FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
AnteayerBMJ Open

Cohort profile: the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) -- a prospective pregnancy cohort study of the impacts of environmental exposures on parental cardiometabolic health

Por: Preston · E. V. · Quinn · M. R. · Williams · P. L. · McElrath · T. F. · Cantonwine · D. E. · Seely · E. W. · Wylie · B. J. · Hacker · M. R. · O'Brien · K. · Brown · F. M. · Powe · C. E. · Bellavia · A. · Wang · Z. · Tomsho · K. S. · Hauser · R. · James-Todd · T. · the Environmental Rep
Purpose

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are increasingly recognised as sensitive windows for cardiometabolic disease risk. Growing evidence suggests environmental exposures, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications that are associated with long-term cardiometabolic risk. However, the impact of perinatal EDC exposure on subsequent cardiometabolic risk post-pregnancy is less understood. The Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study was established to investigate the associations of environmental exposures during the perinatal period with post-pregnancy parental cardiometabolic health.

Participants

Pregnant individuals aged ≥18 years without pre-existing diabetes were recruited at

Findings to date

We enrolled 653 unique pregnancies and retained 633 through delivery. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, 10% (n=61) developed gestational diabetes and 8% (n=50) developed pre-eclampsia. Participant pregnancy and postpartum urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and postpartum glycaemic biomarkers were quantified. To date, studies within ERGO found higher exposure to phthalates and phthalate mixtures, and separately, higher exposure to radioactive ambient particulate matter, were associated with adverse gestational glycaemic outcomes. Additionally, certain personal care products used in pregnancy, notably hair oils, were associated with higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations, earlier gestational age at delivery and lower birth weight.

Future plans

Future work will leverage the longitudinal data collected on pregnancy and cardiometabolic outcomes, environmental exposures, questionnaires, banked biospecimens and paediatric data within the ERGO Study.

Identifying factors that can be used to assess a countrys readiness to deploy a new vaccine or improve uptake of an underutilised vaccine: a scoping review

Por: Bhatt · A. · Monk · V. · Bhatti · A. · Eiden · A. L. · Hermany · L. · Hansen · N. · Connolly · M. P. · Baxter · L. · Vanderslott · S. · Mitrovich · R. · Slater · R.
Objectives

Identifying whether a country is ready to deploy a new vaccine or improve uptake of an existing vaccine requires knowledge of a diverse range of interdependent, context-specific factors. This scoping review aims to identify common themes that emerge across articles, which include tools or guidance that can be used to establish whether a country is ready to deploy a new vaccine or increase uptake of an underutilised vaccine.

Design

Scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Data sources

Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for articles published until 9 September 2023. Relevant articles were also identified through expert opinion.

Eligibility criteria

Articles published in any year or language that included tools or guidance to identify factors that influence a country’s readiness to deploy a new or underutilised vaccine.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers screened records and performed data extraction. Findings were synthesised by conducting a thematic analysis.

Results

38 articles met our inclusion criteria; these documents were created using methodologies including expert review panels and Delphi surveys and varied in terms of content and context-of-use. 12 common themes were identified relevant to a country’s readiness to deploy a new or underutilised vaccine. These themes were as follows: (1) legal, political and professional consensus; (2) sociocultural factors and communication; (3) policy, guidelines and regulations; (4) financing; (5) vaccine characteristics and supply logistics; (6) programme planning; (7) programme monitoring and evaluation; (8) sustainable and integrated healthcare provision; (9) safety surveillance and reporting; (10) disease burden and characteristics; (11) vaccination equity and (12) human resources and training of professionals.

Conclusions

This information has the potential to form the basis of a globally applicable evidence-based vaccine readiness assessment tool that can inform policy and immunisation programme decision-makers.

