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Harris E. Audit Finds US National Stockpile "Was Not Equipped" for the Pandemic. JAMA 2023; 330:1828. [PMID: 37910119 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.21176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
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Wagneur N, Callier P, Zeitoun JD, Silber D, Sabatier R, Denis F. Assessing a new pre-screening score for the simplified evaluation of the clinical quality and relevance of e-health applications. (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e39590. [PMID: 35788102 PMCID: PMC9297133 DOI: 10.2196/39590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2020, more than 250 eHealth solutions were added to app stores each day, or 90,000 in the year; however, the vast majority of these solutions have not undergone clinical validation, their quality is unknown, and the user does not know if they are effective and safe. We sought to develop a simple prescreening scoring method that would assess the quality and clinical relevance of each app. We designed this tool with 3 health care stakeholder groups in mind: eHealth solution designers seeking to evaluate a potential competitor or their own tool, investors considering a fundraising candidate, and a hospital clinician or IT department wishing to evaluate a current or potential eHealth solution. Objective We built and tested a novel prescreening scoring tool (the Medical Digital Solution scoring tool). The tool, which consists of 26 questions that enable the quick assessment and comparison of the clinical relevance and quality of eHealth apps, was tested on 68 eHealth solutions. Methods The Medical Digital Solution scoring tool is based on the 2021 evaluation criteria of the French National Health Authority, the 2022 European Society of Medical Oncology recommendations, and other provided scores. We built the scoring tool with patient association and eHealth experts and submitted it to eHealth app creators, who evaluated their apps via the web-based form in January 2022. After completing the evaluation criteria, their apps obtained an overall score and 4 categories of subscores. These criteria evaluated the type of solution and domain, the solution’s targeted population size, the level of clinical assessment, and information about the provider. Results In total, 68 eHealth solutions were evaluated with the scoring tool. Oncology apps (22%, 20/90) and general health solutions (23%, 21/90) were the most represented. Of the 68 apps, 32 (47%) were involved in remote monitoring by health professionals. Regarding clinical outcomes, 5% (9/169) of the apps assessed overall survival. Randomized studies had been conducted for 21% (23/110) of the apps to assess their benefit. Of the 68 providers, 38 (56%) declared the objective of obtaining reimbursement, and 7 (18%) out of the 38 solutions seeking reimbursement were assessed as having a high probability of reimbursement. The median global score was 11.2 (range 4.7-17.4) out of 20 and the distribution of the scores followed a normal distribution pattern (Shapiro-Wilk test: P=.33). Conclusions This multidomain prescreening scoring tool is simple, fast, and can be deployed on a large scale to initiate an assessment of the clinical relevance and quality of a clinical eHealth app. This simple tool can help a decision-maker determine which aspects of the app require further analysis and improvement.
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Kaur H, Mukhopadhyay L, Gupta N, Aggarwal N, Sangal L, Potdar V, Inbanathan FY, Narayan J, Gupta S, Rana S, Vijay N, Singh H, Kaur J, Kumar V, Kaundal N, Abraham P, Ravi V. External quality assessment of COVID-19 real time reverse transcription PCR laboratories in India. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263736. [PMID: 35134089 PMCID: PMC8824319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 created an inevitable need for expansion of the COVID-19 laboratory testing network across the world. The strategy to test-track-treat was advocated for quick detection and containment of the disease. Being the second most populous country in the world, India was challenged to make COVID-19 testing available and accessible in all parts of the country. The molecular laboratory testing network was augmented expeditiously, and number of laboratories was increased from one in January 2020 to 2951 till mid-September, 2021. This rapid expansion warranted the need to have inbuilt systems of quality control/ quality assurance. In addition to the ongoing inter-laboratory quality control (ILQC), India implemented an External Quality Assurance Program (EQAP) with assistance from World Health Organization (WHO) and Royal College of Pathologists, Australasia. Out of the 953 open system rRTPCR laboratories in both public and private sector who participated in the first round of EQAP, 891(93.4%) laboratories obtained a passing score of > = 80%. The satisfactory performance of Indian COVID-19 testing laboratories has boosted the confidence of the public and policy makers in the quality of testing. ILQC and EQAP need to continue to ensure adherence of the testing laboratories to the desired quality standards.
