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Bjelkarøy MT, Benth JŠ, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Cheng S, Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. Measuring pain intensity in older adults. Can the visual analogue scale and the numeric rating scale be used interchangeably? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 130:110925. [PMID: 38143014 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visual analogue scale (VAS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) are two commonly used instruments for measuring pain intensity. Both instruments are validated for use in both clinical and research settings, and share a range of similar aspects. Some studies have shown that the two instruments may be used interchangeably, but the results are conflicting. In this study we assessed whether the VAS and the NRS instruments may be used interchangeably when measuring pain intensity in older adults. METHODS Data were collected in a cross-sectional study, as part of the follow-up in a larger longitudinal study conducted at the Akershus University Hospital, Norway 2021 to 2022 and included 39 older adults aged ≥65. Participants were regarded as a normal older adult population as they were not recruited on basis of a specific condition or reports of pain. The participants were asked to rate their pain intensity on an average day using VAS and NRS. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess agreement between the two instruments. RESULTS Thirty-seven participants with mean (SD) age of 77 (5.9) were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) pain assessed by VAS and NRS was 2.8 (1.8) and NRS 4.7 (2.2), respectively. A mean difference (SD) of 2.0 (1.9) between the scores of the two instruments was statistically significantly different from zero (p < 0.001) confirming bias. The 95% limits of agreement were estimated to be -1.7 to 5.7. A post-hoc analysis, removing an outlier, resulted in similar conclusions. CONCLUSION There was poor agreement between the VAS and NRS scale for measuring pain intensity in older adults. This suggests that the two instruments should not be used interchangeably when assessing pain intensity in this population. ETHICAL APPROVAL Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics [2016/2289]. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03162081, 22 May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Torheim Bjelkarøy
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | | | - Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
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Bjelkarøy MT, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Cheng S, Grambaite R, Benth JŠ, Lundqvist C. Mortality and health-related quality of life in older adults with long-term use of opioids, z-hypnotics or benzodiazepines: a prospective observational study at 5 years follow-up. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079347. [PMID: 38387984 PMCID: PMC10882342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079347] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disease and medication use in older age is a consequence of age-related declining health. Multimorbidity followed by polypharmacy is common. Central nervous system depressing (CNSD) drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics are not recommended for long-term use in older adults but are in use by many. We aimed to assess mortality and change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with long-term use of CNSDs. METHOD A prospective observational study was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Norway, 2017-2019, with follow-up in 2021-2022, including 246 participants aged 65-90. At 5-year follow-up, 78 (32%) participants had passed away. Mortality data were collected from patient electronic health records. Of the surviving 168 (68%), we collected further follow-up data from 38 (16%) participants. Follow-up included demographic and clinical data. The EuroQuol Group EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. Analysis include Cox regression model for survival data and linear mixed model for change in HRQoL over time. RESULTS At follow-up, 78 (31.7%) were deceased. Mean survival time was 3.3 years. Total time for survival data was 4.7 years. Mortality was higher among participants with long-term use of CNSD (HR 1.9 95% CI (1.2 to 3.2), p=0.01). The multivariable analysis found being older (HR 1.1 95% CI (1.0 to 1.1), p=0.020) and male sex (HR 2.1 95% CI (1.2 to 3.5), p=0.008) to be associated with increased risk of mortality. According to the linear mixed model (n=38), there was no significant difference between surviving users and non-users in change in HRQoL EQ-5D-5L index from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSION Mortality was higher for long-term users of CNSDs at 5-year follow-up. Being older and male sex were associated with mortality. Among survivors, there was no significant difference between the groups in change of HRQoL over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03162081; 22 May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Socheat Cheng
- Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ramune Grambaite
- Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Bjelkarøy MT, Simonsen TB, Siddiqui TG, Halset S, Cheng S, Grambaite R, Benth JŠ, Gerwing J, Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. Brief Intervention as a Method to Reduce Z-Hypnotic Use by Older Adults: Feasibility Case Series. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51862. [PMID: 38329779 PMCID: PMC10884901 DOI: 10.2196/51862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Z-hypnotics or z-drugs are commonly prescribed for insomnia and sleep difficulties in older adults. These drugs are associated with adverse events and dependence and are not recommended for long-term use. Despite evidence of older adults being more sensitive to a wide array of adverse events and clinical guidelines advocating limiting use, inappropriate use in this population is still prevalent. Previous intervention studies have focused mainly on prescriber information. Simple, individually focused intervention designs are less studied. Brief intervention (BI) is a simple, easily transferable method mainly used to treat patients at risk of alcohol overuse. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to design and test the feasibility and acceptability of a BI intervention adapted to address individual, inappropriate use of z-hypnotics among older adults. This preparatory study aimed to optimize the intervention in advance of a quantitative randomized controlled trial investigating the treatment effect in a larger population. METHODS This feasibility case series was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Norway, in autumn 2021. We included 5 adults aged ≥65 years with long-term (≥4 weeks) use of z-hypnotics and 2 intervening physicians. Additionally, 2 study investigators contributed with process evaluation notes. The BI consists of information on the risk of inappropriate use and individualized advice on how to reduce use. The focus of the intervention is behavioral and aims, in cooperation with the patient and based on shared decision-making, to change patient behavior regarding sleep medication rather than physician-based detoxification and termination of z-hypnotic prescriptions. Qualitative and descriptive quantitative data were collected from intervening physicians, study investigators, and participants at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at the 6-week follow-up. RESULTS Data were obtained from 2 physicians, 2 study investigators, and 5 participants (4 women) with a median age of 84 years. The average time spent on the BI consultation was 15 minutes. All 5 participants completed the intervention without problems. The participants and 2 intervening physicians reported the intervention as acceptable and were satisfied with the delivery of the intervention. After the intervention, 2 participants stopped their use of z-hypnotics completely and participated in the follow-up interview. Study investigators identified logistical challenges regarding location and time requirements. Identified aspects that may improve the intervention and reduce dropouts included revising the intervention content, focusing on rebound insomnia, adding an information leaflet, and supporting the patient in the period between the intervention and follow-up. The notion that the intervention should best be located and conducted by the patient's own general practitioner was supported by the participants. CONCLUSIONS We identified important aspects to improve the designed intervention and found that the BI is feasible and acceptable for incorporation into a larger randomized trial investigating the treatment effect of BI for reducing z-hypnotic use by older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03162081; http://tinyurl.com/rmzx6brn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Torheim Bjelkarøy
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tone Breines Simonsen
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Sigrid Halset
- Department of Geriatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Ramune Grambaite
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Espen Saxhaug Kristoffersen
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Ahus, Lørenskog, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit Helsetjenesteforskning, Akershus University Hosptial, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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Caçador C, Teixeira-Lemos E, Oliveira J, Pinheiro J, Teixeira-Lemos L, Ramos F. The Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Its Relationship with Cognitive Status in Portuguese Institutionalized Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052637. [PMID: 35270323 PMCID: PMC8910092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in a population of older adults living in nursing homes. Furthermore, we also intended to assess the possible association between polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications and cognitive impairment in institutionalized older adults. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 193 nursing home residents in the district of Viseu, Portugal, between September 2018 and June 2019, with a mean age of 82.4 ± 6.2 years (ranging from 65 to 95 years old); 72.5% (n = 140) were female participants. Major polypharmacy was presented in 80.8% of the study population, who took 7.6 ± 3.3 drugs per day. Using the Beers Criteria, we found that 79.3% took PIMs. There was a positive association between polypharmacy and PIM (p < 0.001), showing that higher medicines intake increased the number of PIMs. Polypharmacy was not associated with the functionality of the older adults to perform activities of daily living, but was associated with cognitive impairment. The older adults with lower scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) took more drugs (p = 0.039) and used more PIM (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients taking five or more prescription drugs per day (major polypharmacy) consuming any psychiatric, gastrointestinal or oral antidiabetic agents (regardless of whether they were considered potentially inappropriate or not) had higher odds of displaying cognitive impairment than those who did not (p < 0.05). Older adult residents of the studied nursing homes were potentially affected by polypharmacy and inappropriate polypharmacy. This observation reveals the need to adopt and implement strategies that make drug therapy more adequate and safer for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Caçador
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Edite Teixeira-Lemos
- ESAV, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal; (E.T.-L.); (J.O.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- ESAV, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal; (E.T.-L.); (J.O.)
