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Bagchi A, Rudolph MI, Eikermann M. Mechanical ventilation mode and postoperative pulmonary complications - a reply. Anaesthesia 2018; 73:253-254. [PMID: 29333710 DOI: 10.1111/anae.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Becker M, Jaschinski T, Eikermann M, Mathes T, Bühn S, Koppert W, Leffler A, Neugebauer E, Pieper D. A systematic decision-making process on the need for updating clinical practice guidelines proved to be feasible in a pilot study. J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 96:101-109. [PMID: 29289763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to test and evaluate a new decision-making process on the need for updating within the update of a German clinical practice guideline (CPG). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING The pilot study comprised (1) limited searches in Pubmed to identify new potentially relevant evidence, (2) an online survey among the members of the CPG group to assess the need for update, and (3) a consensus conference for determination and prioritization of guideline sections with a high need for update. Subsequently, we conducted a second online survey to evaluate the procedure. RESULTS The searches resulted in 902 abstracts that were graded as new potentially relevant evidence. Twenty five of 39 members of the CPG group (64%) participated in the online survey. Seventy six percent of those took part in the second online survey. The evaluation study found on average a grade of support of the procedure regarding the determination of the need for update of 3.65 (standard deviation: 0.76) on a likert scale with 1 = "no support" to 5 = "very strong support." CONCLUSION The conducted procedure presents a systematic approach for assessing whether and to what extent a CPG requires updating and enables setting priorities for which particular guideline section to update within a CPG.
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Rath A, Salamon V, Peixoto S, Hivert V, Laville M, Segrestin B, Neugebauer EAM, Eikermann M, Bertele V, Garattini S, Wetterslev J, Banzi R, Jakobsen JC, Djurisic S, Kubiak C, Demotes-Mainard J, Gluud C. A systematic literature review of evidence-based clinical practice for rare diseases: what are the perceived and real barriers for improving the evidence and how can they be overcome? Trials 2017; 18:556. [PMID: 29166947 PMCID: PMC5700662 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based clinical practice is challenging in all fields, but poses special barriers in the field of rare diseases. The present paper summarises the main barriers faced by clinical research in rare diseases, and highlights opportunities for improvement. METHODS Systematic literature searches without meta-analyses and internal European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) communications during face-to-face meetings and telephone conferences from 2013 to 2017 within the context of the ECRIN Integrating Activity (ECRIN-IA) project. RESULTS Barriers specific to rare diseases comprise the difficulty to recruit participants because of rarity, scattering of patients, limited knowledge on natural history of diseases, difficulties to achieve accurate diagnosis and identify patients in health information systems, and difficulties choosing clinically relevant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based clinical practice for rare diseases should start by collecting clinical data in databases and registries; defining measurable patient-centred outcomes; and selecting appropriate study designs adapted to small study populations. Rare diseases constitute one of the most paradigmatic fields in which multi-stakeholder engagement, especially from patients, is needed for success. Clinical research infrastructures and expertise networks offer opportunities for establishing evidence-based clinical practice within rare diseases.
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Thevathasan T, Shih S, Safavi K, Berger D, Burns S, Grabitz S, Glidden R, Zafonte R, Eikermann M, Schneider J. Association between intraoperative non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent dose and 30-day readmission after abdominal surgery. Br J Anaesth 2017; 119:595-605. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aex240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Neugebauer EAM, Rath A, Antoine SL, Eikermann M, Seidel D, Koenen C, Jacobs E, Pieper D, Laville M, Pitel S, Martinho C, Djurisic S, Demotes-Mainard J, Kubiak C, Bertele V, Jakobsen JC, Garattini S, Gluud C. Specific barriers to the conduct of randomised clinical trials on medical devices. Trials 2017; 18:427. [PMID: 28903769 PMCID: PMC5597993 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical devices play an important role in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and care of diseases. However, compared to pharmaceuticals, there is no rigorous formal regulation for demonstration of benefits and exclusion of harms to patients. The medical device industry argues that the classical evidence hierarchy cannot be applied for medical devices, as randomised clinical trials are impossible to perform. This article aims to identify the barriers for randomised clinical trials on medical devices. METHODS Systematic literature searches without meta-analysis and internal European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) communications taking place during face-to-face meetings and telephone conferences from 2013 to 2017 within the context of the ECRIN Integrating Activity (ECRIN-IA) project. RESULTS In addition to the barriers that exist for all trials, we identified three major barriers for randomised clinical trials on medical devices, namely: (1) randomisation, including timing of assessment, acceptability, blinding, choice of the comparator group and considerations on the learning curve; (2) difficulties in determining appropriate outcomes; and (3) the lack of scientific advice, regulations and transparency. CONCLUSIONS The present review offers potential solutions to break down the barriers identified, and argues for applying the randomised clinical trial design when assessing the benefits and harms of medical devices.