Contextually appropriate nurse staffing models: a realist review protocol

Introduction

Decisions about nurse staffing models are a concern for health systems globally due to workforce retention and well-being challenges. Nurse staffing models range from all Registered Nurse workforce to a mix of differentially educated nurses and aides (regulated and unregulated), such as Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses and Health Care Aides. Systematic reviews have examined relationships between specific nurse staffing models and client, staff and health system outcomes (eg, mortality, adverse events, retention, healthcare costs), with inconclusive or contradictory results. No evidence has been synthesised and consolidated on how, why and under what contexts certain staffing models produce different outcomes. We aim to describe how we will (1) conduct a realist review to determine how nurse staffing models produce different client, staff and health system outcomes, in which contexts and through what mechanisms and (2) coproduce recommendations with decision-makers to guide future research and implementation of nurse staffing models.

Methods and analysis

Using an integrated knowledge translation approach with researchers and decision-makers as partners, we are conducting a three-phase realist review. In this protocol, we report on the final two phases of this realist review. We will use Citation tracking, tracing Lead authors, identifying Unpublished materials, Google Scholar searching, Theory tracking, ancestry searching for Early examples, and follow-up of Related projects (CLUSTER) searching, specifically designed for realist searches as the review progresses. We will search empirical evidence to test identified programme theories and engage stakeholders to contextualise findings, finalise programme theories document our search processes as per established realist review methods.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was provided by the Health Research Ethics Board of the University of Alberta (Study ID Pro00100425). We will disseminate the findings through peer-reviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, regional briefing sessions, webinars and lay summary.

Economic impact of informal caring for a person with arthritis in Australia from 2015 to 2030: a microsimulation approach using national survey data

Por: Schofield · D. J. · Lim · K. · Tanton · R. · Veerman · L. · Kelly · S. J. · Passey · M. · Shrestha · R.
Objectives

To estimate the economic burden of informal caregivers not in the labour force (NILF) due to caring for a person with arthritis in Australia, with projections of these costs from 2015 to 2030.

Design

Static microsimulation modelling using national survey data.

Setting

Australia nationwide survey.

Participants

Participants include respondents to the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers who are informal carers of a person who has arthritis as their main chronic condition and non-carers.

Outcome measures

Estimating the economic impact and national aggregated costs of informal carers NILF to care for a person with arthritis and projecting these costs from 2015 to 2030 in 5-year intervals.

Results

On a per-person basis, when adjusted for age, sex and highest education attained, the difference in average weekly total income between informal carers and non-carers employed in the labour force is $A1051 (95% CI: $A927 to $A1204) in 2015 and projected to increase by up to 22% by 2030. When aggregated, the total national annual loss of income to informal carers NILF is estimated at $A388.2 million (95% CI: $A324.3 to $A461.9 million) in 2015, increasing to $A576.9 million (95% CI: $A489.2 to $A681.8 million) by 2030. The national annual tax revenue lost to the government of the informal carers NILF is estimated at $A99 million (95% CI: $A77.9 to $A126.4 million) in 2015 and is projected to increase 49% by 2030.

Conclusion

Informal carers NILF are economically worse off than employed non-carers, and the aggregated national annual costs are substantial. The future economic impact of informal carers NILF to care for a person with arthritis in Australia is projected to increase, with the estimated differences in income between informal carers and employed non-carers increasing by 22% from 2015 to 2030.

Real-world data evaluating Guys rapid diagnostic clinic as an alternate pathway for patients with FIT levels below 10

Por: Monroy-Iglesias · M. J. · Martin · S. · Cargaleiro · C. · Jones · G. · Steward · L. · Murtagh · C. · Bruno · F. · Millwaters · J. · Schizas · A. · Watson · H. · Haire · A. · Haire · K. · Moss · C. L. · Russell · B. · Srirajaskanthan · R. · Van Hemelrijck · M. · Dolly · S.
Objective

To analyse the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic clinics (RDCs) as an alternative pathway for patients with concerning symptoms and a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) result

Design

A retrospective and prospective cohort study.

Setting

GSTT RDC, one of England’s largest single-centre RDCs. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of FIT

Participants

Patients with an FIT result

Results

A total of 1299 patients with an FIT

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of RDCs as an alternate pathway for FIT

Predictive value of anthropometric and biochemical indices in non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease: a cross-sectional study

Por: Xiao · Y. · Wang · H. · Han · L. · Huang · Z. · Lyu · G. · Li · S.
Objectives

Triglyceride (TG), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), body mass index (BMI), TyG-BMI and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL) have been reported to be reliable predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, there are few studies on potential predictors of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD). Our aim was to evaluate these and other parameters for predicting NAFPD.