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Björndahl L, Kirkman Brown J. The sixth edition of the WHO manual on semen examination: ensuring quality and standardization in basic examination of human ejaculates. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:246-251. [PMID: 34986984 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A basic semen investigation has established principles that are necessary for ascertaining reliable and internationally comparable results. Although these principles have been present in the WHO manual since its inception, the baseline issue across most published studies and practice in reproductive medicine (in which the male is considered) is repetitive failure to adhere to these principles, thereby leading to relevant comparable data and accuracy. To address this failure, the sixth edition of the WHO manual includes revised basic methods, and a complementary formal standard of the International Standards Organization (ISO23162:2021) for basic semen examination has been published. Perhaps the most significant change in the sixth edition is the reintroduction of the four-category distinction of sperm motility, which causes additional work for laboratories in changing reporting parameters but is clinically important. Another essential change is the widened focus from mainly a prognostic tool for medically assisted reproduction to additionally raising awareness of semen examination as a measure of male reproductive functions and general male health.
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Scarpis E, Brunelli L, Tricarico P, Poletto M, Panzera A, Londero C, Castriotta L, Brusaferro S. How to assure the quality of clinical records? A 7-year experience in a large academic hospital. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261018. [PMID: 34882705 PMCID: PMC8659650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical record (CR) is the primary tool used by healthcare workers (HCWs) to record clinical information and its completeness can help achieve safer practices. CR is the most appropriate source in order to measure and evaluate the quality of care. In order to achieve a safety climate is fundamental to involve a responsive healthcare workforce thorough peer-review and feedbacks. This study aims to develop a peer-review tool for clinical records quality assurance, presenting the seven-year experience in the evolution of it; secondary aims are to describe the CR completeness and HCWs' diligence toward recording information in it. METHODS To assess the completeness of CRs a peer-review tool was developed in a large Academic Hospital of Northern Italy. This tool included measurable items that examined different themes, moments and levels of the clinical process. Data were collected every three months between 2010 and 2016 by appointed and trained HCWs from 42 Units; the hospital Quality Unit was responsible for of processing and validating them. Variations in the proportion of CR completeness were assessed using Cochran-Armitage test for trends. RESULTS A total of 9,408 CRs were evaluated. Overall CR completeness improved significantly from 79.6% in 2010 to 86.5% in 2016 (p<0.001). Doctors' attitude showed a trend similar to the overall completeness, while nurses improved more consistently (p<0.001). Most items exploring themes, moments and levels registered a significant improvement in the early years, then flattened in last years. Results of the validation process were always above the cut-off of 75%. CONCLUSIONS This peer-review tool enabled the Quality Unit and hospital leadership to obtain a reliable picture of CRs completeness, while involving the HCWs in the quality evaluation. The completeness of CR showed an overall positive and significant trend during these seven years.
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Gettel CJ, Ling SM, Wild RE, Venkatesh AK, Duseja R. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Value Pathways: Opportunities for Emergency Clinicians to Turn Policy Into Practice. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 78:599-603. [PMID: 34304917 PMCID: PMC8545831 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ng JY, Verma KD, Gilotra K. Quantity and quality of complementary and alternative medicine recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:3004-3015. [PMID: 34627698 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Approximately 70% of Americans with diabetes have used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the past year. Healthcare providers often receive minimal training on these therapies and subsequently rely on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to supplement their knowledge about the safe and effective use of CAM for the treatment/management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the quantity and assess the quality of CAM recommendations in CPGs for the treatment and/or management of T2DM. DATA SYNTHESIS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were systematically searched from 2009 to 2020, in addition to the Guidelines International Network and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health websites. CPGs containing treatment and/or management recommendations for T2DM were eligible; those with CAM recommendations were quality-assessed with the AGREE II instrument twice, once for the overall CPG and once for the CAM sections. Twenty-seven CPGs were deemed eligible, of which 7 made CAM recommendations. Mean scaled domain percentages were (overall, CAM): scope and purpose (89.7%, 79.8%), clarity of presentation (85.7%, 48.4%), stakeholder involvement (67.9%, 28.2%), applicability (54.8%, 20.2%), rigour of development (49.7%, 35.7%), and editorial independence (44.1%, 44.1%). CONCLUSIONS Quality varied within and across CPGs; domain scores across CAM sections generally scored lower than the overall CPG. Given that CAM therapies for T2DM are only represented in one-quarter of eligible CPGs and are of lower quality, a knowledge gap exists for healthcare providers who seek evidence-based information on this topic in order to effectively counsel inquiring patients.