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Bagchi A, Rudolph MI, Ng PY, Timm FP, Long DR, Shaefi S, Ladha K, Vidal Melo MF, Eikermann M. The association of postoperative pulmonary complications in 109,360 patients with pressure-controlled or volume-controlled ventilation. Anaesthesia 2017; 72:1334-1343. [PMID: 28891046 DOI: 10.1111/anae.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We thought that the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications might be higher after pressure-controlled ventilation than after volume-controlled ventilation. We analysed peri-operative data recorded for 109,360 adults, whose lungs were mechanically ventilated during surgery at three hospitals in Massachusetts, USA. We used multivariable regression and propensity score matching. Postoperative pulmonary complications were more common after pressure-controlled ventilation, odds ratio (95%CI) 1.29 (1.21-1.37), p < 0.001. Tidal volumes and driving pressures were more varied with pressure-controlled ventilation compared with volume-controlled ventilation: mean (SD) variance from the median 1.61 (1.36) ml.kg-1 vs. 1.23 (1.11) ml.kg-1 , p < 0.001; and 3.91 (3.47) cmH2 O vs. 3.40 (2.69) cmH2 O, p < 0.001. The odds ratio (95%CI) of pulmonary complications after pressure-controlled ventilation compared with volume-controlled ventilation at positive end-expiratory pressures < 5 cmH2 O was 1.40 (1.26-1.55) and 1.20 (1.11-1.31) when ≥ 5 cmH2 O, both p < 0.001, a relative risk ratio of 1.17 (1.03-1.33), p = 0.023. The odds ratio (95%CI) of pulmonary complications after pressure-controlled ventilation compared with volume-controlled ventilation at driving pressures of < 19 cmH2 O was 1.37 (1.27-1.48), p < 0.001, and 1.16 (1.04-1.30) when ≥ 19 cmH2 O, p = 0.011, a relative risk ratio of 1.18 (1.07-1.30), p = 0.016. Our data support volume-controlled ventilation during surgery, particularly for patients more likely to suffer postoperative pulmonary complications.
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Kim SC, Choudhry N, Franklin JM, Bykov K, Eikermann M, Lii J, Fischer MA, Bateman BT. Patterns and predictors of persistent opioid use following hip or knee arthroplasty. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017; 25:1399-1406. [PMID: 28433815 PMCID: PMC5565694 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relationship between arthroplasty and long-term opioid use in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis is not well studied. We examined the prevalence, patterns and predictors of persistent opioid use after hip or knee arthroplasty. METHOD Using claims data (2004-2013) from a US commercial health plan, we identified adults who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty and filled ≥1 opioid prescription within 30 days after the surgery. We defined persistent opioid users as patients who filled ≥1 opioid prescription every month during the 1-year postoperative period based on group-based trajectory models. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine preoperative predictors of persistent opioid use after surgery. RESULTS We identified 57,545 patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty. The mean ± SD age was 61.5 ± 7.8 years and 87.1% had any opioid use preoperatively. Overall, 7.6% persistently used opioids after the surgery. Among patients who used opioids in 80% of the time for ≥4 months preoperatively (n = 3023), 72.1% became persistent users. In multivariable analysis, knee arthroplasty vs hip, a longer hospitalization stay, discharge to a rehabilitation facility, preoperative opioid use (e.g., a longer duration and greater dosage and frequency), a higher comorbidity score, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine and smoking, and benzodiazepine use at baseline were strong predictors for persistent opioid use (C-statistic = 0.917). CONCLUSION Over 7% of patients persistently used opioids in the year after hip or knee arthroplasty. Given the adverse health effects of persistent opioid use, strategies need to be developed to prevent persistent opioid use after this common surgery.