Design

Cross-sectional study design.

Setting

Physical examination centre of a tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

This study involved 1774 subjects who underwent physical examinations from January 2016 to September 2016.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

From each subject, data were collected for 13 basic physical examination and blood biochemical parameters: age, weight, height, BMI, TyG, TyG-BMI, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, TG, fasting plasma glucose, TG/HDL and uric acid. NAFPD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. A logistic regression model with a restricted cubic spline was used to evaluate the relationship between each parameter and NAFPD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve for each parameter.

Results

HDL was negatively correlated with NAFPD, height was almost uncorrelated with NAFPD and the remaining 11 parameters were positively correlated with NAFPD. ROC curve showed that weight-related parameters (weight, BMI and TyG-BMI) and TG-related parameters (TyG, TG and TG/HDL) had high predictive values for the identification of NAFPD. The combinations of multiple parameters had a better prediction effect than a single parameter. All the predictive effects did not differ by sex.

Conclusions

Weight-related and TG-related parameters are good predictors of NAFPD in all populations. BMI showed the greatest predictive potential. Multiparameter combinations appear to be a good way to predict NAFPD.

Personalised Exercise-Rehabilitation FOR people with Multiple long-term conditions (PERFORM): protocol for a randomised feasibility trial

Por: Simpson · S. A. · Evans · R. A. · Gilbert · H. R. · Branson · A. · Barber · S. · McIntosh · E. · Ahmed · Z. · Dean · S. G. · Doherty · P. J. · Gardiner · N. · Greaves · C. · Daw · P. · Ibbotson · T. · Jani · B. · Jolly · K. · Mair · F. · Ormandy · P. · Smith · S. · Singh · S. J. · Taylor · R.
Introduction

Personalised Exercise-Rehabilitation FOR people with Multiple long-term conditions (PERFORM) is a research programme that seeks to develop and evaluate a comprehensive exercise-based rehabilitation intervention designed for people with multimorbidity, the presence of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). This paper describes the protocol for a randomised trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PERFORM intervention, study design and processes.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, parallel two-group randomised trial with individual 2:1 allocation to the PERFORM exercise-based intervention plus usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). The primary outcome of this feasibility trial will be to assess whether prespecified progression criteria (recruitment, retention, intervention adherence) are met to progress to the full randomised trial. The trial will be conducted across three UK sites and 60 people with MLTCs, defined as two or more LTCs, with at least one having evidence of the beneficial effect of exercise. The PERFORM intervention comprises an 8-week (twice a week for 6 weeks and once a week for 2 weeks) supervised rehabilitation programme of personalised exercise training and self-management education delivered by trained healthcare professionals followed by two maintenance sessions. Trial participants will be recruited over a 4.5-month period, and outcomes assessed at baseline (prerandomisation) and 3 months postrandomisation and include health-related quality of life, psychological well-being, symptom burden, frailty, exercise capacity, physical activity, sleep, cognition and serious adverse events. A mixed-methods process evaluation will assess acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of intervention delivery and feasibility of trial processes. An economic evaluation will assess the feasibility of data collection and estimate the costs of the PERFORM intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been given favourable opinion by the West Midlands, Edgbaston Research Ethics Service (Ref: 23/WM/0057). Participants will be asked to give full, written consent to take part by trained researchers. Findings will be disseminated via journals, presentations and targeted communications to clinicians, commissioners, service users and patients and the public.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN68786622.

Protocol version

2.0 (16 May 2023).

Effect of implementation strategies on the routine provision of antenatal care addressing smoking in pregnancy: study protocol for a non-randomised stepped-wedge cluster controlled trial

Por: Daly · J. B. · Doherty · E. · Tully · B. · Wiggers · J. · Hollis · J. · Licata · M. · Foster · M. · Tzelepis · F. · Lecathelinais · C. · Kingsland · M.
Introduction

Globally, guideline-recommended antenatal care for smoking cessation is not routinely delivered by antenatal care providers. Implementation strategies have been shown to improve the delivery of clinical practices across a variety of clinical services but there is an absence of evidence in applying such strategies to support improvements to antenatal care for smoking cessation in pregnancy. This study aims to determine the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of implementation strategies in increasing the routine provision of recommended antenatal care for smoking cessation in public maternity services.

