The levels of evidence and their role in evidence-based medicine. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128:305-310. [PMID: 21701348 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e318219c171]

Design of a cluster-randomized minority recruitment trial: RECRUIT

BACKGROUND

Racial/ethnic minority groups remain underrepresented in clinical trials. Many strategies to increase minority recruitment focus on minority communities and emphasize common diseases such as hypertension. Scant literature focuses on minority recruitment to trials of less common conditions, often conducted in specialty clinics and dependent on physician referrals. We identified trust/mistrust of specialist physician investigators and institutions conducting medical research and consequent participant reluctance to participate in clinical trials as key-shared barriers across racial/ethnic groups. We developed a trust-based continuous quality improvement intervention to build trust between specialist physician investigators and community minority-serving physicians and ultimately potential trial participants. To avoid the inherent biases of non-randomized studies, we evaluated the intervention in the national Randomized Recruitment Intervention Trial (RECRUIT). This report presents the design of RECRUIT. Specialty clinic follow-up continues through April 2017.

METHODS

We hypothesized that specialist physician investigators and coordinators trained in the trust-based continuous quality improvement intervention would enroll a greater proportion of minority participants in their specialty clinics than specialist physician investigators in control specialty clinics. Specialty clinic was the unit of randomization. Using continuous quality improvement, the specialist physician investigators and coordinators tailored recruitment approaches to their specialty clinic characteristics and populations. Primary analyses were adjusted for clustering by specialty clinic within parent trial and matching covariates.

RESULTS

RECRUIT was implemented in four multi-site clinical trials (parent trials) supported by three National Institutes of Health institutes and included 50 associated specialty clinics from these parent trials. Using current data, we have 88% power or greater to detect a 0.15 or greater difference from the currently observed control proportion adjusting for clustering. We detected no differences in baseline matching criteria between intervention and control specialty clinics (all p values > 0.17).

CONCLUSION

RECRUIT was the first multi-site randomized control trial to examine the effectiveness of a trust-based continuous quality improvement intervention to increase minority recruitment into clinical trials. RECRUIT's innovations included its focus on building trust between specialist investigators and minority-serving physicians, the use of continuous quality improvement to tailor the intervention to each specialty clinic's specific racial/ethnic populations and barriers to minority recruitment, and the use of specialty clinics from more than one parent multi-site trial to increase generalizability. The effectiveness of the RECRUIT intervention will be determined after the completion of trial data collection and planned analyses.

Exploring changes over time and characteristics associated with data retrieval across individual participant data meta-analyses: systematic review

Objective To investigate whether the success rate of retrieving individual participant data (IPD) for use in IPD meta-analyses has increased over time, and to explore the characteristics associated with IPD retrieval.Design Systematic review of published IPD meta-analyses, supplemented by a reflection of the Cochrane Epilepsy Group's 20 years' experience of requesting IPD.Data sources Medline, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and PsycINFO.Eligibility criteria for study selection IPD meta-analyses of studies of all designs and all clinical areas published in English.Results 760 IPD meta-analyses which identified studies by systematic methods that had been published between 1987 and 2015 were included. Only 188 (25%) of these IPD meta-analyses retrieved 100% of the eligible IPD for analysis, with 324 (43%) of these IPD meta-analyses retrieving 80% or more of relevant IPD. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that IPD retrieval rates have improved over time. IPD meta-analyses that included only randomised trials, had an authorship policy, included fewer eligible participants, and were conducted outside of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were associated with a high or complete IPD retrieval rate. There was no association between the source of funding of the IPD meta-analyses and IPD retrieval rate. The IPD retrieval rate of the Cochrane Epilepsy Group has declined from 83% (up to 2005) to 65% (between 2012 and 2015) and the reported reasons for lack of data availability have changed in recent years.Conclusions IPD meta-analyses are considered to be the "gold standard" for the synthesis of data from clinical research studies; however, only 25% of published IPD meta-analyses have had access to all IPD.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patiromer and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate: A New Armamentarium for the Treatment of Hyperkalemia

OBJECTIVE

To compare and contrast the efficacy and safety of patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9) in the treatment of hyperkalemia.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III clinical trial data was completed.

PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS

Eight studies (two phase II and four phase III trials with two subgroup analyses) were included in the qualitative analysis, and six studies (two phase II and four phase III trials) were included in the meta-analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Significant heterogeneity was found in the meta-analysis with an I2 value ranging from 80.6-99.6%. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied for all end points. Each clinical trial stratified results by hyperkalemia severity and dosing; therefore, these were considered separate treatment groups in the meta-analysis. For patiromer, a significant -0.70 mEq/L (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.48 to -0.91 mEq/L) change was noted in potassium at 4 weeks. At day 3 of patiromer treatment, potassium change was -0.36 mEq/L (range of standard deviation 0.07-0.30). The primary end point for ZS-9-change in potassium at 48 hours-was -0.67 mEq/L (95% CI -0.45 to -0.89 mEq/L). By 1 hour after ZS-9 administration, change in potassium was -0.17 mEq/L (95% CI -0.05 to -0.30). Analysis of pooled adverse effects from these trials indicates that patiromer was associated with more gastrointestinal upset (7.6% constipation, 4.5% diarrhea) and electrolyte depletion (7.1% hypomagnesemia), whereas ZS-9 was associated with the adverse effects of urinary tract infections (1.1%) and edema (0.9%).

