1
|
Turner KM, Huntley A, Yardley T, Dawson S, Dawson S. Defining usual care comparators when designing pragmatic trials of complex health interventions: a methodology review. Trials 2024; 25:117. [PMID: 38342896 PMCID: PMC10860249 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pragmatic trials evaluating complex health interventions often compare them to usual care. This comparator should resemble care as provided in everyday practice. However, usual care can differ for the same condition, between patients and practitioners, across clinical sites and over time. Heterogeneity within a usual care arm can raise methodological and ethical issues. To address these it may be necessary to standardise what usual care entails, although doing so may compromise a trial's external validity. Currently, there is no guidance detailing how researchers should decide the content of their usual care comparators. We conducted a methodology review to summarise current thinking about what should inform this decision. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to January 2022. Articles and book chapters that discussed how to identify or develop usual care comparators were included. Experts in the field were also contacted. Reference lists and forward citation searches of included articles were screened. Data were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. RESULTS One thousand nine hundred thirty records were identified, 1611 titles and abstracts screened, 112 full texts screened, and 16 articles included in the review. Results indicated that the content of a usual care comparator should be informed by the aims of the trial, existing care practices, clinical guidelines, and characteristics of the target population. Its content should also be driven by the trial's requirements to protect participants, inform practice, and be methodologically robust, efficient, feasible and acceptable to stakeholders. When deciding the content of usual care, researchers will need to gather information about these drivers, balance tensions that might occur when responding to different trial objectives, and decide how usual care will be described and monitored in the trial. DISCUSSION When deciding the content of a usual care arm, researchers need to understand the context in which a trial will be implemented and what the trial needs to achieve to address its aim and remain ethical. This is a complex decision-making process and trade-offs might need to be made. It also requires research and engagement with stakeholders, and therefore time and funding during the trial's design phase. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022307324.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Turner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Alyson Huntley
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tom Yardley
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Dawson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Shoba Dawson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Forst DA, Rhee JY, Mesa MM, Podgurski AF, Strander SM, Datta S, Kaslow-Zieve E, Horick NK, Greer JA, El-Jawahri A, Sannes TS, Temel JS, Jacobs J. Study protocol for NeuroCARE: a randomised controlled trial of a psychological intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069410. [PMID: 37678946 PMCID: PMC10496674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours experience substantial psychological distress while caring for someone with a progressive, life-limiting neurological illness. However, there are few interventions aimed at addressing the psychosocial needs of this population. We developed and are testing a population-specific, evidence-based, telehealth intervention (NeuroCARE) to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve psychosocial functioning in this caregiver population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial of a psychological intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours receiving care at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We will enrol 120 caregivers who screen positive for heightened anxiety. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to the NeuroCARE intervention or a usual care control condition. Caregivers assigned to NeuroCARE will complete six individual telehealth sessions with a trained behavioural health specialist over 12 weeks. Caregivers randomised to the control condition will receive usual care, including possible referral to social work or other appropriate resources. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires at baseline and 11 weeks and 16 weeks postrandomisation. The primary outcome is anxiety symptoms at 11 weeks among NeuroCARE participants, compared with usual care. Secondary outcomes include caregiver-reported depressive symptoms, quality of life, caregiver burden, caregiving self-efficacy, perceived coping skills and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. We also will explore potential mediators of the NeuroCARE effect on caregiver anxiety symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is funded by a Career Development Award from Conquer Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation (award number 2019CDA-7743456038) and approved by the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (Protocol #19-250 V.10.1). The study will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for non-pharmacological trials. Results will be presented at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04109209.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Anne Forst
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Y Rhee
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Marie Mesa
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alyx F Podgurski
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sumita Madhok Strander
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shibani Datta
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emilia Kaslow-Zieve
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nora K Horick
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy S Sannes
- Adult Psychosocial Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jamie Jacobs