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Prengel P, Kotte N, Antoine SL, Eikermann M, Neugebauer EAM, Stahl K, Pieper D. [Patients are Satisfied with the Physician-Patient Communication: A Pilot Study Applying the "Individual Clinician Feedback" Questionnaire]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2017; 80:882-887. [PMID: 28586941 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Patient-centeredness as an essential aspect of quality of patient care is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the pilot study is to gain insight into the physician-patient communication from the patient's perspective. A German questionnaire in a maximum care hospital was tested. METHODS The German "Individual Clinician Feedback" questionnaire (ICF) was tested in a pilot study in the special consultation in a voluntary cohort of surgeons. In the survey period from June to August 2015, the questionnaire was given to the patient. The physicians received their assessment results as a compressed score. They were rated on a scale of 1-10 on which 10 is "very good". RESULTS 12 physicians were recruited from five departments. There was a high response rate of 46% (n=219). The patients evaluated the communication as very good (on average over all items and physicians 8.5 to 9.5 points). 89% of the patients had the feeling that the doctor took adequate time for them, while 50% of the patients had a consultation time of 11-20 min. 12% of the patients had still open questions after treatment that they did not ask. 19% and 21% of patients reported that the physician has not asked them if they had any questions, or that they just forgot about it at the end of treatment. CONCLUSION The results of the pilot study are associated with a good response rate and patients were mostly very satisfied with the physician-patient communication. However, a selection bias among participating physicians is likely.
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Hoffmann-Eßer W, Siering U, Neugebauer EAM, Brockhaus AC, Lampert U, Eikermann M. Guideline appraisal with AGREE II: Systematic review of the current evidence on how users handle the 2 overall assessments. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174831. [PMID: 28358870 PMCID: PMC5373625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument is the most commonly used guideline appraisal tool. It includes 23 appraisal criteria (items) organized within 6 domains and 2 overall assessments (1. overall guideline quality; 2. recommendation for use). The aim of this systematic review was twofold. Firstly, to investigate how often AGREE II users conduct the 2 overall assessments. Secondly, to investigate the influence of the 6 domain scores on each of the 2 overall assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic bibliographic search was conducted for publications reporting guideline appraisals with AGREE II. The impact of the 6 domain scores on the overall assessment of guideline quality was examined using a multiple linear regression model. Their impact on the recommendation for use (possible answers: "yes", "yes, with modifications", "no") was examined using a multinomial regression model. RESULTS 118 relevant publications including 1453 guidelines were identified. 77.1% of the publications reported results for at least one overall assessment, but only 32.2% reported results for both overall assessments. The results of the regression analyses showed a statistically significant influence of all domains on overall guideline quality, with Domain 3 (rigour of development) having the strongest influence. For the recommendation for use, the results showed a significant influence of Domains 3 to 5 ("yes" vs. "no") and Domains 3 and 5 ("yes, with modifications" vs. "no"). CONCLUSIONS The 2 overall assessments of AGREE II are underreported by guideline assessors. Domains 3 and 5 have the strongest influence on the results of the 2 overall assessments, while the other domains have a varying influence. Within a normative approach, our findings could be used as guidance for weighting individual domains in AGREE II to make the overall assessments more objective. Alternatively, a stronger content analysis of the individual domains could clarify their importance in terms of guideline quality. Moreover, AGREE II should require users to transparently present how they conducted the assessments.