CONCLUSION

Patiromer and ZS-9 represent significant pharmacologic advancements in the treatment of hyperkalemia. Both agents exhibited statistically and clinically significant reductions in potassium for the primary end point of this meta-analysis. Given the adverse effect profile and the observed time-dependent effects, ZS-9 may play more of a role in treating acute hyperkalemia.

Risk-Reducing Strategies for Ovarian Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers: A Balancing Act

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the role of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA mutation (mBRCA) carriers and alternative interventions in risk reduction of ovarian cancer (OC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was conducted to identify studies of different strategies to prevent OC in mBRCA carriers, including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, intensive surveillance, and chemoprevention.

RESULTS

Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is an effective intervention, but its associated morbidity is substantial and seems to curtail uptake rates among the target population. Although there is much interest and a strong theoretical basis for salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy, data on its clinical application are scarce with regard to screening, the use of an algorithmic protocol has recently shown favorable albeit indefinite results in average-risk postmenopausal women. Its incorporation into studies focused on high-risk women might help solidify a future role for screening as a bridge to surgery. The use of oral contraceptives for chemoprevention is well supported by epidemiologic studies. However, there is a lack of evidence for advocating any of the other agents proposed for this purpose, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin D, and retinoids.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed before salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy or intensive surveillance can be offered as acceptable, less morbid alternatives to upfront oophorectomy for mBRCA carriers. The Oncologist 2017;22:450-459 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is currently the most effective method for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA mutation (mBRCA) carriers. Unfortunately, it is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity, stemming from reduced circulating estrogen. In recent years, much research has been devoted to evaluating less morbid alternatives, especially multimodal cancer screening and prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy. This review describes the present state of the art, with the aim of informing the counseling provided to mBRCA carriers on this complicated issue and encouraging additional research to facilitate the incorporation of such alternatives into routine practice.

High dose statin prophylaxis in cardiopulmonary bypass related surgery: clinical utility

Background

Previous studies from our group demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of statins on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), through inhibition of neutrophil transendothelial migration. We sought to determine the utility of preoperative statin on patients undergoing cardiac surgery, to investigate any moderating effects on the systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) with CPB, and to evaluate any clinical impact on our patients.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomised controlled trial with national regulatory body approval. Eligible patients were already on oral statin therapy. They were then randomly assigned to either investigation arm (n = 15, atorvastatin 80 mg for 2 weeks before surgery) or control arm (n = 15, no change to current statin therapy). Blood and urine samples were collected at 3 timepoints. Postoperative clinical measures were documented.

Results

Patients in the investigation arm have significantly lower troponin level (p = 0.016), and lower level of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; p = 0.002); thus demonstrating a lesser degree of cardiac and renal injury in these patients. Higher level of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) at baseline (p = 0.036) and 4 h post cross-clamp removal (p = 0.035) in the investiation arm. A similar trend is also observed in Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9; p > 0.05). There were however no differences in clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Maximizing the dose of statin in patients waiting for cardiac surgery has measurable biological effects. There is evidence of less cardiac and renal damage. The use of preoperative statins and in particular, high dose preoperative statin therapy, may prove a useful new tool for optimal preparation of patients for cardiac surgery.

Trial registration

EudraCT no. 2012-003396-20. Registered 05 November 2012

Tools for Assessment of Communication Skills of Hospital Action Teams: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Hospital action teams comprise interdisciplinary health care providers working simultaneously to treat critically ill patients. Assessments designed to evaluate communication effectiveness or "nontechnical" performance of these teams are essential to minimize medical errors and improve team productivity. Although multiple communication tools are available, the characteristics and psychometric validity of these instruments have yet to be systematically compared.

OBJECTIVE

To identify assessments used to evaluate the communication or "nontechnical" performance of hospital action teams and summarize evidence to develop and validate these instruments.

METHOD

A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed database to identify original articles related to assessment of communication skills in teams working in acute care medicine not exclusive to emergency room, operating room, prehospital air and ground transport, or code blue/rapid response resuscitations.

RESULTS

Ten communication assessment tools were identified. Six tools (60%) were designed to measure communication performance of the whole team, whereas 4 tools (40%) were created to assess individual team member's communication skills. Regardless of the type of analysis, the most commonly assessed behavior domains were Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, and Situation awareness. Only 1 of 16 articles describing a particular communication assessment tool reported all the validation criteria, other authors underreported efforts to validate their instruments.

CONCLUSION

A number of tools designed to measure the communication or "nontechnical" performance of hospital action teams are available. Unfortunately, limited reported validity evidence may hamper the utility of these tools in actual clinical practice until further validation studies are performed.

