FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

Assessing the acceptability of, adherence to and preference for a dual prevention pill (DPP) for HIV and pregnancy prevention compared to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and oral contraception taken separately: protocols for two randomised, controlle

Por: Friedland · B. A. · Mgodi · N. M. · Palanee-Phillips · T. · Mathur · S. · Plagianos · M. G. · Bruce · I. V. · Lansiaux · M. · Murombedzi · C. · Musara · P. · Dandadzi · A. · Reddy · K. · Ndlovu · N. · Zulu · S. K. · Shale · L. R. · Zieman · B. · Haddad · L. B.
Introduction

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention method; however, uptake and persistence have been low among southern African women. A dual prevention pill (DPP) that combines PrEP with oral contraception (OC) may increase PrEP use and better meet women’s sexual and reproductive health needs. We will gauge the DPP’s acceptability in two cross-over clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

PC952 (Zimbabwe) and PC953 (South Africa) will compare acceptability, adherence and preference for an over-encapsulated DPP versus PrEP and OCs taken separately. HIV-negative, non-pregnant cisgender females in Johannesburg, South Africa (n=96, 16–40 years) and Harare, Zimbabwe (n=30, 16–24 years) will be randomised 1:1 to the order of regimens—DPP or two separate tablets—each used for three 28-day cycles, followed by a 6-month choice period in South Africa. Monthly clinic visits include HIV and pregnancy testing; safety assessments and risk reduction and adherence counselling. We will assess adherence (monthly) based on tenofovir diphosphate drug levels in dried blood spots and by self-report. We will evaluate acceptability (monthly) and preference (end of cross-over) via computer-assisted self-interviewing and in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. Data collection started in September 2022 and ended in January 2024.

Ethics and dissemination

PC952 was approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Medical Research Council, Research Council and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe; the Chitungwiza City Health Ethics Committee; and the Joint Research Ethics Committee for the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. PC953 was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Human Research Ethics Committee. The Population Council IRB approved both studies. We will disseminate results in open-access journals, clinical trials registries, and at local and international meetings and conferences.

Trial registration numbers

NCT04778514, NCT04778527.

Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect levels of burnout, anxiety and depression among doctors and nurses in Bangladesh? A cross-sectional survey study

Por: Hutchings · H. A. · Rahman · M. · Carter · K. · Islam · S. · O'Neill · C. · Roberts · S. · John · A. · Fegan · G. · Dave · U. · Hawkes · N. · Ahmed · F. · Hasan · M. · Azad · A. K. · Rahman · M. M. · Kibria · M. G. · Rahman · M. M. · Mia · T. · Akhter · M. · Williams · J. G.
Introduction

COVID-19 has caused severe disruption to clinical services in Bangladesh but the extent of this, and the impact on healthcare professionals is unclear. We aimed to assess the perceived levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We undertook an online survey using RedCap, directed at doctors and nurses across four institutions in Bangladesh (The Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute & Hospital (SRNGIH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) Hospital). We collected information on demographics, awareness of well-being services, COVID-19-related workload, as well as anxiety, depression and burnout using two validated questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Results

Of the 3000 participants approached, we received responses from 2705 (90.2%). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety, depression and burnout scores across institutions (p

Conclusion

We identified a high prevalence of perceived anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was worse in staff engaged in COVID-19-related activities. These findings could help healthcare organisations to plan for future similar events.

Prevalence and population characteristics associated with frailty in a rural low socioeconomic area in Denmark: the Lolland-Falster Health Study

Por: Christensen · M. G. · Jacobsen · K. K. · Nilsson · C. · Jepsen · R. · Thygesen · L. · Suetta · C. · Holm · E. A.
Background

Frailty is a major geriatric syndrome that predicts increased vulnerability to minor stressor events and adverse outcomes such as falls, fractures, disability and death. The prevalence of frailty among individuals above the age of 65 varies widely with an overall weighted prevalence of 10.7%.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of prefrailty and frailty in community-dwelling older adults from the regions of Lolland-Falster, which is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Denmark with lower income and lower life expectancy compared with the general Danish population. Moreover, the objective was to find selected individual characteristics associated with frailty.

Design

An observational, cross-sectional registry-based population study with data from the regions of Lolland-Falster collected between February 2016 and February 2020.

