Patient engagement in clinical guidelines development: input from > 1000 members of the Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network

Implementation of guidelines in clinical practice; barriers and strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Published clinical practice guidelines frequently have difficulties for implementation of the recommendations and adherence in daily clinical practice. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the barriers encountered when implementing clinical practice guideline and the strategies proposed to address these barriers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies on strategies for implementation of clinical guidelines are scarce. Evidence indicates that a multidisciplinary policy is necessary in order to address the barriers at various levels. Continuous education and motivation of the stakeholders, together with structural adaptations are key elements in the process.

SUMMARY

The barriers for implementation of guidelines involve different levels, including the healthcare system, organizational, societal and cultural specificities, and individual attitudes. All of these should be addressed with policy-driven strategies. Such strategies could include optimization of resources allocations, and establishing well coordinated multidisciplinary networks, finally, future studies should also evaluate the effectiveness of the potential strategies.

Patient Perception on Osteoporosis in Korean Female Patients with Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Patient perception is a key element in improving compliance with medications for osteoporosis. This study evaluated the awareness, perception, sources of information, and knowledge of osteoporosis among Korean women with osteoporosis.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted from July 22, 2021 to 13 August 2021. Patients who were followed up in endocrinology (Endo), orthopedic surgery (OS), and gynecology (GY) were recruited (N=40, 40, and 20 in each group). Patients were allocated according to their age, as follows: 15, 15, and 10 patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s for Endo and OS, and 10 and 10 patients in their 60s and 70s for GY. The questionnaire was composed of the following topics: patient journey to the hospital, drug-related issues, communication with medical doctors, patient knowledge, and sources of information about osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The results of medical check-ups were the most common reason for patient visits to the hospital for an initial diagnosis of osteoporosis (61%). A knowledge gap regarding mortality, refracture, and drug-induced osteoporosis was observed. Doctors were the most preferred and trustful source of information, while health-related TV shows were the second most common source of information. Patients with OS reported lower perceived severity and higher drug discontinuation, along with a higher proportion of fractures, as the initial reasons for hospital visits for osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in perceptions according to the issue and group were identified. These should be considered during patient consultations to improve compliance with osteoporosis treatment.

Actualisation 2023 des lignes directrices de pratique clinique pour la prise en charge de l’ostéoporose et la prévention des fractures au Canada

Contexte:

Au Canada, plus de 2 millions de personnes vivent avec l’ostéoporose, une maladie qui accroît le risque de fracture, ce qui fait augmenter la morbidité et la mortalité, et entraîne une perte de qualité de vie et d’autonomie. La présente actualisation des lignes directrices vise à accompagner les professionnelles et professionnels de la santé au Canada dans la prestation de soins visant à optimiser la santé osseuse et à prévenir les fractures chez les femmes ménopausées et les hommes de 50 ans et plus.

Méthodes:

Le présent document fournit une actualisation des lignes directrices de pratique clinique de 2010 d’Ostéoporose Canada sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l’ostéoporose au pays. Nous avons utilisé l’approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) et effectué l’assurance de la qualité conformément aux normes de qualité et de présentation des rapports de la grille AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation). Les médecins de premier recours et les patientes et patients partenaires ont été représentés à tous les niveaux des comités et des groupes ayant participé à l’élaboration des lignes directrices, et ont participé à toutes les étapes du processus pour garantir la pertinence des informations pour les futurs utilisateurs et utilisatrices. Le processus de gestion des intérêts concurrents a été entamé avant l’élaboration des lignes directrices et s’est poursuivi sur toute sa durée, selon les principes du Réseau international en matière de lignes directrices. Dans la formulation des recommandations, nous avons tenu compte des avantages et des risques, des valeurs et préférences de la patientèle, des ressources, de l’équité, de l’acceptabilité et de la faisabilité; la force de chacune des recommandations a été déterminée en fonction du cadre GRADE.