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Meulen AI, Neis EPJG, de Nijs EJM, Coenegracht BJEG, Stoppelenburg A, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, van der Linden YM. Dry mouth in patients with a life-limiting condition or frailty: a study protocol for two intervention studies and a nested qualitative sub-study (the Dry mOuth Project, DROP). BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:120. [PMID: 37612654 PMCID: PMC10463805 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its prevalent and impactful nature, dry mouth remains an underexposed and undertreated symptom in patients with a life-limiting condition or frailty. The main contributing factors are a lack of awareness and knowledge amongst both healthcare professionals and patients, and a scarcity of effective, evidence-based interventions. In the DRy mOuth Project (DROP), we address these factors by investigating both a non-pharmacological and a pharmacological intervention: a nurse-led patient education program and locally applied pilocarpine. METHODS This intervention-based research project consists of two parallel studies. The non-pharmacological study is a cluster non-randomized controlled trial in 228 palliative nursing home and hospital patients, investigating the effect of structured use of guidelines and of patient education on dry mouth symptoms. This intervention, a nurse-led patient education program (the Mouth Education Program, MEP), will be compared to care as usual, the control. The pharmacological study is a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial that examines the effect of locally applied pilocarpine drops in 120 patients with dry mouth symptoms. Both studies use the same mixed-methods study design, in which the primary outcome is the clinical response to the intervention at 4 weeks, as measured by a dry mouth severity score (numeric rating scale from 0 to 10). Other outcomes, as measured by questionnaires over a 12-week follow-up period, include durability of the effect, impact on quality of life and, adherence and acceptability of the intervention. In addition, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness are evaluated by means of questionnaires and focus groups with healthcare professionals, and interviews with patients. DISCUSSION This study investigates the effectiveness and feasibility of two interventions for dry mouth symptoms in patients with life-limiting conditions or frailty. Due to the large-scale and mixed-method nature of the study, this study will also improve our understanding of dry mouth and its relating factors and of the patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences with symptoms, care and guidelines of dry mouth, including any perceived barriers and facilitators. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05964959 & NCT05506137.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelien P J G Neis
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen J M de Nijs
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arianne Stoppelenburg
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Yvette M van der Linden
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Petersson EL, Forsén E, Björkelund C, Hammarbäck L, Hessman E, Weineland S, Svenningsson I. Examining the description of the concept "treatment as usual" for patients with depression, anxiety and stress-related mental disorders in primary health care research - A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2023; 326:1-10. [PMID: 36708952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) within medical research, applied interventions are compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) as the control condition. The aim of the current study was to examine how the concept of TAU is described when used as control condition in RCTs evaluating treatments for depression, anxiety syndromes, and stress-related mental disorders in primary care. METHOD A systematic review of RCTs utilizing TAU as control group in the RCT in accordance with PRISMA standards was conducted. We used one multidisciplinary database (Scopus), one database focused on nursing (Cinahl), and one medical database (PubMed). The searches were conducted in November 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS The included 32 studies comprised of 7803 participants. The content of TAU was classified as follows: 1) Basic descriptions of TAU lacking a detailed account as well as reference to local or national guidelines, 2) Moderate description of TAU including reference to national or local guidelines or a detailed description 3) Advanced description of TAU including references to national guidelines and a detailed description containing five key concepts: early assessment, accessibility, psychological treatment, medication, somatic examination. 18 studies had basic, 11 moderate, and 3 advanced descriptions of TAU. LIMITATIONS The limitations were that only studies published in English were included. CONCLUSIONS The current study provides an assessment tool with three classification levels for TAU. The description of TAU is still insufficient in RCT studies conducted in primary care, which may affect the interpretation of results. In future research a detailed description of TAU is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E-L Petersson
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - E Forsén
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - C Björkelund
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L Hammarbäck
- Biomedical Library, Gothenburg University Library, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Hessman
- Biomedical Library, Gothenburg University Library, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Weineland
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Svenningsson