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Pankhurst M, Yaxley A, Miller M. Identification and Critical Appraisal of Food Service Satisfaction Questionnaires for Use in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 121:1793-1812.e1. [PMID: 34219048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food service provision in nursing homes is a complex, adaptive system through which multiple stakeholders interface. Organizational stakeholders include staff involved in preparing and delivering meals. Consumer stakeholders are the end users including residents and family. Questionnaires can be an economical and efficient method of measuring food service satisfaction in nursing homes and a powerful quality improvement tool. OBJECTIVE (1) To identify questionnaires that measure food service satisfaction of various stakeholders in a nursing homes and (2) to critically appraise the psychometric properties of identified questionnaires. METHODS Five electronic databases were searched (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane) in April 2020. Data from the eligible studies were extracted, and the psychometric properties were critically appraised using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. RESULTS This review identified 129 studies that used a questionnaire to measure food service satisfaction in nursing homes. Of those, 107 studies representing 75 unique general nursing home satisfaction questionnaires were excluded for failing to adequately explore aspects related to food service. From the remaining 22 studies, 7 food service satisfaction questionnaires were identified; 5 intended for consumers (residents) and 2 intended for organizational stakeholders (staff). Using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments quality criteria, most questionnaires had flaws in content validity and construct validity, primarily due to small sample sizes. No questionnaires explored food service satisfaction from the family perspective. CONCLUSIONS Nursing homes collect satisfaction information for accreditation, marketing, benchmarking, and quality improvement. Although questionnaires are easy to administer, the quality of the data they collect is impacted by the validity and reliability of the questionnaires used. Using unreliable satisfaction data may mean that nursing homes are not accurately able to understand the impact of changes in the system on stakeholder satisfaction.
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Badrick T. Integrating quality control and external quality assurance. Clin Biochem 2021; 95:15-27. [PMID: 33965412 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Effective management of clinical laboratories relies upon an understanding of Quality Control and External Quality Assurance principles. These processes, when applied effectively, reduce patient risk and drive quality improvement. In this Review, we will describe the purpose of QC and EQA and their role in identifying analytical and process error. The two concepts are linked, and we will illustrate that linkage. Some EQA providers offer far more than analytical surveillance. They facilitate training and education and extend quality improvement and identify areas where there is potential for patient harm into the pre-and post-analytical phases of the total testing process.
