Exercise capacity in people with Parkinson's disease: which clinical characteristics are important?

BACKGROUND

People with Parkinson's (PwP) are suffering from reduced exercise capacity. However, little information is known about clinical correlates of exercise capacity in this population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate correlations between motor and non-motor symptoms with exercise capacity in PwP.

METHODS

A total of 50 individuals with Parkinson's disease participated in the study. Exercise capacity was measured by 6 minutes' walk test (6MWT). Besides, the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Part III used to evaluate disease motor severity, Berg Balance Scale to assess balance, Montréal Cognitive Assessment to evaluate cognitive status, hospital anxiety and depression scale to assess depression and anxiety, Modified Fatigue Impact scale to evaluate fatigue, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate sleep quality.

RESULTS

The results showed that exercise capacity, when measured by the 6MWT, can be significantly predicted by balance, disease motor severity, anxiety, and age (R² = 0.61 P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that exercise capacity in PwP is multifactorial and can potentially be predicted by balance, motor severity, anxiety, and age.

Rapid reviews and the methodological rigor of evidence synthesis: a JBI position statement

ABSTRACT

The demand for rapid reviews has exploded in recent years. A rapid review is an approach to evidence synthesis that provides timely information to decision-makers (eg, health care planners, providers, policymakers, and patients) by simplifying the evidence synthesis process. A rapid review is particularly appealing for urgent decisions.JBI is a world-renowned international collaboration for evidence synthesis and implementation methodologies. The principles for JBI evidence synthesis include comprehensiveness, rigor, transparency, and a focus on applicability to clinical practice. As such, JBI has not yet endorsed a specific approach for rapid reviews.In this paper, we compare rapid reviews versus other types of evidence synthesis, provide a range of rapid evidence products, outline how to appraise the quality of rapid reviews, and present the JBI position on rapid reviews. JBI-affiliated Centers conduct rapid reviews for decision-makers in specific circumstances, such as limited time or funding constraints. A standardized approach is not used for these cases; instead, the evidence synthesis methods are tailored to the needs of the decision-maker.The urgent need to deliver timely evidence to decision-makers poses challenges to JBI's mission to produce high quality, trustworthy evidence. However, JBI recognizes the value of rapid reviews as part of the evidence synthesis ecosystem. As such, it is recommended that rapid reviews be conducted with the same methodological rigor and transparency expected of JBI reviews. Most importantly, transparency is essential, and the rapid review should clearly report where any simplification in the steps of the evidence synthesis process have been taken.

Mapping the research addressing prescription drug monitoring programs: A scoping review

ISSUES

Prescription drug monitoring programs are a harm minimisation intervention and clinical decision support tool that address the public health concern surrounding prescription drug misuse. Given the large number of studies published to date and the ongoing implementation of these programs, it is important to map the literature and identify areas for further research to improve practice.

APPROACH

A scoping review was undertaken to identify the research on prescription drug monitoring programs published between January 2015 and April 2021.

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 153 citations were included in this scoping review. The majority of the studies originated from the USA and were quantitative. Results on program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. Unintended consequences are revealed in the literature and this review also highlights barriers to program use.

IMPLICATIONS

Overall, findings are mixed despite the large number of studies published to date. Mapping the literature identifies priority areas for further research that can advise policymakers and clinicians on practice improvement.

CONCLUSION

Results on prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. This review highlights barriers to prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness related to program use and system integration. Further research is needed in these areas to improve prescription drug monitoring program use and patient outcomes.

Adaptation strategies in transnational education: a case study of an australian Master of Health Administration Course offered to chinese managers

BACKGROUND

Management decisions in health influence patient care outcomes; however, health management development courses in China are rare. This study aims to document and evaluate a transnational Master of Health Administration (MHA) course launched in 2000 for the benefit of Chinese health managers.