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Marx G, Schindler AW, Mosch C, Albers J, Bauer M, Gnass I, Hobohm C, Janssens U, Kluge S, Kranke P, Maurer T, Merz W, Neugebauer E, Quintel M, Senninger N, Trampisch HJ, Waydhas C, Wildenauer R, Zacharowski K, Eikermann M. Intravascular volume therapy in adults: Guidelines from the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2016; 33:488-521. [PMID: 27043493 PMCID: PMC4890839 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Garattini S, Jakobsen JC, Wetterslev J, Bertelé V, Banzi R, Rath A, Neugebauer EAM, Laville M, Masson Y, Hivert V, Eikermann M, Aydin B, Ngwabyt S, Martinho C, Gerardi C, Szmigielski CA, Demotes-Mainard J, Gluud C. Evidence-based clinical practice: Overview of threats to the validity of evidence and how to minimise them. Eur J Intern Med 2016; 32:13-21. [PMID: 27160381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Using the best quality of clinical research evidence is essential for choosing the right treatment for patients. How to identify the best research evidence is, however, difficult. In this narrative review we summarise these threats and describe how to minimise them. Pertinent literature was considered through literature searches combined with personal files. Treatments should generally not be chosen based only on evidence from observational studies or single randomised clinical trials. Systematic reviews with meta-analysis of all identifiable randomised clinical trials with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment represent the highest level of evidence. Even though systematic reviews are trust worthier than other types of evidence, all levels of the evidence hierarchy are under threats from systematic errors (bias); design errors (abuse of surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, etc.); and random errors (play of chance). Clinical research infrastructures may help in providing larger and better conducted trials. Trial Sequential Analysis may help in deciding when there is sufficient evidence in meta-analyses. If threats to the validity of clinical research are carefully considered and minimised, research results will be more valid and this will benefit patients and heath care systems.
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Eikermann M, Houle TT. Antagonism of neuromuscular block: all things are poison; only the dose makes a thing not a poison. Br J Anaesth 2016; 116:157-9. [PMID: 26787785 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aev448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Brueckmann B, Sasaki N, Grobara P, Li MK, Woo T, de Bie J, Maktabi M, Lee J, Kwo J, Pino R, Sabouri AS, McGovern F, Staehr-Rye AK, Eikermann M. Effects of sugammadex on incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade: a randomized, controlled study. Br J Anaesth 2015; 115:743-51. [PMID: 25935840 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aev104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate whether reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex reduced the incidence of residual blockade and facilitated operating room discharge readiness. METHODS Adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery received rocuronium, followed by randomized allocation to sugammadex (2 or 4 mg kg(-1)) or usual care (neostigmine/glycopyrrolate, dosing per usual care practice) for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Timing of reversal agent administration was based on the providers' clinical judgement. Primary endpoint was the presence of residual neuromuscular blockade at PACU admission, defined as a train-of-four (TOF) ratio <0.9, using TOF-Watch® SX. Key secondary endpoint was time between reversal agent administration and operating room discharge-readiness; analysed with analysis of covariance. RESULTS Of 154 patients randomized, 150 had a TOF value measured at PACU entry. Zero out of 74 sugammadex patients and 33 out of 76 (43.4%) usual care patients had TOF-Watch SX-assessed residual neuromuscular blockade at PACU admission (odds ratio 0.0, 95% CI [0-0.06], P<0.0001). Of these 33 usual care patients, 2 also had clinical evidence of partial paralysis. Time between reversal agent administration and operating room discharge-readiness was shorter for sugammadex vs usual care (14.7 vs. 18.6 min respectively; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS After abdominal surgery, sugammadex reversal eliminated residual neuromuscular blockade in the PACU, and shortened the time from start of study medication administration to the time the patient was ready for discharge from the operating room. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01479764.