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Stelmes JJ, Vu E, Grégoire V, Simon C, Clementel E, Kazmierska J, Grant W, Ozsahin M, Tomsej M, Vieillevigne L, Fortpied C, Hurkmans EC, Branquinho A, Andratschke N, Zimmermann F, Weber DC. Quality assurance of radiotherapy in the ongoing EORTC 1420 "Best of" trial for early stage oropharyngeal, supraglottic and hypopharyngeal carcinoma: results of the benchmark case procedure. Radiat Oncol 2021; 16:81. [PMID: 33933118 PMCID: PMC8088557 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current phase III EORTC 1420 Best-of trial (NCT02984410) compares the swallowing function after transoral surgery versus intensity modulated radiotherapy (RT) in patients with early-stage carcinoma of the oropharynx, supraglottis and hypopharynx. We report the analysis of the Benchmark Case (BC) procedures before patient recruitment with special attention to dysphagia/aspiration related structures (DARS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Submitted RT volumes and plans from participating centers were analyzed and compared against the gold-standard expert delineations and dose distributions. Descriptive analysis of protocol deviations was conducted. Mean Sorensen-Dice similarity index (mDSI) and Hausdorff distance (mHD) were applied to evaluate the inter-observer variability (IOV). RESULTS 65% (23/35) of the institutions needed more than one submission to achieve Quality assurance (RTQA) clearance. OAR volume delineations were the cause for rejection in 53% (40/76) of cases. IOV could be improved in 5 out of 12 OARs by more than 10 mm after resubmission (mHD). Despite this, final IOV for critical OARs in delineation remained significant among DARS by choosing an aleatory threshold of 0.7 (mDSI) and 15 mm (mHD). CONCLUSIONS This is to our knowledge the largest BC analysis among Head and neck RTQA programs performed in the framework of a prospective trial. Benchmarking identified non-common OARs and target delineations errors as the main source of deviations and IOV could be reduced in a significant number of cases after this process. Due to the substantial resources involved with benchmarking, future benchmark analyses should assess fully the impact on patients' clinical outcome.
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FitzGerald TJ, Followill D, Laurie F, Boterberg T, Hanusik R, Kessel S, Karolczuk K, Iandoli M, Ulin K, Morano K, Bishop-Jodoin M, Kry S, Lowenstein J, Molineu A, Moni J, Cicchetti MG, Prior F, Saltz J, Sharma A, Mandeville HC, Bernier-Chastagner V, Janssens G. Quality assurance in radiation oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68 Suppl 2:e28609. [PMID: 33818891 PMCID: PMC10578132 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Children's Oncology Group (COG) has a strong quality assurance (QA) program managed by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC). This program consists of credentialing centers and providing real-time management of each case for protocol compliant target definition and radiation delivery. In the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), the lack of an available, reliable online data platform has been a challenge and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) quality and excellence in radiotherapy and imaging for children and adolescents with cancer across Europe in clinical trials (QUARTET) program currently provides QA review for prospective clinical trials. The COG and SIOP are fully committed to a QA program that ensures uniform execution of protocol treatments and provides validity of the clinical data used for analysis.
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Reynolds CR. Progress will come in the balancing of needs: Professional desires, consumer demand, and why we have to specialize. Sch Psychol 2021; 35:451-452. [PMID: 33444058 DOI: 10.1037/spq0000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Conoley, Powers, and Gutkin (2020) have provided an assessment of the progress and lack thereof of school psychology as a profession toward school reformation, especially as related to their various earlier calls for changes in training and practice. Conoley and Gutkin especially (and I have been colleagues of both) have called for decades for an emphasis on working with teachers, other adults in the school system, and the school system itself to alter the delivery of education. In some earlier work, they have characterized this as adult school psychology. In many ways this is a reconceptualization of earlier mental health consultation models of school psychology practice that were not widely adopted for reasons Conoley et al. (2020) explain. School psychology has a long history of wanting to be seen and to practice differently from in a primary role of test and place, and indeed I would characterize the primary organizations that represent the profession (the National Association of Psychologists and the American Psychological Association's Division of School Psychology) as being in many ways antagonistic toward psychological testing. Yet, it is what most school psychologists are in fact hired to do as their primary role, and training in psychological testing and assessment is one of the key skills that sets us apart and distinguishes us from others in the schools. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Bizimana T, Hagen N, Gnegel G, Kayumba PC, Heide L. Quality of oxytocin and misoprostol in health facilities of Rwanda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245054. [PMID: 33417602 PMCID: PMC7793248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 calls for a reduction of the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. The most important cause of maternal mortality is post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Oxytocin injections and misoprostol tablets are medicines of first choice for the management of PPH in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately, both substances are chemically unstable, and previous studies have revealed serious quality problems of these medicines in LMICs. The present study is the first report on their quality in Rwanda. From 40 randomly selected health facilities (hospitals, health centers, retail pharmacies and private clinics) in different parts of Rwanda, as well as from six wholesalers and government stores, oxytocin injections and misoprostol tablets were collected. Oxytocin storage temperatures in the health facilities were monitored for six months using temperature data loggers, and found to correctly follow the storage requirements stated by the manufacturers (2–8°C, or room temperature) with few minor deviations. Oxytocin injections (57 samples, representing seven batches of four brands) were tested for their oxytocin content and pH value according to the United States Pharmacopeia. Twenty-four samples from three European manufacturers passed all tests. However, all nine samples of one batch of a Chinese manufacturer showed an excessive content of oxytocin (range 117.2–121.5% of the declared amount). Another batch of the same manufacturer showed extreme variations of the concentration of the preservative benzyl alcohol. Misoprostol tablets (25 samples, representing ten batches of six brands) were tested for content and dissolution according to the International Pharmacopoeia. Fifteen samples passed, but all 10 samples of two brands from India failed with extreme deviations, containing only 42.5–48.7% of the stated amount of misoprostol. In conclusion, oxytocin quality in Rwanda was better than reported from other African countries. However, two extremely substandard brands of misoprostol tablets were found. The Rwandan authorities reacted quickly and efficiently, and recalled these substandard medicines from the market. For oxytocin and misoprostol, with their well-known problems of quality and stability, procurement should possibly be restricted to medicines which are WHO-prequalified or which have been manufactured in countries with stringent regulatory authorities.
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Pugliese D, Papi C, Privitera G, Aratari A, Festa S, Armuzzi A. The management of inflammatory bowel diseases in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: When "non-urgent" does not mean "deferrable". Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:1238-1240. [PMID: 32601025 PMCID: PMC7301120 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Smith RA, Oeffinger KC. Cancer Screening in Primary Care: So Much Progress, So Much Left to Do. Med Clin North Am 2020; 104:xv-xvii. [PMID: 33099458 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Aune ET, Diepeveen LE, Laarakkers CM, Klaver S, Armitage AE, Bansal S, Chen M, Fillet M, Han H, Herkert M, Itkonen O, van de Kerkhof D, Krygier A, Lefebvre T, Neyer P, Rieke M, Tomosugi N, Weykamp CW, Swinkels DW. Optimizing hepcidin measurement with a proficiency test framework and standardization improvement. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 59:315-323. [PMID: 33001847 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Hepcidin measurement advances insights in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of iron disorders, but requires analytically sound and standardized measurement procedures (MPs). Recent development of a two-level secondary reference material (sRM) for hepcidin assays allows worldwide standardization. However, no proficiency testing (PT) schemes to ensure external quality assurance (EQA) exist and the absence of a high calibrator in the sRM set precludes optimal standardization. Methods We developed a pilot PT together with the Dutch EQA organization Stichting Kwaliteitsbewaking Medische Laboratoriumdiagnostiek (SKML) that included 16 international hepcidin MPs. The design included 12 human serum samples that allowed us to evaluate accuracy, linearity, precision and standardization potential. We manufactured, value-assigned, and validated a high-level calibrator in a similar manner to the existing low- and middle-level sRM. Results The pilot PT confirmed logistical feasibility of an annual scheme. Most MPs demonstrated linearity (R2>0.99) and precision (duplicate CV>12.2%), although the need for EQA was shown by large variability in accuracy. The high-level calibrator proved effective, reducing the inter-assay CV from 42.0% (unstandardized) to 14.0%, compared to 17.6% with the two-leveled set. The calibrator passed international homogeneity criteria and was assigned a value of 9.07±0.24 nmol/L. Conclusions We established a framework for future PT to enable laboratory accreditation, which is essential to ensure quality of hepcidin measurement and its use in patient care. Additionally, we showed optimized standardization is possible by extending the current sRM with a third high calibrator, although international implementation of the sRM is a prerequisite for its success.