Recommandations:

Les 25 recommandations et les 10 énoncés de bonne pratique sont répartis en sections : activité physique, alimentation, évaluation du risque de fracture, instauration du traitement, interventions pharmacologiques, durée et séquence du traitement, et monitorage. La prise en charge de l’ostéoporose devrait se fonder sur le risque de fracture, établi au moyen d’une évaluation clinique réalisée avec un outil d’évaluation du risque de fracture validé. L’activité physique, l’alimentation et la pharmacothérapie sont des éléments essentiels à la stratégie de prévention des fractures, qui devraient être personnalisés.

Interprétation:

Les présentes lignes directrices ont pour but d’outiller les professionnelles et professionnels de la santé et la patientèle afin qu’ensemble ils puissent parler de l’importance de la santé osseuse et du risque de fracture tout au long de la vie adulte avancée. La détection et la prise en charge efficace de la fragilité osseuse peuvent contribuer à réduire les fractures et à préserver la mobilité, l’autonomie et la qualité de vie.

[Participation of Patients in the Development of Clinical Guidelines: A Selective Country Comparison in a Narrative Review]

AIM

A clinical practice guideline aims to optimize patient care by recommending diagnostic or treatment pathways, based on the best available research and practical experience. Therefore, the needs and preferences of patients and their families should be incorporated. The aim of this study was to examine regulations and standards of patient involvement in guideline development, using a selective comparison of countries.

METHOD

Information was extracted from publicly available websites and guidelines development manuals for the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, Canada, and Australia. They were compared and discussed in a narrative review.

RESULTS

In the UK, at least two people from among patients or the public must be involved in all guideline development committees and during all stages of the development process. The US National Academy of Medicine recommends active participation in guideline development groups by patients with disease-specific experience and patient representatives from the public. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care wants patient preferences to be involved, especially in the development of final guideline recommendations and usability testing. In Australia, guidelines receive the approval or seal of approval of the National Health and Medical Research Council if at least one patient representative can be shown to have been a member of the committee and to have been involved in the entire process of guideline development.

CONCLUSION

The selective country comparison shows that patient involvement in guideline development and the binding nature of the rules vary considerably, and that there are no uniform standards for involvement. Many issues of involvement are unresolved, and special sensitivity will be needed to bring together the life and experiences of patients/laypersons and the medical system on an equal footing.

Clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada: 2023 update

BACKGROUND

In Canada, more than 2 million people live with osteoporosis, a disease that increases the risk for fractures, which result in excess mortality and morbidity, decreased quality of life and loss of autonomy. This guideline update is intended to assist Canadian health care professionals in the delivery of care to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures in postmenopausal females and in males aged 50 years and older.

METHODS

This guideline is an update of the 2010 Osteoporosis Canada clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Canada. We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and quality assurance as per Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) quality and reporting standards. Primary care physicians and patient partners were represented at all levels of the guideline committees and groups, and participated throughout the entire process to ensure relevance to target users. The process for managing competing interests was developed before and continued throughout the guideline development, informed by the Guideline International Network principles. We considered benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, resources, equity, acceptability and feasibility when developing recommendations; the strength of each recommendation was assigned according to the GRADE framework.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The 25 recommendations and 10 good practice statements are grouped under the sections of exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment and treatment initiation, pharmacologic interventions, duration and sequence of therapy, and monitoring. The management of osteoporosis should be guided by the patient's risk of fracture, based on clinical assessment and using a validated fracture risk assessment tool. Exercise, nutrition and pharmacotherapy are key elements of the management strategy for fracture prevention and should be individualized.

INTERPRETATION

The aim of this guideline is to empower health care professionals and patients to have meaningful discussions on the importance of skeletal health and fracture risk throughout older adulthood. Identification and appropriate management of skeletal fragility can reduce fractures, and preserve mobility, autonomy and quality of life.

Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity for Your Bones: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effect of twice-weekly, moderate-to-high intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) for 1 year on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with low BMD, compared to attention control. Secondary analyses will examine if resistance training improves other health outcomes; if high intensity is more effective than moderate intensity resistance training for all outcomes; the cost of intervention versus benefit; the willingness to pay; and harms.