Results

The study included 19 000 individuals. There were 10 154 above the age of 50 included for analysis. Prevalence of frailty in the age group of 50–64 years was 4.7% and 8.7% in the age group of 65 years and above.

The study demonstrates associations between frailty and high age, female gender, low education level, low income, smoking, living alone, frequency of seeing one’s children and getting help when needed. These associations are comparable with findings from other studies.

Conclusion

The syndrome of frailty consists of not only physiological and medical issues but also education, life conditions such as living alone and living in poverty and how you evaluate your own health.

Efficacy and safety of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone triple iron chelator combination therapy for transfusion-dependent {beta}-thalassaemia with very high iron overload: a protocol for randomised controlled clinical trial

Introduction

Despite the improvement in medical management, many patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to transfusion-related iron overload. As per the current guidelines, the optimal chelation of iron cannot be achieved in many patients, even with two iron chelators at their maximum therapeutic doses. Here, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple combination treatment with deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone over dual combination of deferoxamine and deferasirox on iron chelation in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial conducted at the Adult and Adolescent Thalassaemia Centre of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Patients with haematologically and genetically confirmed transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia are enrolled and randomised into intervention or control groups. The intervention arm will receive a combination of oral deferasirox, oral deferiprone and subcutaneous deferoxamine for 6 months. The control arm will receive the combination of oral deferasirox and subcutaneous deferoxamine for 6 months. Reduction in iron overload, as measured by a reduction in the serum ferritin after completion of the treatment, will be the primary outcome measure. Reduction in liver and cardiac iron content as measured by T2* MRI and the side effect profile of trial medications are the secondary outcome measures.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (Ref. P/06/02/2023). The trial results will be disseminated in scientific publications in reputed journals.

Trial registration number

The trial is registered in the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (Ref: SLCTR/2023/010).

Virological, serological and clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: development and validation of the HEPA-B simulation model

Por: Mohareb · A. M. · Kim · A. Y. · Boyd · A. · Noubary · F. · Kouame · M. G. · Anglaret · X. · Coffie · P. A. · Eholie · S. P. · Freedberg · K. A. · Hyle · E. P.
Objectives

Detailed simulation models are needed to assess strategies for prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the world’s leading cause of liver disease. We sought to develop and validate a simulation model of chronic HBV that incorporates virological, serological and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We developed a novel Monte Carlo simulation model (the HEPA-B Model) detailing the natural history of chronic HBV. We parameterised the model with epidemiological data from the Western Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. We simulated the evolution of HBV DNA, ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and surface antigen (HBsAg). We projected incidence of HBeAg loss, HBsAg loss, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death over 10-year and lifetime horizons. We stratified outcomes by five HBV DNA categories at the time of HBeAg loss, ranging from HBV DNA106 copies/mL. We tested goodness of fit using intraclass coefficients (ICC).

Results

Model-projected incidence of HBeAg loss was 5.18% per year over lifetime (ICC, 0.969 (95% CI: 0.728 to 0.990)). For people in HBeAg-negative phases of infection, model-projected HBsAg loss ranged from 0.78% to 3.34% per year depending on HBV DNA level (ICC, 0.889 (95% CI: 0.542 to 0.959)). Model-projected incidence of cirrhosis was 0.29–2.09% per year (ICC, 0.965 (95% CI: 0.942 to 0.979)) and HCC incidence was 0.06–1.65% per year (ICC, 0.977 (95% CI: 0.962 to 0.986)). Over a lifetime simulation of HBV disease, mortality rates were higher for people with older age, higher HBV DNA level and liver-related complications, consistent with observational studies.

Conclusions

We simulated HBV DNA-stratified clinical outcomes with the novel HEPA-B Model and validated them to observational data. This model can be used to examine strategies of HBV prevention and management.

Trends in COPD mortality from 1983 to 2018: protocol for a population-based cohort study in Denmark

Por: Sikjaer · M. G. · Hilberg · O. · Ibsen · R. · Lokke · A.
Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, which is partly contributed to the increasing prevalence of COPD owning to a demographic shift towards an older population. Conversely, recent studies on COPD mortality that take this demographic shift in age into account find decreasing overall age-standardised COPD mortality rates over time. This decrease in the age-standardised COPD mortality rate is contributed advances in COPD diagnostics and treatment, decreasing smoking prevalence and general advances in medical care particularly in western countries. However, it is unknown if patients with COPD have experienced a comparable relative increase in survival in line with the general population.