- Primary Health Care/School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bechthold AC, Azuero A, Pisu M, Pierce JY, Williams GR, Taylor RA, Wells R, Curry K, Reed RD, Harrell ER, Gazaway S, Mollman S, Engler S, Puga F, Bakitas MA, Dionne-Odom JN. The Project ENABLE Cornerstone randomized controlled trial: study protocol for a lay navigator-led, early palliative care coaching intervention for African American and rural-dwelling advanced cancer family caregivers. Trials 2022; 23:452. [PMID: 35655285 PMCID: PMC9161197 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06305-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregivers play a vital, yet stressful role in managing the healthcare needs and optimizing the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer, from the time they are newly diagnosed until end of life. While early telehealth palliative care has been found to effectively support family caregivers, little work has focused on historically under-resourced populations, particularly African American and rural-dwelling individuals. To address this need, we developed and are currently testing Project ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) Cornerstone, a lay navigator-led, early palliative care coaching intervention for family caregivers of African American and rural-dwelling patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer. Methods This is a 2-site, single-blind, hybrid type I implementation-effectiveness trial of the Cornerstone intervention versus usual care. Cornerstone is a multicomponent intervention based on Pearlin’s Stress-Health Process Model where African American and/or rural-dwelling family caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer (target sample size = 294 dyads) are paired with a lay navigator coach and receive a series of six, brief 20–60-min telehealth sessions focused on stress management and coping, caregiving skills, getting help, self-care, and preparing for the future/advance care planning. Subsequent to core sessions, caregivers receive monthly follow-up indefinitely until the patient’s death. Caregiver and patient outcomes are collected at baseline and every 12 weeks until the patient’s death (primary outcome: caregiver distress at 24 weeks; secondary outcomes: caregiver: quality of life and burden; patient: distress, quality of life, and healthcare utilization). Implementation costs and the intervention cost effectiveness are also being evaluated. Discussion Should this intervention demonstrate efficacy, it would yield an implementation-ready model of early palliative care support for under-resourced family caregivers. A key design principle that has centrally informed the Cornerstone intervention is that every caregiving situation is unique and each caregiver faces distinct challenges that cannot be addressed using a one-size-fits all approach. Hence, Cornerstone employs culturally savvy lay navigator coaches who are trained to establish a strong, therapeutic alliance with participants and tailor their coaching to a diverse range of individual circumstances. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04318886. Registered on 20 March, 2020. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06305-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avery C Bechthold
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Grant R Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Richard A Taylor
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rachel Wells
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kayleigh Curry
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rhiannon D Reed
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Erin R Harrell
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Shena Gazaway
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sarah Mollman
- College of Nursing, South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Sally Engler
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Puga
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Marie A Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, UAB Department of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA. .,Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, UAB Department of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Proposing six criteria to improve reproducibility of “usual care” interventions in back pain trials: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 149:227-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
7
|
Masse MH, Adhikari NKJ, Théroux X, Battista MC, D'Aragon F, Pinto R, Cohen A, Mayette M, St-Arnaud C, Kho M, Chassé M, Lebrasseur M, Watpool I, Porteous R, Wilcox ME, Lamontagne F. The evolution of mean arterial pressure in critically ill patients on vasopressors before and during a trial comparing a specific mean arterial pressure target to usual care. BMC Anesthesiol 2022; 22:6. [PMID: 34979938 PMCID: PMC8722048 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-021-01529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In randomized clinical controlled trials, the choice of usual care as the comparator may be associated with better clinician uptake of the study protocol and lead to more generalizable results. However, if care processes evolve to resemble the intervention during the course of a trial, differences between the intervention group and usual care control group may narrow. We evaluated the effect on mean arterial pressure of an unblinded trial comparing a lower mean arterial pressure target to reduce vasopressor exposure, vs. a clinician-selected mean arterial pressure target, in critically ill patients at least 65 years old. Methods For this multicenter observational study using data collected both prospectively and retrospectively, patients were recruited from five of the seven trial sites. We compared the mean arterial pressure of patients receiving vasopressors, who met or would have met trial eligibility criteria, from two periods: [1] at least 1 month before the trial started, and [2] during the trial period and randomized to usual care, or not enrolled in the trial. Results We included 200 patients treated before and 229 after trial initiation. There were no differences in age (mean 74.5 vs. 75.2 years; p = 0.28), baseline Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (median 26 vs. 26; p = 0.47) or history of chronic hypertension (n = 126 [63.0%] vs. n = 153 [66.8%]; p = 0.41). Mean of the mean arterial pressure was similar between the two periods (72.5 vs. 72.4 mmHg; p = 0.76). Conclusions The initiation of a trial of a prescribed lower mean arterial pressure target, compared to a usual clinician-selected target, was not associated with a change in mean arterial pressure, reflecting stability in the net effect of usual clinician practices over time. Comparing prior and concurrent control groups may alleviate concerns regarding drift in usual practices over the course of a trial or permit quantification of any change. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01529-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Hélène Masse