METHODS

For this study, 324 men or postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with a femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine BMD T-score of ≤-1, or a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool probability of ≥20% for major osteoporotic fracture or ≥ 3% for hip fracture are being recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial with 1:1:1 randomization. Participants will be stratified by site (3 centers) to twice-weekly, supervised PRT at moderate intensity (about 10 repetitions maximum), to high intensity PRT (≤6 repetitions maximum), or to a home posture and balance exercise program (attention control) for 1 year (resistance training to comparator allocation ratio of 2:1). The primary outcome is lumbar spine BMD via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes include trabecular bone score, proximal femur and total hip BMD and structure, bone-free and appendicular lean mass, physical functioning, falls, fractures, glucose metabolism, cost per life-year gained, adverse events, and quality of life. Between-group differences will be tested in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses using analysis of covariance, chi-square tests, or negative binomial or logistic regression, adjusting for site and baseline values.

IMPACT

The Finding the Optimal Resistance Training Intensity For Your Bones trial will support decision making on resistance training for people at risk of fracture.

Scoping review of methods for engaging long-term care residents living with dementia in research and guideline development

OBJECTIVES

To describe: (1) methods used to engage long-term care (LTC) residents living with dementia in research and guideline development; (2) the outcomes of engagement; and (3) barriers and facilitators to engagement.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We conducted searches in Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), APA PsychInfo (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Medline (OVID), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science and the Cochrane database, and a structured grey literature search in July 2021 and updated in March 2023. We included studies that described or evaluated resident engagement, defined as including residents living with dementia in the process of developing healthcare guidelines or research which could include collaborators or partners in planning, execution or dissemination of the guideline or research. Title, abstracts and full-texts were screened for eligibility by two team members using a pilot-tested process. Data were extracted from included studies independently and in duplicate by two team members using a pre-tested data extraction form. Results were narratively synthesised according to the research question they addressed.

RESULTS

We identified three studies for inclusion. Residents were engaged at the beginning of the research projects through interviews, focus groups, and consultations. None of the included articles described the outcomes of engagement. Barriers to engagement were predominantly at the resident level, including impaired verbal communication limiting resident's abilities to participate in discussions, while increased time to support engagement was reported as a barrier at the resident and research team levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a small body of literature describing the engagement of LTC residents in health research and guideline development. Future work should explore alternative methods to engage LTC residents living with dementia, including art-based methods, and the effect of including resident engagement. Guideline developers and researchers should ensure adequate time and human resources are allocated to support engagement.

Bone Turnover Markers for Assessment of Anti-Resorptive Effect in Clinical Practice: A Good Idea Meets the Problem of Measurement Uncertainty

OBJECTIVES

Bone turnover markers (BTM) are measures for understanding the effect of anti-resorptives upon osteoclast activity. Post-hoc trial data suggests reduction in BTM of 40% may represent a target for defining appropriate response to therapy. We modeled clinical application of this target threshold in an individual patient setting where assay measurement uncertainty and biological variation are included.

DESIGN

Using serum C-telo-peptide (ß-CTX), we constructed hypothetical scenarios of ß-CTX measurement pre and post bisphosphonate therapy. Using typical ß-CTX assay characteristics (analytical coefficient of variation, CV 5.0%) and published intra-individual ß-CTX data for post-menopausal women (CV 18.0%), we calculated the post-therapy ß-CTX that must be seen on single repeat measure for 95% confidence that the observed result was ≥40% below baseline. Sensitivity analyses considered greater and lesser variations in the combined sources of variation.

RESULTS

The one-tailed 95% reference change value for any detectable therapeutic decrease in ß-CTX was 22%. However, to have 95% confidence of having achieved a reduction ≥ 40%, an observed ß-CTX decrease of ≥56% is required. Larger decreases are needed for scenarios of greater analytical or intra-individual variation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although population data suggest a ß-CTX decrease of 40% is commensurate with adequate therapeutic response to anti-resorptives, application to an individual patient where measurement and natural variation are present is problematic. ß-CTX decreases much greater than 40% are required to be confident of having achieved the optimal treatment response. It is uncertain whether this is a legitimate change to be expected in all individual patients and therefore clinical application of this threshold is uncertain.

Bracing and taping interventions for individuals with vertebral fragility fractures: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials with GRADE assessment

This systematic review analyzes the effects of bracing and taping after osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Spinal orthose may have positive effects on pain, but the evidence is of very low certainty. Clinical judgment is recommended when prescribing spinal orthoses.