Hence, there is a need for longitudinal studies comparing trends in mortality in patients with COPD compared with matched non-COPD individuals from the background population.

Methods and analyses

This is a cohort study with a matched non-COPD comparator cohort. Data are retrieved from the Danish national registers. Data from multiple registries from 1983 to 2018 will be merged on an individual level using the 10-digit Civil Registration numbers that are unique to each citizen in Denmark. Time trends in mortality in patients with COPD compared with the matched comparator cohort will be examined in three study periods: 1983–1993, 1994–2007 and 2008–2018.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is entirely based on registry data and ethical approval is not required according to Danish Law and National Ethics Committee Guidelines. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and reported at appropriate national and international conferences.

Stakeholders perspectives on clinical trial acceptability and approach to consent within a limited timeframe: a mixed methods study

Por: Deja · E. · Donohue · C. · Semple · M. G. · Woolfall · K. · for the BESS Investigators · Semple · McNamara · Allen · Fowler · Barker · Peak · Miert · Best · Donohue · Jones · Moitt · Price · Williamson · Clark · Madsen · Dawson · Summers · Deja · Woolfall · Osaghae · Turner · Panchal
Objectives

The Bronchiolitis Endotracheal Surfactant Study (BESS) is a randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of endo-tracheal surfactant therapy for critically ill infants with bronchiolitis. To explore acceptability of BESS, including approach to consent within a limited time frame, we explored parent and staff experiences of trial involvement in the first two bronchiolitis seasons to inform subsequent trial conduct.

Design

A mixed-method embedded study involving a site staff survey, questionnaires and interviews with parents approached about BESS.

Setting

Fourteen UK paediatric intensive care units.

Participants

Of the 179 parents of children approached to take part in BESS, 75 parents (of 69 children) took part in the embedded study. Of these, 55/69 (78%) completed a questionnaire, and 15/69 (21%) were interviewed. Thirty-eight staff completed a questionnaire.

Results

Parents and staff found the trial acceptable. All constructs of the Adapted Theoretical Framework of Acceptability were met. Parents viewed surfactant as being low risk and hoped their child’s participation would help others in the future. Although parents supported research without prior consent in studies of time critical interventions, they believed there was sufficient time to consider this trial. Parents recommended that prospective informed consent should continue to be sought for BESS. Many felt that the time between the consent process and intervention being administered took too long and should be ‘streamlined’ to avoid delays in administration of trial interventions. Staff described how the training and trial processes worked well, yet patients were missed due to lack of staff to deliver the intervention, particularly at weekends.

Conclusion

Parents and staff supported BESS trial and highlighted aspects of the protocol, which should be refined, including a streamlined informed consent process. Findings will be useful to inform proportionate approaches to consent in future paediatric trials where there is a short timeframe for consent discussions.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11746266.

Self-reported condom use among Washington State residents prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis of BRFSS data

Por: Jewell · M. · Jampel · S. M. · Casagrande · M. G. · Asbjörnsdottir · K. · Littman · A. J.
Objectives

COVID-19 significantly impacted healthcare access and sexual behaviour, but little is known about how COVID-19 affected condom use. This study aimed to investigate whether self-reported condom use and sex in Washington State changed during pandemic restrictions compared with prepandemic.

Design

Cross-sectional survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Setting

Washington State.

Participants

11 684 participants aged 18–65.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was changes in the prevalence of condom use by time of interview pre-COVID-19, before the Washington State lockdown (1 January 2019 to 23 March 2020, n=7708) and during COVID-19, after the first state lockdown (24 March 2020 to 31 December 2020, n=3976). The secondary outcome was changes in the prevalence of reported sex during the same periods. We assessed whether associations differed by rurality and HIV risk behaviour.

Results

Condom use was similar during COVID-19 (37.3%) compared with pre-COVID-19 (37.8%) (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR): 0.98, 95% CI 0.89, 1.01). Associations did not differ by rurality or HIV risk behaviour. Compared with pre-COVID-19 (83.0%), a smaller proportion of respondents reported having sex in the last 12 months during COVID-19 (80.5%), a relative decrease of 3% (PR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99; p

Conclusions

The prevalence of reported sex declined during COVID-19, but condom use remained steady in Washington. As our reproductive health system faces increased challenges, these results may inform future sexual health services.