METHODS

A case study of the MHA program jointly run by an Australian university and a Chinese Medical University was conducted. We reviewed the development of the MHA course through a document analysis (key events recorded in achieves, minutes, and audits) followed by reflection (by two course coordinators), extracting key themes related to adaptative strategies. We then conducted a questionnaire survey of 139 graduates seeking their views on relevance, satisfaction and challenges associated with each subject within the course, the relevance of key management skills (as determined by the Australasian College of Health Service Management competency framework), and the impact of the course on their personal career trajectories. Chi-square tests identified differences in the responses by age, gender, pre-training position, and current workplace.

RESULTS

The curriculum pedagogy followed the principles of practice-based reflective learning. Research findings and student feedback shaped the curriculum design and subject content, to enhance management practices of the students. Survey participants expressed high levels of satisfaction and confirmed the relevance of all study subjects. Two subjects, health economics and data management, were perceived as being the most challenging. Of the ten management skills we assessed, relatively low self-rated confidence was found in "strategic thinking" and "planning". Younger and less experienced graduates were more likely to report learning challenges (p < 0.05). Frontline managers were least likely to obtain promotion by changing employers (χ² = 6.02, p < 0.05) or being seconded to another position (χ² = 9.41, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This case study illustrates the suitability of cross-country partnerships in health management training, which offers opportunities for managers to systematically explore and acquire a comprehensive set of management skills applicable to their career needs. Opportunities for developing training aligned to career development opportunities are critical for attracting and developing a competent and well-prepared health service management workforce in China.

Tools to support the automation of systematic reviews: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this scoping review are to identify the reliability and validity of the available tools, their limitations and any recommendations to further improve the use of these tools.

STUDY DESIGN

A scoping review methodology was followed to map the literature published on the challenges and solutions of conducting evidence synthesis using the JBI scoping review methodology.

RESULTS

A total of 47 publications were included in the review. The current scoping review identified that LitSuggest, Rayyan, Abstractr, BIBOT, R software, RobotAnalyst, DistillerSR, ExaCT and NetMetaXL have potential to be used for the automation of systematic reviews. However, they are not without limitations. The review also identified other studies that employed algorithms that have not yet been developed into user friendly tools. Some of these algorithms showed high validity and reliability but their use is conditional on user knowledge of computer science and algorithms.

CONCLUSION

Abstract screening has reached maturity; data extraction is still an active area. Developing methods to semi-automate different steps of evidence synthesis via machine learning remains an important research direction. Also, it is important to move from the research prototypes currently available to professionally maintained platforms.

Convergent and criterion-related validity of the short form of the International Physical Activity and the Incidental and Planned Physical Activity Questionnaires in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Assessing physical activity (PA) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is essential to follow-up the recommended PA level. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire (IPEQ) have been widely used, but their validity has not been investigated previously in PwMS.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the convergent and criterion validity of the IPAQ and the IPEQ in PwMS.

METHODS

50 PwMS were asked to wear an Actigraph for seven days and to fill the IPAQ and IPEQ. Sedentary, moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) levels were recorded.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between sitting time as reported by IPAQ and sedentary time as recorded by Actigraph (r = 0.41, p = 0.003), VPA by IPAQ and VPA as recorded by Actigraph (r = 0.46, p = 0.001), and MVPA by IPAQ and MVPA by Actigraph (r = 0.36, p = 0.011). IPEQ showed poor both criterion and convergent validity when compared to the Actigraph. Both IPAQ and IPEQ overestimate the intensities of PA for all the derived parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study are important as they suggest that IPAQ in particular had convergent validity when compared to Actigraph data, but still had the problem of overestimating PA levels.

Practical guide to undertaking scoping reviews for pharmacy clinicians, researchers and policymakers

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Scoping reviews are a valuable evidence synthesis methodology. They can be used to map the evidence related to any topic to allow examination of practice, methods, policy and where (and how) future research could be undertaken. As such, they are a useful form of evidence synthesis for pharmacy clinicians, researchers and policymakers to review a broad range of evidence sources.