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of bracing and taping interventions on pain, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, back extensor strength, kyphosis curvature, and adverse events in individuals with vertebral fragility fractures.

METHODS

Four databases were searched from inception up to January 2022. We included randomized controlled trials testing the effect of bracing or taping interventions compared with a non-intervention control in adults ≥ 45 years with vertebral fragility fractures. Narrative syntheses were presented for all the outcomes. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

RESULTS

Three studies were included. Soft bracing interventions exhibited inconsistent effects on pain. One study showed no difference between groups, and another study should a decrease in pain in the soft bracing group compared to the control group. Rigid bracing interventions did not have a significant change in pain between the control and intervention groups. One study demonstrated a decrease in pain at rest (VAS: - 10.8 ± 19.3) and during movement (VAS: - 20.9 ± 29.8) after a taping intervention. The other outcomes were not consistent across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal orthoses may improve pain in people with vertebral fractures; however, we cannot draw definitive conclusions on the efficacy or harms of bracing or taping due to the very low certainty evidence and the small number of studies. Effects on other outcomes are uncertain.

Using the specificity and overload principles to prevent sarcopenia, falls and fractures with exercise

The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the evidence on exercise for fall, fracture and sarcopenia prevention, including evidence that aligns with the specificity and progressive overload principles used in exercise physiology, implementation strategies and future research priorities. We also provide a brief discussion of the influence of protein intake and creatine supplementation as potential effect modifiers. We prioritized evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Resistance training can improve muscle mass, muscle strength and a variety of physical performance measures in older adults. Resistance training may also prevent bone loss or increase bone mass, although whether it needs to be done in combination with impact exercise to be effective is less clear, because many studies use multicomponent interventions. Exercise programs prevent falls, and subgroup and network meta-analyses suggest an emphasis on balance and functional training, or specifically, anticipatory control, dynamic stability, functional stability limits, reactive control and flexibility, to maximize efficacy. Resistance training for major muscle groups at a 6-12 repetitions maximum intensity, and challenging balance exercises should be performed at least twice weekly. Choose resistance training exercises aligned with patient goals or movements done during daily activities (task specificity), alongside balance exercises tailored to ability and aspects of balance that need improvement. Progress the volume, level of difficulty or other aspects to see continuous improvement (progressive overload). A critical future priority will be to address implementation barriers and facilitators to enhance uptake and adherence.

Abnormal Variations of the Key Genes in Osteoporotic Fractures

Objective. The classical osteoporotic signaling pathways include the four key genes (LRP5, Runx2, Osterix, and RANKL) influencing the regulation of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. This study investigates the expression of these four genes associated with bone remodeling during fracture healing. Methods. Ovariectomized rats as an osteoporotic group were randomly divided into three groups-group A, group B, and group C. Nonosteoporotic rats as the control group were likewise divided into three groups A0, B0, and C0, using the same method. The rats were killed on the third day of fractures in groups A and A0, on the seventh day of fractures in groups B and B0, and on the fourteenth day of fractures in groups C and C0. The bone specimens were taken from the femoral fracture site, and the expression level of each gene in the bone specimens was detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results. LRP5, Runx2, and Osterix expressions were decreased in osteoporotic rat fractures and then increased over time. The expression of RANKL was elevated in osteoporotic rat bone specimens, which decreased after that. Conclusion. The expressions of the four genes varied with time after fracture, which could be associated with the various stages of bone repair. The four genes can inform practice in ideal interventions in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.

Patient and public involvement in the development of clinical practice guidelines: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Organisations that develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) encourage involvement of patients and the publics in their development, however, there are no standard methodologies for doing so. To examine how CPGs report patient and public involvement (PPI), we conducted a scoping review of the evidence addressing the following four questions: (1) who are the patients and publics involved in developing the CPG?; (2) from where and how are the patients and publics recruited?; (3) at what stage in the CPG development process are the patients and publics involved? and (4) how do the patients and publics contribute their views? We also extracted data on the use of PPI reporting checklists by the included studies.