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Neill K J Adhikari
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Xavier Théroux
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Battista
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Frédérick D'Aragon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Ruxandra Pinto
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Alan Cohen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michaël Mayette
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Charles St-Arnaud
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michelle Kho
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Science, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Michaël Chassé
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Martine Lebrasseur
- Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Irene Watpool
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Rebecca Porteous
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - M Elizabeth Wilcox
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - François Lamontagne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mangset M, Kitzmüller G, Evju AS, Angel S, Aadal L, Martinsen R, Bronken BA, Kvigne KJ, Bragstad LK, Hjelle EG, Sveen U, Kirkevold M. Perceived study-induced influence on the control group in a randomized controlled trial evaluating a complex intervention to promote psychosocial well-being after stroke: a process evaluation. Trials 2021; 22:850. [PMID: 34838094 PMCID: PMC8627040 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05765-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A commonly applied control condition in trials evaluating complex interventions in rehabilitation research is "usual care." The main challenge is to ensure that the control group receives genuine usual care as delivered in everyday clinical practice. The assessment interviews and dialogues with the data collectors may influence the control group participants' reflections on their condition and adjustments. This represents a threat to the internal validity of the trial. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the perceived study-induced influence of assessment interviews on the adjustment of the members of a control group in a randomized clinical trial. The aim of the trial was to test a dialogue-based psychosocial intervention aiming at promoting the psychosocial well-being and adjustment of stroke survivors. METHODS Fifteen participants in the control group of a multicenter stroke rehabilitation trial participated in narrative semi-structured interviews. Ricoeur's interpretation theory guided the analysis. RESULTS The perceived study-induced influence of the assessment interviews on the adjustment process of members of the control group varied considerably. The results demonstrated that the assessment interviews facilitated some participants' feelings of control and their ability to cope. Other participants' statements indicate that they relied on their existing personal capacity to cope and adjust and that the assessment interviews did not make any difference either on their coping ability or on their process of adjustment. Five themes were identified that described the perceived study-induced influence of the assessment interviews in the control group. The themes illustrated that the assessments served as a safety net, enhanced awareness and understanding, encouraged seeking support, allowed the opportunity to vent disappointment, or did not make any difference either way. CONCLUSIONS RCT assessment interviews may influence the adjustment process and represent a serious problem in measuring interventions over time in trials of complex interventions in rehabilitation research. To uphold rigor and stringency, the usual care control conditions should be thoroughly assessed and described. Informing participants only about the treatment they were allocated to receive might counteract the potential to dilute the difference between the two arms of the trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02338869. Registered on October 4, 2014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margrete Mangset
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Nydalen Norway
| | - Gabriele Kitzmüller
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, P.O. Box 385, 8505 Narvik, Norway
| | - Anne S. Evju
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, P.O. Box 385, 8505 Narvik, Norway
| | - Sanne Angel
- Department of Public Health – Research Unit for Nursing and Healthcare, Department of Science in Nursing, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, P.O. Box 2110, NO-6402 Molde, Norway
| | - Lena Aadal
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, P.O. Box 2110, NO-6402 Molde, Norway
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, 8450 Hammel, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Randi Martinsen
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, P.B. 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | | | - Kari J. Kvigne
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, P.B. 400, 2418 Elverum, Norway
- The Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, P.B. 1490, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Line K. Bragstad
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Nydalen Norway
- University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Blindern Norway
- Institute of Health and Society and Research Center for Habilitation and Rehabilitation Services and Models (CHARM), University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Blindern Norway
| | - Ellen Gabrielsen Hjelle
- University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Blindern Norway
- Institute of Health and Society and Research Center for Habilitation and Rehabilitation Services and Models (CHARM), University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Blindern Norway
| | - Unni Sveen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Nydalen Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Kirkevold