COMMENT

This commentary presents the most comprehensive and up to date methodology for scoping reviews published by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). This approach builds upon two older approaches by Arksey and O'Malley, and Levac. To assist reviewers working in the field of pharmacy with planning and conducting scoping reviews, this paper describes how to undertake scoping reviews from inception to publication with specific examples related to pharmacy topics.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The JBI scoping review methodology is a valuable evidence synthesis approach to the field of pharmacy and therapeutics. This approach can assist pharmacy clinicians, researchers and policymakers to gain an understanding of the extant literature, to identify gaps, to explore concepts, characteristics and to examine current practice.

Challenges of evidence synthesis during the 2020 COVID pandemic: a scoping review

AIM

The objectives of this scoping review are to identify the challenges to conducting evidence synthesis during the COVID-19 pandemic and to propose some recommendations addressing the identified gaps.

METHODS

A scoping review methodology was followed to map the literature published on the challenges and solutions of conducting evidence synthesis using the Joanna Briggs Methodology of performing scoping review. We searched several databases from the start of the Pandemic in December 2019 until 10th June 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 28 publications was included in the review. The challenges cited in the included studies have been categorised into four distinct but interconnected themes including: upstream, Evidence synthesis, downstream and contextual challenges. These challenges have been further refined into issues with primary studies, databases, team capacity, process, resources, and context. Several proposals to improve the above challenges included: transparency in primary studies registration and reporting, establishment of online platforms that enables collaboration, data sharing and searching, the use of computable evidence and coordination of efforts at an international level.

CONCLUSION

This review has highlighted the importance of including artificial intelligence, a framework for international collaboration and a sustained funding model to address many of the shortcomings and ensure we are ready for similar challenges in the future.

Design and Implementation of a Contemporary Health Administration Program for Health Managers

Background: While there are core competencies required in health administration programs, little is known about how they are taught in health administration programs to support/change practises. This discussion paper describes an educational innovation to design a contemporary Master of Health Administration program to meet the current needs of health managers in Australia based on evidence-based practise.

Method: A detailed gap analysis of health managers educational needs was undertaken with various stakeholders to design a contemporary health managers' program. Stakeholders surveyed in the course design included prospective students, international students' agencies, prospective employers, Alumni evaluation, mapping of health managers courses in Australia and faculty feedback. An integrative pedagogical approach was used to implement the program into action.

Results: Various themes were emerged from the stakeholder consultations including the importance of basic knowledge of key subjects and the significance of learning new skills such as strategic planning and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The integrative pedagogical approach used is based on adult teaching principles, which were identified by Knowles. The subjects in the new course incorporate several knowledge-based presentations along with interactive activities, including use of general ability-based outcomes to define learning opportunities, case-based and problem-based learning, experiential learning, and comprehensive assessments.

Conclusion: The results of this intensive consultation led to the design of a contemporary Master of Health Administration Course that included eight core subjects and multiple options of specialisations for students to choose from. Examples of specialisations include aged care and ageing, health promotion, data for decision making, public health, international development and Health Strategy and decision making.

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Sleep-Related Biomarkers, and Motor Skill Acquisition in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

Neurorehabilitation that involves learning new motor skills is one of the promising clinical methods for motor recovery in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS); therefore, factors that influence the acquisition of motor skills in PwMS need to be investigated. Sleep disturbances are common in PwMS; however, no study has investigated the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on skill acquisition in PwMS. This study aimed to examine the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on motor acquisition in PwMS.

METHODS

Forty participants with MS and 40 controls were recruited in this study. To assess motor acquisition, each participant was asked to perform a novel game through a virtual reality (VR) system 5 times (blocks). The main outcome measures for each block were the required time to complete the VR game and the recorded errors. The difference in scores between Block 5 and Block 1 for both outcomes were considered to represent motor skill acquisition. Sleep was assessed by self-report using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objectively using sleep monitor technology. Serotonin level was assessed using means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using plasma samples.