DESIGN

We used the methodology developed by Arksey and O'Malley and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO, websites of national guideline bodies from the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA, and conducted a forward citation search. No language, date or participant demographics restrictions were applied. Data were synthesised narratively.

RESULTS

We included 47 studies addressing 1 or more of the 4 questions. All included studies reported who the patient and publics involved (PPI members) were, and several studies reported PPI members from different groups. Patients were reported in 43/47 studies, advocates were reported in 22/47 studies, patients and advocates reported in 17/47 studies, and general public reported in 2/47 studies. Thirty-four studies reported from where the patients and publics were recruited, with patient groups being the most common (20/34). Stage of involvement was reported by 42/47 studies, most commonly at question identification (26/42) and draft review (18/42) stages. Forty-two studies reported how the patients contributed, most commonly via group meetings (18/42) or individual interviews. Ten studies cited or used a reporting checklist to report findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our scoping review has revealed knowledge gaps to inform future research in several ways: replication, terminology and inclusion. First, no standard approach to PPI in CPG development could be inferred from the research. Second, inconsistent terminology to describe patients and publics reduces clarity around which patients and publics have been involved in developing CPGs. Finally, the under-representation of research describing PPI in the development of screening, as opposed to treatment, CPGs warrants further attention.

The effects of Pilates on health-related outcomes in individuals with increased risk of fracture: a systematic review

This systematic review examined the effect of Pilates on health-related outcomes in individuals with increased fracture risk to inform the 2021 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention in Canada. Seven electronic databases were searched to December 2020. Studies of Pilates in men and postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years with low bone mineral density (BMD), history of fragility fracture, or moderate-high risk of fragility fracture were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies and performed risk of bias assessment. Of 7286 records and 504 full-text articles, 5 studies were included, encompassing data from 143 participants (99% female). Data were insufficient for meta-analyses. There is low-certainty evidence that Pilates improved physical functioning and health-related quality of life. The effect of Pilates on falls and BMD is uncertain. No evidence was available for the effect of Pilates on mortality, fractures, or adverse events. Overall, Pilates may improve physical functioning and quality of life. Evidence of benefits relative to harms of Pilates in people with increased fracture risk, particularly males, is limited. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019122685. Novelty: Pilates may improve physical functioning and quality of life in women with osteoporosis. Evidence of the effect of Pilates on BMD, falls, fractures, or adverse events is limited.

Exercise and physical activity in individuals at risk of fracture

This is a review of evidence and practical tips on exercise for individuals with osteoporosis, including individuals with hip and vertebral fractures. Balance and functional training, with or without strength training, can prevent falls. Several types of exercise can improve outcomes that are important to patients, such as physical functioning or quality of life. Individuals with osteoporosis should prioritize balance, functional and resistance training ≥ twice weekly, where exercises, volume, intensity, and progression are aligned with the patient's goals and abilities. Patients who want to participate in other activities (e.g., walking, impact exercise, yoga, Pilates) can do them in addition to, but not instead of, balance and functional or strength training, if they can be done safely or modified. Avoid generic advice like "Don't bend or twist", which is difficult or impossible to operationalize, and may create fear and activity avoidance. Instead, be specific about the types of activities to avoid or modify, and provide tips on how to make daily activities safer, or signpost to resources from national osteoporosis societies. For example, not all bending or twisting is bad; it is activities that involve rapid, repetitive, sustained, weighted, or end range of motion twisting or flexion of the spine that may need to be modified, especially in individuals at high risk of fracture.

Effect of Yoga on Health-Related Outcomes in People at Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review

We summarized the effects of yoga on health-related outcomes and adverse events in men and postmenopausal women ≥50 years-old at increased risk of fracture, to inform the updated Osteoporosis Canada clinical practice guidelines. Six databases were searched for observational studies, randomized controlled trials and case series. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation handbook. Nine studies were included and reported using narrative syntheses due to the limited available evidence. Overall, the available evidence was of very low certainty. There was no effect of yoga on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Effects on other health-related outcomes were mixed or not available in the literature. Five studies reported no adverse events directly related to the study intervention, and two studies did not report whether adverse events occurred. However, two case series reported vertebral fractures related to yoga participation, possibly due to excessive spinal flexion. Due to the limited and very low certainty evidence, guideline developers will need to draw indirect evidence from yoga studies among middle aged or older adults that are not at fracture risk. (PROSPERO: CRD42019124898) NOVELTY BULLETS: • Evidence in general was of very low certainty. • Yoga had no effect on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Evidence was mixed or unavailable for other outcomes. • Case studies reported yoga poses involving spinal flexion coincided with incidents of vertebral compression fracture among older adults with increased fracture risk.