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Merkel S, Eikermann M, Neugebauer EA, von Bandemer S. The transcatheter aortic valve implementation (TAVI)--a qualitative approach to the implementation and diffusion of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Implement Sci 2015; 10:140. [PMID: 26444275 PMCID: PMC4596312 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, showed a rapid diffusion in Germany compared to the international level. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze factors affecting the implementation and diffusion of the procedure in hospitals using a qualitative application of the diffusion of innovations theory. Methods We conducted problem-centered interviews with cardiologists and cardiac surgeons working in German hospitals. The multi-level model “diffusion of innovations in health services organizations” developed by Greenhalgh et al. was used to guide the research. Data was analyzed using content and a thematic analysis. Results Among the ten participants who were interviewed, we found both barriers and facilitators related to the innovation itself, system readiness and antecedents, communication and influence, and the outer context. Key issues were the collaboration between cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, reimbursement policies, requirements needed to conduct the procedure, and medical advantages of the method. Conclusions The findings show that there are multiple factors influencing the diffusion of TAVI that go beyond the reimbursement and cost issues. The diffusion of innovations model proved to be helpful in understanding the different aspects of the uptake of the procedure. A central theme that affected the implementation of TAVI was the collaboration and competition between involved medical departments: cardiology and cardiac surgery. Against this background, it seems especially important to moderate and coordinate the cooperation of the different medical disciplines.
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Pieper D, Jülich F, Antoine SL, Bächle C, Chernyak N, Genz J, Eikermann M, Icks A. Studies analysing the need for health-related information in Germany - a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:407. [PMID: 26399759 PMCID: PMC4579794 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-1076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring health-related information needs is necessary to better tailor information. However, there is a lack of systematic knowledge on how and in which groups information needs has been assessed, and which information needs have been identified. We aimed to assess the methodology of studies used to assess information needs, as well as the topics and extent of health-related information needs and associated factors in Germany. METHODS A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, and all databases of the Cochrane Library. All studies investigating health-related information needs in patients, relatives, and the general population in Germany that were published between 2000 and 2012 in German or English were included. Descriptive content analysis was based on predefined categories. RESULTS We identified 19 studies. Most studies addressed cancer or rheumatic disease. Methods used were highly heterogeneous. Apart from common topics such as treatment, diagnosis, prevention and health promotion, etiology and prognosis, high interest ratings were also found in more specific topics such as complementary and alternative medicine or nutrition. Information needs were notable in all surveyed patient groups, relatives, and samples of the general population. Younger age, shorter duration of illness, poorer health status and higher anxiety and depression scores appeared to be associated with higher information needs. CONCLUSION Knowledge about information needs is still scarce. Assuming the importance of comprehensive information to enable people to participate in health-related decisions, further systematic research is required.
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Baumüller E, Schaller S, Chiquito Lama Y, Frick C, Bauhofer T, Eikermann M, Fink H, Blobner M. Postoperative impairment of motor function at train-of-four ratio ≥0.9 cannot be improved by sugammadex (1 mg kg −1 ). Br J Anaesth 2015; 114:785-93. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aeu453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Jaschinski T, Mosch C, Eikermann M, Neugebauer EAM. Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in patients with suspected appendicitis: a systematic review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:48. [PMID: 25884671 PMCID: PMC4399217 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several systematic reviews (SRs) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopic versus open appendectomy have been published, but there has been no overview of SRs of these two interventions. This overview (review of review) aims to summarise the results of such SRs in order to provide the most up to date evidence, and to highlight discordant results. METHODS Medline, Embase, Cinahl, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched for SRs published up to August 2014. Study selection and quality assessment using the AMSTAR tool were carried out independently by two reviewers. We used standardised forms to extract data that were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Nine SRs met the inclusion criteria. All were of moderate to high quality. The number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) they included ranged from eight to 67. The duration of surgery pooled by eight reviews was 7.6 to 18.3 minutes shorter using the open approach. Pain scores on the first postoperative day were lower after laparoscopic appendectomy in two out of three reviews. The risk of abdominal abscesses was higher for laparoscopic surgery in half of six meta-analyses. The occurrence of wound infections pooled by all reviews was lower after laparoscopic appendectomy. One review showed no difference in mortality. The laparoscopic approach shortened hospital stay from 0.16 to 1.13 days in seven out of eight meta-analyses, though the strength of the evidence was affected by strong heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic and open appendectomy are both safe and effective procedures for the treatment of acute appendicitis. This overview shows discordant results with respect to the magnitude of the effect but not to the direction of the effect. The evidence from this overview may prove useful for the development of clinical guidelines and protocols.