RESULTS

There were significant positive correlations in both groups between motor skill acquisition and PSQI score. In PwMS, significant negative correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep efficiency and significant positive correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep latency were also observed. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation was observed between motor skill acquisition and the plasma serotonin level in both groups. Most of these correlations remained significant after controlling for disease severity, fatigue, baseline performance, and cognitive status.

CONCLUSION

Sleep quality may influence motor skill acquisition in PwMS. Circulatory serotonin level might explain this relationship.

IMPACT

Physical therapists are encouraged to be aware of sleep quality and sleep assessment. Sleep management strategies should be considered when treating PwMS.

Vitamin B for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A systematic review

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and safety of vitamin B supplements for the management of neuropathy in people with diabetes.

METHODS

Several databases including, the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL Plus were searched from their inception until May 2020.

RESULTS

Five studies were eligible to be included in this review with a total of 348 participants. Overall, the evidence is too uncertain to draw conclusions on the effects of B vitamins in people with DPN.

CONCLUSION

It is uncertain whether vitamin B supplements change pain intensity or impairment in the short or long term in people with DPN.

Methodological quality, guidance, and tools in scoping reviews: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and report upon evidence (such as guidance) or tools regarding methodological quality or risk of bias of scoping reviews.

INTRODUCTION

Scoping reviews have gained popularity in recent years but have been criticized for variations in their approaches. This scoping review will examine evidence on the methodological quality of scoping reviews, as well as identify and describe potential tools to inform the development of a tool for appraising the quality of scoping reviews.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The scoping review will include all documents reporting on the development, evaluation, or conduct of tools addressing the critical appraisal or risk of bias of scoping reviews. The literature search will seek evidence published from 2005 onwards, corresponding with the publication of Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews.

METHODS

The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished documents utilizing a three-step search strategy. An initial search of PubMed has identified keyword and MeSH terms. A second search of PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL will follow. Google and Google Scholar will be searched for difficult-to-locate and unpublished literature. Authors will endeavor to consult with relevant methodologists through the authors' professional networks, social media accounts, and professional newsletters to obtain materials that can be considered for inclusion. Documents will be independently screened, selected, and extracted by two researchers and the data will be presented in tables.

Statistical optimization of amorphous iron phosphate: inorganic sol-gel synthesis-sodium potential insertion

Iron phosphate, Fe₂ (HPO₄)₃*4H₂O, is synthesized at ambient temperature, using the inorganic sol–gel method coupled to the microwave route. The experimental conditions for the gelling of Fe (III)-H₃PO₄ system are previously defined. Potentiometric Time Titration (PTT) and Potentiometric Mass Titration (PMT) investigate the acid–base surface chemistry of obtained phosphate. Variations of surface charge with the contact time, Q a function of T, are examined for time contact varying in the range 0–72 h. The mass suspensions used for this purpose are 0.75, 1.25 and 2.5 g L⁻¹. The point of zero charge (PZC) and isoelectric point (IEP) are defined using the derivative method examining the variations \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\frac{{{\text{dpH}}}}{{{\text{d}}t}} = f\left( {{\text{pH}}} \right)$$\end{document}dpHdt=fpH, at lower contact time. A shift is observed for PZC and IEP towards low values that are found to be 2.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1, respectively. In acidic conditions, the surface charge behavior of synthesized phosphate is dominated by \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\overline{{ > {\text{POH}}}}$$\end{document}>POH¯ group which pK_a = 2.45 ± 0.15. Q against T titration method is performed for synthesized Fe₂ (HPO₄)₃*4H₂O in NaCl electrolytes. The maximal surface charge (Q) is achieved at the low solid suspension. Hence, for m = 0.75 g L⁻¹, Q value of 50 coulombs is carried at μ = 0.1 and pH around 12, while charge value around 22 coulombs is reached in the pH range: 3–10. The effect of activation time, Q and pH on sodium insertion in iron phosphate, were fully evaluated. To determine the optimal conditions of the studied process, mathematical models are used develop response surfaces in order to characterize the most significant sodium interactions according to the variation of the pH, Q, the contact time and the contents of the synthesized material.

