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Lo CB, Conrad B, Debs A, Herbst J, Kulkarni N, Nelson DM, Wentzel E, Cohen DM, Patel AD. Counseling on the Need for Folic Acid in Adolescents With Epilepsy. Neurol Clin Pract 2023; 13:e200177. [PMID: 37529297 PMCID: PMC10389172 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Folic acid is an important supplement to take for women with epilepsy on antiseizure medications (ASMs). Determination of baseline counseling given to women with epilepsy and the association with folic acid being recommended were evaluated. Factors surrounding the association were reviewed. Methods An exploratory retrospective review of women with epilepsy seen at a large Midwestern pediatric institution was performed between January 2018 and January 2020. Results Patients who received preconception counseling were more likely to be given a recommendation to take folic acid. Patients on more than 1 ASM were likely to receive counseling. Patient age and race were associated with having folic acid recommended. Discussion Providing preconception counseling for women with epilepsy is associated with an increased recommendation and prescription of folic acid. Further evaluation into possible disparities to receiving a folic acid recommendation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine B Lo
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Bailey Conrad
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Andrea Debs
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - James Herbst
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Neil Kulkarni
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Dustin Mark Nelson
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Evelynne Wentzel
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Daniel M Cohen
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Anup D Patel
- Division of Emergency Medicine (CBL, DMN, DMC), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Pediatric Emergency Medicine (CBL), Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; The Ohio State University College of Medicine (BC); Division of Neurology (AD, NK, EW, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital; Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute (AD), Cleveland Clinic; Department of Pharmacy (JH), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Lincoln Memorial University (DMN), Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Knoxville, TN; Department of Pediatrics (DMC, ADP), The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and The Center for Clinical Excellence (ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
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Winterbottom JB, Marson AG, Noble A, Tudur Smith C, Mathieson A. Preconception care for women with epilepsy: a mixed methods review. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011007.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janine B Winterbottom
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool UK
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Anthony G Marson
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool UK
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
- Liverpool Health Partners; Liverpool UK
| | - Adam Noble
- Department of Psychological Sciences; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Catrin Tudur Smith
- Department of Health Data Science; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Amy Mathieson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
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Lawther L, Dolk H, Sinclair M, Morrow J. The preconception care experiences of women with epilepsy on sodium valproate. Seizure 2018; 59:82-89. [PMID: 29778017 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the preconception experiences of women with epilepsy who have been taking the teratogenic drug valproate. METHODS Seven women were recruited, three from a preconception clinic and four from an antenatal clinic in a region of the UK. All had taken valproate preconceptionally. Three preconception clinic encounters were observed and audio-recorded. Interviews with all women were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS Women experienced a "trajectory of balance". Women moved from "maintaining balance" by using valproate to control seizures, to a "shattering of harmony" at the prospect of changing medication and as a result of the physical and mental effects of changing medication, to "restoring balance" which could involve "a new self" due to dramatic changes. Women balanced their health needs with those of their baby, and took responsibility for medication decision-making. They found it difficult to see "who is looking after me" in the healthcare system, either to access preconception care, or to support them through the stress of changing medication. Their journey ended with coming to terms with a variety of experiences: choosing not to have a baby due to unsuccessful change from valproate, recognising that a child from a previous pregnancy had been harmed by valproate or that the current pregnancy might be at risk, or successful medication change in preparation for pregnancy. CONCLUSION A clear and adequately funded preconception care pathway is needed from epilepsy diagnosis, including support for stress. Understanding what influences maternalisation may help understand uptake of preconception care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Lawther
- Ulster University, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 0QB, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen Dolk
- Ulster University, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 0QB, United Kingdom
| | - Marlene Sinclair
- Ulster University, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 0QB, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Morrow
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, United Kingdom
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Walker MP, McGovern TL, Hattingh LH, Hall TD. Medication Management of Adult Patients Admitted to Hospital with Epilepsy, Seizure or Convulsion. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2012.tb00191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tony D Hall
- Gold Coast Interprofessional Persistent Pain Clinic, School of Pharmacy; Griffith University; Southport Queensland