Exercise for improving age-related hyperkyphosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE assessment

We reviewed exercise trials in men and women ≥ 45 years with hyperkyphosis at the baseline and performed meta-analyses for kyphosis and health-related outcomes.

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of exercise interventions on kyphosis angle, back extensor muscle strength or endurance, physical functioning, quality of life, pain, falls, and adverse events in adults 45 years or older with hyperkyphosis.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched to May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT, and pre-post intervention studies that had at least one group with a mean kyphosis angle of at least 40° at the baseline were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were included. Exercise or physical therapy improved kyphosis outcomes (SMD - 0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI] - 0.46, - 0.16; moderate certainty evidence), back extensor muscle strength (MD 10.51 N; 95% CI 6.65, 14.38; very low certainty evidence), and endurance (MD 9.76 s; 95% CI 6.40, 13.13; low certainty evidence). Meta-analyses showed improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SMD 0.21; 95% CI 0.06, 0.37; moderate certainty of evidence), general pain (MD - 0.26; 95% CI - 0.39, - 0.13; low certainty of evidence), and performance on the timed up and go (TUG) test (MD - 0.28 s; 95% CI - 0.48, - 0.08; very low certainty of evidence). The effects on the rate of falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.15; 95% CI 0.64, 2.05; low certainty evidence) or minor adverse events (IRR 1.29; 95% CI 0.95, 1.74; low certainty evidence) are uncertain. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions targeting hyperkyphosis may improve kyphosis outcomes in adults with hyperkyphosis.

Protocol for a scoping review on the methods for engaging long-term care residents with dementia in research and guideline development

INTRODUCTION

Patient engagement is important when developing health guidelines to ensure high-quality and patient-centred recommendations. However, patient engagement in research and guideline development remains suboptimal, particularly for vulnerable populations, including residents with dementia living in long-term care (LTC) who are often not included in research and guideline development because of perceived and actual challenges with their health, memory, concentration and communication. Optimal strategies and methods for engaging LTC residents with dementia in research and guideline development remain unknown.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension to answer the research questions: (1) What methods have been used to engage LTC residents with dementia in research and guideline development? (2) What are the outcomes of resident engagement? (3) What are the barriers and facilitators to resident engagement? Systematic searches for peer-reviewed articles will be conducted in: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), APA PsycINFO (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Medline (OVID), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science, and Cochrane Database and in grey literature. Two team members will screen articles and extract data. Results will be presented according to the research question they address. We will engage stakeholders including residents, family members, healthcare providers and representatives from relevant organisations throughout the study.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The scoping review will synthesise what is known about resident engagement in research and guideline development. It may identify gaps in the literature about the optimal methods to engage residents in performing research and developing guidelines and reveal opportunities for new methods. The results will be helpful for researchers and policy-makers seeking to develop guidelines and researchers engaging in topics that reflect the priorities and experiences of people with dementia. Results of the scoping review will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations, and a one-page lay summary will be shared with our engaged stakeholders.

The Effect of Impact Exercise (Alone or Multicomponent Intervention) on Health-Related Outcomes in Individuals at Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise is commonly recommended to prevent and manage osteoporosis. High magnitude strains at rapid rate and short bouts should theoretically elicit an osteogenic response; however, the effects of different levels of impact exercises on several outcomes in people at risk of fracture are still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To report the effect of impact exercise on falls, fractures, adverse events, mortality, bone mineral density (BMD), physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

We included randomized controlled trials testing the effect of impact exercise compared with a non-exercise control on outcomes in adults ≥ 50 years with low BMD or fragility fractures. Two reviewers selected studies and extracted data. Where possible, we pooled outcomes using mean difference (MD) with a fixed-effects model and 95% confidence interval (CI). We reported risk of bias using Cochrane and certainty of evidence using GRADE.