Return to Work Among Individuals Poststroke in Jordan: Prevalence and Predictors

Date Presented 04/22/21

Return to work (RTW) is an essential target for many stroke survivors. As yet, the prevalence of RTW poststroke in developing countries such as Jordan is unknown. Also, more research is required to identify factors that contribute to RTW poststroke. This study aims to (1) determine the prevalence of RTW among stroke survivors in Jordan and (2) determine the predictors of RTW from a holistic perspective using the OT Practice Framework (3rd ed.).

Primary Author and Speaker: Mohammad Nazzal

The clinical correlates of the chair sit to stand performance in people with multiple sclerosis

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the motor and non-motor factors associated with sit-to-stand performance in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Subjects: A total of 88 individuals with MS participated in this study. Main Measures: Standing performance was measured using the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSTS). The Berg Balance Scale to assess balance, the 10-Meter Walking Test (10-MWT) was used to assess walking speed; the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) was used to assess disability level. Furthermore, Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) was used to assess cognitive status, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) to assess depression and anxiety, and the Modified Fatigue Impact scale (MFIS) to evaluate fatigue. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between all these variables and the FTSTS. Furthermore, multiple linear regression was conducted to determine predictive factors of the FTSTS. Results: FTSTS score was correlated significantly with BBS, PDDS, BICAMS, 10-MWT and MFIS (r ranged from 0.3 to 0.52; P < .05). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the FTSTS and HADS-depression or HADS-anxiety. Considering the multiple regression analysis, the following factors were significantly predictive of the FTSTS: 10-MWT, MFIS and the BICAMS-z score (R²: 0.433, P < .0001). Conclusion: The study concludes that sit to stand is multifactorial and is potentially associated with walking speed, cognitive function and fatigue. These factors should be considered by healthcare professionals in interpreting the sit-to-stand performance of PwMS and in designing rehabilitation interventions.

Characteristics of voluntary reporting of adverse drug events related to antipsychotics in Australia: 14-year analysis

BACKGROUND

Retrospective analyses of large databases of treated patients can provide useful links to the presence of drug misuse or rare and infrequent adverse effects, such as agranulocytosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The aim of this study is to describe the adverse effects to antipsychotics reported in the Australian Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN).

METHODS

Data were collected from the DAEN - a spontaneous reporting database. The database, which covered the period from January 2004 to December 2017, was obtained from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website (www.TGA.gov). The drugs selected for this investigation are the following: aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, paliperidone, risperidone, ziprasidone, quetiapine, haloperidol and pimozide. All data were analysed descriptively. Comparison of reporting and management of adverse events between adults (older than 20 years) and children (5-19 years) was undertaken using chi squared test, where p < 0.05 is significant.

RESULTS

A total of 7122 adverse events associated with the antipsychotics aripiprazole, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, paliperidone, pimozide, quetiapine and risperidone were reported to the TGA between January 2004 and December 2017. On average, there were 2.6 adverse events reported for each case. The most common adverse event reported for antipsychotics was neuroleptic malignant syndrome. There were no significant differences in the number of co-medications, formulations, indications, therapeutic dose, hospital admission and overdose among the antipsychotics between paediatric and adult populations. However, there were significant differences between causality, death and the management of adverse events between adult and paediatric populations (5-19 years) (p < 0.05, chi squared test).