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Pagliuso J, Greaves J, Lau A, Badrick T. Papanicolaou Staining and Processing Troubleshooting Exercise Using Digital Pathology: Peer Comparison in an External Quality Assurance Setting. Acta Cytol 2020; 64:597-606. [PMID: 32829336 DOI: 10.1159/000509604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP) offers a comprehensive range of External Quality Assurance programs for all disciplines of pathology and is committed to delivering programs to advance outcomes in patient care and promote excellence in laboratory diagnostic and technical proficiency. Proficiency testing in cytopreparatory techniques became available for formal enrolment in 2018. The 2019 technical program focused on the demonstration of a laboratory to troubleshoot problems encountered during staining and processing. The exercise provided a peer comparison of a laboratory's ability to (1) identify the problem viewed from a digital image and (2) describe the troubleshooting steps to rectify the problem using assessment guidelines. METHODS Ten troubleshooting exercises including whole-slide z-stacked virtual images, a reference slide, and an online Result Entry questionnaire were provided. Common staining and processing problems were demonstrated in these exercises. Multiple-choice responses were made available to participants for each case with 1 response requiring submission. Participants were then allowed free text to describe how they would rectify the problem. RESULTS Of the 72 participants who participated, 62 participants (86%) achieved a satisfactory assessment, 6 participants (8%) received a borderline assessment, and 4 participants (6%) received an unsatisfactory assessment. The average mark obtained was 32.7 out of a total of 45 marks, which equates to a satisfactory assessment. The highest mark obtained for this survey was 42.5. CONCLUSIONS Quality cytopathology preparatory techniques are integral to mitigating the risk of diagnostic error. The digital pathology platform allowed homogeneity of samples for all participants and appeared to be a satisfactory mode for demonstrating the technical problems to participants. Laboratories participating in this survey showed good performance in identifying processing and staining problems on virtual images and working through the troubleshooting steps. The exercise also identified a method for troubleshooting formalin vapour-affected slides using citrate buffer which may be useful for laboratories following in-house validation.
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Marotti JD, Boivin ME, Egressy KV, Gutmann EJ. Error detection via patient engagement: Wrong-side designation in cytology reports of a computed tomography-guided lung biopsy with rapid on-site evaluation. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:681-684. [PMID: 32662940 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Moscheni M, Vergani P, Cetin I, Cromi A, Ghezzi F, Locatelli A, Iurlano E, Marconi A, Auxilia F, Bevilacqua L, Dell'Oro S, Picchetti CM, Scotti L, Trivelli M, Burato E. [The use of RCGO triggers in the obstetric - gynecological procedures: the impact on the reduction of adeverse events. The experience of the Lombardia Region]. IGIENE E SANITA PUBBLICA 2020; 76:241-255. [PMID: 33161421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The last few weeks of pregnancy are critical to a baby's health because important organs, including the brain and lungs, are not completely developed until the end of pregnancy. The adverse events during labor and childbirth can have very serious physical, psychological and financial consequences for the child, the family, health professionals and the whole community. These events can be reduced through interventions aimed at improving the safety and quality of care, based on evidence-based knowledge, guidelines and practices that must be widely and effectively applied. This work reports the experience of the Lombardy Region on improvement actions in the obstetric and gynecological procedures for the reduction of adverse events and sentinel events through the monitoring and management of the RCGS trigger tool.
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Beckers T, Jaeqx-van Tienen L, Willems R, Koopmans M, Corstens D. Personal-recovery-oriented community mental healthcare: qualitative evaluation of a developmental project. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035709. [PMID: 32503871 PMCID: PMC7279651 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mental healthcare is commonly aimed at reducing symptoms in individual service users. When only symptomatic recovery is addressed, not all service users experience sufficient recovery, and when care is aimed only at individuals (instead of the neighbourhood), not all people in need of mental healthcare are reached. This study evaluated a project that aimed to improve mental healthcare in a neighbourhood, by improving healthcare providers' outreach to the residents living in the neighbourhood, by improving collaboration among healthcare providers and focussing on the residents' personal recovery. This project was carried out by several public health services. It aimed to change the goal of mental healthcare provided in the neighbourhood from symptom reduction to personal recovery. DESIGN The study included qualitative focus groups and inductive content analysis. SETTING Primary and secondary mental healthcare that healthcare workers from different healthcare services provided. PARTICIPANTS The evaluation was conducted through three focus group interviews with services users, their friends and relatives, neighbourhood residents, neighbourhood representatives and the healthcare services that were involved (n = 24). RESULTS Evaluation indicated that the most valued part of the project was the utilisation of peer workers at the initiation of mental healthcare. Improved communication among healthcare providers that the project fostered was also highly regarded. The aim of the project to align it with existing initiatives in the neighbourhood was also considered important, although it was difficult to achieve. CONCLUSIONS The project did not find a panacea for recovery-oriented community mental healthcare. A variety of its components did, however, contribute to the mental health of the community residents.
