and analysis

Eligible paediatric patients (N=750–1000) with open physes suffering from proximal humerus fractures, distal humerus fractures, proximal radius fractures, forearm shaft fractures, traumatic hip dislocations, femoral neck fractures or tibial shaft fractures will be recruited over a period of 24–36 months. Hospitalisation and treatment details (including materials and implants) will be captured in a cloud-based, searchable database. Outcome measures include radiographic assessments, clinical outcomes (such as range of motion, limb length discrepancies and implant removal), patient-reported outcomes (Patient Reported Outcomes Of Fracture, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y)) and adverse events.

Aside from descriptive statistics on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, types of fractures and adverse event rates, research questions will be formulated based on data availability and quality. A statistical analysis plan will be prepared before the statistical analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will be obtained before patients are enrolled at each participating site. Patient enrolment will follow an informed consent process approved by the responsible ethics committee. Peer-reviewed publication is planned to disseminate the study results.

Trial registration number

NCT04207892.

Exploring associations between pregnancy cravings and sociodemographic, lifestyle and health factors: insights from a cross-sectional population study in Jordan

Por: Kloub · S. M. · Banihani · S. A.
Objective

To explore the potential associations between pregnancy cravings and various sociodemographic, lifestyle and health factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Population-based study in Jordan.

Participants

A total of 500 women who had children and experienced pregnancy cravings were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Pregnancy cravings are prevalent among Jordanian women and associated with some sociodemographic, lifestyle and health factors.

Results

The results showed that 75.40% (377/500) of women experienced food cravings, with 40.6% and 29.1% of them having iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. The most commonly craved food items were sweets (17.2%, 86/500) and salts (22.2%, 115/500), while less than 1.0% of women craved non-food items. No significant correlation (p>0.05) was found between food cravings and the gender of the babies. Significant associations were found between food cravings and the mother’s educational level (p=0.023), weight loss (p

Conclusion

Pregnancy cravings, particularly for food items, with sweets and salts being the most commonly craved, are prevalent among Jordanian women and are associated with the mother’s educational level, changes in weight and the presence of anaemia. Additionally, the study found that iron and vitamin D deficiencies are prevalent health issues among women experiencing these cravings in Jordan. This research has important implications, emphasising the pressing need for targeted nutritional interventions and healthcare strategies to address identified deficiencies and improve maternal health outcomes in the region.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of insulin therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Por: Almheiri · A. · Binjab · E. A. · Albloushi · M. M. · Alshamsi · M. T. · Khansaheb · H. H. · Zidan · M. · Hassoun · A. A. K.
Objectives

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin regarding insulin therapy.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted at the Dubai Diabetes Center from 1 December 2018 to 1 March 2020.

Participants

Face-to-face interviews were conducted for 350 participants with type 2 diabetes at the Dubai Diabetes Center. Interviews followed the structured format of a questionnaire designed to obtain demographic details and score participants on knowledge, attitude and practices. We included patients aged >18 years and receiving insulin therapy. Patients with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with gestational diabetes, those aged

Results

The median age of participants was 61 years (first quartile, 53 years; third quartile, 67 years); 35.7% were male individuals and 64.3% were female individuals. The median percentage scores for knowledge, attitude and practices were 62.5% (62.5%, 75%), 85.7% (71.4%, 100%) and 77.7% (66.6%, 88.8%), respectively. Highly educated participants had a high level of knowledge. Significant negative correlations were found between the percentage knowledge scores and participants’ age and between the participants’ percentage attitude scores and haemoglobin A1C levels; Spearman’s correlations were –0.182 (p

Conclusion

Patients with type 2 diabetes receiving insulin therapy and attending the Dubai Diabetes Center had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude and correct practice regarding insulin therapy. However, knowledge of specific facts did not always translate into correct behaviours and practices.

The effect of hyaluronic acid and iodine complex gel compared to Vaseline on deep second‐degree burn wound in rats

Abstract

The combination of hyaluronic acid and iodine (Hyodine) has sparked interest in wound care and could have valuable applications in treating burn injuries. We aimed to provide valuable insight into the potential advantages, limitations, and implications of using Hyodine in burn wound management. We studied 25 male rats to assess the clinical outcomes and wound-healing effects of Hyodine. Each rat received a deep second-degree burn wound on their back using metal stamps. Subsequently, the rats were then randomly split into two groups. The first group was treated with a layer of Hyodine gel, while the second group received Vaseline. The burn sites were photographed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 using a digital camera. After excision of the burn wounds, histopathology slides were stained and evaluated in terms of the degree of epithelialization, angiogenesis, inflammatory cells' infiltration, and collagen amount and arrangement. Despite a non-significant difference regarding the extent of burn wound area between intervention and control groups in the first day of experiment, the rats that were treated with Vaseline showed a significant decrease compared to those who received Hyodine in the second and third weeks (p = 0.02). On the other hand, epithelialization, pathology score, and collagen synthesis were significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 of each group. However, collagen arrangement and neovascularization were only significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 in Hyodine group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). The Hyodine gel may offer beneficial outcomes in patients with a burn wound. Based on our findings, despite a non-significant difference in the extent of burn wound area, using Hyodine revealed a significant improvement in different histopathological variables including neovascularization, and collagen arrangement.