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - João Pinheiro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Luís Teixeira-Lemos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Fernando Ramos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, R. D. Manuel II, Apartado, 55142 Oporto, Portugal
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +351-239-488492; Fax: +351-239-488503
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Zhu M, Qi Y, He H, Zhang S, Mei Y. Effect of quadratus lumborum block on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:238. [PMID: 33836651 PMCID: PMC8033654 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a novel and effective postoperative analgesia method for abdominal surgeries. However, whether QLB can affect early postoperative cognitive function by inhibiting surgical traumatic stress and the inflammatory response remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of QLB on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods Sixty-four elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into the QLB group (Q group, n = 32) and control group (C group, n = 32). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to measure cognitive function 1 day before and 7 days after surgery. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was defined as a decline of ≥ 1 SD in both tests. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores 6 h (T1), 24 h (T2), and 48 h (T3) after surgery were measured. The serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated 1 day before surgery (baseline), and 1 day (day 1) and 3 days after surgery (day 3). The intraoperative remifentanil dosage, sufentanil consumption 24 h after surgery, recovery time from anesthesia, and adverse effects were also compared. Results POCD was present in two patients in the QLB group and eight patients in the C group 7 days after surgery (6.7 % vs. 27.6 %, P = 0.032). The MMSE and MoCA scores were similar in both groups preoperatively, and the two scores were higher in the QLB group than in the C group 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the Q group at all times after surgery (P < 0.05). Compared with the C group, the levels of HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased 1 and 3 days after surgery in the QLB group (P < 0.05). The remifentanil consumption intraoperatively and sufentanil 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower in the QLB group (P < 0.05). The recovery time from anesthesia was shorter in the QLB group (P < 0.05). No severe adverse effects occurred in either group. Conclusions QLB could improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. This may be related to the suppression of the inflammatory response after surgery. Trial registration Chictr.org.cn identifier ChiCTR1900027574 (Date of registry: 19/11/2019, prospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manhua Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No.1111 Jiangnan Road, Zhejiang, 315040, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No.1111 Jiangnan Road, Zhejiang, 315040, Ningbo, China
| | - Huijuan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No.1111 Jiangnan Road, Zhejiang, 315040, Ningbo, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, No.1111 Jiangnan Road, Zhejiang, 315040, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuliu Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology,Ningbo Beilun People's Hospital, No1288 Lushan East Road, Zhejiang, 315800, Ningbo, China
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Siddiqui TG, Cheng S, Mellingsæter M, Grambaite R, Gulbrandsen P, Lundqvist C, Gerwing J. "What should I do when I get home?" treatment plan discussion at discharge between specialist physicians and older in-patients: mixed method study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1002. [PMID: 33143713 PMCID: PMC7607876 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During discharge from hospital, older patients and physicians discuss the plan for managing patients’ health at home. If not followed at home, it can result in poor medication management, readmissions, or other adverse events. Comorbidities, polypharmacy and cognitive impairment may create challenges for older patients. We assessed discharge conversations between older in-patients and physicians for treatment plan activities and medication information, with emphasis on the role of cognitive function in the ongoing conversation. Methods We collected 11 videos of discharge consultations, medication lists, and self-reported demographic information from hospitalised patients ≥65 years at the Geriatric department in a general hospital. Mini Mental State Examination score < 25 was classified as low cognitive function. We used microanalysis of face-to-face dialogue to identify and characterise sequences of interaction focused on and distinguishing the treatment plan activities discussed. In addition to descriptive statistics, we used a paired-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data. Results Patients’ median age was 85 (range: 71–90);7 were females and 4 males. Median of 17 (range: 7 to 23) treatment plan activities were discussed. The proportions of the activities, grouped from a patient perspective, were: 0.40 my medications, 0.21 something the hospital will do for me, 0.18 someone I visit away from home, 0.12 daily routine and 0.09 someone coming to my home. Patients spoke less (mean 190.9 words, SD 133.9) during treatment plan activities compared to other topics (mean 759 words, SD 480.4), (p = .001). Patients used on average 9.2 (SD 3.1) medications; during the conversations, an average of 4.5 (SD 3.3) were discussed, and side effects discussed on average 1.2 (SD 2.1) times. During treatment plan discussions, patients with lower cognitive function were less responsive and spoke less (mean 116.5 words, SD 40.9), compared to patients with normal cognition (mean 233.4 words, SD 152.4), (p = .089). Conclusion Physicians and geriatric patients discuss many activities during discharge conversations, mostly focusing on medication use without stating side effects. Cognitive function might play a role in how older patients respond. These results may be useful for an intervention to improve communication between physicians and older hospitalised patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-020-05860-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahreem Ghazal Siddiqui
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Socheat Cheng
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ramune Grambaite
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Gulbrandsen
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christofer Lundqvist
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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