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Lassi ZS, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: screening and management of chronic disease and promoting psychological health. Reprod Health 2014; 11 Suppl 3:S5. [PMID: 25415675 PMCID: PMC4196564 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4755-11-s3-s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A large proportion of women around the world suffer from chronic diseases including mental health diseases. In the United States alone, over 12% of women of reproductive age suffer from a chronic medical condition, especially diabetes and hypertension. Chronic diseases significantly increase the odds for poor maternal and newborn outcomes in pregnant women. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence was conducted to ascertain the possible impact of preconception care for preventing and managing chronic diseases and promoting psychological health on maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. A comprehensive strategy was used to search electronic reference libraries, and both observational and clinical controlled trials were included. Cross-referencing and a separate search strategy for each preconception risk and intervention ensured wider study capture. RESULTS Maternal prepregnancy diabetic care is a significant intervention that reduces the occurrence of congenital malformations by 70% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 59-78%) and perinatal mortality by 69% (95% CI: 47-81%). Furthermore, preconception management of epilepsy and phenylketonuria are essential and can optimize maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes if given before conception. Ideally changes in antiepileptic drug therapy should be made at least 6 months before planned conception. Interventions specifically targeting women of reproductive age suffering from a psychiatric condition show that group-counseling and interventions leading to empowerment of women have reported non-significant reduction in depression (economic skill building: Mean Difference (MD) -7.53; 95% CI: -17.24, 2.18; counseling: MD-2.92; 95% CI: -13.17, 7.33). CONCLUSION While prevention and management of the chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, through counseling, and other dietary and pharmacological intervention, is important, delivering solutions to prevent and respond to women's psychological health problems are urgently needed to combat this leading cause of morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra S Lassi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha M Imam
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sohni V Dean
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
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Ryan R, Santesso N, Lowe D, Hill S, Grimshaw J, Prictor M, Kaufman C, Cowie G, Taylor M. Interventions to improve safe and effective medicines use by consumers: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD007768. [PMID: 24777444 PMCID: PMC6491214 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007768.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many systematic reviews exist on interventions to improve safe and effective medicines use by consumers, but research is distributed across diseases, populations and settings. The scope and focus of such reviews also vary widely, creating challenges for decision-makers seeking to inform decisions by using the evidence on consumers' medicines use.This is an update of a 2011 overview of systematic reviews, which synthesises the evidence, irrespective of disease, medicine type, population or setting, on the effectiveness of interventions to improve consumers' medicines use. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions which target healthcare consumers to promote safe and effective medicines use, by synthesising review-level evidence. SEARCH METHODS We included systematic reviews published on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. We identified relevant reviews by handsearching databases from their start dates to March 2012. SELECTION CRITERIA We screened and ranked reviews based on relevance to consumers' medicines use, using criteria developed for this overview. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standardised forms to extract data, and assessed reviews for methodological quality using the AMSTAR tool. We used standardised language to summarise results within and across reviews; and gave bottom-line statements about intervention effectiveness. Two review authors screened and selected reviews, and extracted and analysed data. We used a taxonomy of interventions to categorise reviews and guide syntheses. MAIN RESULTS We included 75 systematic reviews of varied methodological quality. Reviews assessed interventions with diverse aims including support for behaviour change, risk minimisation and skills acquisition. No reviews aimed to promote systems-level consumer participation in medicines-related activities. Medicines adherence was the most frequently-reported outcome, but others such as knowledge, clinical and service-use outcomes were also reported. Adverse events were less commonly identified, while those associated with the interventions themselves, or costs, were rarely reported.Looking across reviews, for most outcomes, medicines self-monitoring and self-management programmes appear generally effective to improve medicines use, adherence, adverse events and clinical outcomes; and to reduce mortality in people self-managing antithrombotic therapy. However, some participants were unable to complete these interventions, suggesting they may not be suitable for everyone.Other promising interventions to improve adherence and other key medicines-use outcomes, which require further investigation to be more certain of their effects, include:· simplified dosing regimens: with positive effects on adherence;· interventions involving pharmacists in medicines management, such as medicines reviews (with positive effects on adherence and use, medicines problems and clinical outcomes) and pharmaceutical care services (consultation between pharmacist and patient to resolve medicines problems, develop a care plan and provide follow-up; with positive effects on adherence and knowledge).Several other strategies showed some positive effects, particularly relating to adherence, and other outcomes, but their effects were less consistent overall and so need further study. These included:· delayed antibiotic prescriptions: effective to decrease antibiotic use but with mixed effects on clinical outcomes, adverse effects and