Feasibility of Representing Data from Published Nursing Research Using the OMOP Common Data Model

We explored the feasibility of representing nursing research data with the Observational Medical Outcomes Partners (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) to understand the challenges and opportunities in representing various types of health data not limited to diseases and drug treatments. We collected 1,431 unique data items from 256 nursing articles and mapped them to the OMOP CDM. A deeper level of mapping was explored by simulating 10 data search use cases. Although the majority of the data could be represented in the OMOP CDM, potential information loss was identified in contents related to patient reported outcomes, socio-economic information, and locally developed nursing intervention protocols. These areas will be further investigated in a follow up study. We will use lessons learned in this study to inform the metadata development efforts for data discovery.

Level of evidence of free papers presented at the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy congress from 2008 to 2016

PURPOSE

The European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) congress is an important venue, and the research presented can be a critical source of information used to impact clinical decisions and health policies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of evidence of clinical free papers presented at the ESSKA congress from 2008 to 2016. Moreover, this study evaluated whether there were any changes in the distribution of level of evidence over time.

METHODS

Two reviewers screened the free papers presented at the ESSKA biannual congresses 2008-2016 for clinical evidence. Clinical papers included observational studies and trials involving direct interaction between an investigator and human subjects. Biomechanical studies, technique demonstrations, cadaveric studies, and panel discussions were excluded. The reviewers independently graded their level of evidence from level I (e.g. high-quality randomized trials) to level IV (e.g. case series and reports) using the classification system published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

RESULTS

Of 1036 free papers that were identified, 729 met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Overall, 18% of studies were level I, 24% level II, 25% level III, and 33% level IV evidence. There was a significant improvement in level of evidence over time (p < 0.0001), with the proportion of level I studies increasing most dramatically (9% in 2008, 20% in 2012, 24% in 2016). Free papers studying the knee had higher levels of evidence than those evaluating other joints (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The level of evidence of clinical free papers presented at the ESSKA congress between 2008 and 2016 is high relative to other orthopaedic meetings. Moreover, there has been a significant improvement in the level of evidence over time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, Level IV.

Genetic Variants in the Vitamin D Pathway, 25(OH)D Levels, and Mortality in a Large Population-Based Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations have been consistently associated with excess mortality in epidemiological studies, but this association could be due to confounding by health impairments associated with low 25(OH)D levels. An association of vitamin D-related genetic variants with all-cause mortality could strengthen the claims of causality, because this association is assumed to be unaffected by confounding.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the associations of low 25(OH)D with mortality in the presence or absence of genetic variants in the vitamin D pathway.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The study consisted of a population-based cohort of 8417 German older adults in whom genetic variants were genotyped.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs3755967 (GC) and rs11603330 (DHCR7), were associated with higher risk of low vitamin D status [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) per minor allele, 1.27 (1.18 to 1.36) and 1.16 (1.08 to 1.25), respectively]. Low 25(OH)D (less than the season-specific 33rd percentile) was associated with increased mortality. However, none of the SNPs was associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, the increase in mortality for those with low 25(OH)D was generally smaller in the presence of the risk alleles for low 25(OH)D ["genetically low 25(OH)D"] than in the absence of those risk alleles ["otherwise low 25(OH)D"].

CONCLUSIONS

Although we may have been limited by a low statistical power to detect small associations, our study showed that the strong relationship between low 25(OH)D and increased mortality may be at least partly due to other factors related to low 25(OH)D levels.

Impact of academic collaboration and quality of clinical orthopaedic research conducted in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the quality of orthopaedic investigations conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Academic collaboration is one model to build research capacity and improve research quality. Our study aimed to determine (1) the quality of clinical orthopaedic research conducted in LMICs, (2) the World Bank Regions and LMICs that publish the highest quality studies, (3) the pattern of collaboration among investigators and (4) whether academic collaboration between LMIC and non-LMIC investigators is associated with studies that have higher levels of evidence.

METHODS

Orthopaedic studies from 2004 to 2014 conducted in LMICs were extracted from multiple electronic databases. The World Bank Region, level of evidence and author country-affiliation were recorded. Collaboration was defined as a study that included an LMIC with non-LMIC investigator.

RESULTS

There were 958 studies that met inclusion criteria of 22,714 searched. Ninety-seven (10.1%) of included studies achieved Level 1 or 2 evidence, but case series (52.3%) were the most common. Collaboration occurred in 14.4% of studies and the vast majority of these (88.4%) were among academic institutions. Collaborative studies were more likely to be Level 1 or 2 (20.3% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.01), prospective (34.8% vs. 22.9% p = 0.04) and controlled (29.7% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.01) compared to non-collaborative studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although orthopaedic studies in LMICs rarely reach Level 1 or 2 evidence, studies published through academic collaboration between LMIC and non-LMIC investigators are associated with higher levels of evidence and more prospective, controlled designs.