Comparing the long-term outcomes in chronic coronary syndrome patients with prior ST-segment and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: findings from the TIGRIS registry

Por: Krishnamurthy · S. N. · Pocock · S. · Kaul · P. · Owen · R. · Goodman · S. G. · Granger · C. B. · Nicolau · J. C. · Simon · T. · Westermann · D. · Yasuda · S. · Andersson · K. · Brandrup-Wognsen · G. · Hunt · P. R. · Brieger · D. B. · Cohen · M. G.
Objectives

Compared with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients have more comorbidities and extensive coronary artery disease. Contemporary comparative data on the long-term prognosis of stable post-myocardial infarction subtypes are needed.

Design

Long-Term rIsk, clinical manaGement and healthcare Resource utilisation of stable coronary artery dISease (TIGRIS) was a multinational, observational and longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Patients were enrolled from 350 centres, with >95% coming from cardiology practices across 24 countries, from 19 June 2013 to 31 March 2017.

Participants

This study enrolled 8277 stable patients 1–3 years after myocardial infarction with ≥1 additional risk factor.

Outcome measures

Over a 2 year follow-up, cardiovascular events and deaths and self-reported health using the EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire score were recorded. Relative risk of clinical events and health resource utilisation in STEMI and NSTEMI patients were compared using multivariable Poisson regression models, adjusting for prognostically relevant patient factors.

Results

Of 7752 patients with known myocardial infarction type, 46% had NSTEMI; NSTEMI patients were older with more comorbidities than STEMI patients. NSTEMI patients had significantly poorer self-reported health and lower prevalence of dual antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge and at enrolment 1–3 years later. NSTEMI patients had a higher incidence of combined myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death (5.6% vs 3.9%, p

Conclusions

Post-NSTEMI chronic coronary syndrome patients had a less favourable risk factor profile, poorer self-reported health and more adverse cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up than individuals post STEMI. Efforts are needed to recognise the risks of stable patients after NSTEMI and optimise secondary prevention and care.

Trial registration number

NCT01866904.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder-related hospital and programme admissions in youth

Por: Devoe · D. J. · Holland · K. M. G.

Commentary on: Hartman-Munick SM, Lin JA, Milliren CE, et al. Association of the COVID-19 pandemic with adolescent and young adult eating disorder care volume. JAMA Pediatr. 2022 Dec 1;176(12):1225-1232. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4346.

Implications for practice and research

  • The current research demonstrates the need to increase staffing and programme capacity for those working with patients with eating disorders (EDs) to ensure adequate care.

  • Future research into how the relationship between ED-related hospitalisations and individual external factors, such as social isolation are needed.

  • Context

    Research has shown that the pandemic greatly impacted worldwide mental health1 and disproportionality impacted those with EDs.2 Those with EDs such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge ED have seen an increase in hospital admissions and programmes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.2 3 However, there is a lack of nationwide research investigating the increase...

    Roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration: A qualitative study

    Abstract

    Aim

    Examining the perspectives of formal and informal caregivers and residents on roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration.

    Design

    Qualitative study.

    Methods

    Semi-structured interviews with 16 care professionals, three residents and three informal caregivers were conducted between October and November 2021. A thematic analysis was performed on the interviews.

    Results

    Three topic summaries contributed to a comprehensive view on the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration: role content, mutual expectations and needs for improvement. Many overlapping activities were found among care professionals, informal caregivers and allied care staff. While nursing staff and informal caregivers are essential in observing changes in the health status of residents, and medical staff in diagnosing and treating dehydration, the role of residents remains limited. Conflicting expectations emerged regarding, for example, the level of involvement of the resident and communication. Barriers to multidisciplinary collaboration were highlighted, including little structural involvement of allied care staff, limited insight into each other's expertise and poor communication between formal and informal caregivers. Seven areas for improvement emerged: awareness, resident profile, knowledge and expertise, treatment, monitoring and tools, working conditions and multidisciplinary working.