satisfaction;· practical strategies like reminders, cues and/or organisers, reminder packaging and material incentives: with positive, although somewhat mixed effects on adherence;· education delivered with self-management skills training, counselling, support, training or enhanced follow-up; information and counselling delivered together; or education/information as part of pharmacist-delivered packages of care: with positive effects on adherence, medicines use, clinical outcomes and knowledge, but with mixed effects in some studies;· financial incentives: with positive, but mixed, effects on adherence.Several strategies also showed promise in promoting immunisation uptake, but require further study to be more certain of their effects. These included organisational interventions; reminders and recall; financial incentives; home visits; free vaccination; lay health worker interventions; and facilitators working with physicians to promote immunisation uptake. Education and/or information strategies also showed some positive but even less consistent effects on immunisation uptake, and need further assessment of effectiveness and investigation of heterogeneity.There are many different potential pathways through which consumers' use of medicines could be targeted to improve outcomes, and simple interventions may be as effective as complex strategies. However, no single intervention assessed was effective to improve all medicines-use outcomes across all diseases, medicines, populations or settings.Even where interventions showed promise, the assembled evidence often only provided part of the picture: for example, simplified dosing regimens seem effective for improving adherence, but there is not yet sufficient information to identify an optimal regimen.In some instances interventions appear ineffective: for example, the evidence suggests that directly observed therapy may be generally ineffective for improving treatment completion, adherence or clinical outcomes.In other cases, interventions may have variable effects across outcomes. As an example, strategies providing information or education as single interventions appear ineffective to improve medicines adherence or clinical outcomes, but may be effective to improve knowledge; an important outcome for promoting consumers' informed medicines choices.Despite a doubling in the number of reviews included in this updated overview, uncertainty still exists about the effectiveness of many interventions, and the evidence on what works remains sparse for several populations, including children and young people, carers, and people with multimorbidity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This overview presents evidence from 75 reviews that have synthesised trials and other studies evaluating the effects of interventions to improve consumers' medicines use.Systematically assembling the evidence across reviews allows identification of effective or promising interventions to improve consumers' medicines use, as well as those for which the evidence indicates ineffectiveness or uncertainty.Decision makers faced with implementing interventions to improve consumers' medicines use can use this overview to inform decisions about which interventions may be most promising to improve particular outcomes. The intervention taxonomy may also assist people to consider the strategies available in relation to specific purposes, for example, gaining skills or being involved in decision making. Researchers and funders can use this overview to identify where more research is needed and assess its priority. The limitations of the available literature due to the lack of evidence for important outcomes and important populations, such as people with multimorbidity, should also be considered in practice and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Public Health and Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia, 3086
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Winterbottom JB, Pulman J, Greenhalgh J, Smyth RMD, Marson AG. Preconception counselling for women with epilepsy. Hippokratia 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Pulman
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool; Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Sciences Centre for Research and Education, Lower Lane Fazakerley Liverpool Merseyside UK L9 7LJ
| | - Janette Greenhalgh
- University of Liverpool; Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group; Sherrington Building Ashton Street Liverpool UK L69 3GE
| | - Rebecca MD Smyth
- The University of Manchester; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work; Jean McFarlane Building Oxford Road Manchester UK M13 9PL
| | - Anthony G Marson
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool; Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Sciences Centre for Research and Education, Lower Lane Fazakerley Liverpool Merseyside UK L9 7LJ
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Rose H, Rolland B, Subtil D, Vaiva G, Jardri R, Cottencin O. The need for developing preconception counseling in addiction medicine. Arch Womens Ment Health 2013; 16:433-4. [PMID: 23887881 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-013-0374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Rose
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'Adulte, CHU Lille, 59037, Lille, France
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Ryan R, Santesso N, Hill S, Lowe D, Kaufman C, Grimshaw J. Consumer-oriented interventions for evidence-based prescribing and medicines use: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011:CD007768. [PMID: 21563160 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007768.