Methods and analysis

A non-randomised stepped-wedge cluster-controlled trial will be conducted in maternity services across three health sectors in New South Wales, Australia. Implementation strategies including guidelines and procedures, reminders and prompts, leadership support, champions, training and monitoring and feedback will be delivered sequentially to each sector over 4 months. Primary outcome measures will be the proportion of: (1) pregnant women who report receiving a carbon monoxide breath test; (2) smokers or recent quitters who report receiving quit/relapse advice; and (3) smokers who report offer of help to quit smoking (Quitline referral or nicotine replacement therapy). Outcomes will be measured via cross-sectional telephone surveys with a random sample of women who attend antenatal appointments each week. Economic analyses will be undertaken to assess the cost effectiveness of the implementation intervention. Process measures including acceptability, adoption, fidelity and reach will be reported.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained through the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (16/11/16/4.07; 16/10/19/5.15) and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (1236/16). Trial findings will be disseminated to health policy-makers and health services to inform best practice processes for effective guideline implementation. Findings will also be disseminated at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry—ACTRN12622001010785.

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.

Assessing the accuracy of health facility typology in representing the availability of health services: a case study in Mali

Por: Petragallo · S. · Timoner · P. · Hierink · F. · Fuhrer · C. · Toure · O. · Iknane · A. · Coulibaly · Y. · Fall · I.-S. · Ray · N.
Introduction

Using health facility types as a measure of service availability is a common approach in international standards for health system policy and planning. However, this proxy may not accurately reflect the actual availability of specific health services.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the reliability of health facility typology as an indicator of specific health service availability and explore whether certain facility types consistently provide particular services.

Design

We analysed a comprehensive dataset containing information from 1725 health facilities in Mali. To uncover and visualise patterns within the dataset, we used two analytical techniques: Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Between-Class Analysis. These analyses allowed us to quantitatively measure the influence of health facility types on the variation in health service provisioning. Additionally, we developed and calculated a Consistency Index, which assesses the consistency of a health facility type in providing specific health services. By examining various health facilities and services, we sought to determine the accuracy of facility types as indicators of service availability.

Setting

The study focused on the health system in Mali as a case study.

Results

Our findings indicate that using health facility types as a proxy for service availability in Mali is not an accurate representation. We observed that most of the variation in service provision does not stem from differences between facility types but rather within facility types. This suggests that relying solely on health facility typology may lead to an incomplete understanding of health service availability.

Conclusions

These results have significant implications for health policy and planning. The reliance on health facility types as indicators for health system policy and planning should be reconsidered. A more nuanced and evidence-based understanding of health service availability is crucial for effective health policy and planning, as well as for the assessment and monitoring of health systems.

REST: a preoperative tailored sleep intervention for patients undergoing total knee replacement - feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Bertram · W. · Penfold · C. · Glynn · J. · Johnson · E. · Burston · A. · Rayment · D. · Howells · N. · White · S. · Wylde · V. · Gooberman-Hill · R. · Blom · A. · Whale · K.
Objectives

To test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel preoperative tailored sleep intervention for patients undergoing total knee replacement.

Design

Feasibility two-arm two-centre RCT using 1:1 randomisation with an embedded qualitative study.

Setting

Two National Health Service (NHS) secondary care hospitals in England and Wales.

Participants

Preoperative adult patients identified from total knee replacement waiting lists with disturbed sleep, defined as a score of 0–28 on the Sleep Condition Indicator questionnaire.

Intervention

The REST intervention is a preoperative tailored sleep assessment and behavioural intervention package delivered by an Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP), with a follow-up phone call 4 weeks postintervention. All participants received usual care as provided by the participating NHS hospitals.

Outcome measures

The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of conducting a full trial. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1-week presurgery, and 3 months postsurgery. Data collected to determine feasibility included the number of eligible patients, recruitment rates and intervention adherence. Qualitative work explored the acceptability of the study processes and intervention delivery through interviews with ESPs and patients.