    Conclusion

    In general, many formal and informal caregivers are involved in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration. They depend on each other's observations, information and expertise which requires an interprofessional approach with specific attention to adequate prevention. For this, educational interventions focused on hydration care should be a core element in professional development programs of nursing homes and vocational training of future care professionals.

    Impact

    The care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration has multiple points for improvement. To be able to adequately address dehydration, it is essential for formal and informal caregivers and residents to address these barriers in clinical practice.

    Reporting Method

    In writing this manuscript, the EQUATOR guidelines (reporting method SRQR) have been adhered to.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Tuberculosis infection control practice among healthcare workers in Ethiopia: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

    Por: Tiruneh · M. G. · Anagaw · T. F. · Fenta · E. T.
    Background

    Tuberculosis (TB) is a main concern of health care workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare workers have the potential to have contact with TB patients and are the main stakeholders in healthcare settings to implement TB infection control, and the poor practice of TB infection control may increase the risk of transmission of TB in healthcare settings. However, there is no consistent conclusion on the TB infection control practice among healthcare workers in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pooled magnitude of TB infection control practice and associated factors among healthcare workers in Ethiopia.

    Methods

    This systematic review and meta-analysis will be done by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The following databases will be used to search for articles: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and grey literatures. The quality of studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. The data from included studies will be extracted using Microsoft Excel V.2016, and the extracted data will be analysed using STATA V.16. Forest plot and I2 statistics will be done for heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test will be conducted to check for publication bias. Potential sources of bias will be identified by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Any type of study design conducted in Ethiopia and in English language will be included.

    Ethics and dissemination

    Ethics approval is not required, and the findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal.

    PROSPERO registration number

    CRD42023393580.

    Traditional management of female infertility in Africa: a scoping review protocol

    Por: Mashaah · T. · Muziringa · M. · Gomo · E. · Chideme-Maradzika · J. · Madziyire · M. G. · January · J.
    Introduction

    Infertility adversely affects the sexual reproductive health and overall quality of life of people. Recent estimates show that about one in six people (both men and women) experience infertility in their lifetime. This scoping review will, therefore, map the existing evidence on traditional management of female infertility in Africa including the effectiveness of the traditional healthcare systems, to inform policy and practice.

    Methods

    The scoping review will be guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework in conjunction with the Joanna Briggs Institute updated methodological guidance for scoping reviews. A search strategy will be developed, which will target the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Africa-Wide Information including grey literature. The screening of titles, abstracts and full text will be done by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted, analysed numerically and thematically. The reporting of the scoping review will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

    Ethics and dissemination

    This scoping review will not require ethical approval as this is secondary analysis of peer-reviewed articles. The findings of the review will be disseminated on various platforms including conferences, meetings to key stakeholders and in a peer-reviewed journal for wider sharing.

    Protocol for a mixed-method study to assess chronic cough in patients with renal cell carcinoma: the prevalence, impact on quality of life, trigger and potential clinical application of chronic cough as an early screening tool in patients with kidney canc

    Por: Smith · W. · Loizidou · M. · Mazzone · S. · Mumtaz · F. · Gurusamy · K. · Ranieri · V. · Tran · M. G.
    Introduction

    Cough as a symptom of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was first described by Creevy in 1935, and despite one (unpublished) study suggesting it may affect 31% of these patients, as well as cough being discussed in forums for patients with kidney cancer, few clinicians are aware of this association. The cough has been described as unusual in nature, resolving rapidly after treatment with nephrectomy/embolisation but returning if the tumour recurs.

    Methods and analysis

    A prospective study using a questionnaire will identify the prevalence of cough in patients with suspected or confirmed RCC attending the Specialist Centre for Kidney Cancer (London, UK). A longitudinal study in a representative sample of these patients, using EQ-5D-5L and Leicester Cough Questionnaires, together with the use of semi-structured interviews with patients, will identify the impact of cough in addition to having a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed RCC on quality of life. To investigate cough mechanisms, a pilot study using cough hypersensitivity testing will be performed on patients with RCC, with and without a cough. Clinical samples (urine, blood, phlegm and breath condensate) from patients with RCC, with and without a cough, will be collected and analysed for the presence of substances known to trigger or enhance cough and compared with the results obtained from healthy volunteers.