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous systematic reviews exist on interventions to improve consumers' medicines use, but this research is distributed across diseases, populations and settings. The scope and focus of reviews on consumers' medicines use also varies widely. Such differences create challenges for decision makers seeking review-level evidence to inform decisions about medicines use. OBJECTIVES To synthesise the evidence from systematic reviews on the effects of interventions which target healthcare consumers to promote evidence-based prescribing for, and medicines use, by consumers. We sought evidence on the effects on health and other outcomes for healthcare consumers, professionals and services. METHODS We included systematic reviews published on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. We identified relevant reviews by handsearching both databases from start date to Issue 3 2008. We screened and ranked reviews based on relevance to consumers' medicines use, using criteria developed for this overview. Standardised forms were used to extract data, and reviews were assessed for methodological quality using the AMSTAR instrument. We used standardised language to summarise results within and across reviews; and a further synthesis step was used to give bottom-line statements about intervention effectiveness. Two review authors selected reviews, extracted and analysed data. We used a taxonomy of interventions to categorise reviews. MAIN RESULTS We included 37 reviews (18 Cochrane, 19 non-Cochrane), of varied methodological quality.Reviews assessed interventions with diverse aims including support for behaviour change, risk minimisation, skills acquisition and information provision. No reviews aimed to promote systems-level consumer participation in medicines-related activities. Medicines adherence was the most commonly reported outcome, but others such as clinical (health and wellbeing), service use and knowledge outcomes were also reported. Reviews rarely reported adverse events or harms, and the evidence was sparse for several populations, including children and young people, carers, and people with multimorbidity.Promising interventions to improve adherence and other key medicines use outcomes (eg adverse events, knowledge) included self-monitoring and self-management, simplified dosing and interventions directly involving pharmacists. Other strategies showed promise in relation to adherence but their effects were less consistent. These included reminders; education combined with self-management skills training, counselling or support; financial incentives; and lay health worker interventions.No interventions were effective to improve all medicines use outcomes across all diseases, populations or settings. For some interventions, such as information or education provided alone, the evidence suggests ineffectiveness; for many others there is insufficient evidence to determine effects on medicines use outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Systematically assembling the evidence across reviews allows identification of effective or promising interventions to improve consumers' medicines use, as well as those for which the evidence indicates ineffectiveness or uncertainty.Decision makers faced with implementing interventions to improve consumers' medicines use can use this overview to inform these decisions and also to consider the range of interventions available; while researchers and funders can use this overview to determine where research is needed. However, the limitations of the literature relating to the lack of evidence for important outcomes and specific populations, such as people with multimorbidity, should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia, 3086
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Santucci AK, Gold MA, Akers AY, Borrero S, Schwarz EB. Women's perspectives on counseling about risks for medication-induced birth defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 88:64-9. [PMID: 19637252 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This qualitative study explored women's experiences with counseling about medication-induced birth defects, as well as how and when they would like to receive information on medication-induced birth defects from their health care providers (HCPs). METHODS We conducted four focus groups with 36 women of reproductive age (18-45 years old) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Twenty-one women were using medications to treat a chronic health condition, and two were pregnant. Content analysis was performed by three independent coders using a grounded theory approach. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. RESULTS Women reported depending on their HCPs for information about the risks of teratogenic effects of medications on a pregnancy, but felt the information they had been provided was not always comprehensive. Women want HCPs to initiate discussions about potentially teratogenic medications at the time the medications are prescribed, regardless of whether the woman is sexually active or planning a pregnancy. Women want clear information about all potential outcomes for a fetus. Factors women reported as being critical to effective teratogenic risk counseling included privacy, sufficient time to discuss the topic, and a trusting relationship with their HCP. CONCLUSIONS Women of reproductive age think that providing information about the possible teratogenic effects of medications could be improved by routine discussions of teratogenic risks at the time medications are prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K Santucci
- Center for Research on Health Care, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Sabers A. Influences on seizure activity in pregnant women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2009; 15:230-4. [PMID: 19328868 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2009.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 03/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated whether referral to a specialized epilepsy clinic prior to pregnancy influences seizure activity during pregnancy. In addition, folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy as a marker of intent to conceive was used to evaluate whether the use of folic acid at the time of conception correlates with the risk of seizure deterioration in pregnancy. The study population consisted of patients who had been followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic before conception (group 1, n=46) and patients who were referred to the clinic after the pregnancy was recognized (group 2, n=44). Seizure deterioration was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2: 9% versus 32% (P<0.01). In addition, the likelihood of having taken folic acid supplements was significantly higher in group 1 (P<0.001). With some methodological limitations taken into account, it is concluded that women followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic have a lower risk of seizure deterioration during pregnancy compared with those referred after conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sabers
- The Epilepsy Clinic, Glostrup University Hospital, Ndr. Ringvej, Glostrup DK-2600, Denmark.
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