Intraoperative Margin Management in Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Breast surgeons have a wide variety of intraoperative techniques available to help achieve low rates for positive margins of excision, with variable levels of evidence.

METHODS

A systematic review of the medical literature from 1995 to July 2016 was conducted, with 434 abstracts identified and evaluated. The analysis included 106 papers focused on intraoperative management of breast cancer margins and contained actionable data.

RESULTS

Ultrasound-guided lumpectomy for palpable tumors, as an alternative to palpation guidance, can lower positive margin rates, but the effect when used as an alternative to wire localization (WL) for nonpalpable tumors is less certain. Localization techniques such as radioactive seed localization and radioguided occult lesion localization were found potentially to lower positive margin rates as alternatives to WL depending on baseline positive margin rates. Intraoperative pathologic methods including gross histology, frozen section analysis, and imprint cytology all have the potential to lower the rates of positive margins. Cavity-shave margins and the Marginprobe device both lower rates of positive margins, with some potential for negative cosmetic effects. Specimen radiography and multiple miscellaneous techniques did not affect positive margin rates or provided too little evidence for formation of a conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic review of the literature showed evidence that several intraoperative techniques and actions can lower the rates of positive margins. These results are presented together with graded recommendations.

Job rotation designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and control risk in manufacturing industries: A systematic review

To better understand job rotation in the manufacturing industry, we completed a systematic review asking the following questions: 1) How do job-rotation programs impact work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and related risk control for these MSDs, as well as psychosocial factors? and 2) How best should the job rotation programs be designed? We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Business Source Premier, ISI Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, PsyINFO, Scopus, and SciELO databases for articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Eligible studies were examined by two independent reviewers for relevance (population of manufacturing workers, outcomes of musculoskeletal disorders, physical factors, psychosocial factors, and strategies used in job-rotation implantation) and methodological quality rating. From 10,809 potential articles, 71 were read for full text analysis. Of the 14 studies included for data extraction, two were non-randomized control trial studies, one was a case-control study, and 11 were cross-sectional comparisons. Only one, with a case-control design, was scored with good methodological quality. Currently, weak evidence exists supporting job rotation as a strategy for the prevention and control of musculoskeletal disorders. Job rotation did not appear to reduce the exposure of physical risk factors; yet, there are positive correlations between job rotation and higher job satisfaction. Worker training has been described as a crucial component of a successful job-rotation program. The studies reported a range of parameters used to implement and measure job-rotation programs. More rigorous studies are needed to better understand the full impact of job rotation on production and health.

PROSPERO REGISTER

CRD42014013319.

Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media

Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical treatment intended to optimize patient-oriented decision-making on the basis of empirically proven effectiveness. For this purpose, a classification system has been established to categorize studies - and hence therapy options - in respect of associated evidence according to defined criteria. The Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity. Its key function is to ensure middle ear ventilation. Compromised ventilation results in inflammatory middle ear disorders. Numerous evidence-based therapy options are available for the treatment of impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media, the main therapeutic approach being antibiotic treatment. More recent procedures such as balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube have also shown initial success but must undergo further evaluation with regard to evidence. There is, as yet, no evidence for some of the other long-established procedures. Owing to the multitude of variables, the classification of evidence levels for various treatment approaches calls for highly diversified assessment. Numerous evidence-based studies are therefore necessary in order to evaluate the evidence pertaining to existing and future therapy solutions for impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media. If this need is addressed, a wealth of implications can be expected for therapeutic approaches in the years to come.

Results of Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy for Achalasia in Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Achalasia is a rare disorder in children who are commonly treated by laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM). However, there are no large studies evaluating the results of LHM in the pediatric population, and the need of a concomitant fundoplication remains unclear. The aim of the study is to appraise the results of LHM based on a systematic literature review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE search of the English literature was performed for "achalasia," "children," "laparoscopy," "Heller," "myotomy," and "cardiomyotomy." Frequency of postoperative symptoms was grouped to calculate the percentage of patients with symptoms improvement. Incidence of postoperative gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) and dysphagia between patients with and without fundoplication at the time of LHM was compared by Fisher's Exact Test. P < .05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were analyzed (331 children, 1-19 years). All studies were retrospective case-series reviews. Intraoperative complications occurred in 33 patients (10%), with esophageal perforations in 31 (9%), and conversion to open procedure in 9 (2.7%). Fundoplication was performed in 271 (82%): Dor (n = 205, 76%), Toupet (n = 49, 18%), Thal (n = 13, 4.5%), and Nissen (n = 4, 1.5%). Incidence of postoperative GER and dysphagia was similar between children with and without fundoplication (P = 1). Forty-nine (15%) required re-intervention: pneumatic dilatations (n = 30, 9%), redo-surgery (n = 23, 7%), botox injection (n = 1, 0.3%), and medical therapy (n = 5, 1.5%).