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Schmitt D, Blanck O, Gauer T, Fix MK, Brunner TB, Fleckenstein J, Loutfi-Krauss B, Manser P, Werner R, Wilhelm ML, Baus WW, Moustakis C. Technological quality requirements for stereotactic radiotherapy : Expert review group consensus from the DGMP Working Group for Physics and Technology in Stereotactic Radiotherapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 196:421-443. [PMID: 32211939 PMCID: PMC7182540 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-020-01583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review details and discusses the technological quality requirements to ensure the desired quality for stereotactic radiotherapy using photon external beam radiotherapy as defined by the DEGRO Working Group Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy and the DGMP Working Group for Physics and Technology in Stereotactic Radiotherapy. The covered aspects of this review are 1) imaging for target volume definition, 2) patient positioning and target volume localization, 3) motion management, 4) collimation of the irradiation and beam directions, 5) dose calculation, 6) treatment unit accuracy, and 7) dedicated quality assurance measures. For each part, an expert review for current state-of-the-art techniques and their particular technological quality requirement to reach the necessary accuracy for stereotactic radiotherapy divided into intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery in one single fraction (SRS), intracranial fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), and extracranial stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is presented. All recommendations and suggestions for all mentioned aspects of stereotactic radiotherapy are formulated and related uncertainties and potential sources of error discussed. Additionally, further research and development needs in terms of insufficient data and unsolved problems for stereotactic radiotherapy are identified, which will serve as a basis for the future assignments of the DGMP Working Group for Physics and Technology in Stereotactic Radiotherapy. The review was group peer-reviewed, and consensus was obtained through multiple working group meetings.
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Guckenberger M, Baus WW, Blanck O, Combs SE, Debus J, Engenhart-Cabillic R, Gauer T, Grosu AL, Schmitt D, Tanadini-Lang S, Moustakis C. Definition and quality requirements for stereotactic radiotherapy: consensus statement from the DEGRO/DGMP Working Group Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 196:417-420. [PMID: 32211940 PMCID: PMC7182610 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-020-01603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Stereotactic radiotherapy with its forms of intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), intracranial fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is today a guideline-recommended treatment for malignant or benign tumors as well as neurological or vascular functional disorders. The working groups for radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and for physics and technology in stereotactic radiotherapy of the German Society for Medical Physics (DGMP) have established a consensus statement about the definition and minimal quality requirements for stereotactic radiotherapy to achieve best clinical outcome and treatment quality in the implementation into routine clinical practice.