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Mosch C, Eikermann M. [Role of evidence-based medicine in intensive care]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2015; 110:159-65; quiz 166-7. [PMID: 25809311 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-015-0008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) plays an important role in intensive care. Along with the individual expertise of the attending physician and the preferences of the respective patient, recent study evidence is an important decision criterion when choosing the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Both a target-orientated literature search and adequate evaluation of the risk of bias as well as interpretation of the depicted outcomes are necessary to be able to draw the right conclusions from study results. Furthermore, proper publication formats might facilitate the synopsis of the available evidence and support the implementation of this knowledge in routine clinical work.
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Walgenbach M, Mathes T, Siegel R, Eikermann M. Mesh fixation techniques in primary ventral or incisional hernia repair. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Pieper D, Buechter RB, Li L, Prediger B, Eikermann M. Systematic review found AMSTAR, but not R(evised)-AMSTAR, to have good measurement properties. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 68:574-83. [PMID: 25638457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize all available evidence on measurement properties in terms of reliability, validity, and feasibility of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool, including R(evised)-AMSTAR. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psycinfo, and CINAHL were searched for studies containing information on measurement properties of the tools in October 2013. We extracted data on study characteristics and measurement properties. These data were analyzed following measurement criteria. RESULTS We included 13 studies, four of them were labeled as validation studies. Nine articles dealt with AMSTAR, two articles dealt with R-AMSTAR, and one article dealt with both instruments. In terms of interrater reliability, most items showed a substantial agreement (>0.6). The median intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the overall score of AMSTAR was 0.83 (range 0.60-0.98), indicating a high agreement. In terms of validity, ICCs were very high with all but one ICC lower than 0.8 when the AMSTAR score was compared with scores from other tools. Scoring AMSTAR takes between 10 and 20 minutes. CONCLUSION AMSTAR seems to be reliable and valid. Further investigations for systematic reviews of other study designs than randomized controlled trials are needed. R-AMSTAR should be further investigated as evidence for its use is limited and its measurement properties have not been studied sufficiently. In general, test-retest reliability should be investigated in future studies.
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Eikermann M, Holzmann N, Siering U, Rüther A. Tools for assessing the content of guidelines are needed to enable their effective use--a systematic comparison. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:853. [PMID: 25427972 PMCID: PMC4258382 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To ensure that clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) form a sound basis for decision-making in health care, it is necessary to be able to reliably assess and ensure their quality. This results in the need to assess the content of guidelines systematically, particularly with regard to the validity of their recommendations. The aim of the present analysis was to determine the suitability and applicability of frequently used assessment tools for evidence syntheses with regard to the assessment of guideline content. Methods We conducted a systematic comparison and analysis of established tools for the assessment of evidence syntheses (guidelines, systematic reviews, health technology assessments). The tools analyzed were: ADAPTE, AGREE II, AMSTAR, GLIA and the INAHTA checklist. We analyzed methodological steps related to the assessment of the reliability and validity of guideline recommendations. Data were extracted and analyzed by two persons independently of one another. Results Widely used tools for the methodological assessment of evidence syntheses are not suitable for a comprehensive content-related assessment. They remain mostly at the level of assessment of the documentation of processes. Some tools assess selected content-related aspects, but operationalization is either unspecific or lacking. Conclusion None of the tools analyzed enables the structured and comprehensive assessment of the content of guideline recommendations with special regard to their reliability and validity. All tools contribute towards the judicious use of evidence syntheses by supporting their systematic development or assessment. However, further progress is needed, particularly with regard to the assessment of content quality. This includes comprehensive operationalization and documentation of the assessment process to ensure reliability and validity, and therefore to enable the effective use of trustworthy guidelines in the health care system. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-853) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Jaschinski T, Pieper D, Eikermann M, Steinhausen S, Linke C, Heitmann T, Pani M, Neugebauer E. [Current status of total hip and knee replacements in Germany - results of a nation-wide survey]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ORTHOPADIE UND UNFALLCHIRURGIE 2014; 152:455-61. [PMID: 25313700 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1383023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total hip and knee replacements are very frequently performed operative procedures in German hospitals. Despite the high number of cases, only few data on treatment procedures of the clinical routine and their impact on postoperative length of stay and clinical outcome are available. The aim of our survey was to gain detailed insights of the treatment procedures in patients scheduled for elective hip or knee replacement in order to extract recommendations for improving patient care. METHODS In a nation-wide survey, we asked leading physicians of 694 trauma surgery and orthopaedic surgery departments and their corresponding colleagues in the departments of anaesthesia for treatment procedures including the process of patient admission, surgical techniques, postoperative analgesia, discharge management and follow-up. We used a multiple linear regression for analysing variables impacting on the postoperative length of stay. RESULTS Altogether, 303 replies representing 31.8 % of the contacted hospitals could be evaluated. For hip arthroplasty, the anterolateral approach was most commonly chosen. For knee arthroplasty, the parapatellar approach was most frequently used. Tourniquet and wound drainage (mostly removed on the second postoperative day) were widely used with more than 90 %. The avoidance of wound drainage was associated with a lower postoperative length of stay for patients following total hip or knee replacement. Only 70 % of the German departments followed up their patients after discharge checking especially the range of motion of the artificial joint replacement. CONCLUSION The treatment procedures for elective hip and knee replacement are very heterogeneous in German hospitals. The quality of the clinical outcome cannot be related to a single procedure; in fact the choice and complementary interaction of interventions are essential for improving patient care. These results provide first important evidence to which extent organisational structures and treatment procedures affect patient care and length of stay. Therefore, the analyses show relevant indications for an optimised standard in patient care.
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Pieper D, Antoine SL, Neugebauer EAM, Eikermann M. Up-to-dateness of reviews is often neglected in overviews: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 67:1302-8. [PMID: 25281222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE As systematic reviews may run out of date, it might be necessary to update them. Out-of-date reviews may jeopardize the comparability when used in the context of overviews (review of reviews). METHODS Seven electronic databases were searched for overviews up to November 2012. We first aimed to analyze whether the authors of overviews additionally searched for primary studies or alternatively explained why they did not. Second, we sought to analyze the actual publication lag (publication date of the overview - publication date of the review) in overviews and to develop recommendations for authors of overviews. RESULTS We included 147 overviews. The mean publication lag in overviews was more than 5 years. A median of 36% of the reviews were published more than 6 years ago. Only one in four reviews considered up-to-dateness. The methods for updating reviews were heterogeneous. We found no overview that systematically investigated whether an update was necessary. CONCLUSION The issue of up-to-dateness when conducting overviews seems to be neglected by most authors of overviews. Authors should assess the quality of evidence, based on their included reviews first.
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Pieper D, Mathes T, Eikermann M. Can AMSTAR also be applied to systematic reviews of non-randomized studies? BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:609. [PMID: 25193554 PMCID: PMC4167129 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of an instrument to evaluate systematic reviews of non-randomized studies in epidemiological research. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) is widely used to evaluate the scientific quality of systematic reviews, but it has not been validated for SRs of non-randomized studies. The objective of this paper is to report our experience in applying AMSTAR to systematic reviews of non-randomized studies in terms of applicability, reliability and feasibility. Thus, we applied AMSTAR to a recently published review of 32 systematic reviews of non-randomized studies investigating the hospital volume-outcome relationship in surgery. RESULTS The inter-rater reliability was high (0.76), albeit items 8 (scientific quality used in formulating conclusions), 9 (appropriate method to combine studies), and 11 (conflicts of interest) scored moderate (≤0.58). However, there was a high heterogeneity between the two pairs of reviewers. In terms of feasibility, AMSTAR proved easy to apply to systematic reviews of non-randomized studies, each review taking 5-10 minutes to complete. We faced problems in applying three items, mainly related to scientific quality of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS AMSTAR showed good psychometric properties, comparable to prior findings in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. AMSTAR can be applied to systematic reviews of non-randomized studies, although there are some item specific issues users should be aware of. Revisions and extensions of AMSTAR might be helpful.
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