DISCUSSION

LHM for achalasia is effective in 85% of children. Revision surgery is required in 7%. There is no difference in incidence of GER and dysphagia between patients with and without fundoplication. Routine use of an additional fundoplication might not be justified.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of human milk intake and retinopathy of prematurity: a significant update

OBJECTIVE

Two recent meta-analyses have studied the association of exclusive or mainly human milk intake (HMI) on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). One of these meta-analysis found a protective effect of only or mainly HMI on Severe ROP but not on any stage ROP. However, both these meta-analyses did not find protection from any stage ROP or Severe ROP with any amount of HMI. The objective of this study was to study the association between any amount of HMI and the development of All ROP and Severe ROP in very-low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI) by systematic review using PRISMA-P guidelines and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Exposure, controls and outcomes studied were any amount of HMI vs no HMI and All ROP/Severe ROP in VLBWI/ELBWI. All ROP was defined as all stages of ROP pooled together, and Severe ROP as ⩾stage 3 ROP and ROP requiring intervention. Results and effect sizes are expressed as odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat (NNT) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Data sources used were PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Scopus and CINAHL until 24 April 2015. Extracted data were pooled using a fixed effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed. Sensitivity analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Five hundred nine of 1701 infants who received any amount of HMI developed All ROP vs 310 of 760 infants without HMI developed All ROP with a pooled OR 0.63* (0.51,0.78), RR 0.76* (0.67,0.86) and RD -0.09* (-0.13,-0.05). The NNT with any amount of HMI was 11* (8,20) (*P<0.0001) to prevent one case of All ROP. 204 of 2465 infants who received any amount of HMI developed Severe ROP vs 85 of 764 infants without HMI developed Severe ROP with a pooled OR 0.74* (0.56,0.98), RR 0.77* (0.60,0.98) and RD -0.03* (-0.05,-0.00). The NNT with any amount of HMI was 33* (*P=0.04) to prevent one case of Severe ROP.

CONCLUSION

Any amount of HMI is strongly associated with the protection from All ROP and Severe ROP.

The impact of rural-exposure strategies on the intention of dental students and dental graduates to practice in rural areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of strategies on the intention of dental students/graduates to practice in rural areas. The strategies included the recruitment of dental students from rural backgrounds and clinical rotations in rural areas during the training of dental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study undertook a systematic review and utilized meta-analysis to assess these strategies. International literature published between 2000 and 2015 was retrieved from three main search engines: Medline, Embase, and Scopus. The selected articles were scanned to extract the main content. The impact of the strategies was quantitatively assessed by meta-analysis, using the random-effect model. The pooled effect was reported in terms of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Publication bias was assessed by the Funnel plot and Egger's test.

RESULTS

Seven of the initially selected 897 articles were included for the full review. The majority of the selected articles had been published in developed countries. The meta-analysis results revealed that the pooled OR of rural exposure on the intention to practice in rural areas was approximately 4.1, statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that clinical rotations in rural areas tended to have a slightly greater influence on rural dental practice than recruiting students from rural backgrounds (OR 4.3 versus 4.2). There was weaker evidence of publication bias, which was derived from small-study effects.

CONCLUSION

Enrolling students with rural backgrounds and imposing compulsory clinical rotation in rural areas during their study appeared to be effective strategies in tackling the shortage and maldistribution of dentists in rural areas.

Does preoperative physiotherapy improve postoperative, patient-based outcomes in older adults who have undergone total knee arthroplasty? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in older adults (≥60) in the UK. If nonsurgical management fails and if OA severity becomes too great, knee arthroplasty is a preferred treatment choice. Preoperative physiotherapy is often offered as part of rehabilitation to improve postoperative patient-based outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Systematically review whether preoperative physiotherapy improves postoperative, patient-based outcomes in older adults who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare study interventions to best-practice guidelines.

METHOD

A literature search of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), published April 2004-April 2014, was performed across six databases. Individual studies were evaluated for quality using the PEDro Scale.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria. RCTs compared control groups versus: preoperative exercise (n = 5); combined exercise and education (n = 2); combined exercise and acupuncture (n = 1); neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n = 1); and acupuncture versus exercise (n = 1). RCTs recorded many patient-based outcomes including knee strength, ambulation, and pain. Minimal evidence is presented that preoperative physiotherapy is more effective than no physiotherapy or usual care. PEDro Scale and critical appraisal highlighted substantial methodological quality issues within the RCTs.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient quality evidence to support the efficacy of preoperative physiotherapy in older adults who undergo total knee arthroplasty.

A Review of Dysphagia Presentation and Intervention Following Traumatic Spinal Injury: An Understudied Population

Dysphagia is reported to be a common secondary complication for individuals with traumatic spinal injuries. Different etiologies of traumatic spinal injuries may lead to different profiles of swallowing impairment. We conducted a systematic review to determine the characteristics of dysphagia after traumatic spinal injury and to describe interventions currently used to improve swallowing function in this population. A comprehensive multiengine literature search identified 137 articles of which five were judged to be relevant. These underwent review for study quality, rating for level of evidence, and data extraction. The literature describing dysphagia after traumatic spinal injury was comprised predominantly of low-level evidence and single case reports. Aspiration, pharyngeal residue, and decreased/absent hyolaryngeal elevation were found to be common characteristics of dysphagia in this population. The most commonly used swallowing interventions included tube feeding, compensatory swallowing strategies, and steroids/antibiotics. Improvement in swallowing function following swallowing intervention was reported in all studies; however, there was no control for spontaneous recovery. The results demonstrate a need for high-quality research to profile the pathophysiology of dysphagia after traumatic spinal injury and controlled studies to demonstrate the efficacy of swallowing interventions in this population.