CONCLUSION

The antipsychotic drug associated with the highest adverse events in adults was clozapine, followed by olanzapine. The most common adverse event in adults, and reported with a number of antipsychotic drugs, was neuroleptic malignant syndrome. In children, the highest numbers of adverse events reported in the database were associated with risperidone, clozapine and olanzapine.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Adverse events reported of antipsychoticsBackground: Retrospective analyses of large databases of treated patients can provide useful clues to the presence of drug misuse or rare and infrequent adverse effects associated with antipsychotics. The drugs selected for this investigation are the following: aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, paliperidone, risperidone, ziprasidone, quetiapine, haloperidol and pimozide.Methods: All data were analysed descriptively and investigated for any associations between the variables collected. Comparison of reporting and management of adverse events between adults (older than 20 years) and children (5-19 years) was undertaken using chi squared test, where p < 0.05 is significant.Results: The antipsychotic drug associated with the highest adverse events was clozapine, followed by olanzapine. In children, the highest numbers of adverse events reported in the database were associated with risperidone, clozapine and olanzapine. The most common adverse event in adults, and reported with a number of antipsychotic drugs, was neuroleptic malignant syndrome.Conclusion: There were significant differences between causality, death and the management of adverse events between adult and paediatric populations (5-19 years).Keywords: Antipsychotics, adverse effects, adverse events, safety.

PREMS and PROMS data within the acute health care context: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review is to investigate use of patient reported experience measures and patient reported outcome measures within the acute health care context.

INTRODUCTION

Data from patient reported outcome measures and patient reported experience measures provide important information for health professionals and organizations in order to improve patient-centered care. These two measures have potential to narrow the gap between the clinician's and patient's views and help tailor treatment plans to meet the patient's preferences and needs.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This scoping review will consider studies that include patients of any age and any condition who have obtained care from any acute health care facility. The concepts of this review are: the types of research studies that have been done using patient reported experience measures and patient reported outcome measures data in acute hospital settings, the geographical contexts of these two measures' studies, the barriers and facilitators that have been identified in studies that use data from the measures, the characteristics of patient reported experience measures and patient reported outcome measures data and the ways in which these types of data have been applied to clinical practice in acute care settings. This review will consider studies that are set in any acute health care setting including inpatient and outpatient areas, emergency departments, and critical care units.

METHODS

This scoping review, utilizing JBI methods, will include an extensive search of the databases for published and unpublished literature. The review will consider any type of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research evidence as well as systematic reviews to understand how hospitals use patient reported experience measures and patient reported outcome measures data in health care. Each included study will be assessed by two independent reviewers and data will be extracted from included papers using a standardized data extraction tool.

Translation, cross cultural adaptation, and construct validation of the Arabic version of the Frenchay Activities Index in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Assessing functional status in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has a major role in determining how to help patients to reach their optimal level of living independently in the community. The Frenchay Activity Index (FAI) is a commonly used scale to evaluate functional status in rehabilitation research and practice settings. The aim of this study was to translate the FAI into the standard Arabic language through the process of cross-cultural adaptation and to explore the internal consistency and construct validity of the produced Arabic version of FAI (A-FAI) among a sample of Arabic-speaking PwMS.

METHOD

The English version of the FAI was translated into Arabic according to the published guidelines. Cronbach's α was used to assess the internal consistency of the A-FAI, and principal factor analysis was conducted to explore the construct validity.

RESULTS

Hundred and six subjects participated in the study. The A-FAI has acceptable internal consistency as Cronbach's α was 0.70. The principal factor analysis revealed that the instrument has four main factors: domestic chore, leisure, hobbies, and work, rather than the original three factors scale.

DISCUSSION

The A-FAI has acceptable internal consistency and validity. A-FAI provides essential information about the participation level in instrumental activities of daily living activities among PwMS speaking the Arabic language.

Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to describe the updated methodological guidance for conducting a JBI scoping review, with a focus on new updates to the approach and development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (the PRISMA-ScR).