- University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1130, 0318 Oslo, Blindern Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liang Z, Wang Q, Fu C, Liu R, Wang L, Pei G, Xu L, He C, Wei Q. What conservative interventions can improve the long-term quality of life, depression, and anxiety of individuals with stable COPD? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Qual Life Res 2021; 31:977-989. [PMID: 34383225 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many conservative interventions are used in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It could be helpful for the prescribers to know what the evidence suggests about the effects of these interventions on the long-term quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to summarize the rationale for the use of conservative interventions to improve the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with stable COPD. METHODS The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from database inception to December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the long-term effects of conservative interventions on three parameters, including QoL, depression, and anxiety in patients with COPD were eligible for further analysis. To improve methodological rigor, only RCTs examining these parameters as primary outcomes were included. The standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Quality of evidence was rated using the updated version of Van Tulder's criteria. RESULTS Thirty-eight RCTs were identified. Regarding long-term depression, there was moderate evidence supporting cognitive behavioral therapy compared with usual care in patients with COPD; regarding the long-term QoL of patients with COPD, there was limited evidence supporting walking programs, supplementary sugarcane bagasse dietary fiber, roflumilast, and tiotropium. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in alleviating the long-term depression of patients with COPD. Evidence for other interventions was insufficient, making it difficult to draw conclusions in terms of their effectiveness on the long-term QoL, depression, and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Liang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenying Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaiqin Pei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengqi He
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Biesecker BB, Lillie SE, Amendola LM, Donohue KE, East KM, Foreman AKM, Gilmore MJ, Greve V, Liangolou B, O'Daniel JM, Odgis JA, Rego S, Rolf B, Scollon S, Suckiel SA, Zepp J, Joseph G. A review and definition of 'usual care' in genetic counseling trials to standardize use in research. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:42-50. [PMID: 33278053 PMCID: PMC7882019 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The descriptor 'usual care' refers to standard or routine care. Yet, no formal definition exists. The need to define what constitutes usual care arises in clinical research. Often one arm in a trial represents usual care in comparison with a novel intervention. Accordingly, usual care in genetic counseling research appears predominantly in randomized controlled trials. Recent standards for reporting genetic counseling research call for standardization, but do not address usual care. We (1) inventoried all seven studies in the Clinical Sequencing Evidence-Generating Consortium (CSER) about how genetic counseling was conceptualized, conducted, and whether a usual care arm was involved; (2) conducted a review of published randomized control trials in genetic counseling, comparing how researchers describe usual care groups; and (3) reviewed existing professionally endorsed definitions and practice descriptions of genetic counseling. We found wide variation in the content and delivery of usual care. Descriptions frequently detailed the content of usual care, most often noting assessment of genetic risk factors, collecting family histories, and offering testing. A minority included addressing psychological concerns or the risks versus benefits of testing. Descriptions of how care was delivered were vague except for mode and type of clinician, which varied. This significant variation, beyond differences expected among subspecialties, reduces the validity and generalizability of genetic counseling research. Ideally, research reflects clinical practice so that evidence generated can be used to improve clinical outcomes. To address this objective, we propose a definition of usual care in genetic counseling research that merges common elements from the National Society of Genetic Counselors' practice definition, the Reciprocal Engagement Model, and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors' practice-based competencies. Promoting consistent execution of usual care in the design of genetic counseling trials can lead to more consistency in representing clinical care and facilitate the generation of evidence to improve it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara B Biesecker
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Translation, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah E Lillie
- Center for Communication Science, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Laura M Amendola
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine E Donohue
- Institute for Genomic Health, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly M East
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | | | - Marian J Gilmore
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente - Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Veronica Greve
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Jacqueline A Odgis
- Institute for Genomic Health, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Rego
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Rolf
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Scollon
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sabrina A Suckiel
- Institute for Genomic Health, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamilyn Zepp
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente - Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Galen Joseph
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|