What environmental factors influence resumption of valued activities post stroke: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative findings

OBJECTIVE

Identify the environmental factors that influence stroke-survivors' reengagement in personally valued activities and determine what specific environmental factors are related to specific valued activity types.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched until June 2016 using multiple search-terms for stroke, activities, disability, and home and community environments.

REVIEW METHODS

An integrated mixed-method systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-design studies was conducted. Two researchers independently identified relevant studies, assessed their methodological quality and extracted relevant findings. To validly compare and combine the various findings, all findings were classified and grouped by environmental category and level of evidence.

RESULTS

The search yielded 4024 records; 69 studies were included. Most findings came from low-evidence-level studies such as single qualitative studies. All findings were consistent in that the following factors facilitated reengagement post-stroke: personal adapted equipment; accessible environments; transport; services; education and information. Barriers were: others' negative attitudes and behaviour; long distances and inconvenient environmental conditions (such as bad weather). Each type of valued activity, such as mobility or work, had its own pattern of environmental influences, social support was a facilitator to all types of activities. Although in many qualitative studies others' attitudes, behaviour and stroke-related knowledge were seen as important for reengagement, these factors were hardly studied quantitatively.

CONCLUSION

A diversity of environmental factors was related to stroke-survivors' reengagement. Most findings came from low-evidence-level studies so that evidence on causal relationships was scarce. In future, more higher-level-evidence studies, for example on the attitudes of significant others, should be conducted.

[Consideration of guidelines, recommendations and quality indicators for treatment of stroke in the dataset "Emergency Department" of DIVI]

BACKGROUND

The dataset "Emergency Department" of the German Interdisciplinary Association of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) has been developed during several expert meetings. Its goal is an all-encompassing documentation of the early clinical treatment of patients in emergency departments. Using the example of the index disease acute ischemic stroke (stroke), the aim was to analyze how far this approach has been fulfilled.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study German, European and US American guidelines were used to analyze the extent of coverage of the datasets on current emergency department guidelines and recommendations from professional societies. In addition, it was examined whether the dataset includes recommended quality indicators (QI) for quality management (QM) and in a third step it was examined to what extent national provisions for billing are included. In each case a differentiation was made whether the respective rationale was primary, i.e. directly apparent or whether it was merely secondarily depicted by expertise. In the evaluation an additional differentiation was made between the level of recommendations and further quality relevant criteria.

RESULTS

The modular design of the emergency department dataset comprising 676 data fields is briefly described. A total of 401 individual fields, divided into basic documentation, monitoring and specific neurological documentation of the treatment of stroke patients were considered. For 247 data fields a rationale was found. Partially overlapping, 78.9 % of 214 medical recommendations in 3 guidelines and 85.8 % of the 106 identified quality indicators were primarily covered. Of the 67 requirements for billing of performance of services, 55.5 % are primarily part of the emergency department dataset. Through appropriate expertise and documentation by a board certified neurologist, the results can be improved to almost 100 %.

CONCLUSION

The index disease stroke illustrates that the emergency department dataset of the DIVI covers medical guidelines, especially 100 % of the German guidelines with a grade of recommendation. All necessary information to document the specialized stroke treatment procedure in the German diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system is also covered. The dataset is also suitable as a documentation tool of quality management, for example, to participate in the registry of the German Stroke Society (ADSR). Best results are obtained if the dataset is applied by a physician specialized in the treatment of patients with stroke (e.g. board certified neurologist). Finally the results show that changes in medical guidelines and recommendations for quality management as well as billing-relevant content should be implemented in the development of datasets for documentation to avoid duplicate documentation.

Should botulinum toxin A injections be repeated in children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of repeat botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) on the basis of a best evidence synthesis.

METHOD

This study included 13 original articles after searching the literature to retrieve information. We used the critical review form produced by McMaster University to determine the methodological quality of the studies, and then confirmed the levels of evidence from Sackett. The studies were also evaluated using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health - Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY).

RESULTS

A total of 893 children with spastic CP who had been administered repeat BoNT-A injections were evaluated. The evidence level was II in four of the thirteen studies, III in four studies, and IV in five studies. The McMaster review form score was 14 in two studies, 13 in four studies, and 12 in seven studies. The results showed that repeat BoNT-A may be a safe and an effective approach. The first two injections/one repeat especially relieve spasticity and improve fine and gross motor activities.

INTERPRETATION

Future studies to investigate the effectiveness of repeat BoNT-A in children with spastic CP may be planned within the framework of the ICF-CY to include well-designed randomized controlled trials and those conducted on larger homogenous groups.