    Ethics and dissemination

    Ethical approval has been granted (UK HR REC 22/PR/0791 dated 25/08/2022). Study outputs will be presented and published nationally and internationally at relevant conferences. This study will establish the prevalence of cough in patients with suspected or confirmed kidney cancer and support the education of clinicians to consider this diagnosis in patients with chronic cough (eg, recommending protocols to include both kidneys when investigating respiratory symptoms with chest CT scans). If substances known to trigger or enhance cough are identified and elevated in clinical samples, this research could offer potential targets for treatment for this distressing symptom.

    Trial registration number

    NIHR CRN portfolio CPMS ID:53 372.

    Scabies outbreak management in refugee/migrant camps in Europe 2014-2017: a retrospective qualitative interview study of healthcare staff experiences and perspectives

    Por: Richardson · N. A. · Cassell · J. A. · Head · M. G. · Lanza · S. · Schaefer · C. · Walker · S. L. · Middleton · J.
    Objectives

    Provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of healthcare staff who treated scabies or managed outbreaks in formal and informal refugee/migrant camps in Europe 2014–2017.

    Design

    Retrospective qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews and framework analysis. Recruitment was done primarily through online networks of healthcare staff involved in medical care in refugee/migrant settings.

    Setting

    Formal and informal refugee/migrant camps in Europe 2014–2017.

    Participants

    Twelve participants (four doctors, four nurses, three allied health workers, one medical student) who had worked in camps (six in informal camps, nine in formal ones) across 15 locations within seven European countries (Greece, Serbia, Macedonia, Turkey, France, the Netherlands, Belgium).

    Results

    Participants reported that in camps they had worked, scabies diagnosis was primarily clinical (without dermatoscopy), and treatment and outbreak management varied highly. Seven stated scabicides were provided, while five reported that only symptomatic management was offered. They described camps as difficult places to work, with poor living standards for residents. Key perceived barriers to scabies control were (1) lack of water, sanitation and hygiene, specifically: absent/limited showers (difficult to wash off topical scabicides), and inability to wash clothes and bedding (may have increased transmission/reinfestation); (2) social factors: language, stigma, treatment non-compliance and mobility (interfering with contact tracing and follow-up treatments); (3) healthcare factors: scabicide shortages and diversity, lack of examination privacy and staff inexperience; (4) organisational factors: overcrowding, ineffective interorganisational coordination, and lack of support and maltreatment by state authorities (eg, not providing basic facilities, obstruction of self-care by camp residents and non-governmental organisation (NGO) aid).

    Conclusions

    We recommend development of accessible scabies guidelines for camps, use of consensus diagnostic criteria and oral ivermectin mass treatments. In addition, as much of the work described was by small, volunteer-staffed NGOs, we in the wider healthcare community should reflect how to better support such initiatives and those they serve.

    The struggle is real—A mixed qualitative methods synthesis of challenges in nursing care in activities of daily living

    Abstract

    Introduction

    Supporting care receivers in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), irrespective of diagnosis, setting, or cultural background, lies at the heart of fundamental nursing care. The pursuit of quality ADL care becomes increasingly challenging with the changing complexity of care needs. ADL care delivery is often undervalued and is considered a low-status task despite its crucial importance to care receivers. This study aims to synthesize challenges in ADL care irrespective of the care setting.

    Methods

    In the mixed qualitative methods study, we used expert panel consultations, world café sessions, and a rapid literature review. For data analysis, we simultaneously analyzed the three data sets using inductive and deductive inquiry.

    Results

    We identified four challenges and their corresponding subthemes. They are (1) Undervalued common-sense work versus complex, high-skilled care provision; (2) Limitations in professional reflective clinical decision-making; (3) Missed opportunities for shared ADL decisions; and (4) Meeting ADL care needs in a high-throughput system.

    Conclusion

    These challenges reveal the complexity of ADL care and how its paradoxical narrative relates to the conditions in which nursing professionals struggle to create opportunities, for reflective clinical reasoning and shared ADL decisions, by facing organizational and environmental barriers.

    Clinical Relevance

    This study is relevant to nursing professionals, care organizations, policymakers, and researchers aiming to improve ADL care and provide insights into challenges in ADL care. This study forms the starting point for a changing narrative on ADL nursing care and subsequent quality improvements in the form of, for example, guidelines for nursing professionals.

    ❌