INTRODUCTION

Scoping reviews are an increasingly common approach to informing decision-making and research based on the identification and examination of the literature on a given topic or issue. Scoping reviews draw on evidence from any research methodology and may also include evidence from non-research sources, such as policy. In this manner, scoping reviews provide a comprehensive overview to address broader review questions than traditionally more specific systematic reviews of effectiveness or qualitative evidence. The increasing popularity of scoping reviews has been accompanied by the development of a reporting guideline: the PRISMA-ScR. In 2014, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group developed guidance for scoping reviews that received minor updates in 2017 and was most recently updated in 2020. The updates reflect ongoing and substantial developments in approaches to scoping review conduct and reporting. As such, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group recognized the need to revise the guidance to align with the current state of knowledge and reporting standards in evidence synthesis.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2020, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group expanded its membership; extensively reviewed the literature; engaged via annual face-to-face meetings, regular teleconferences, and email correspondence; sought advice from methodological experts; facilitated workshops; and presented at scientific conferences. This process led to updated guidance for scoping reviews published in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The updated chapter was endorsed by JBI's International Scientific Committee in 2020.

RESULTS

The updated JBI guidance for scoping reviews includes additional guidance on several methodological issues, such as when a scoping review is (or is not) appropriate, and how to extract, analyze, and present results, and provides clarification for implications for practice and research. Furthermore, it is aligned with the PRISMA-ScR to ensure consistent reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

The latest JBI guidance for scoping reviews provides up-to-date guidance that can be used by authors when conducting a scoping review. Furthermore, it aligns with the PRISMA-ScR, which can be used to report the conduct of a scoping review. A series of ongoing and future methodological projects identified by the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group to further refine the methodology are planned.

Undertaking a scoping review: A practical guide for nursing and midwifery students, clinicians, researchers, and academics

AIM

The aim of this study is to discuss the available methodological resources and best-practice guidelines for the development and completion of scoping reviews relevant to nursing and midwifery policy, practice, and research.

DESIGN

Discussion Paper.

DATA SOURCES

Scoping reviews that exemplify best practice are explored with reference to the recently updated JBI scoping review guide (2020) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR).

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Scoping reviews are an increasingly common form of evidence synthesis. They are used to address broad research questions and to map evidence from a variety of sources. Scoping reviews are a useful form of evidence synthesis for those in nursing and midwifery and present opportunities for researchers to review a broad array of evidence and resources. However, scoping reviews still need to be conducted with rigour and transparency.

CONCLUSION

This study provides guidance and advice for researchers and clinicians who are preparing to undertake an evidence synthesis and are considering a scoping review methodology in the field of nursing and midwifery.

IMPACT

With the increasing popularity of scoping reviews, criticism of the rigour, transparency, and appropriateness of the methodology have been raised across multiple academic and clinical disciplines, including nursing and midwifery. This discussion paper provides a unique contribution by discussing each component of a scoping review, including: developing research questions and objectives; protocol development; developing eligibility criteria and the planned search approach; searching and selecting the evidence; extracting and analysing evidence; presenting results; and summarizing the evidence specifically for the fields of nursing and midwifery. Considerations for when to select this methodology and how to prepare a review for publication are also discussed. This approach is applied to the disciplines of nursing and midwifery to assist nursing and/or midwifery students, clinicians, researchers, and academics.

Understanding the influence of pain and fatigue on physical performance, fear of falling and falls in people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

Objective: Pain and fatigue are highly prevalent debilitating symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), however, their relationship with physical performance, fear of falling (FOF) and falls is not clear. We aim in this pilot study to investigate the relationship of pain and fatigue with physical performance, FOF and falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Materials & methods: 53 PD patients were assessed for fall history, physical performance, FOF, pain and fatigue. Results: Pain and fatigue are significantly associated with physical performance and FOF (p ≤ 0.002). Pain and fatigue were different between fallers and non-fallers (p < 0.5), but only fatigue could distinguish fallers from non-fallers (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.81; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This pilot study indicated that FOF in PwPD is significantly associated with pain and fatigue. Furthermore, fatigue level is related to fall history. By addressing pain and fatigue, we may ameliorate the deterioration of FOF and falls in PwPD.