The impact of strength training on skeletal muscle morphology and architecture in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: A systematic review

AIM

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature to determine the impact of strength training on skeletal muscle morphology and architecture in individuals aged 4-20 years with spastic type cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and cross-comparison trials was performed on five electronic databases. Included studies were graded according to level of evidence and assessed for methodological quality using the Downs and Black scale. Quantitative data was analysed using effect sizes.

RESULTS

Six of 304 articles met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the included papers ranged from 14 to 19 (out of 32). A large effect was found on muscle cross-sectional area following strength training, with small to moderate effects on muscle volume and thickness.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

There is preliminary evidence that strength training leads to hypertrophy in children and adolescents with CP. A paucity of studies exist measuring morphological and architectural parameters following strength training in these individuals. Overall low study methodological quality along with heterogeneous study design, dissimilar outcome measures, and lack of adequate control groups, indicated that care is needed when interpreting the results of these studies in isolation.

Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty, as a salvage procedure, following failed internal fixation of intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

The optimal management of intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck in independently mobile patients remains open to debate. Successful fixation obviates the limitations of arthroplasty for this group of patients. However, with fixation failure rates as high as 30%, the outcome of revision surgery to salvage total hip arthroplasty (THA) must be considered. We carried out a systematic review to compare the outcomes of salvage THA and primary THA for intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) compliant systematic review, using the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries databases. A meta-analysis was performed where possible, and a narrative synthesis when a meta-analysis was not possible.

RESULTS

Our analyses revealed a significantly increased risk of complications including deep infection, early dislocation and peri-prosthetic fracture with salvage THA when compared with primary THA for an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck (overall risk ratio of 3.15). Functional outcomes assessment using EuroQoL (EQ)-5D were not significantly different (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSION

Salvage THA carries a significantly higher risk of complications than primary THA for intracapsular fractured neck of femur. Current literature is still lacking well designed studies to provide a full answer to the question.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Salvage THA is associated with more complications than primary THA for intracapsular neck of femur fractures.

Big data: Are large prospective randomized trials obsolete in the future?

Big data represents a new opportunity to increase our understanding of cancer care as it is practiced globally and to improve it through the refinement of clinic guidelines and the identification of knowledge gaps. Here we review the historical approach to evidence development (randomized clinical trials), some of their limitations, and the complementary role that big data analytics may play.

Surveillance Monitoring Management for General Care Units: Strategy, Design, and Implementation

BACKGROUND

The growing number of monitoring devices, combined with suboptimal patient monitoring and alarm management strategies, has increased "alarm fatigue," which have led to serious consequences. Most reported alarm man- agement approaches have focused on the critical care setting. Since 2007 Dartmouth-Hitchcock (Lebanon, New Hamp- shire) has developed a generalizable and effective design, implementation, and performance evaluation approach to alarm systems for continuous monitoring in general care settings (that is, patient surveillance monitoring).

METHODS

In late 2007, a patient surveillance monitoring system was piloted on the basis of a structured design and implementation approach in a 36-bed orthopedics unit. Beginning in early 2009, it was expanded to cover more than 200 inpatient beds in all medicine and surgical units, except for psychiatry and labor and delivery.

RESULTS

Improvements in clinical outcomes (reduction of unplanned transfers by 50% and reduction of rescue events by more than 60% in 2008) and approximately two alarms per patient per 12-hour nursing shift in the original pilot unit have been sustained across most D-H general care units in spite of increasing patient acuity and unit occupancy. Sample analysis of pager notifications indicates that more than 85% of all alarm conditions are resolved within 30 seconds and that more than 99% are resolved before escalation is triggered.

CONCLUSION

The D-H surveillance monitoring system employs several important, generalizable features to manage alarms in a general care setting: alarm delays, static thresholds set appropriately for the prevalence of events in this setting, directed alarm annunciation, and policy-driven customization of thresholds to allow clinicians to respond to needs of individual patients. The systematic approach to design, implementation, and performance management has been key to the success of the system.

The future of academic innovation in the field of medical devices: is innovation still possible in orthopedics?

Academic research is essential to bring disruptive innovation on medical devices market because the risk-taking is too high for companies and their investors. Performing clinical trials is essential to technical files but no one wants to accept responsibility for implanted off-label devices. The paper explains the academic process for innovation. We see that academic research depends, at the end, on the motivation of companies to develop a product. The key to innovation stands in the early collaboration between the surgeons, the research teams and the companies in a project. Innovation is a good idea supported by the expertise of the right people at the right moment. In orthopaedics, we need, more than ever, to stay focused on the patient benefits.

Telemedicine for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (TeleGDM): A Mixed-Method Study Protocol of Effects of a Web-Based GDM Support System on Health Service Utilization, Maternal and Fetal Outcomes, Costs, and User Experience

Background

Women with insulin-treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require close monitoring and support to manage their diabetes. Recent changes to the diagnostic criteria have implications for service provision stemming from increased prevalence, suggesting an increased burden on health services in the future. Telemedicine may augment usual care and mitigate service burdens without compromising clinical outcomes but evidence in GDM is limited.