Mental health and risk of death and hospitalization in COVID–19 patients. Results from a large-scale population-based study in Spain

by Aida Moreno-Juste, Beatriz Poblador-Plou, Cristina Ortega-Larrodé, Clara Laguna-Berna, Francisca González-Rubio, Mercedes Aza-Pascual-Salcedo, Kevin Bliek-Bueno, María Padilla, Concepción de-la-Cámara, Alexandra Prados-Torres, Luis A. Gimeno-Feliú, Antonio Gimeno-Miguel

The COVID–19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. This study aimed to explore the presence of mental illness in a Spanish cohort of COVID-19-infected population and to evaluate the association between the presence of specific mental health conditions and the risk of death and hospitalization. This is a retrospective cohort study including all individuals with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 from the PRECOVID (Prediction in COVID–19) Study (Aragon, Spain). Mental health illness was defined as the presence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety, cognitive disorders, depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, and personality and eating disorders. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the likelihood of 30-day all-cause mortality and COVID–19 related hospitalization based on baseline demographic and clinical variables, including the presence of specific mental conditions, by gender. We included 144,957 individuals with confirmed COVID–19 from the PRECOVID Study (Aragon, Spain). The most frequent diagnosis in this cohort was anxiety. However, some differences were observed by sex: substance abuse, personality disorders and schizophrenia were more frequently diagnosed in men, while eating disorders, depression and mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders were more common among women. The presence of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia spectrum and cognitive disorders in men, and depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety and cognitive and personality disorders in women, increased the risk of mortality or hospitalization after COVID–19, in addition to other well-known risk factors such as age, morbidity and treatment burden. Identifying vulnerable patient profiles at risk of serious outcomes after COVID–19 based on their mental health status will be crucial to improve their access to the healthcare system and the establishment of public health prevention measures for future outbreaks.

Brain health measurement: a scoping review

Por: Lee · A. · Shah · S. · Atha · K. · Indoe · P. · Mahmoud · N. · Niblett · G. · Pradhan · V. · Roberts · N. · Malouf · R. S. · Topiwala · A.
Objectives

Preservation of brain health is an urgent priority for the world’s ageing population. The evidence base for brain health optimisation strategies is rapidly expanding, but clear recommendations have been limited by heterogeneity in measurement of brain health outcomes. We performed a scoping review to systematically evaluate brain health measurement in the scientific literature to date, informing development of a core outcome set.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Medline, APA PsycArticles and Embase were searched through until 25 January 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they described brain health evaluation methods in sufficient detail in human adults and were in English language.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for inclusion and extracted data using Covidence software.

Results

From 6987 articles identified by the search, 727 studies met inclusion criteria. Study publication increased by 22 times in the last decade. Cohort study was the most common study design (n=609, 84%). 479 unique methods of measuring brain health were identified, comprising imaging, cognitive, mental health, biological and clinical categories. Seven of the top 10 most frequently used brain health measurement methods were imaging based, including structural imaging of grey matter and hippocampal volumes and white matter hyperintensities. Cognitive tests such as the trail making test accounted for 286 (59.7%) of all brain health measurement methods.

Conclusions

The scientific literature surrounding brain health has increased exponentially, yet measurement methods are highly heterogeneous across studies which may explain the lack of clinical translation. Future studies should aim to develop a selected group of measures that should be included in all brain health studies to aid interstudy comparison (core outcome set), and broaden from the current focus on neuroimaging outcomes to include a range of outcomes.

Does a program‐based cognitive behavioral therapy affect insomnia and depression in menopausal women? A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Menopausal women often complain of a range of physical and psychological symptoms known as menopausal syndrome. These symptoms are associated with fluctuating hormone levels, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a program-based cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBT) for insomnia and depression among women experiencing menopause.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 88 women experiencing menopause was conducted in Egypt from June to September 2022 in outpatient clinics at Mansoura University Hospitals in Egypt. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (45 women) and an intervention group (43 women). The intervention group received 7 weeks of CBT sessions. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Depression Inventory 2nd Edition (BDI-II) were administered before and after the intervention.

Results

In the intervention group, there was a significant difference in scores of the subdomains of PSQI, including sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, subjective sleep quality, and sleep disturbance (t = 8.911, 11.77, 7.638, and 11.054, respectively), while no significant difference in domains of using sleep medication, sleep duration, and sleep latency. Significant improvements were observed between pre-and-post-intervention in the intervention group for the total scores of PSQI, ISI, and BDII-II (t = 12.711, 16.272, and 12.384, respectively), indicating a large effect size for the three studied variables (r = .81, .87, .8, respectively).