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Brouwers MC, Spithoff K, Kerkvliet K, Alonso-Coello P, Burgers J, Cluzeau F, Férvers B, Graham I, Grimshaw J, Hanna S, Kastner M, Kho M, Qaseem A, Straus S, Florez ID. Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess the Quality of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e205535. [PMID: 32459354 PMCID: PMC7254179 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) may lack rigor and suitability to the setting in which they are to be applied. Methods to yield clinical practice guideline recommendations that are credible and implementable remain to be determined. OBJECTIVE To describe the development of AGREE-REX (Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation-Recommendations Excellence), a tool designed to evaluate the quality of clinical practice guideline recommendations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional study of 322 international stakeholders representing CPG developers, users, and researchers was conducted between December 2015 and March 2019. Advertisements to participate were distributed through professional organizations as well as through the AGREE Enterprise social media accounts and their registered users. EXPOSURES Between 2015 and 2017, participants appraised 1 of 161 CPGs using the Draft AGREE-REX tool and completed the AGREE-REX Usability Survey. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Usability and measurement properties of the tool were assessed with 7-point scales (1 indicating strong disagreement and 7 indicating strong agreement). Internal consistency of items was assessed with the Cronbach α, and the Spearman-Brown reliability adjustment was used to calculate reliability for 2 to 5 raters. RESULTS A total of 322 participants (202 female participants [62.7%]; 83 aged 40-49 years [25.8%]) rated the survey items (on a 7-point scale). All 11 items were rated as easy to understand (with a mean [SD] ranging from 5.2 [1.38] for the alignment of values item to 6.3 [0.87] for the evidence item) and easy to apply (with a mean [SD] ranging from 4.8 [1.49] for the alignment of values item to 6.1 [1.07] for the evidence item). Participants provided favorable feedback on the tool's instructions, which were considered clear (mean [SD], 5.8 [1.06]), helpful (mean [SD], 5.9 [1.00]), and complete (mean [SD], 5.8 [1.11]). Participants considered the tool easy to use (mean [SD], 5.4 [1.32]) and thought that it added value to the guideline enterprise (mean [SD], 5.9 [1.13]). Internal consistency of the items was high (Cronbach α = 0.94). Positive correlations were found between the overall AGREE-REX score and the implementability score (r = 0.81) and the clinical credibility score (r = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cross-sectional study found that the AGREE-REX tool can be useful in evaluating CPG recommendations, differentiating among them, and identifying those that are clinically credible and implementable for practicing health professionals and decision makers who use recommendations to inform clinical policy.
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Abstract
The World Health Organization Supranational TB Reference Laboratory Network (SRLN) has served as the backbone for TB drug-resistance surveillance and diagnosis since 1994 and remains a key WHO programme for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance at the global level. SRLN is a great technical resource for proficiency testing to ensure accuracy of drug-susceptibility testing, scale-up, capacity development in countries and provides unique support to the reliable detection of drug resistance. Technical assistance from individual SRLs has been supported by a variety of mechanisms but funding for the SRLN has become increasingly challenging.
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Lam WMJ, Al-Khalifah R, Florez ID, Cruz-Lopes L, Sekercioglu MF, Couban R, Fu R, Cherney DZI, Sekercioglu N. Management of type 2 diabetes using non-insulin glucose-lowering therapies: a critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines with the AGREE II instrument. Diabet Med 2020; 37:636-647. [PMID: 31943344 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM Type 2 diabetes is a major global epidemic affecting over 400 million people worldwide. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of recommendations from clinical practice guidelines (guidelines) addressing non-insulin based pharmacological management of among non-pregnant adults in an outpatient setting, and critically appraise their methodological development. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase databases, for relevant guidelines using the Ovid interface. We scanned the bibliographies of all eligible guidelines for additional relevant citations. Teams of two reviewers, independently and in duplicate, screened titles and abstracts and potentially eligible full text reports to determine eligibility and appraised the reporting quality of guidelines using the Advancing Guideline Development, Reporting and Evaluation in Health Care instrument II (AGREE II) instrument. RESULTS Our search yielded 11264 unique citations, of which 124 were retrieved for full-text review; 17 guidelines proved eligible. The highest scoring AGREE domain was 'clarity of presentation' (66%; range 7-92%), followed by 'scope and purpose' (58%; range 25-92%), 'editorial independence' (55%; range 0-91%), 'stakeholder involvement' (45%; range 11-90%) and 'rigour of development' (43%; range 4-92%). The poorest domain was 'applicability' (37%; range 6-84%). The guidelines authored by the World Health Organization group achieved the highest AGREE overall score. CONCLUSIONS Most of the guidelines provided recommendations with a local jurisdictional focus and showed significant variation in the quality. Nevertheless, only a small number of those scored well overall.
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