Objective

The Telemedicine for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (TeleGDM) trial aims to explore the use of telemedicine in supporting care and management of women with GDM treated with insulin.

Methods

The TeleGDM is a mixed-methods study comprising an exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a qualitative evaluation using semistructured interviews. It involves women with insulin-treated GDM who are up to 35 weeks gestation. Participating patients (n=100) are recruited face-to-face in outpatient GDM clinics at an outer metropolitan tertiary hospital with a culturally diverse catchment and a regional tertiary hospital. The second group of participants (n=8) comprises Credentialed Diabetes Educator Registered Nurses involved in routine care of the women with GDM at the participating clinics. The RCT involves use of a Web-based patient-controlled personal health record for GDM data sharing between patients and clinicians compared to usual care. Outcomes include service utilization, maternal and fetal outcomes (eg, glycemic control, 2nd and 3rd trimester fetal size, type of delivery, baby birth weight), diabetes self-efficacy, satisfaction, and costs. Semistructured interviews will be used to examine user experiences and acceptability of telemedicine.

Results

The trial recruitment is currently underway. Results are expected by the end of 2016 and will be reported in a follow-up paper.

Conclusions

Innovative use of technology in supporting usual care delivery in women with GDM may facilitate timely access to GDM monitoring data and mitigate care burdens without compromising maternal and fetal outcomes. The intervention may potentially reduce health service utilization.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12614000934640; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366740 (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6jRiqzjSv).

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner's Interactions Within the Sexual Assault Response Team: A Systematic Review

Many emergency department nurses care for the sexually assaulted victim, when sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs are not available. Therefore, it is important for emergency department nurses to understand the roles of both the SANE and the sexual assault response team (SART). The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the current research on the integration of the SANE among the SART and evaluate the gaps in research of the SANE's role, attitude, behavior, and satisfaction within the collaborative SART. Studies published between 2004 and 2014 using key words were evaluated. A 3-stage search strategy revealed 582 articles. The articles were assessed and categorized according to Level of Evidence definitions. Twelve qualitative and mixed-methods studies were identified. Studies ranged from SART protocols or responses to situational factors to SANE relationships with other SART members. The review reflected the need for more research within the collaborative atmosphere of this multidisciplinary and interagency team that defines the SART, and the individual member's perceptions. Further studies are needed on the SANE's impact on patient outcome and the emergency department nurses role when a SANE or SART program is not available.

Quality of life among patients suffering from cholestatic liver disease-induced pruritus: A systematic review

A systematic assessment of literature was done to estimate the impact of pruritus on health-related quality of life among patients with cholestatic liver disease (CLD). All the articles were reviewed manually for study design, population, outcomes, and study quality. A qualitative approach was used to analyze and extract data from included studies. A total of eight studies were retrieved, of which one was a cohort study and the other seven were cross-sectional studies. Overall, it appears that the incidence of pruritus was a common complication reported by most of the studies. Among patients with CLD incidence of pruritus was 29%. Pruritus was found to have a substantial impact on patients' health-related quality of life. Greater health-related quality of life impairment was observed with increased severity of pruritus. Pruritus was found to have a significant association (p<0.05) in quality-of-life instrument domains such as role limitation-physical, role limitation-emotional, bodily pain, vitality, energy, and physical mobility. Evidence suggests that pruritus has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life among patients with CLD. More research is required to support the evidence.

Targeting immune checkpoints in unresectable metastatic cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 agents trials

Anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors have been shown to significantly improve survival in patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. However, there was some heterogeneity as well as some variation in the degree of benefit across studies. We reviewed randomized trials and performed a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in comparison with conventional regimens. Eligible studies were limited to randomized controlled trials comparing anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 inhibitors to chemotherapy or vaccination treatment in adult patients with unresectable cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months was 28.5% versus 17.7% (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76-0.93), overall survival (OS) rate at 1 year was 51.2% versus 38.8% (RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.88), and overall response rate (ORR) at 6 months was 29.6% versus 17.7% (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95) favoring immune check point inhibitors over chemotherapies or vaccination. Immune check point inhibitors were associated with more frequent immune-related adverse events at 13.7% versus 2.4% of treated patients (RR: 6.74, 95% CI: 4.65-9.75). Subgroup analyses demonstrated significant PFS (RR: 0.92 vs. 0.74, P < 0.00001) and ORR (RR: 0.95 vs. 0.76, P = 0.0004) improvement with anti-PD-1 treatment compared to anti-CTLA-4 when each of them was compared to control treatments. Collectively, these results demonstrate that immune checkpoint inhibitors have superior outcomes compared to conventional chemotherapies or vaccination, and support the results of recent randomized trials that showed superior outcomes with anti-PD-1 agents over ipilimumab in unresectable metastatic cutaneous melanoma patients.