Results

Screening packs were posted to 378 patients and 57 patients were randomised. Of those randomised, 20 had surgery within the study timelines. An appointment was attended by 25/28 (89%) of participants randomised to the intervention. Follow-up outcomes measures were completed by 40/57 (70%) of participants presurgery and 15/57 (26%) postsurgery. Where outcome measures were completed, data completion rates were 80% or higher for outcomes at all time points, apart from the painDETECT: 86% complete at baseline, 72% at presurgery and 67% postsurgery. Interviews indicated that most participants found the study processes and intervention acceptable.

Conclusions

This feasibility study has demonstrated that with some amendments to processes and design, an RCT to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the REST intervention is feasible.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14233189.

Rituximab-combined anthracycline-free chemotherapy in newly diagnosed paediatric and adolescent patients with non-high-risk aggressive mature B cell lymphoma: protocol for a single-arm, open-label, multicentre, phase II study (the Japan Childrens Cancer G

Por: Sekimizu · M. · Fukano · R. · Koga · Y. · Mitsui · T. · Fujita · N. · Mori · T. · Hori · D. · Tanaka · M. · Ohki · K. · Iwafuchi · H. · Nakazawa · A. · Mori · T. · Kobayashi · R. · Hashimoto · H. · M. Saito · A. · Kamei · M. · on behalf of Lymphoma Committee of Japan Childrens Cancer G
Introduction

Children and adolescents with mature B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) are treated with short-intensive chemotherapy. The burden of short-term and long-term toxicity is highly relative to its high cure rate in good-risk patients. Although the addition of rituximab to standard lymphome Malin B (LMB) chemotherapy markedly prolongs event-free survival and overall survival in high-risk patients, the benefit of rituximab in good-risk patients remains to be elucidated. This clinical trial will examine whether the addition of rituximab eliminates anthracyclines in good-risk patients without compromising treatment outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a single-arm, open-label, multicentre phase II study. Low-risk (stage I – completely resected, stage II abdominal) and intermediate-risk (stages I and II – incompletely resected; stage II – resected, other than abdominal; stage III with LDH x upper limit of normal) patients with newly diagnosed B-NHL are eligible. Low-risk patients receive two courses of R-COM1P (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate, prednisolone and intrathecal methotrexate with hydrocortisone), and intermediate-risk patients receive COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and intrathecal methotrexate with hydrocortisone) followed by two courses each of R-COM3P and R-CYM (rituximab, cytarabine, methotrexate and intrathecal methotrexate with hydrocortisone). The primary endpoint is a 3-year event-free survival rate in paediatric patients (

Ethics and dissemination

This research was approved by the Certified Review Board at NHO Nagoya Medical Center (Nagoya, Japan) on 21 September 2021. Written informed consent is obtained from all patients and/or their guardians. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Study registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs041210104.

Sex-related differential item functioning of the Jenkins Sleep Scale: a cross-sectional study among 77 967 employees in the Finnish public sector

Por: Juhola · J. · Arokoski · J. P. A. · Ervasti · J. · Kivimäki · M. · Vahtera · J. · Myllyntausta · S. · Saltychev · M.
Objectives

To investigate if the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) demonstrates sex-related differential item functioning (DIF).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Survey data from the Finnish Public Sector study (2015–2017).

Participants

77 967 employees in the Finnish public sector, with a mean age of 51.9 (SD 13.1) years and 82% women.

Outcome measures

Item response theory estimates: difficulty and discrimination parameters of the JSS and differences in these parameters between men and women.

Results

The mean JSS total score was 6.4 (4.8) points. For all four items of the JSS, the difficulty parameter demonstrated a slight shift towards underestimation of the severity of sleep difficulties. The discrimination ability of all four items was moderate to high. For the JSS composite score, overall discrimination ability was moderate (0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Mild uniform DIF (p

Conclusions

The JSS showed overall good psychometric properties among this healthy population of employees in the Finnish public sector. The JSS was able to discriminate people with different severities of sleep disturbances. However, when using the JSS, the respondents might slightly underestimate the severity of these disturbances. While the JSS may produce slightly different results when answered by men and women, these sex-related differences are probably negligible when applied to clinical situations.