RESULTS

We included 29 trials; 19 studies evaluated impact exercise alone, and the remaining trials combined impact with resistance or balance training. Impact exercise alone or combined with resistance training improved Timed Up-and-Go values (MD - 0.95 s, 95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.81, low certainty evidence) and lumbar spine (MD 0.04 g/cm², 95% CI 0.02-0.06, low certainty evidence) and femoral neck BMD (MD 0.04 g/cm², 95% CI 0.02-0.07, low certainty evidence). Impact exercise did not improve health-related QoL assessed with QUALEFFO-41 (MD 0.06, 95% CI - 2.18 to 2.30, moderate certainty evidence). The effects of impact exercise on falls, fractures, and mortality are uncertain due to insufficient data. Many trials had a high risk of bias for two or more items.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low certainty evidence that impact exercise may improve physical function and BMD in people at risk of fracture. The effect of impact exercises on falls, fractures, and mortality remains unclear. Our findings should be interpreted with caution due to risk of bias and small sample sizes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in Prospero (CRD42018115579) on January 30, 2019.

The Effects of Walking or Nordic Walking in Adults 50 Years and Older at Elevated Risk of Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Walking is a common activity among older adults. However, the effects of walking on health-related outcomes in people with low bone mineral density (BMD) are unknown. The authors included randomized controlled trials comparing walking to control in individuals aged ≥50 years with low BMD and at risk of fractures. The authors identified 13 randomized controlled trials: nine multicomponent interventions including walking, one that was walking only, and three Nordic walking trials. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Nordic walking may improve the Timed Up-and-Go values (1.39 s, 95% CI [1.00, 1.78], very low certainty). Multicomponent interventions including walking improved the 6-min walk test (39.37 m, 95% CI [21.83, 56.91], very low certainty) and lumbar spine BMD (0.01 g/cm2, 95% CI [0.00, 0.03], low certainty evidence). The effects on quality of life or femoral neck BMD were not significant. There were insufficient data on fractures, falls, or mortality. Nordic walking may improve physical functioning. The effects on other outcomes are less certain; one may need to combine walking with other exercises to be of benefit.

Physical fitness in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture after a resistance and balance exercise programme: 3-month post-intervention follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Background

Exercise is recommended for individuals with vertebral fractures, but few studies have investigated the effect of exercise on outcomes of importance for this population. Post-intervention effects of exercise are even less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate habitual walking speed and other health-related outcomes after cessation of a 3-month exercise intervention.

Methods

This follow-up study was conducted 3 months post-intervention of a randomised controlled trial. A total of 149 community-dwelling Norwegian women aged 65 years or older, diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were randomised into either exercise or control group. Primary outcome was habitual walking speed at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were other measures of physical fitness – including the Four Square Step Test (FSST), functional reach, grip strength and Senior Fitness Test – measures of health-related quality of life and fear of falling. Herein we report secondary data analysis of all outcomes at 6 months (3 months post-intervention). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed regression models were employed.

Results

For the primary outcome, habitual walking speed, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (0.03 m/s, 95%CI − 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.271) at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. For secondary outcomes of physical fitness, statistically significant differences in favour of the intervention group were found for balance using the FSST (− 0.68 s, 95%CI − 1.24 to − 0.11, p = 0.019), arm curl (1.3, 95%CI 0.25 to 2.29, p = 0.015), leg strength using the 30-s sit to stand (1.56, 95%CI 0.68 to 2.44, p = 0.001) and mobility using the 2.45-m up and go (− 0.38 s, 95%CI − 0.74 to − 0.02, p = 0.039). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding fear of falling in favour of the intervention group (− 1.7, 95%CI − 2.97 to − 0.38, p = 0.011). No differences between groups were observed for health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

The results show the improved effects of a multicomponent exercise programme on outcomes like muscle strength, balance and mobility as well as fear of falling in a group of older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture 3 months post-intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02781974. Registered 25.05.16. Retrospectively registered.