Linking Evidence to Action

This study demonstrated the efficacy of group CBT for lowering insomnia and depression in women experiencing menopause. Thus, results indicated the need of considering prompt and appropriate interventions such as CBT as a safe treatment option to prevent the aggravation of sleep and emotional problems for menopausal women.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05920460.

Priming transcranial direct current stimulation for improving hemiparetic upper limb in patients with subacute stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Zhu · F. · Xu · X. · Jin · M. · Chen · J. · Feng · X. · Wang · J. · Yu · D. · Wang · R. · Lian · Y. · Huai · B. · Lou · X. · Shi · X. · He · T. · Lu · J. · Zhang · J. J. · Bai · Z.
Introduction

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates brain states by applying a weak electrical current to the brain cortex. Several studies have shown that anodal stimulation of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) may promote motor recovery of the affected upper limb in patients with stroke; however, a high-level clinical recommendation cannot be drawn in view of inconsistent findings. A priming brain stimulation protocol has been proposed to induce stable modulatory effects, in which an inhibitory stimulation is applied prior to excitatory stimulation to a brain area. Our recent work showed that priming theta burst magnetic stimulation demonstrated superior effects in improving upper limb motor function and neurophysiological outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether pairing a session of cathodal tDCS with a session of anodal tDCS will also capitalise on its therapeutic effects.

Methods and analysis

This will be a two-arm double-blind randomised controlled trial involving 134 patients 1–6 months after stroke onset. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive 10 sessions of priming tDCS+robotic training, or 10 sessions of non-priming tDCS+robotic training for 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremity, and the secondary outcomes are the Wolf Motor Function Test and Modified Barthel Index. The motor-evoked potentials, regional oxyhaemoglobin level and resting-state functional connectivity between the bilateral M1 will be acquired and analysed to investigate the effects of priming tDCS on neuroplasticity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Center (reference number: Yangzhi2023-022) and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1964, as revised in 2013.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074681.

Sepsis policy, guidelines and standards in Canada: a jurisdictional scoping review protocol

Por: Sheikh · F. · Chechulina · V. · Daneman · N. · Garber · G. E. · Hendrick · K. · Kissoon · N. · Loubani · O. · Russell · K. · Fox-Robichaud · A. · Schwartz · L. · Barrett · K.
Introduction

To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify and describe current sepsis policies, clinical practice guidelines, and health professional training standards in Canada to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.

Methods and analysis

This study will be designed and reported according to the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, Turning Research Into Practice and Policy Commons will be searched for policies, clinical practice guidelines and health professional training standards published or updated in 2010 onwards, and related to the identification, management or reporting of sepsis in Canada. Additional sources of evidence will be identified by searching the websites of Canadian organisations responsible for regulating the training of healthcare professionals and reporting health outcomes. All potentially eligible sources of evidence will be reviewed for inclusion, followed by data extraction, independently and in duplicate. The included policies will be collated and summarised to inform future evidence-based sepsis policy recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study does not require ethics approval. The results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at local, national and international forums.

Key elements to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work: A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory study

Abstract

Aim

Develop evidence-based recommendations for managers to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work.

Design

A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design.

Methods

National data were collected in 2020 via an e-survey based on a meta-analysis of antecedents of thriving from 213 primary healthcare nurses across New Zealand. Structural equation modelling analysis identified the key factors supporting primary healthcare nurses to thrive. This informed a second open-ended e-survey in 2022 of 19 nurses from one primary healthcare organization. The thematic analysis provided recommendations for improving management strategies to support thriving primary healthcare nurses.

Results

The vitality component of thriving significantly reduced burnout and intention to leave organization and profession. In contrast, the learning component of thriving had a significant positive effect on burnout. The key factors that support thriving at work are empowering leadership and perceived organizational supports (decreases burnout and intention to leave organization and profession through enhanced vitality). Recommendations for improving thriving were made in eight key areas: communication, effective management, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, effective orientation, reward and work–life balance.

Conclusions

Vitality is important in reducing burnout and turnover intentions. While learning was identified as increasing burnout, professional development and training for managers were identified as essential. Hence, the vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, but more research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time. Primary healthcare nurses have identified that empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are critical factors in supporting them to thrive, and they provide specific recommendations for managers to improve these factors in the clinical setting.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study collected data from Registered Nurses only.

What Is Already Known

A plethora of existing research focuses on resilience in nurses rather than thriving at work. Enabling employees to thrive at work contributes to improved well-being and sustainable organizational performance.

What This Paper Adds

Empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are the key factors that support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work. The vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, and further research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time. Primary healthcare nurses recommend that managers focus on improving communication, management efficiency, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, orientation, reward and work–life balance.

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