Descriptive study of the challenges when implementing an app for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration to monitor their vision at home

Por: Reeves · B. C. · Wickens · R. · OConnor · S. R. · Gidman · E. A. · Ward · E. · Treanor · C. · Peto · T. · Burton · B. J. L. · Knox · P. C. · Lotery · A. · Sivaprasad · S. · Donnelly · M. · Rogers · C. A. · Hogg · R. E.
Objectives

Remote monitoring of health has the potential to reduce the burden to patients of face-to-face appointments and make healthcare more efficient. Apps are available for patients to self-monitor vision at home, for example, to detect reactivation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Describing the challenges when implementing apps for self-monitoring of vision at home was an objective of the MONARCH study to evaluate two vision-monitoring apps on an iPod Touch (Multibit and MyVisionTrack).

Design

Diagnostic Test Accuracy study.

Setting

Six UK hospitals.

Methods

The study provides an example of the real-world implementation of such apps across health sectors in an older population. Challenges described include the following: (1) frequency and reason for incoming calls made to a helpline and outgoing calls made to participants; (2) frequency and duration of events responsible for the tests being unavailable; and (3) other technical and logistical challenges.

Results

Patients (n=297) in the study were familiar with technology; 252/296 (85%) had internet at home and 197/296 (67%) had used a smartphone. Nevertheless, 141 (46%) called the study helpline, more often than anticipated. Of 435 reasons for calling, all but 42 (10%) related to testing with the apps or hardware, which contributed to reduced adherence. The team made at least one call to 133 patients (44%) to investigate why data had not been transmitted. Multibit and MyVisionTrack apps were unavailable for 15 and 30 of 1318 testing days for reasons which were the responsibility of the app providers. Researchers also experienced technical challenges with a multiple device management system. Logistical challenges included regulations for transporting lithium-ion batteries and malfunctioning chargers.

Conclusions

Implementation of similar technologies should incorporate a well-resourced helpline and build in additional training time for participants and troubleshooting time for staff. There should also be robust evidence that chosen technologies are fit for the intended purpose.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN79058224.

Sociological determinants of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in the management of sleep apnoea syndrome: protocol for a transdisciplinary, prospective observational study

Por: Bailly · S. · Foote · A. · Mendelson · M. · Rakotovao · A. · Borel · J. C. · Pepin · J. L. · Tamisier · R. · Revil · H.
Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic multiorgan pathology that has a negative impact on quality of life. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for OSAS. However, CPAP termination rates remain very high, and adherence to therapy is a major issue. To date, studies targeting predictive factors of CPAP adherence by OSAS patients mainly include clinical data. The social, socioeconomic, psychological, and home environment aspects have been far less studied and largely underestimated. This study aims to obtain solid quantitative results examining the relationship between the determinants of refusal, non-adherence, or termination of CPAP treatment, and in particular the pivotal role played by health literacy.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, multicentre, observational study recruiting patients attending the sleep clinic of the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France. Consecutive adults (>18 years) recently diagnosed with OSAS and prescribed CPAP treatment with telemonitoring will be enrolled in the present study. They will benefit from home visits by a CPAP technician or nurse at CPAP initiation. Patients will then be followed up for 6 months through the telemonitoring platform of a home-care provider. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of health literacy (health literacy, measured by the European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire (HLS-EU-16) on the refusal, non-adherence or termination of CPAP treatment in newly diagnosed OSAS patients, during the first 6 months after diagnosis. The target sample size is 250 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol, patient information, and the non-opposition form were approved by the French national ethics committee (CPP 2021-92, January 2022). All patients are required to have signed a written informed consent form permitting their anonymised personal and medical data to be used for clinical research purposes. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed medical journal and on our institutional websites.

Trial registration number

NCT05385302.

Community perspectives on the magnitude of Xeroderma pigmentosum and care-seeking practices in Micheweni district, Pemba: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study

Por: Matemba · L. E. · Shayo · E. H. · Masemo · A. · Nassor · N. K. · Ally · M. S. · Msovela · J.
Objectives

To determine the community’s perception on the magnitude of Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) disease and healthcare-seeking practices in Micheweni, Pemba in response to the public widespread information on the increased burden of the disease.

Design

Mixed-methods cross-sectional study.

Setting

Micheweni district, Pemba.

Participants

211 male and female adults in the household survey, three caretakers/parents of patients with XP in the case study, 20 key community leaders/influential people and health workers in in-depth interviews and 50 community members and other leaders in six focus groups.

Results

This study has revealed that XP disease exists in few families of which some of them have more than one child affected. The record review showed that there were a total of 17 patients who were diagnosed with the disease for the past 3 years, however only 10 were alive during the time of the survey. Findings from the community members revealed that several patients were believed to have XP disease and perceived causes include inheritance, food types, beliefs and other sociocultural practices. Stigma and discrimination were reported by caretakers and religious leaders. However, some cases believed to be XP were identified as other skin conditions when clinical examination was performed by the team of our researchers. There is a great confusion about XP and other skin diseases.

Conclusion

The study has shown that XP affects only few families, hence termed as concentrated rather than a generalised disease. Due to the rareness of the disease, majority of people in the district are unaware of the disease, hence confusing it with other skin conditions. There is a need for the government in collaboration with other stakeholders to provide educational programme to community members about the disease to address the misconception about the magnitude of the disease.

Correlation between allostatic load index and cumulative mortality: a register-based study of Danish municipalities

Por: Bruun-Rasmussen · N. E. · Napolitano · G. · Bojesen · S. E. · Ellervik · C. · Holmager · T. L. F. · Rasmussen · K. · Lynge · E.
Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine population-based allostatic load (AL) indices as an indicator of community health across 14 municipalities in Denmark.

Design

Register-based study.

Setting

Data derived from: the Lolland-Falster Health Study, the Copenhagen General Population Study and the Danish General Suburban Population Study. Nine biomarkers (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, total serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and serum albumin) were divided into high-risk and low-risk values based on clinically accepted criteria, and the AL index was defined as the average between the nine values. All-cause mortality data were obtained from Statistics Denmark.

Participants

We examined a total of 106 808 individuals aged 40–79 years.

Primary outcome measure

Linear regression models were performed to investigate the association between mean AL index and cumulative mortality risk.

Results

Mean AL index was higher in men (range 2.3–3.3) than in women (range 1.7–2.6). We found AL index to be strongly correlated with the cumulative mortality rate, correlation coefficient of 0.82. A unit increase in mean AL index corresponded to an increase in the cumulative mortality rate of 19% (95% CI 13% to 25%) for men, and 16% (95% CI 8% to 23%) for women but this difference was not statistically significant. The overall mean increase in cumulative mortality rate for both men and women was 17% (95% CI 14% to 20%).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the population-based AL index to be a strong indicator of community health, and suggest identification of targets for reducing AL.

'DANMM thats good!: evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the Deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring (DANMM) Programme across rural, regional and metropolitan NSW-a collaborative study protocol

Por: Biles · B. · Christian · B. · Marshall · C. · McMillan · F. · Sara · G. · Anderson · J. · Davies · N. · Fealy · S. · Biles · J.
Introduction

This paper will describe the research protocol for the Deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Mentoring (DANMM) Project, which will determine the feasibility and acceptability of a cultural mentoring programme designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives across five diverse local health districts in New South Wales, Australia. Government and health agencies highlight the importance of culturally appropriate and safe environments for Aboriginal people. Specifically, New South Wales Health prioritises workforce strategies that support Aboriginal people to enter and stay in the health workforce. However, retaining Aboriginal nurses and midwives remains challenging. The DANMM Project aligns with these local and state-wide health plans and strategies, addressing critical issues of workforce cultural safety and retention.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods study design will be employed to assess feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the DANMM Programme across five publicly funded local health districts in New South Wales, Australia. Adhering to cultural safety, a project cultural governance group will be formed. Quantitative outcome measures include the use of questionnaires (Nursing Workplace Satisfaction Questionnaire, Ganngaleh nga Yagaleh Cultural Safety assessment tool). Resource implications will be measured using the Organisational Commitment and Health Professional Program Readiness Assessment Compass. These will be triangulated with individual and group yarning circles to provide a holistic evaluation of the programme.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has ethics approval: Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (#2054/23); New South Wales Health Human Research Committees (Greater Western Human Research Committee #2022/ETH01971, Murrumbidgee—site-specific approval, Sydney Local Health District—site-specific approval, Western Sydney Local Health District—site-specific approval and Mid North Coast—site-specific approval); and Charles Sturt University Human Research Committee (#2054/23). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed articles, conferences and through roundtable discussions with key stakeholders.

Enhancing care for transgender and gender diverse survivors of intimate partner violence: an Ontario-wide survey examining health and social service providers learning needs

Por: Du Mont · J. A. · Kelly · C. E. · Seo · H. · Brouillard-Coyle · S. · Mason · R. · Macdonald · S. · Kosa · S. D.
Objectives

To better understand healthcare and social/community service providers’ learning needs associated with supporting transgender and gender diverse (trans) persons who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV).

Setting

An online survey was distributed through the trans-LINK Network in Ontario, Canada.

Respondents

163 of 225 healthcare and social/community service providers completed the survey (72.4% response rate) between November 2022 and February 2023.

Main outcome measures

Expertise, training, workplace practices and learning needs related to supporting trans survivors of IPV.

Method

Quantitative survey results were analysed descriptively and open-ended responses were organised thematically. In March 2022, survey results were shared with 33 stakeholders who helped define goals and objectives for an e-learning curriculum using Jamboard, data from which were collated and organised into themes.

Results

Most (66.3%) survey respondents described having provided professional support to trans survivors of IPV, but only one-third (38.0%) reported having received relevant training, and many of the trainings cited were in fact focused on other forms of violence or trans health generally. The majority reported a mid (44.9%) or low-mid (28.5%) level of expertise and almost unanimously agreed that they would benefit from (further) training (99.4%). The most commonly recommended goal/objective for a curriculum emerging from the stakeholder consultation was to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and (safe) referrals among organisations.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the critical need for an IPV curriculum specific to trans survivors and responsive to the needs of providers. As no one profession can address this complex issue in isolation, it is important that the curriculum aims to facilitate collaboration across sectors. In the absence of appropriate training and referrals, practitioners may perpetuate harm when caring for trans survivors of IPV.

How the commercial virtual care industry gathers, uses and values patient data: a Canadian qualitative study

Por: Spithoff · S. · McPhail · B. · Vesely · L. · Rowe · R. K. · Mogic · L. · Grundy · Q.
Objectives

To understand and report on the direct-to-consumer virtual care industry in Canada, focusing on how companies collect, use and value patient data.

Design

Qualitative study using situational analysis methodology.

Setting

Canadian for-profit virtual care industry.

Participants

18 individuals employed by or affiliated with the Canadian virtual care industry.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted between October 2021 and January 2022 and publicly available documents on websites of commercial virtual care platforms were retrieved. Analysis was informed by situational analysis, a constructivist grounded theory methodology, with a continuous and iterative process of data collection and analysis; theoretical sampling and creation of theoretical concepts to explain findings.

Results

Participants described how companies in the virtual care industry highly valued patient data. Companies used data collected as patients accessed virtual care platforms and registered for services to generate revenue, often by marketing other products and services. In some cases, virtual care companies were funded by pharmaceutical companies to analyse data collected when patients interacted with a healthcare provider and adjust care pathways with the goal of increasing uptake of a drug or vaccine. Participants described these business practices as expected and appropriate, but some were concerned about patient privacy, industry influence over care and risks to marginalised communities. They described how patients may have agreed to these uses of their data because of high levels of trust in the Canadian health system, problematic consent processes and a lack of other options for care.

Conclusions

Patients, healthcare providers and policy-makers should be aware that the direct-to-consumer virtual care industry in Canada highly values patient data and appears to view data as a revenue stream. The industry’s data handling practices of this sensitive information, in the context of providing a health service, have implications for patient privacy, autonomy and quality of care.

❌